HOA Grounds Committee 2024 Spring Beautification Award
By Peggy Lindquist and Nancy Piscioneri, Herons Glen
Photos By Peggy Lindquist,
Herons Glen
“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine; could you be mine?” Author: Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood)
The Herons Glen HOA Grounds Committee has selected a house for the 2024 Spring Beautification Award. This
award is given twice a year: spring and fall. The house chosen is the home of Greg and Patsy Yopp, who reside at 2951 Corinthia Circle.
Just where in the Glen is Corinthia Circle? It’s in the front, which is also known as the historic side of the Glen. The house is nestled in the right-hand corner of the Corinthia Circle cul-de-sac, which is accessed via Valparaiso Boulevard. It hugs the right of the lot, allowing a showcase of Ixora plants strategically placed in the front, hibiscus and cacti scattered on the side, and the backyard lined with apple pitch calusia providing a privacy hedge.
Greg and Patsy Yopp purchased their home in 2020. They began their home landscaping design by first removing a massive live oak tree outside their front door. Then, they methodically selected plants to provide a serene garden mix of carefully selected plants. The outcome? A beautifully displayed yard surrounding their home.
What Can A Pet-Parent Do To Prevent Heat Stroke Danger?
Be smart and proactive!
When the temperature is high, don’t let your dog linger on hot surfaces like asphalt and cement. Being so close to the ground can heat their body quickly and is also an invitation to burns on sensitive paw pads. Keep walks to a minimum. Giving your dog a lightweight summer haircut can help prevent overheating, but never shave to the skin; the dog needs 1 inch of protection to avoid getting sunburned.
Always provide access to fresh water. Make certain an outside dog has access to shade and plenty of cool water. Restrict exercise when temperatures soar, and do not muzzle the dog because it inhibits their ability to pant.
Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
By Marla Pierce, Susan Darcy and Denise Fell, Herons Glen
Twenty-four residents competed today in the first Herons Glen jigsaw competition sponsored by the Resident Events Committee.
Players worked in teams of three, randomly assigned, and assembled the same 500-piece puzzles. The puzzle was a scene of food trucks.
• First place winners Ginny Varney, Elaine Dotolo and Kathy Martyanik finished in just under two hours.
• Second place winners Dawn Sullivan, Rhonda Parkinson and Linda Berlovich finished in just over two hours.
• Third place winners Bruce Johnson, Diane Loughlin and Bob Barbel finished in 2.5 hours, creating a near-photo finish with the team of Jo Potts, Katharine Larsen and Kathy Brown who finished 10 seconds later.
Many dogs enjoy a swim. Splashing in a wading pool or running through a sprinkler in warmer weather can help bring body temperatures down.
Never leave your pet in a parked car, not even if you park in the shade or plan to be gone for only a few minutes. The temperature inside of a car can reach oven-like temperatures in just minutes, often more than 140 degrees. That quick errand can turn into a disaster and could be fatal for your pet.
To learn more, go to https://www.vetinfo.com/how-tokeep-dogs-cool.html.
Each first, second and third place winner received a gift card to the Nest.
Congratulations to all participants and especially to our winning teams! Stay tuned for information on future competitions.
First place winners
Second place winners
Third place winners
Herons Glen is fortunate to have gained a neighbor who shows their yard so well. Thank you, Greg and Patsy. It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood! Take a ride and see for yourself.
Article Deadlines For The Heron
Community News
Coming Soon
8/14
Welcome
Susan and Larry Clements
Sonya and Ronald Davison
David Dyson
Karen and Ronald Marinell
Christine Naberhaus
Kristin and Steven Peterson
Cathy and Michael Schwark
Katherine Tolstyka
Lorraine and John Williams
HOA And HGRD Schedule Of Meetings
The following is a listing of HOA and HGRD meetings known at the time of publication. As these dates are subject to change, please check the Herons Glen website calendar and the community channel for updates.
Calendar Of HOA Meetings – September
All committee meetings are via Zoom/HOA Conference Room unless noted otherwise.
9/10 Architectural Review Committee, 9 a.m.
