Cape Coral Fishing Reports

The bite is on in Cape Coral, and this past Tuesday proved that you never know how much fun the day will bring until you hit the water. One couple put a real shellacking on the local fish, filling the cooler and keeping the rods bent throughout the day. When the action slowed, we took a breather at Cayo Costa Beach and enjoyed the local flavor at the famous Cabbage Key restaurant and the historic Pine Island Fish Shacks. After some midday sightseeing, it was back to business with more steady catches that provided plenty of laughs and "grins." We ended the trip at Phuzzys, where they cooked up a fresh portion of the day's catch for a delicious meal, leaving the guests with a pile of clean filets to take home. It was a perfect day of fishing, food, and great company in the Florida sun.

Great day on the water yesterday with a really fun and cool family. Lots of fish and big grins. Even with the dolphins stealing some big fish, they still took home some very tasty fillets for dinner. Tight lines and God bless.

The inshore fishing scene in Cape Coral is thriving this season with consistent catches and active fish throughout the area. Anglers targeting species like snook, redfish, and trout are having success, especially along the mangroves, oyster bars, and shallow flats. Snook Fishing: The snook bite has been excellent, with fish ranging from 24-30 inches. Early morning and late afternoon have been the most productive times, especially around the mangrove points and deeper holes. Live bait like shrimp and mullet are working well, as are artificial lures such as soft plastics and topwater plugs. Snook are actively feeding on smaller baitfish, making these ideal times to catch them. Redfish: Redfish are also biting well in the inshore waters, especially around the flats and grass beds. Slot-sized reds (18-27 inches) are plentiful, and some larger fish have been reported. Use live bait, such as pinfish or shrimp, as well as cut bait for the best results. The incoming tide has been the most productive, as redfish push into the shallows to hunt for food. Trout: Speckled trout are biting in the deeper channels and grassy flats, with most fish being in the 15-20 inch range. Soft plastic jigs and jerkbaits, along with live shrimp, are catching plenty of fish. The best fishing has been on sunny days when the trout are in the deeper waters, but they can be found in shallow areas as well during low light conditions. Other Species: We are also seeing some action from mangrove snapper and pompano, with some anglers reporting catches near the bridges and channel markers. As water temperatures rise, the bite for these species is expected to continue strengthening. Tips for Success: Water clarity has been good, but be sure to adjust your bait choice depending on the light conditions. As we move into warmer weather, targeting deeper spots during midday and moving to shallow flats in the morning and evening will increase your chances of success. Overall, inshore fishing in Cape Coral remains fantastic with a variety of species to target. Whether you're a novice or seasoned angler, now is a great time to get out on the water and enjoy the action!

This is what I call starting the year out right!