Get out of the trolling motor habit
A client asked this week, what the heck is that big platform on the back of my flats boat and why do all you guys have them?
He asked if it was a place to clean fish. My wife uses it for picnics or a place to go when a not-so-happy shark is being released at boat side.
There are many uses for them, but you seldom see them used for what they were intended — poling. As our waters receive more and more pressure, stealth is a major factor in hooking fish, especially trophy fish that have survived many seasons. These fish have heard and seen it all and anymore it seems they know trolling motors by brand name, no matter how quiet you think your favorite brand is.
More and more I see schools of reds on the flats that definitely are upset by the noise of a trolling motor and will move away from the source. Learning how to pole and use the wind to drift into position lets you sneak up on more fish than any other method. You will be amazed at the difference pushpoling and becoming ultra stealthy makes in allowing you to get on more fish
For starters, buy the lightest, strongest pole you can afford. Solid fiberglass poles are cheaper and much heavier than the super light graphite ones which are rather expensive at $600 or more, but at the end of the day you will fully understand the advantage of lightweight materials.
When its 150 degrees on Pine Island Sound and you are poling a 20 foot boat with passengers you will be glad you spent the money on a lighter pole. Lately, there are a number of new lightweight pushpoles at $250-$350 that are well worth looking into. The lighter the better and get one the right length for your boat and the depths you will be fishing.
Get out and practice. YES, actually get up there on the platform! You paid for it, you might as well use it or take it off your boat, cut down on wind resistance and save gas. It won’t take long to understand how to maneuver a boat quietly through the shallows, or spend a half day with a guide who makes a living using the pole. Get a good lesson and save yourself mistakes and time. Try it, you will catch more fish.
Fishing report
My trips this week for Flying Fins Sportfishing started in Matlacha and ended at the mouth of the river. Along the way my guys caught ladyfish and trout on most of the grass flats using DOA shrimp, curl tail grubs in white and gold, GULP shrimp on a light jig head, and Mirr-O-lure twitchbaits. Most trout where caught in three to six feet of water.
We ended the afternoon catching snook along the mouth of the river at Punta Rassa on Mirr-o-lure twitchbaits and DOA shrimp cast into current areas and even a few big jacks joined in.
Capt. Jason of Angler’s Outlet is still reporting hot trout fishing on most grass flats in Pine Island Sound and Matlacha, using GULP shrimp on 1/8-1/4 oz. jigs bounced off the bottom in three to six feet. Also, scattered tarpon reports from the river.
Capt. Dick May of Easy Rider Charters said trout fishing continues to be the best in years, especially in Pine Island. He likes the white four-inch curly tail grubs on jig heads and the same grub under a popping cork. His favorite popping cork setup is made by Cajun Thunder Rattling corks. Also, he reports scattered redfish action, but hopes for a big improvement as the weather warms and the white bait comes in.
Be safe and courteous on the water.
Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. Contact him at captgeorget3@aol.com, or (239) 282-9434.