This report is usually (but not always!) updated on Friday around noon.
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Place-by-place Fishin' Report Here it is — SCROLL down
This report is usually (but
not always!) updated on Friday around noon.
Don't
see this week's report? REFRESH
your browser.
the little circle thing — if nothing changes, we ain't done it yet
Tell us about your fishing day! — These reports come mostly from anglers like you. We don't want your secret spots, we just want to be able to share what's going on out there. Whether the fishing has been awesome or terrible (or anything in between), we want to know. Just call 941-625-3888 and ask for Robert.
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Peace River Harbor Heights & upriver along with Shell Creek "Fishin' History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Still slow, but give it a few weeks.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — No reports.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — A few people fishing, nothing worth reporting.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — No reports.
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Darst Park boat ramp — I-75 bridges "boat only"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — No reports.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Some Mayan cichlids, a few juvenile tarpon, and a couple small snook.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Slow.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — No reports.
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US 41 bridges - ..... "Fishin' History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Very slow. A few Spanish mackerel and ladyfish chasing bait (both small and large baitfish). A couple smaller snook around the pilings and seawalls.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — A few small snook and baby mangrove snapper. Ladyfish and a couple random Spanish mackerel have been in the area; look for the birds and baitfish.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Snook season is open and we are seeing people fish there, but we've not heard anybody telling us it's been good or bad.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Quiet. Some tarpon seen.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Slow, but there have been some ladyfish and a few tarpon of mixed sizes. Very small snook and itty-bitty mangrove snapper are also around.
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Laishley Seawall (pier currently closed due to hurricane damage) "Fishin History River Side
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — No reports.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — One report: A couple mangrove snapper, a small trout, and a baby bull shark.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — No reports.
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Bayshore Pier "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 11/16/2024 — Currently, there are no Bayshore piers.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 11/16/2024 — Currently, there is no Port Charlotte Beach Pier.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Some small mangrove snapper, smaller snook, and a few sand bream. Black drum have been seen but not caught.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Some undersized snook and mangrove snapper. The sand bream bite has been pretty good on peeled shrimp tails. One slot redfish caught and released.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Lots of catfish, a few sand bream and not much else.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — One report of black drum, one baby snook and some small mangrove snapper.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Some small snook at night, along with a couple black drum. Some small tarpon seen but not hooked.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Catfish, Mayan cichlids and a few black drum. Small tarpon have been spotted but not caught.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — A couple catfish.
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Port Charlotte canals, salt/brackish
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Sand bream and lots of small mangrove snapper, plus a few Mayan cichlids. Lots more snook around the lights, still mostly smaller fish. Juvenile tarpon are around and might hit a Tiny TerrorEyz or other small soft plastic.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Juvenile tarpon rolling everywhere. Sand bream have been all around the docks. Lots of plecostomus and brown hoplo catfish are dimpling the surface. Small bull sharks and a couple larger ones. Lots of little snook and a couple larger ones, mostly around the canal mouths.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Some snook, mostly small. Lots of sand bream (striped mojarra). Small mangrove snapper and some decent Mayan cichlids have been around docks.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — We're hearing about some small mangrove snapper and big Mayan cichlids. Some smaller snook have been around the bridges and near the mouths. The best action has been sand bream (striped mojarra), caught on pieces of shrimp around the docks.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Pretty quiet, other than lots of sand bream (striped mojarra) around the docks.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — A few black drum (singles, no schools). Lots of juvie tarpon around but hard to catch. Small snook, sand bream (striped mojarra) and some Mayan cichlids.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Lots of little snook, some big black drum, sand bream, and juvenile tarpon scattered all over.
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El Jobean Bridge (pier currently closed due to fire & hurricane damage) "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — A few slot snook reported this week, along with some better mangrove snapper. Random redfish and sheepshead have also been caught.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — According to local news reports, Charlotte County has a rebuilding plan for the pier and is spending $250K for an engineering plan. Details as they emerge. Boaters have been catching some slot snook and seeing lots of juvenile tarpon. We've also had reports of a few bigger trout and dinky mangrove snapper.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — A few snook, mostly small but at least one keeper reported. A couple trout in the bottom end of keeper size. Small tarpon seen rolling, and Spanish mackerel seen jumping in the area.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — No reports.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — No reports.
