Spring has been slow to arrive here in Southwest Florida, and cooler-than-average water temperatures are keeping things just a bit behind schedule. But despite the delayed warm-up, fishing in Charlotte Harbor and the Punta Gorda canals has been productive!
We’re seeing solid action on jack crevalle, snook, and black drum in the residential canals around Punta Gorda. Fishing live shrimp or jigging near the bottom, especially in areas with strong tidal flow, has been the key to success in these spots.
Out in the harbor, the outside bars are producing pompano and the occasional cobia, while redfish are showing up in the deeper holes under the mangroves in Bull Bay and Turtle Bay. Again, live shrimp has been the top bait of choice, as white bait has yet to move into the harbor in any numbers due to the cooler water temps.
On the grass flats, spotted seatrout are active during the warmer parts of the day. A popping cork rigged with shrimp is a great way to get in on the action when the sun gets higher.
Tarpon fishing has been slow to start, but as the water continues to warm, expect the bite to improve significantly in the coming weeks.
Until Next Time, Tight Lines!
Capt. Glenn Sharp