9/11 Board Meeting, 5 p.m.
9/12 Grounds Committee, 1 p.m.
9/18 Communications Committee, 1 p.m.
9/24 Architectural Review Committee, 9 a.m.
9/26 Finance Committee, 1:30 p.m.
9/27 SSEP, 1 p.m.
Calendar Of HGRD Meetings – August To September All committee meetings are via Zoom/Card Room C unless noted otherwise.
8/15 Finance Committee, 10 a.m.
9/4 Annual Budget Meeting, 6 p.m., Ballroom
9/9 Golf Committee, 9 a.m.
9/9 Finance Committee, 11 a.m.
9/16 Facilities and Amenities Committee, 1 p.m.
9/30 Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m.
In Memoriam
Parmelee Jones
Jim Kara
Dianne Kline
Jane Zerkel
Photos by Dick Muller
Karen Jessop - Editor Linda Lynch - Editor
Pam Scheid - Editor
Rick and Pat Scharf Delivery Coordinators
Jack Nelson - Editor
Sue McCoy - Editor Denise Johnson - Editor
Community Activities
Community Interests
Yum Yum! The Food Trucks Have Come – Part I
By Candace Huetteman, Herons Glen
There were no complaints or sad faces when the kitchen closed on July 8 for its annual cleaning. Why? Because everyone in the Glen had the opportunity to order something delicious from the food trucks that were here from July 8 to July 17. Except for a few rainouts, every night these trucks offered Glenners convenience, variety and good food. With so many cuisines to choose from, even the calorie counters came out to order food and hang with their friends.
So, who invented the food truck and why? The first food trucks date back to the 17th century. In 1855, Charles Goodnight, “The Father of the Texas Panhandle,” invented the original food truck, which came to be known as chuck wagons. His first chuck wagon was a U.S. Army wagon with a “chuck box” attached. This chuck wagon served as a mobile kitchen to feed the cowboys on his first cattle drive, which was a lengthy journey with no rail transport yet available. Soon, chuck wagons could be found throughout the West. These horse-drawn wagons provided healthy meals to cowboys and settlers as they traveled miles across the vast unsettled landscape that we call the “Wild West.”
By 1872, Walter Scott, a food vendor from Providence, Rhode Island, invented the lunch wagon. He modified a covered wagon by adding windows. Scott sold sandwiches, pies and coffee to pressmen and journalists in front of the newspaper office in his hometown.
Ice cream trucks also played a role in shaping the food truck culture. In the 1920s, the first motorized ice cream truck hit the streets, bringing frozen treats directly to neighborhoods and parks. This marked the beginning of the mobile food movement as we know it.
In the 1930s, food trucks could be seen on city streets offering quick and tasty bites. The most famous mobile eatery to emerge during this time was the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. Introduced in 1936, it was shaped like a giant hot dog and quickly became the symbol of fun and deliciousness.
In the post-World War II era, food trucks played a vital role. With the surplus of military vehicles, resourceful entrepreneurs transformed them into lunch trucks that brought affordable and convenient meals directly to workplaces. These mobile kitchens played a crucial role in providing food to industrial workers and office employees during this period of rapid economic and industrial growth.
The 2008 economic recession played a surprising role in the revival of food trucks. As traditional brickand-mortar restaurants struggled, chefs and culinary enthusiasts turned to more affordable and flexible options. Thus, the boom in food trucks. In 2008, the cost of starting up a restaurant was approximately $250,000. The startup cost of a food truck was on average $75,000. Today, food trucks, along with food booths and carts, serve an estimated 2.5 billion people daily. Statistically, 18- to 34-year-olds eat most frequently at food trucks, followed by 35- to 44-year-olds. Today, even though startup costs have more than doubled since 2008, there are 35,000 to 40,000 food trucks operating in the United States.
In Part II of “Yum Yum! The Food Trucks Have Come!” I will review the top 10 foodie cities with the best food trucks.
Thank you, Denise Fell and the Resident Events Committee, for organizing the Herons Glen food truck event this past July.