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Myakka River area (from the bridge all the way to Marker 8) "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Spanish mackerel have been around the bridge area. The Myakka Cutoff has produced some good snook and smaller trout.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Spanish mackerel in the open water, along with ladyfish and a couple short cobia.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Some anglers have been here and in the Myakka Cutoff, but they're not catching much.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Juvenile tarpon around the bridge early in the morning. Scattered ladyfish and Spanish mackerel all through the area.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — A few Spanish mackerel, schooling ladyfish, and tarpon eating both.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — No reports.
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South Gulf Cove canals "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Mayan cichlids and tilapia, mostly on worms and all around docks.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Terrible.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Terrible.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Mayan cichlids around the docks on worms or minnows.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Mayan cichlid off the docks on live minnows.
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The West Wall "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — A lot of redfish and snook under the bushes, and they're starting to pile up in the creek mouths. Pompano are on top of the bar. Big schools of mostly ladyfish but also some Spanish mackerel along the outside of the bar.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — The Trout Creek area has has schools of ladyfish and tarpon in 10 feet of water outside the bar. Pompano, trout and random bonnethead and lemon sharks are on top of the bar. The wall itself has lots of little snook and a few redfish under the bushes.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Slow this week, but there are some redfish and snook under the bushes. Pompano have been skipped on the outer edge of the bar. A few small sharks (blacknose, bonnetheads, baby bulls) are in the area.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — A few redfish and small snook have been under the bushes. Some pompano have been skipped on top of the bar. A few sharks (3 to 6 feet) have been seen, and the water is clearing up just a bit.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — There are redfish under the bushes, but most are small. Some snook there too. Ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, tarpon and sharks (3 to 6 feet) outside the bar.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Redfish and some small snook along the bushes. Ladyfish, Spanish mackerel and sharks up to about 6 feet outside the bar.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Some redfish reports, but there could be more. A few snook. Lots of ladyfish, with a handful of Spanish mackerel and a few sharks on top of the bar. Tarpon outside the bar in 10 to 15 feet of water.
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Cape Haze Bar "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Lots of hungry dolphins, but also a few ladyfish and mackerel on the edge of the dropoff. Mullet are getting active in the area.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — No reports.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — No reports.
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Turtle Bay & Bull Bay "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — A lot of redfish reports, which are more interested in blue crabs or shrimp than fish and cutbait. Snook are in there too, and live or dead pinfish are hot. Trout are scattered throughout, but most are little. There are some bigger trout in the Harbor between the bay entrances.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Lots of redfish, mostly under the trees on the higher tides, but also sometimes around the oyster bars. Snook are in the same locations, with mostly short fish but a few in the slot. A lot of smaller trout have also been reported. If you want groceries, there are schools of sand bream in here; look in 2-3 feet of water about 10 feet out from the trees. Mullet are in pre-spawn mode and expect to see a lot of them.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Mullet are active in here. The mangroves are producing snook and redfish, with lots of slot reds on pinfish or gold spoons, but the snook are mainly little. A handful of trout on live shrimp or small artificials, mostly small but a few minimum keepers.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Lots of redfish. Some are schooling, but there are more just hanging out under the mangroves and around the oysters. A few snook are hanging out also. Sand bream and mullet are scattered around in the bays. Lots of trout reports, but most of the fish have been small. If you want bigger ones, focus on water 2 to 3 feet deep.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Lot of redfish, including a school that's been around the bar, but you'll probably have better luck around the mangroves. Pinfish (live or cut) are the choice bait, or try cut ladyfish or mullet. There are also some snook under the trees. Expect small mangrove snapper too. A few small sharks and a lot of small trout are on the open flats.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — A lot of redfish scattered under the bushes. There's one school in Turtle Bay also. Lots of trout scattered around, mostly small but a few good keepers. Bigger fish have been taking pinfish or shrimp under a float. Some peanut snook in here too.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Redfish scattered throughout, mostly under the bushes but also some schools of up to 100 fish reported. Some snook are in here too, but the average size is about 20 to 24 inches. Small trout reported as well.
