Fishing here in SWFL has been nothing short of fantastic.  Redfish have moved into the area and can be targeted using a wide variety of techniques.  From livebaits, artificial lures and on the fly this fish puts up an awesome fight.  The snook bite has also remained solid with fish laid up in the passes, beaches and anywhere the water is flowing around mangrove shorelines.  Large schools of bait can be found on the beaches and near shore wrecks. Here are some pics of some successful anglers this past week.  October is a great month to get out and fish.  

Capt. Joey Benko
www.naplesfishingguide.com

Fishing is red hot right now with lots of action in the area.  Redfish and snook can be targeted from Doctors pass to the 10,000 Islands using pilchards, threads, cut ladyfish, and artificial.  The redfish bite seems to be best on the later stages of the tide and then on the start of the outgoing tide.  I love looking for activity along mangrove shorelines from Pelicans diving on bait, fish blowing up on baits, or little ripples of glass minnows.  Activity is the key to success when looking for some great action.  Snook are very active right now with all the abundance of bait but the big ones are still alittle finicky when it comes to hitting a good bait.  The beach fishing has also been very productive lately with some very clean water on the outside right now.  Here is Luca Musico with one of many redfish landed this past week.  

The fishing here in SWFL has been fantastic and heating up more and more everyday.  Pilchards are very plentiful along the beaches and nearshore wrecks.  Look for diving pelicans to help locate these schools of bait.  Snook fishing has been very good from Doctors Pass all the way to 10,000 Islands.  Baits of choice have been pilchards, threads, and right now the early top water action is a blast.  Redfish can be targeted on the higher stages of the incoming working beaches, and mangrove shorelines where small bait is present.  The trout bite remains awesome as I've been targeting trout using finger mullet and also 1/4 oz jigs with a Doa Shad and also Gulp Shrimp.  Don't forget the rules and regulations when keeping fish as the closure is still in effect from Gordons Pass to Tampa.  This weeks forecast should remain consistent with the time of year.  Get out early to avoid the heat and also the big thunderstorms that have been blowing up in the afternoons.   
Capt. Joey Benko
​www.Naplesfishingguide.com

Here is SWFL inshore fishing is absolutely amazing from the variety of species we catch to the pure beauty of the backcountry.  For this months fishing report I'm offering up something a little different for guest looking for a fishing charter.  Top 5 Things to Know When Booking a Trip.  
1. The Company/Captains Reputation
With all the new booking sites available today research a Captain/Company and look for some genuine testimonials.  Also research the type of fishing you will be doing from artificial, livebait or fly fishing.  Just because someone maybe on the top of the list doesn't always mean they will be a good match for your trip.  Don't settle for just one opinion check with local bait shops to local fishing charity events.  Ask around.
2.  Group Size
The number of people you want to bring with you on your fishing charter will determine the cost and also availability.  Most inshore charters typically take between 1-3 guest with the 4th adding to the cost of the charter. 
3.  Cost "Cheapest is NOT best".
Cost is another important factor you need to consider.  There are lots of fishing guides who operate and are not properly licensed or insured which relates to lower prices.  Ask for his or her credentials.   Also many charters require a deposit or may charge extra when add another guest.
4.  Catch and Release / Catch and Keep
It's important to ask not only what you will be targeting but also if you are able to keep your catch.  New rules and regulations can permit keeping certain types of species so it's important to ask in advance.
5.  Whats Provided.
Every charter is different so ask the Captain what he/she may supply.  Some Captains provide water, soft drinks, ice, bait and tackle.  It's important to find out ahead of time so the Captain is prepared.  Also who is responsible for cleaning your catch.  Being prepared is key to an amazing adventure on the water.  

​
Naples Fishing has been really good approaching hopefully what will be the last cold front of the year. Bait has been plentiful and the snook bite has been on fire with multiple double digit catches. The redfish bite has been better on the higher stages of the tide and the trout bite has also been solid. With the cold front coming through things are going to change drastically. Look for water temps to plummet into the mid 60's so it will be back to the shrimp and jig game until mid week. Here is some beautiful redfish and snook that have been released to fight another day this past week.

Fishing here in SWFL has been fantastic with redtide moving out.  Bait has been plentiful with rising water temps the snook and redfish bite has really picked up.  Here is Jan with a personal best redfish and Bob with a very cool spotted redfish.  Focus on the higher stages of the tide for redfish using live shrimp, live pilchards, and for artificial guys try a 1/4oz jig with the 3inch New Penny.  With Xmas approaching now is a great time to purchase a fishing charter for friends and family.

Happy Holidays,
Capt. Joey Benko
www.naplesfishingguide.com

Fishing here in SWFL has been fantastic with lots of redfish, snook, trout and pompano kicking off the season. With the cold front pushing through and water temps starting to drop look for these fish to move into the backcountry. Focus on areas with deep troughs as that will be where you will find these fish holding up.  Using bucktail jigs tipped with shrimp, 1/4oz jigs with 3 inch Gulp New Penny will be your best baits of choice. Stop into Mike's Bait House and grab some of these jigs tied by Capt. Roan they will improve your catches greatly this time of year. Look for fishing conditions to improve later in the week before the next cold front approaches.

Capt. Joey Benko
Naples Florida Fishing Guide
239-450-7382

Fishing here in Naples has been fantastic with lots of redfish being caught in the area. Shrimp, Pilchards and artificial baits have all been giving anglers a nice variety of techniques. The trout bite has been picking up in the area using gulp baits and popping corks. Look for conditions to remain consistent this week with the weather being great. Here is Skip with a beautiful 4spot redfish one of many they caught on a morning halfday trip.

Capt. Joey Benko
Naples Fishing Charters