If fighting big fish is in your future, the traveling man would highly suggest marking your calendar for early May through June for a true adventure in the Pine Island Sound / Fort Myers. This area encompasses over 100 square miles of shallow water averaging 3–6 feet deep, along with channels 12–20 feet deep.
The first day out, the wind was putting whitecaps on the shallow water. Our Captain, Miles Meredith from Inshore Fishing, brought us into the mangroves to try for some redfish. Baited up with pinfish for bait and casting under the mangroves, it did not take more than a few minutes before we were fighting nice-sized 18–30 inch redfish. They are fun to fight, and we reached our limit in less than two hours. We brought them to a restaurant that cooks them anyway you like (mesquite, Cajun, battered, or pan-fried) for just $11.00 with two sides. The Lazy Flamingo is on the north end of the island on the water; it is a delightful place to visit.
The wind was relentless, so the next day was a day off from fishing. We hung out at Off the Charts hotel playing bean bag, cribbage, and just relaxing.
Thunderstorms occurred during the night, and the winds died down the next day. Capt. Cliff Ult of Lee Native Charters showed us how it was done. Slowly trolling the sound to sight the large fish and anchoring with mullet and pinfish, it was not half an hour before a tarpon came flying out of the water. It seemed to fly 10 feet up and 15–20 feet across the water. The fight lasted almost two hours before the fish was brought to the side of the boat for pictures. We were over 1.5 miles from where we anchored.
Watching anglers spot and fly-fish for these amazing fighters is surely a sport for the young; I was tired just watching them.
Congratulations, Hokey, and Happy Birthday for an amazing battle with a 150–175 lb. tarpon! Thanks, Uncle Herk (Dan), for the visit and the video.
The Traveling Man
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