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Cape Haze Reef & Danger Reef "Fishin report archive History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Spanish mackerel and ladyfish in the general vicinity.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Some Spanish mackerel and a few blacknose and sharpnose sharks.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Spanish mackerel and a few small sharks.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — No reports.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Both spots are quiet for bottom fishing, but in the general area there are ladyfish, Spanish mackerel and some sharks.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Some Spanish mackerel and ladyfish in the area. One small snapper on Cape Haze Reef.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — A couple Spanish mackerel up top and some small mangrove snapper down below.
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Gasparilla Sound "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — The fishiest place around. All along the bushes we're seeing redfish and snook. Open flats have trout, a few reds, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel and random sharks. Adult tarpon have been seen also. Oyster patches are starting to collect sheepshead. Lots of puffers have been demolishing soft plastic.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Pretty fishy. There are a lot of snook and redfish under the bushes, with some random reds on the flats also. Most of the schools have broken up. Pinfish and cut ladyfish or mullet are catching lots of fish. Trout and Spanish mackerel are in 4 to 8 feet of water. Sharks of several species (bulls, lemons, bonnetheads, etc.) are cruising through.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — The area from Devilfish to the trestles is producing trout, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel in 3 to 7 feet, plus there are redfish and snook under the bushes. Sharks of random sizes are scattered all around the area.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Lots of redfish and scattered snook under the mangroves. There have been some big snook, but they're shy. Trout are scattered around Sandfly Key and the clam leases. Spanish mackerel and ladyfish are scattered around in 5 to 10 feet, along with a few random sharks.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — The outside of the channel in 4 to 7 feet has ladyfish and Spanish mackerel. In shallower water, there are redfish, snook and even some big trout.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — A lot of redfish under the mangroves, plus at least one school bouncing between Devilfish Key and the trestles. Trout, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel are in 4 to 6 feet of water. A few tarpon of mixed sizes are in the area.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Schools of redfish all around, from Devilfish to Placida, plus more under the bushes along with snook. Redfish and better trout are around Three Sisters in deeper water, plus a few tarpon from 10 to 100 pounds.
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Placida
"Fishin History"
Placida Pier
—
Placida
Trestle
—
Coral Creek Pier
—
Gasparilla Pass
(Placida Pier and Boca Grande Pier currently closed due to hurricane damage; Coral Creek pier is OPEN)
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Lots of snook around the pilings. Redfish are also under the private docks. Mangrove snapper, a few pompano and a few sheepshead are showing up also. Spanish mackerel and big ladyfish are in the pass and around the bridges.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — The trestle has lots of little snapper and a few sheepshead. Some flounder and pompano have been reported around the bridges and pass. Lots of snook and a few redfish under the docks, especially right in the area of the pass. A few larger tarpon have been in the pass also.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Mangrove snapper are starting to show up at the trestle, and a few sheepshead have been there too (but just a few). Snook are around area structure. Spanish mackerel and some bigger sharks are around the pass. The whole area has been producing scattered pompano.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — The whole area has had lots of small mangrove snapper and some larger ones. Snook of assorted size are abundant and biting best at night. There are pompano near the pass, and a few random tarpon.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — A 37-inch snook was reported at the Coral Creek Pier. The trestle also has snook, plus some mangrove snapper and a few sheepshead starting to creep in. Pompano, Spanish mackerel and big tarpon have been around the pass.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Mangrove snapper at the trestles. Pompano, redfish, sharks and Spanish mackerel are in the area too, and under the bridges and docks nearby.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — The trestles are producing small mangrove snapper and a few snook. Spanish mackerel and pompano are also in the area. A handful of sharks have also been reported.
