Capt. George Tunison

As if a record breaking, home wrecking, high powered hurricane wasn’t enough, we now have high concentrations of red tide that blanket our coastline with Lee County waters getting some of the highest concentrations along with reported fish kills. Other issues like my friends Matlacha canal with three large sunken boats and daily oil slicks that make their way out into the pass further harming our underwater environment, keeps me up at night. It’s hard to say what’s in local waters right now but use common sense precautions and treat any cuts immediately.

The FWC predicts a, “southwestern transport of surface waters and southeastern movement of subsurface waters in most areas over the next 3 to 5 days.” Hopefully it will start moving away from us, we already have enough problems trying to recover.

For current red tide updates call 866-300-9399.

For those that find “clean” in-shore waters, redfish, snook, and trout are still biting but again, you may have to prospect as conditions may have forced them away from their usual locations.

Although the FWC reports red tide concentrations both in and offshore, those that can get out to unaffected waters will still find a variety of fish ranging from Spanish to king mackerel, bonito to bluefish, and a variety of groupers and snappers as well as curious cobia. Any algae mat free crab float should be examined for a shot at a resident, hard fighting and grill worthy, tripletail.

With just weeks left before Christmas here are some angler gift ideas

Give the gift of lithium! Lithium batteries last and last and weigh far less than traditional lead acid batteries which also translates into fuel savings and faster hole shots. They are quite expensive but definitely worth the investment.

A Sea Tow membership is always a welcome gift. Adding the extra road towing package to the on water coverage still comes in at under two hundred dollars and well worth every penny.

Buy someone you care about a new auto inflatable life jacket. Many of us are guilty of not wearing jackets but with all the debris still in the water hitting something unseen and being thrown out is a real possibility. Remember to wear that kill switch lanyard or risk being mowed down by your own run-away boat. It’s also the law.

Angler stocking stuffers. Fishing line, especially expensive braided line. A 300/600 yard spool of 10-15 pound test Power Pro or Suffix braided line always makes a great stuffer.

Throw in several packs of DOA CAL SHAD or Z-MAN paddle tail grubs in silver, white, or gold flake flavors to fill out that stocking.

Don’t have any ideas? Slip in gift certificates from local tackle stores.

Buy a Cape yearly ramp pass sticker for your angler.

Purchase a trip with a local guide. Communication is key so first ask lots of questions. Asking for references is also fine. A half/full day with a good guide is a great way for a newbie to gain the benefit of decades of local knowledge and learn new waters.

Learn to fly fish! Saltwater fly fishing and local shallow waters and even mid-depth Gulf waters make for great saltwater fly fishing. Over the last decade this sport has exploded in popularity. After experiencing your first catch on a fly rod, you’ll understand why. Learn from a friend, video, or purchase a gift certificate and attend my two hour, total beginners saltwater fly fishing class. Everything you need to know about the gear as well as one on one, on the water, casting practice is covered. Everything provided.

Lastly with so many still suffering in a variety of ways lend a hand and help out a neighbor especially the senior population with yard clean-up or manageable home repairs. An extra seat at your table or delivered hot meal will go a long way for those unfortunately still dealing with Ian’s destruction.

Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. Contact him at 239-282-9434 or captgeorget3@aol.com.