Fishing Season: January - May

Southwest FL- Pine Island Sound - FL

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Inshore Temp:

75

Offshore Temp:

73

Dave Pecci's Tip of the Week

I have retired after 15 years of guiding folks on Charlotte Harbor. So I no longer am doing fishing reports. Thank you to all who have been following my reports over the years. I am still guiding on the Kennebec River in Maine. Capt, Dave Pecci

Directions open in app

Map of Southwest FL- Pine Island Sound

Tide data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Capt. Dave Pecci

5-Day Outlook as of 5/8/25

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Techniques & Tips as of 5/8/25

Check out my Maine Striped Bass fishing reports on the Orvis Fishing Report Page: https://fishingreports.orvis.com/northeast/maine/kennebec-river-estuary

Current Conditions as of 5/8/25

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Local Species Available January - May

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    Redfish

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    Snook

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    Sea Trout

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    Tarpon

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    Jack Crevalle

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    Spanish Mackerel and more

Dave Pecci's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Puglisi Floating Minnow N/A 1/0
Cowen's Mullet N/A 2/0
Grassett's Deep Flats Bunny N/A 2
Grassett's Snook Minnow N/A 2

Puglisi Floating Minnow

This salt water fly pattern is sure to induce a striking response.

7.99

Item #2K5R

Buy Now

Dave Pecci's Recommended Gear

Description: About Southwest FL- Pine Island Sound

Pine Island Sound, Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor includes the communities of; Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, Pine Island, Matlacha, Sanibel & Captiva, Boca Grande, Gasparilla and Cape Haze. Charlotte Harbor is Florida’s second largest estuary encompassing 270 square miles. Over 80% of its shoreline is preserved land. There are more than 15 boat ramps and many kayak access point on the Harbor providing easy access to great fishing. A tranquil getaway on Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast and a premier fly fishing destination. The redfish, snook and seatrout fishing is among the very best in SW Florida. Spring tarpon fishing in the sound, passes, and along the beaches is world-class. Other species include Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, bluefish, cobia, bonito, snapper, and flounder. The area offers mangroves, grass flats, canals, beach fronts, passes, and artificial reefs. The fishing and exploring possibilities are endless. Sight fishing is exciting along the flats and mangroves of the Ding Darling National Refuge or Gasparilla Island. Blind casting the grass flats of Pine Island Sound is very productive. On windy days Matlacha Pass and Cape Haze provides shelter and consistent action. There are over ten area boat ramps that make for short runs to productive fishing.

Nearest Airport:

RSW Ft. Myers / PDG Punta Gorda

Bait Recommendations:

Shrimp, crabs, pinfish, glass minnows, whitebait (threadfin Herring and scaled sardines)