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Stump Pass — Milton Pass — Lemon Bay Park — Indian Mound Park
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Two schools of redfish have been reported this week: One in the Miserable Mile and another near Stump Pass. They're more targetable under the mangroves and docks, and they prefer shrimp or crabs. Snook are in the same areas, mostly taking shrimp (even dead ones).
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Redfish and some snook are under the docks and bushes. We have had several reports of a redfish school in the Miserable Mile, though no reported catches.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Some redfish along the Miserable Mile. Ladyfish and trout are on the deeper grass up around Stump Pass.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Redfish are schooling in the Miserable Mile, with one school reported to be at least 100 fish. Getting them to bite is easier around the docks and islands. Pinfish (live or cut) is the choice bait. Snook scattered around also.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — A couple redfish schools are in the Miserable Mile on the flats. A few reds are also under the docks, alongside snook and mangrove snapper.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — A couple redfish schools have been reported; one in the Miserable Mile and one just north of Ski Alley. There are also reds under docks and around the mangroves.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Some schools of redfish, plus a bunch of singles in the Miserable Mile.
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Englewood Anger Pier (next to Tom Adams bridge) "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 11/16/2024 — Currently, there is no Anger Pier.
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Gulf of (America) Mexico bottom fishin' & trolling - Reefs & Wrecks "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Spanish mackerel and lots of smaller kingfish from the passes out to about 15 miles, mostly caught trolling spoons (3 to 5 inches) or lipped plugs. Troll around schools of bait or along crab trap lines. Mangrove and lane snapper are 20 to 30 miles out, if the weather lets you get there. No grouper reports this week.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — From one to 10 miles off shore we've seen lots of Spanish mackerel, and a few skyrocketing kingfish. Out deeper it's been a bit too rock-n-roll for most boaters.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — It's been pretty windy. A few king mackerel have been seen; only one reported caught near Venice. There are lane and mangrove snapper and minimal red grouper reported 20 miles out of Stump Pass.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Just one report: A limit of red grouper to 15 pounds, some vermilion snapper up to 2 pounds, some mangrove snapper, and one good-size mahi, all in 150 feet of water. They also saw kingfish at 15 to 25 miles but did not fish for them.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Spanish mackerel off the beaches (1 to 5 miles). A few kingfish have been caught from 5 to 20 miles out, but the better reports are north of us (Tampa Bay). Lane, mangrove and yellowtail snapper in 70ish feet of water. Legal red grouper in 100 feet of water; bigger ones are in 140 to 160 feet. Amberjack are now closed.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — At 3 to 10 miles, anglers have reported Spanish mackerel up top, plus mangrove snapper, grunts and porgies on the bottom. Big lane, mangrove and yellowtail have been at 20 to 30 miles.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Weather has kept most boats in. There are red grouper at 30 miles, and a mixed bag of snapper at about 25 miles.
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Venice Jetties & Venice Pier (North Jetty is open, South Jetty is closed; pier is now fully open)
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Lots of Spanish mackerel and a few pompano. The jetties also have good snook action and sheepshead getting better by the day. The sheepies like peeled or live shrimp.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Whiting, Spanish mackerel and pompano from the pier, plus a couple kingfish and sharks. The jetty has the same, and also good numbers of snook. Sheepshead are starting to appear at the jetties, but few catches have been reported.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Spanish macks are the pier and the jetty. One legal snook and a couple overslot redfish at the jetty, plus some whiting.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Spanish mackerel at the jetties, along with at least one king about 24 inches. Snook, pompano, whiting and a couple bluefish have also been reported. No reports from the pier — go fishing there and let us know!
