This is a perfect time for me to write this article. After taking some time off in the slow season for maintenance and some much needed R & R, I just got back on the water for a 5 day stretch and remembered why I love this area.

The days have been warm but not hot like the summer months. You can tell the seasons are starting to change bringing cooler dry air down from the north. The Ospreys are starting to put there nests back in order after being weathered by the storms all summer and the dolphins are so playful with the young just frolicking in the boat wakes and the current.

Manatee are also starting to move around the bays and of course the fish. After little fishing pressure all summer and early fall they are hungry. They just couldn't get enough. Not every day do they jump in the boat but this time they really did.

Seventeen miles out in 56 ft. of water we were steadily catching mackerel and blue runner for bait when out of the water comes a 5 ft. barracuda with a hooked blue runner in his mouth. The barracuda sky rocketed from stern, over the t-top and 8 ft. up and into the front of the boat. Everyone cleared out very quickly. No one was hurt and they got a great picture of a crazy barracuda.

Since then a tarpon jumped in hitting me in the chest and a scared lady fish running from a dolphin found his way into the boat without even being hooked. The fishing has been great. The waters are cooling down and the fish are getting more active.
 

Offshore: Also just a plethora of action and excitement, chances for a rod bender (bigger fish) is good. Waters can be rougher and a little more travel is required. Catches include grouper, snapper, king mackerel, Bonita and the occasional cobia.

There are many different trips out there: fishing, sightseeing, shelling, sailing and some that do combinations to accommodate the whole family. Charters are not cheap today with the rising costs of fuel and equipment, but there is no other adventure like it. I guarantee that it will be the highlight of your trip.

There is something for the whole family. Not only can you catch some of the worlds most popular game fish and walk the pure white sandy beaches but you can also explore waters that haven't changed since the days of the Calusa Indians and the Spanish explorers.

If you are from the north you probably live for the summer months, well get out and explore a place where summer lasts all year round. You won't regret it.

Capt. Shaun Chute

Six Chuter Charters

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