Veterans Of The Glen Dinner Dance And Benefit
Veterans Day this year falls on a Monday, therefore, the Veterans Day Dinner Dance will be held the prior Saturday, Nov. 9. This is one of the premier social events of the year and always sells out early. This year’s buffet dinner will feature roast pork loin, seared salmon and chicken piccata. Music will be provided by an excellent band, The Wilburys. There will also be numerous raffle prizes, door prizes and a 50-50 drawing.
This event will honor veterans but is open to all Herons Glen residents. It is the VOG’s largest fundraiser and helped us donate more than $11,000 last season to agencies that assist local veterans. The price of tickets remains at $50 per person. Please join us and reserve your table of eight or individual tickets. Tickets may be reserved starting today by calling or emailing Bruce Johnson at (716) 472-3860 or swedebaj17@gmail.com.
Trivia Corner
By Jack Nelson, Herons Glen
Here are five trivia questions to test your memory. Don’t peek at the answers until you’ve finished. Good luck! 1. What is the first right in the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution?
2. Harry Truman won the U.S. presidential election in a surprise victory in 1948. Who did he defeat? 3. In what direction does the Panama Canal flow?
4. What is the square root of 121?
5. On January 15, 2009, a passenger jet made an emergency landing on the Hudson River. What was the airline and who was the pilot?
Herons Glen Golf and Country Club website: http://hggcc.com
Herons Glen Homeowners Association website: http://heronsglenhoa.org
Herons Glen Recreation District website: https://heronsglencc.com
Herons Glen Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HeronsGlen HOA weekly bulletin emails and online: http://www.hggcc.com/hghoa/files/office_news.html HGRD weekly newsletter emails and online: https://heronsglencc.com/group/pages/communications The Heron newspaper online: http://hggcc.com/hghoa/files/newspaper.htm Community TV Channels 901 and 902
Home Front Heroes Fundraiser
By Sue McCoy, Herons Glen
Photos by Denise Fell, Herons Glen
Recently, the HOA SSEP and Activities committees sought opportunities to pool resources and organize joint events for our residents during the summer while contributing to the community. One of the events that came out of that partnership was a cookout and fundraiser for Home Front Heroes.
Hot dogs and hamburgers were grilled to perfection, and ice cream cones were provided by the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. Those attending could also try their skills as potential law enforcement officers in the Virtual Reality Trailer and receive an official participation certificate.
The joint committees’ fundraising efforts were rewarded with an astonishing $720 for Home Front Heroes, once again demonstrating the Herons Glen residents’ generosity and dedication to making a difference. They plan to offer this fun event again in the fall.
Home Front Heroes is a nonprofit organization serving the residents of Lee County. Their mission statement is “to serve our community with programs that create a stronger and safer environment for lifelong success.” Their focus is giving back to the community through charitable and educational efforts for youth, public servants and families in need. Just a few of the organizations that they support are Shop with a Cop, Explorers Program, Summer Youth Program, Education on Crime Prevention and Animal Cruelty, Nan’s Ranch, Teen Driving and creation of the Home Front Heroes, Inc. (Future) Youth Preserve. This will be where we can hold programs to mentor our youth, including basketball, pickleball, track, fishing and kayaking. Herons Glen also supports this important organization through our annual FireWise event. If you would like more information about Home Front Heroes, check out their website at https://www.homefrontheroes.com.
Interests from page 3 Lightning Prediction System on page 5
The Heron newspaper is going through some changes, but these changes are exciting and are bringing about new opportunities! How would you like to be a part of The Heron’s growth? We are looking to expand community engagement.
Do you write poetry? Do you want to share a great recipe? Do you have a special hobby? Do you have an interesting family history, story, or event to share? Do you have gardening advice? We know all you “Glenners” out there are experts on something or have stories to tell! We would love to hear from you!
Just contact us at HGNewspaper@ gmail.com. We can even help you write up your information!
Grilling Safety Tips
By Craig Woolley, Herons Glen
Did you know that more than three-quarters of adults in the United States have used a grill? Yet, grilling sparks more than 10,000 home fires on average each year. Below are a few grilling safety tips.
1. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
2. Double-check your propane tank and propane line that is attached to the grill. Make sure there are no propane leaks. Spray or wet the gas valve, the hose and the regulator with the detergent solution. Watch what happens. If one of the components is leaking, the solution will form soap bubbles. If you do not see any bubbles, there are no leaks, and the gas grill is safe.
3. Never grill indoors — not in the house, garage or any enclosed area.
4. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
5. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
6. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.
7. Don’t leave perishable food out in the sun.
Reminders About HOA Common Areas
From the Herons Glen HOA
Wetlands And Conservation
Areas
All wetlands and conservation areas must be left in their natural state, and no alteration or construction is permitted. Please do not dump or place anything within the wetlands and conservation areas.
Lakes
The lakes are part of the stormwater system for Herons Glen. The lakes attract various wildlife, including alligators. Please do not feed the wildlife. Stay away from the lake banks and do not allow your pets near the water’s edge.
Memorial Benches
Memorial benches set out on the common areas in the community are benches approved by the HOA Board that were donated in memory of a loved one. The benches become common property of the association and are placed in areas determined by the Board for common use of the community. Residents are not permitted to make changes to common area property.
In Case You Missed It: Highlights From The HOA Weekly Bulletins
From Your HOA Communications Committee
This listing highlights important articles covered in recent HOA Herons Glen Weekly Bulletins distributed by email to residents listed with the HOA Office. These issues affect every property owner, their renters, vendors and guests. The articles are intended to help residents better understand the actual requirements for our restricted community and may also include safety information. Reading about and understanding these issues could eliminate an escalation of problems that may result in potential fines.
If you have questions about a subject, you can locate the full article from the bottom left link on the HOA website at http://hggcc.com/hghoa/files/office_news.html, then CLICK the link titled HOA News Bulletins, EXTRA! EXTRA! Or you can see the issues listed by date in the middle of the web page under HG HOA News from Management.
July 19, 2024 – HOA Volunteer Recruitment and Forms, CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber Public Utility Easement & Fiber Installation
July 12, 2024 – HOA Quarterly Assessments, The Heron Newspaper Link, Links to Community Standards for Landscape & Related Standards & Architectural Standards July 5, 2024 – Important Notice about Where to Get Copies of HG Newspaper (No longer being delivered to residences)
June 28, 2024 – What A Pet-Parent Can Do to Prevent Heat Stroke Danger
June 21, 2024 – Landscaping Changes Require Approval with Links to Standards & Forms, HGRD Community Lot Irrigation System Information
June 14, 2024 – Summer Safety Tips from SSEP
June 7, 2024 – Herons Glen HOA 4th Quarter Assessment Fees; Securing Your Garage Door
Please keep this reference guide in a location that’s easy for you to find when needed.
Lightning Prediction System
By Karon Bennett, Herons Glen
Many of our new residents have no doubt heard the siren blasts this summer from our Thor Guard lightning prediction system. We would like to clarify how the system works and what it means to you.
The Herons Glen Recreation District utilizes
Thor Guard, which is designed to detect and predict lightning by measuring static electricity in the atmosphere as well as monitoring the changing atmospheric conditions before lightning occurs. The system predicts lightning within a 10-mile radius, the recommended outer range, and will sound one continuous 15-second air horn blast as a WARNING alert that activates the various strobe lights located throughout the community.
When atmospheric conditions are deemed safe, the ALLCLEAR signal will sound three five-second horn blasts, two seconds apart, and the strobe lights will deactivate. The air horns are programmed to only sound alerts between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
HGRD employees cannot manually alter the system. Everyone should be aware that even if weather conditions look safe, the system won’t give an “all clear” signal until it is warranted.
The Sheep Are Missing!
By Jack Nelson, Herons Glen
Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet eating her curds and whey. Along came Charlotte, the spider, and sat down beside her and asked her if she was having a nice day. She assured the lady arachnid that she was and asked the spider the same question. The reply was the same, and the two of them quickly became good friends.