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Some Spanish mackerel from the pier and a few from the north jetty. The jetty also has whiting, snook at night, and the occasional pompano.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — No reports at the pier, but the jetties have mackerel, whiting, pompano, a few random tarpon. Lots of nocturnal snook on big dead baits or bucktail jigs.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Lots of snook and Spanish mackerel at the jetties. Also some pompano, whiting and ladyfish. The pier has been quiet.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — No reports.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Redfish are all over the place, up to Redfish Pass.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Redfish have been schooling from here to Redfish Pass, with lots of big ones under the docks.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — A few reports of redfish, snook and trout in the area of the pass.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Spanish mackerel, plus a few redfish and snook in the pass and the general area.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Redfish and some snook; also some trout on the shallows nearby.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Redfish and some snook; also some trout on the shallows nearby.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Redfish from Punta Rassa to Redfish Pass.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Schooling redfish from here to Punta Rassa, plus a few snook reported.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Some snook and trout. Tarpon spotted rolling. Pompano and flounder on the outside in 15 feet.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Spanish mackerel, plus a few redfish, snook and trout in the pass and the general area.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Spanish mackerel in the pass. Snook, trout, and a few redfish in the general area. Whiting and pompano in the surf. Tarpon and sharks seen in the area.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Redfish and some snook; also some trout on the shallows nearby. Spanish mackerel are scattered all over the area.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Snook, redfish and trout in the area of the pass. The trout are on both the inside and outside edges, but you may need patience to time the bite right.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Tarpon, sharks, Spanish mackerel and trout in the general area, on both the Gulf and ICW side.
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Boca Grande Pass "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Spanish mackerel and a couple kingfish. Mangrove snapper are getting a little better down around the south side of the pass. A few tarpon are in there too; if you want to target them try live pinfish or squirrelfish near bottom.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Weirdly quiet. Spanish mackerel, a few bigger mangrove snapper in 30ish feet of water on the south side of the pass, and a couple tarpon hooked on pinfish. There have also been a few pompano on the outside in about 20 feet of water.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Spanish mackerel caught. Kings seen skyrocketing on the outside. Pompano and flounder along the channel edge. Mangrove snapper on the Cayo Costa side in about 30 feet of water. A few tarpon seen rolling.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — No reports, but Robert's crystal ball says there should be mangrove snapper in 30 feet of water, Spanish mackerel all through the pass, and tarpon starting to stack up as they get ready to migrate south.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — A few pompano caught from the rocks and at the broken-down pier. Snook have been spotted cruising the surf. Bonnethead sharks and Spanish mackerel have also been at the beach. Robert's crystal ball says there should be mangrove snapper in 30 feet of water and Spanish mackerel all through the pass.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Some Spanish mackerel and ladyfish. There are juvenile tarpon around the phosphate docks.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Some tarpon (juvies and adults). There should be mangrove snapper around the phosphate dock and just north of Cayo Costa.
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Walkin' the Gulf beaches,
from Sanibel
to Venice. Surf fishing anywhere along the Gulf shoreline.
17th
street,
Stump
Pass Park "Fishin'
History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Blind Pass State Park has had whiting, Spanish mackerel, pompano and snook. Similar catches (plus random redfish) have been reported at the south end of Boca Grande. All of them are taking live shrimp.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Blind Pass State Park has had snook, a couple Spanish mackerel and bonnethead sharks.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Whiting, snook, a couple flounder, jacks, pompano, redfish, sheepshead, and even a few trout. Reports are coming from all over. The east wind has really flattened out the surf and made fishing easier.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Blind Pass (Middle Beach) has had whiting, snook, jacks, flounder, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel and itty-bitty bonnethead sharks.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Boca Grande: A few pompano caught from the rocks and at the broken-down pier. Snook have been spotted cruising the surf. Bonnethead sharks and Spanish mackerel have also been at the beach. Blind Pass: Trout, redfish and snook on the back side (at the kayak launches), plus snook, whiting and Spanish mackerel in the surf. Tarpon and jacks are also cruising the beach early in the day.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Spanish mackerel, whiting, pompano, and a whole lot of snook and bonnethead sharks.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Blind Pass Beach State Park (Middle Beach) has had whiting, jacks, snook, pompano and a few sharklets.
