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SEPTEMBER OUTLOOK>

SEPTEMBER OUTLOOK
With Snook season opening at midnight on September 1st, "linesiders" will surely be on the mind of Gulf Coast anglers. Fish in the magical 'slot', between twenty-eight and thirty-three inches, can be targeted in areas with good waterflow and where they are provided with some sort of structure that affords them both protection from predators as well as a place from which to ambush passing bait as it flushed along by the current. These post-spawn fish are just beginning their return to the backwaters of the harbor, so areas close to the deepwater passes will hold the greatest numbers of these large fish.

The Redfish action in August has been about as hot as the weather, and should continue to stay this way throughout September. Large fish, often surpassing the twenty-eight inch maximum size limit, will be feeding throughout the day on moving water. High tides will find these fish deep under the mangroves, and, on low tides, areas of oyster bottom and shallow live-grass areas will be the ticket. Trout will often be taken while targeting Snook and Reds, especially during the low light hours of the early morning and late evening.

Tarpon fishing has, and should remain, good. The late summer can often bring Tarpon fishing to the Boca Grande, Englewood, Pine Island Sound, and Venice areas that is second only to the fantastic early summer run of fish in Boca Grande Pass. These fish are slowly-but-surely beginning their migration back South as the water begins to cool. This will bring not only more fish to the area, but larger fish as well. Schools of late summer Tarpon can average 100lbs or more!

With all the stellar inshore action in September, it can be easy to forget about the action on the West side of the beach. This month should start the fall migration of King Mackerel in earnest. Some Kings have been around offshore structure all summer, but September, October, and even November will see greater and greater numbers of Kings invading our offshore and near-shore structure. Permit are still hanging tough around these same offshore haunts, as are some straggling Cobia. These reefs and wrecks are always home to large Barracuda, Goliath Grouper, and sharks. This same slight cooling should start to bring more, and larger snapper closer to shore. Its always best to target the 'king of the sandwich," Mangrove Snapper, as well as Yellowtail during the dark hours. The larger, and wiser snapper are more likely to become active feeders and the dark allows anglers a fighting chance of having their soon-to-be-sandwich escape the jaws of those pesky Cudas.

Shark fishing has been very good, and looks to only be getting better. There have been large numbers of Blacktip, Spinner, Dusky, Lemon, Bull, and even a few smaller Hammerheads lurking just off the beaches to well offshore around structure. The Mullet should start showing up throughout September and the following months, and this will only bring more sharks to the area. This is a terrific chance to tangle with "Tarpon on Steroids" as large Blacktips are referred to. Light tackle action doesn't get much better than a 75-200lb shark ripping line off by the football field length! Shark fishing is not just for the experienced angler, first timers often not only enjoy themselves, but its joked about that they also enjoy the best luck!

When September rolls around its time to saddle up, because its going to be one heck of a ride as far as the fishing is concerned! There is no better way to spend time with family, friends, or just to relax away from it all than fishing the pristine waters of Englewood, Venice, Captiva, Boca Grande, and Charlotte Harbor. If you are looking for fantastic inshore or offshore action, day or night, then you have come to the right place. Book your trip with Another Keeper Charters and you can rest assured that you will not only enjoy great fishing with Southwest Florida's premier fishing guide and charter service, but you will also enjoy the company of arguably the friendliest Captain in the business!