It has been a roller coaster ride fishing in Charlotte harbor this year. The spring proved to be outstanding and when we moved into summer we had one of the worst red tide we have seen in years. Summer proved difficult to find clean water and keep bait alive but we found ways to get it done. Now we are into fall and the fishing has been pretty good. The water has cleared up and there is plenty of life in it. On my last few trips I have targeted redfish and have had pretty good results and seeing good numbers of redfish. In my scouting I am also pleased in the number of snook I am seeing and the size of snook I am seeing. I am seeing small snook as well as big breeder snook and again seeing good numbers of both. If you are planning on fishing the Charlotte Harbor or Boca Grand area don't hesitate or be reluctant our waters are clear. I hope to see you on the water and until the next report tight lines my friends.

It has been tough dealing with the red tide here in the harbor but still catching a variety of fish. Bait has been the biggest problem. It has been plentiful to get but keeping it alive crossing the harbor can be tough. Besides that the bite has been pretty good. We have been catching snook, trout,mangrove snapper and flounder. Don't let the red tide keep you in call me and catch some fish.

All the talk in southwest Florida is about the red tide and how it is affecting our sea life. It has done a lot of damage for sure and it is still here in areas around Boca Grande. On the positive side there is still some bait around and fish to catch. I have had to change the way I do things but still catching fish on every trip. On a recent trip I had to bait up twice due to running through an area with red tide and it killed my bait. I did what any other captain would do and picked up my clients and went to catch more bait. Although I don't like to catch bait with clients on board it had to be done. They were very understanding of the situation and very helpful with the process of catching bait. When we finally got to fishing it turned out to be an epic day. We caught a lot of fish and 6 different species including a 35 inch snook. I would say it was a successful day. So if you are wanting to fish the Boca Grande area you can with success. Till next time tight lines my friends.