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Indian Fields — Smokehouse Bay
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Tough fishing. Redfish and snook are in the area but have been slow to bite.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Some redfish and snook throughout the area. Smaller lemon sharks and mullet cruising the flats. Juvenile tarpon in the local creeks.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Redfish (singles under the mangroves), some bigger trout (mostly in 2 to 3 feet of water; small ones out deeper), and lots of puffers.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Trout of various sizes on the flats. Small snook and a few redfish.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Redfish scattered around here. Several sharks to 6 feet seen cruising the flats.
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Pine Island Sound
"Fishin History"
Rat and Cat keys,
Mondongo & Patricio
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Lots of trout and Spanish mackerel in the deeper sandholes, plus puffers. Some redfish and snook along the bushes.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Snook and redfish are up under the bushes. A handful of bigger trout are in 3 to 6 feet of water, along with some Spanish mackerel, blue runners and small jacks. The biggest trout have been in shallower water.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Redfish and snook along the bushes. Trout and mackerel in the deeper holes. Random sharks scattered around.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Redfish and small snook are around all the mangrove shorelines. Scattered reports of redfish schools. Deeper grass has trout, Spanish mackerel, and some big lemon sharks.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Trout and Spanish mackerel in 4 to 6 feet. Snook and redfish around the trees. Some bigger snook have been sighted in here.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Redfish and quite a few snook are scattered along the bushes. Trout and sharks have been around the deeper cuts and holes on the flats.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Redfish schools and individuals on the shallow flats and around the trees. Small snook are under the trees also. Spanish mackerel and trout on the deeper flats.
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Jug Creek Shoal & Bokeelia "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — No reports, but there are probably lots of puffers.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Trout, ladyfish and lots of puffers on grass 3 to 6 feet deep.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Just lots of bait, mostly too small to castnet.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — No reports.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — No reports.
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Burnt Store & Two Pines "Fishin report archive History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Snook and redfish under the bushes. Quite a few sharks have showed up on the flats. Trout, ladyfish and pompano are on top of and outside the bar.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Snook and redfish along the shoreline; ladyfish and pompano plus random flounder on the bar.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Redfish along the mangroves. Some small snook too. Bigger snook seen around Two Pines, but they've got lockjaw. Pompano, ladyfish and trout on top of the bar.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Redfish and small snook under the bushes. Pompano and ladyfish outside the bar, plus some sharpnose and blacknose sharks.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Schooling redfish inside the bar, plus lots of singles around the mangroves. A few snook under the trees too. Ladyfish, Spanish mackerel and some big tarpon outside the bar.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — A big school of redfish is moving around inside the bar, and there are single reds under the bushes. Pompano and ladyfish on top of the bar.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — A school of redfish cruising inside the bar; best bet would be very early or very late in the day. Ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, tarpon and sharks on the outside of the bar.
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East Side "keys" "Fishin History"
Cormorant Key — Bay Back Key — Sneaky Creek
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Redfish are in the back creeks and along the front shoreline, plus some small snook. Small trout and random bonnethead sharks are on top of the bar.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Lots of redfish under the mangroves and some out on the flats, along with some snook. If you can get way back in the creek on the higher tides, there are better quality fish. A few trout out on the flats.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Redfish, plus a few trout and little sharks. Juvenile tarpon in the canals, and mangrove snapper activity is improving in there.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Pirate Harbor has been holding small tarpon, and the mangrove snapper are showing up in the canals. Redfish and small snook around the trees, but not as many as we'd like to see.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Only one report: Some trout and a few redfish just north of Pirate Harbor on Lil Johns and Marsh Minnows.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Lots of redfish under the bushes, and some small snook. Bonnetheads and random smaller sharks are on the bar. Sporadic larger tarpon outside the bar.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Miscellaneous redfish and a lot of snook, plus some juvie tarpon in Pirate Harbor.