Little Jack Horner was sitting in a corner eating a cheeseburger and some fries when another Jack, who’d just climbed down from his beanstalk, asked Little Jack if he could join him. Of course, he could, and Little Jack offered some of his fries to Beanstalk Jack, and he gladly accepted. Within minutes, the two Jacks had become close friends. Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was whiter than freshly fallen snowflakes. She was seated on a plush patch of green grass with her little lamb seated on her lap. Along came Jack and Jill, hopping and skipping merrily along, with Jack swinging a pail to and fro. Mary asked them where they were going. Up the hill, of course, to fetch a pail of water. They were extra careful when they came down, and didn’t spill a drop.
And finally, we have the lovable Little Bo Peep, who’d lost her sheep and didn’t know where in the world to find them. No problem. Leave them alone and they’ll come home, wagging their tails behind them. But what if they didn’t come home? What if they really were lost? Horrors! But it was true. Bo Peep’s sheep, all 29 of them, did not come home. In fact, they went missing for three days, and still no sign of a single one. Bo Peep was now in panic mode. She’d heard that there was a pack of hungry wolves roaming in the woods just outside of town, and her herd could be in serious trouble.
Everyone spread out to form a line 500 feet wide, and off they went, confident that Bo Peep would soon be reunited with her flock. Over the hills they climbed, across the valleys they marched, through the woods they traipsed, but not one sheep was seen, not a bleat was heard. Bo Peep was crestfallen. She was certain that she’d be reunited with her woolly friends by now. Be patient, she thought. Don’t give up. Persevere!
Finally, as the party approached the shore of Lake Woebefound, a mixture of bleats and growls was heard, and the search party had found the sheep. But to their horror, the sheep were surrounded by a pack of hungry wolves, ready to move in for their daily dinner! Bo Peep let out a scream that could be heard in the next county, but it didn’t faze the wolves in the least.
But what did get the wolves’ attention was the blast from the seven shotguns that could be heard in the next state. In less than five seconds, the wolves had vanished and a hearty cheer from everyone was so loud, it could be heard across the nation; well, almost. Bo Peep’s cheeks became drenched with tears of joy as everyone began their trek back to the farm, with all 29 sheep prancing along with pride and relief.
But stealthily shadowing the entourage was a lone wolf, staying at a safe distance, hoping that a sheep would stray from the herd. Not to worry, for following the wolf was Peter, with a rope in hand.
Need Transportation?
After carefully considering her options, Bo Peep mapped out a plan to save her beloved sheep. She fired up her computer and sent emails to all of her friends asking for help. Included on her list were Little Miss Muffet, Jack Horner, Jack from the beanstalk, Mary and her little lamb, and Jack and Jill. They all met on Bo Peep’s farm to map out a plan.
The first suggestion came from Jill, who recommended contacting Eddie Murrow, who aired a daily news program on the town’s local radio station. He’d make a plea for townsfolk to form a search party to help in finding the missing sheep. The response was overwhelming. More than 100 volunteers came forward to help in the search. Bo Peep was ecstatic. Surely her sheep would be found quickly now. Seven male volunteers brought their shotguns just in case they’d encounter the wolves.
As most are aware, many of our homeowners leave Herons Glen for the summer months, including our volunteer drivers. The following is a list of volunteers who will be taking calls for assistance during the summer months from June 1 through Sept. 30. Note: This doesn’t include rides to the airport.
Kathleen Colletti (239) 822-1573
Bruce Johnson (716) 472-3860
Donna Johnson (716) 450-7740
Polly Middleton (703) 407-6381
Jim Noffsinger (270) 881-7640
Mike Zarella (541) 292-2714
We are always looking for volunteers. If you are interested, please contact Jack Cotter at (860) 490-2183.
Herons Glen Featured Photographer, Bob McCoy
Consumer Alert
Recognize Business And Government Imposters Who Want Your Money
By Alvaro Puig, Consumer Education Specialist
Scammers pretending to be from the government tell convincing stories to steal your money or personal information. But now they’re taking a new, layered approach — and here are some clues to spot it. The scammers first say they’re with a company and contact you about a routine problem, like suspicious charges on your Amazon account, a virus on your computer, or an account breach.
