Need Locals Opinions & Thoughts

kojak33

Hey gang, a friend & I are thinking on taking a trip into the Naples area, but are unsure of a fed things. First, and most importantly, we have a 15' flats boat, how far offshore do you have to go to bottom fish or at least troll some? We can fish for trout and reds in our area just fine, but can't get offshore cause you have to go out too far. We would do the keys, but can't get good room rates. And secondly, how's the snook bite around mid July time? Thanks in advance for the feedback.

Indianoutlaw

There is decent trolling close in for grouper in the winter and into spring, but not a lot around this time of the year (especially with the state closure of gags). The kingfish are out there, but not in huge numbers in mid July. Bottom fishing for grouper (red) is good outside of 15 miles, but frustrating inside of that because of smaller fish. Best bet with the flats boat is to fish inshore. Make a trip down to Choko or put in at Port of the Isles for some 10k islands fun. It is really beautiful and much safer that taking that boat offshore. There are also decent wrecks with permit and the occasional cobia down South if you can find the numbers..........................

kojak33

Thanks Indian, that's exactly what i'm looking for. Snook are getting scarce hereabouts and they're fairly small to boot, so that's a plus if we can find them.

polliwog

There are tons of great spots near shore or back country between Naples and Choko. There are also a bunch of ramps that are close to where you fish, just get the Collier county Ramp map on line. HAVE FUN. jp