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Alligator Creek, Poachers Cut & The Skating Rink "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Some redfish just south of the creek mouth, including fish that are mixed with mullet.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Fishing has been slow.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Schooling ladyfish at Whorehouse Point.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — There are redfish and dinky snook around the Skating Rink shorelines. A couple snook have been caught trolling the canal mouths off Alligator Creek.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — People are fishing, but not much to report.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — No reports.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — No reports.
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Ponce de Leon Park "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Itty bitty snapper. We need FWC to go write some poaching citations.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Itty bitty snapper. We need FWC to go write some poaching citations.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Just little baby snapper.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — The bite has been slow.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Small mangrove snapper.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Small snapper and catfish.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Baby mangrove snapper.
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P.G.I. canals & Punta Gorda "Fishin History
Elizabeth Park — Barge Canal — P.G. Nature Park
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Little snook are abundant. Mangrove snapper are getting better. Black drum and juvenile tarpon are easy to spot but hard to catch. Sheepshead numbers have also been picking up.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Lots of little snook and a few slots. Juvenile tarpon all over the canals. A few black drum spotted. A lot of smaller sheepshead are hanging around the dock pilings.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Lots of small snook. Some black drum and sand bream.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — The canals have black drum, a few mangrove snapper, some snook and occasional sand bream.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Sand bream, small mangrove snapper and a couple spadefish from the docks. Snook and black drum are scattered throughout.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Lots of small snook and juvenile tarpon. Single black drum are scattered all over.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Small snook from the docks and trolling. A few jacks and juvenile tarpon around the canals. Most of the black drum schools have broken up, but there are still lots of fish in the canals.
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Gilchrist Pier "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 11/16/2024 — Currently, there is no Gilchrist Pier.
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Alligator Creek Reef
AKA Concrete
Reef, 1 Mile Reef,
Charlotte Harbor Reef, 41 Bridge Reef
"Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, at least on short cobia and a couple sharks have all been reported.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — A few tarpon, a few Spanish mackerel, and a couple short cobia reported.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Lots of Spanish mackerel in the area. A few tarpon rolling around.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — People have been fishing but not catching much.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Tarpon have been spotted but not hooked. Otherwise very slow.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Some Spanish mackerel reports, along with sporadic adult tarpon.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Random tarpon, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel, but snapper fishermen have come up empty.
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Deep holes in Charlotte Harbor — AKA the 20-foot holes "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Spanish mackerel, lots of catfish, and a handful or tarpon and sharks.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Some tarpon, some ladyfish, some Spanish mackerel, some sharks. The wind has kept most anglers from fishing here.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Some tarpon, ladyfish, sailcats and hardhead catfish, and a few Spanish mackerel.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and tarpon, plus an occasional shark.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — The outer edges of the holes (in 10 to 15 feet of water) have been holding ladyfish and Spanish mackerel. Tarpon and sharks are in the mix.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — The general middle of the Harbor has been holding tarpon, sharks, ladyfish and some Spanish mackerel.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Some tarpon, Spanish mackerel and sharks in the general middle of the Harbor.
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Baitfish - Whitebait, but also threadies, pinfish, sardines, etc
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Nettable whitebait around Devilfish Key and Bokeelia. Threadies and dink bait all over the Harbor.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — Little whitebait around Devilfish Key. Lots of pinfish from Devilfish to Placida. Schools of threadfins are from the US 41 bridges to the passes.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Pinfish and very small to medium whitebait in Jug Creek and Gasparilla Sound. Threadfins offshore and randomly scattered in the open Harbor.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — Some whitebait around Bokeelia and Gasparilla Sound. Pinfish are on all the grassflats. Schools of threadies are in the open Harbor.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — Some whitebait around Jug Creek and Devilfish, and most of it is smaller. Threadies are inconsistent and scattered. Pinfish are on all the grassflats. Random schools of bait offshore, but bottom bait (pinfish, squirrelfish) have been pretty slow.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Tough. Threadies are scattered around the Harbor. Pinfish and whitebait are around Devilfish, Placida and Pine Island Sound.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Scattered threadies all over the Harbor. Jug Creek and Devilfish have whitebait, but they're dying in livewells on the flats (too hot) or upper Harbor (too fresh). Lots of pinfish on grass all over Gasparilla Sound.
