April Isles Magazine Fishing Report

April showers bring May flowers, but not this year because it has been raining all winter and making a mess of things as they release fresh water from Lake O  and it affects the southern region of Pine Island. In our area it has not been a problem. The Peace and Myakka Rivers flow heavily for a few days and then the salinity returns to normal, so this should not affect Charlotte Harbor. Even though Ft. Myers had record rainfall this winter, we should be fine. As the bait comes back into the harbor, things will get fired up. Snook will be searching for food so they can beef up to spawn this summer. Pompano, trout, and bonnet head sharks will be on the flats looking for a meal. You can get these species on a popping cork and a shrimp rig - they will find it when you least expect it. There should be some black drum hanging around the bridge pilings that may eat a blue crab with a hook in it. Some of these guys may reach the 30 lb. range so don’t be surprised. There may even be a Snook that will pick up one of these offerings too. Pompano should be on the outside edges of the bars along the Harbor and Cobia in the deep holes in the center. As we look to the Gulf, there should be some of the migratory species to harvest, like king and spanish mackerel. For those that bottom fish, there will be a few flounder left on the near shore reefs and ledges along with Porgies, lane & mangrove snapper, and maybe a trigger fish. Also out in the Gulf down south there may be some tarpon starting to migrate north and there might be a few sharks to follow the food source. As things warm up, keep an eye peeled for those silver kings. We shall see if the water affects there migration. I am looking forward to a busy tarpon season. Capt. Bart Marx owns and operates Alpha Omega Charters and has fished Charlotte Harbor for over 45 years and as a guide the last 10. If you would like, you can hire me to come on your boat for a training trip or on my boat. We can get together and go out and enjoy one of the best areas in the world to fish. Call me at 941-979-6517 or e-mail captbart@alphaomegacharters.com.  Remember - singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*((((()>{