Good news and bad news…
Today was my last day on the water here in my home area for a while. This morning along the beach of Boca Grande there were literally thousands of dead baitfish and catfish. Yes, unfortunately the red tide is here. I have heard it is from Venice all the way down past Sanibel. This time of year it sometimes shows up. It usually lingers from a couple weeks to a month or so in varying degrees. It mostly kills bottom fish. Catfish, pinfish, grunts and mullet seem to be the most susceptible. Snook and redfish generally leave the areas red tide shows up. Tarpon will actually feed on the small fish as they are dying. That is what I have been up to this past week. Red tide makes a hell of a chum slick.
The Einstein’s at the FWC say it is a natural occurring algae bloom. There is nothing natural about it. I am convinced it is Obama’s fault…
That is the bad news…
The good news…
It is that time again. Time to head back south to Chokoloskee and the 10,000 Islands in order to get ahead of the tarpon on their fall migration. (and away from the red tide!) Just like every year, we will be fishing for tarpon in the Everglades right through the end of November.
November is already booked solid, but I still have a couple open days in October. The fall migration is some of the most exciting tarpon fishing of the year. Full size tarpon in very shallow water. It doesn’t get any better. Fishing for tarpon in the cooler fall temperatures is pretty nice too.
I will be coming back home the 1st of December. By then the red tide will be long gone and the water will have a chance to return to normal.
If you are thinking about next year, March will be here before you know it!!! I am already booking for the 2017 tarpon season.
Stay tuned here, on my Facebook Page and follow us on Instagram for updates!
Keep the line tight and bow when they jump!
Capt. Mark Bennett
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