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Freshwater canals, creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes, ditches, spillways & bathtubs "Fishin History"
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Things are getting better. The bass are chewing a bit in the Port Charlotte canals, mostly on live shiners but also plastic worms and lizards. A few crappie reports but not many. Mayan cichlids and tilapia are pretty good from all sorts of scattered locations.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — One cold front doesn't make it crappie season. We heard about five of them. However, the minnow brigade did catch some bluegill, Mayan cichlids and a few little bass.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — Tilapia and Mayan cichlids have been OK on worms. A few bluegill reports, plus a couple crappie and small bass (ditch pickles).
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — No reports.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — People are buying some shiners and minnows, but they are not reporting many fish caught.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — Tilapia and Mayan cichlids don't mind the heat. The overcast has perked up the bass and bluegills a bit, but the action is nowhere near as good as we were expecting.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — Tilapia and Mayan cichlids don't mind the heat. The overcast has perked up the bass and bluegills a bit, but the action is nowhere near as good as we were expecting.
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Tarpon reports 
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/24/2025 — Gettin' slim! There are some fish in Boca Grande Pass and the mouth of the Myakka River, plus possibly in the 20-foot holes, Alligator Creek Reef and scattered in the nearshore Gulf. Bait Busters and ladyfish are choice inside or in the Gulf; in the passes try pinfish or squirrelfish. If those don't work try whatever ya got.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/17/2025 — It's been tough due to wind, but we expect that to settle soon. Details for how to target fish are in the radio report.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/10/2025 — The wind has made targeting tarpon very tough this week. There have been a few caught in the mouth of the Myakka and between the west wall and the 20-foot holes. There was also a small school near Bayshore. Otherwise, it's been very scattered and thin.
Robert & Capt. Josh 10/02/2025 — See last week's report. Time is running out for the tarpon, so hurry up.
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Robert & Capt. Josh 09/26/2025 — The best areas are in the upper Harbor. There are fish off Whorehouse Point and from the mouth of the Myakka down along the west wall outside the bar. There have also been some around Alligator Creek Reef, the Pirate Harbor hole and between Burnt Store Marina and Two Pines. A few have been caught in Boca Grande and Redfish passes. Live ladyfish are by far the best bait, or try any large soft plastic (Robert is partial to the DOA Bait Buster).
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/18/2025 — The best spots have been the mouth of the Myakka River and the dropoff outside the west wall bar down to about the halfway point. There are also reasonable numbers of fish off the east wall bar, all through the middle of the Harbor, and in Boca Grande Pass. Anglers looking around the other passes and a mile or so off the beaches have reported some fish, but it's only so-so in those areas. Ladyfish are the top bait, but the sharks like them too. If you get frustrated with bite-offs, switch to DOA Bait Busters.
Robert & Capt. Josh 09/12/2025 — The best spots has been the mouth of the Myakka River and the dropoff outside the west wall bar down to about the halfway point. There are also reasonable numbers of fish off the east wall bar, all through the middle of the Harbor, and in Boca Grande Pass. Anglers looking around the other passes and a mile or so off the beaches have reported some fish, but it's only so-so in those areas.
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In memory of Capt Angel Torres, 1975-2010
Angel remains here with us,
He was my friend, I miss him
Fishin Frank-----
It would be hard to picture life without fishing.
People who do not fish do
not understand the
therapeutic value of fishing, losing yourself to
the motion of the waves and
just relaxing.
The best things about fishing is where you do it,
and that you do not carry a score card.
Since 1984 when I first walked through the door
here at Fishin Franks,
I found the people / customers to be the best part of this job,
and all these decades later that is still true.
You all are the best part of the day.
Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives so many years
Fishin Frank
