SUBJECT: SW FL-Bonita Beach: Inshore & Near-shore recent trips report

Submitted by Captain Dave Hanson (98.238.80.87) from FLORIDA on

Wednesday morning, 4/28, I fished Estero Bay with Paul Martz and Christian LeClerc. We caught a 23-inch Spanish mackerel, released short snapper, and were bemoaning the slow action when, all of a sudden, two lines began bending, and we reeled in two keeper redfish, at 18 1/2 and 19 inches--so we ended up with our limit of reds.

Thursday morning, 4/29, I fished with Ron Musick and friends, Eddie & Carolina Alfonso. We caught seven keeper mangrove snapper and five keeper porgies, and released two gag grouper shorts, fishing with shrimp about 19 miles out of New Pass.

Friday, 5/7, was the next time I got out fishing, and that was bayside with Bill & Terry Major, long-time customers. We fished Estero Bay with live shrimp and caught a keeper 21-inch redfish and an 11-inch keeper mangrove snapper. We released a 22-inch snook and a porcupine puffer-fish.

Slow season has come earlier and more abruptly this year so fishing trips will not be daily occurrances for a while—I’ll post them as I get them!