Fly Fishing

Steelie · Location: Erie, PA

I'll be in Naples the first week of July for a family vacation, but I should be able to get in a day or two of fishing. I don't have the money to hire a guide, but I will if it is necessary. Would I have a chance without one? What can I expect? Thanks

Mike

Marcel_Karssies · Location: Enschede - The Netherlands

I have only been to Naples in Fall so no idea what it will be in summertime.
What I figured from the locals was that it is very very hot at that time
(and I thought fall was hot down there).

What I do know it that most likely Snook will patrol the shallow beach early in the morning.
If you have access to a lighted dock you could fish at night for Snook.
The inlets could be interesting, always the possibility to run into a hefty Jack Crevalle.
Best times would be before sunrise and near sunset, but heck I am just guessing here.

Diamond Dave from FF South lives there and Jeremy has fished there many times - they could provide you with valuable info.

Steelie · Location: Erie, PA

Thanks Marcel

MassTeach · Posted: Fri 06/20/08 9:31 am Post subject:

I've fished Bonita Beach in July (just north of Naples), and had really good luck for snook at night under dock lights. They seem to just school up and rise aggressively to the fly.
good luck,
ZJ

Marcel_Karssies · Location: Enschede - The Netherlands

I really love that dock fishing...

Steelie · Location: Erie, PA

Awesome...have a hard time getting them to bite though... Smile

...? Why no shot with flies in their mouths... Wink

...? Nice pics Marcel

Marcel_Karssies · Location: Enschede - The Netherlands

OK you want to know what flies to use Very Happy

When I arrived at the dock there where 20 or 30 fish hovering under and near it so my first impression was this is going to be easy.
Watching the fish it was obvious that they where feeding on the small shrimps and baitfish that where attracted to the dock lights.

Armed with small white patterns we fished the dock and a few fish where landed.
Every time we did catch a fish the others became more wary so that in the end of the session we almost had no takes Smile

The ideal way to fish the docks would be by boat, fish a productive dock and when its all over move on to the next.

Fisherone · Location: The Big Apple/ Catskills NY

Check out Mangrove Outfitters. I've used them out of Naples in the spring and they have a ton of great guides. The back bays should be teeming with big Tarpon about now but you'd have to have a boat to get to them I think.
Also touch base with Marshall D and Hedrush (Dave Tepper) who have both posted on this site. They are totally keyed into the scene down there and will have TONS of great advice for you. tight lines!

MassTeach · Posted: Tue 06/24/08 5:55 pm Post subject:

Great pics!! Looks like a fun night fishing!! When I had my success down there I found a marina that had a sand bar off to one side so I was able to wade out in front of the docks and cast down into them, worked pretty well for a handful of fish, but like you said, they got skittish quick.
nice job.
Zach

clemu21 · Posted: Thu 06/26/08 2:04 pm Post subject: Summer in Naples

As a resident of Naples for the past 31 years, I can tell you that summer is the best time to fish. If you do not have money for a charter, I would recommend fishing from the beaches. Snook run from sunup to about 11am, then from 4om until dark. The middle of the day the water gets too warm and the fish stop eating. Use a floating fly in the am and a wet fly in the afternoon. White is a great color and so is a green flash color.

Night fishing is a different story, fishing the dock lights is best, but mostly done from a boat. Fish on the outer edges of the light and drag the bait thru the light. Snook attack when the bait flashes.

Good luck and tight lines,

Email if you need a fishing partner. Always looking for a fishing partner.