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September Fresh Water Fishing Report


South West Florida Freshwater Scene for September

By: Capt Roan zumFelde

September is here and hopefully Fall, is just around the corner. Fishing in the freshwater this month is difficult at best.

Lake O Levels are still way up and the fish are still deep in cover. Shiners will still be your best bet, unless you can find some fish in the deeper water of the inter-coastal water way corridor. You may find some interesting activity with schooling bass chasing baitfish. Take some binoculars and look closely, you might find some birds diving on them this month.

The Everglades Canals are high and Hot, Fishing in most of them is not great. I would still suggest the Interceptor early in the morning with small micro crankbaits or 4 inch worms. Wooley Bugger Fly patterns also work well this time of the year especially on the cichlids in the canal. The Golden Gate System is still going to be pretty good early in the mornings. Take a venture to the Miami Canals for exciting peacock bass action, check myfwc.com they have a map of canals.

Lake Trafford can be very tough this month. High water and lots of heat have really made things difficult. Next month should be better with hopefully a bit of a cool down.

This month we are going to highlight some of the non-boater type fishing in the area. It is amazing how many people ask; are there any fish in the golf Course lakes and ponds? Answer YES, YES, YES! Just about every golf course or housing community in Naples that has lakes associated, are full of fish. Not only are they full of bass and cichlids but many of them have snook and tarpon in them to boot. When targeting this treasure trove of fish you always want to use a Trace of Shock Leader of at least 20 pound test if not larger, like 30 or 40 pound. If you are fishing a golf course pond please be mindful of the golfers and do not interfere with their play. Usually late evening is your best time, most are in the clubhouse and the course is wide open for fishing. I like to throw top water type baits or small Rapalas in these lakes to start, these make great search baits and the strikes can be vicious. This month’s Fly of the Month (Uncle Foamy) is excellent for the ponds. Live shiners under a cork work well, and surprisingly enough, we have some customers that fish live shrimp in the ponds with great success. When fishing live shrimp you will need an aerator and bucket to keep them alive until you use them, they will not stay alive in the freshwater for very long. Check back each month we will highlight a different area to fish by land or by small boat that you might never had thought of. If you have any questions about where and when and how to fish these waters I would be happy to see and talk to you at the shop.

Come visit Mike and me at Mike’s Bait house and Indian Pass Outfitters on Danford Street, next to Bayview Park in Naples and we can talk Fishing. We carry a full line of tackle including: fly fishing needs and Saltwater and Freshwater Gear, Food, Drink, and Bait. Thanks and Good Fishing. Roan z

If you want to contact Capt. Roan z for a freshwater fishing trip or ask any fishing questions he can be contacted at the Shop 239-775-2248 or cell number 239-269-4426. Check the Web Site www.indianpassoutfitters.com and www.mikesbaithouse.com


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