The story quickly escalates: They lie and say your name is involved in serious crimes and claim the court is about to seize the money in your bank account or retirement savings. (Also a lie.)
Next, they switch from being the bearer of bad news to acting like the hero. How? By (supposedly) connecting you to someone with the government to “help” you fix the problem.
But the person they transfer you to doesn’t work for the government. And they don’t help. They want to trick you into taking cash out of your bank or retirement account and giving it to someone.
Here’s what to know about how scammers try to deceive you:
• Scammers try to convince you they’re with the government to gain your trust by faking the caller ID to make it look like a government agency is calling.
• Scammers give you an employee ID or badge number or use the name of a real government employee.
• Scammers send official-looking letters with seals and make up government agency names that sound real but aren’t.
Someone who works for the government won’t tell you to get cash or gold and give it to someone. They won’t tell you to pay with a gift card, wire transfer, payment app, or cryptocurrency. They won’t tell you to keep your conversation a secret or to lie to anyone. They won’t tell you to transfer money from your accounts to “protect” it or for any reason. Only scammers do those things.
Check out How To Avoid Imposter Scams for more advice. And to report an imposter scam to the FTC, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Hotter Temperatures And Aggressive Behavior
Studies documenting a link between excessive heat and aggression date back centuries and all declare the same definite association between the two.
An increase in violence, frustration and aggressive behaviors occurs annually as the temperature rises. Psychological studies attribute our altered behaviors to the extreme physical discomfort that we feel at higher temperatures.
While it is impractical to recommend staying cool during the blistering Florida summer, and while we have no mechanism to lower the temperature, it is imperative that we recognize that we are all victims of the oppressive heat and more likely to lose our temper.
A 2022 study completed by the Environmental Health Department in the Boston University School of Public Health, found that an increased number of patients went to emergency rooms for mental health conditions as outdoor temperatures rose.
Interestingly, it was also noted that the number of penalties, in National Football League games, increased at higher temperatures!
It is my hope that if we recognize the effects of heat and humidity on our temperament and our behavior, perhaps we can take a few extra deep breaths and avoid altercations and incidents of aggression.
Think … choose your words and actions more carefully … separate yourself from potential altercations. Avoiding stressful conditions, while difficult, may allow us to “keep our cool” and prevent behavioral escalation, road rage incidents, etc.
Let’s have a safe and pleasurable summer here in Lee County!
Catch The Action
August On The Water
By Capt. Bill Russell
Fishing or boating in Southwest Florida in August means dealing with hot days and thunderstorms. Fishing can be good, and often without much competition, if you plan your day to take advantage of conditions.
If you just want to have fun and a little fishing while relaxing, then the beaches are a good choice, especially if you are fishing with the family. Good numbers of snook are roaming the surf throughout the summer and are a sight fisherman’s dream. Most snook are running 22 to 26 inches, but there are much bigger ones. Free lined pilchards, small pinfish, shrimp, white bucktail jigs, and a variety of small white flies or lures are top baits. Look for the fish right off the edge of the beach in the surf or near any submerged structure. Remember snook are catch and release only. Trout, mangrove snapper, whiting, flounder, pompano, mackerel and tarpon are
a few of the other species you may hook into along the beach. Fish a little; swim a little, not a bad way to spend the day.
Summer gives us days with flat calm seas from early morning to midafternoon, perfect for offshore fishing. Our
coastline is dotted with artificial reefs, many well within sight of land and GPS coordinates available to the public. If you are an inshore angler, it’s a nice change of pace to make a short run offshore, especially during the heat of summer when the inshore water temperatures are so high. A cool aspect when fishing around the reefs is you never know what you might hook into. Everything from a small snapper to 500-pound goliath grouper calls them home. To get the most out of the day you want an assortment of tackle that can manage the fish you target. Obviously with snapper you do not need super heavy tackle, the lighter the better for the best action. But, if you want to attempt to pull a big goliath grouper from his home you will need a rig extra heavy, we’re talking 2- to 500-pound line. And many times, that’s not heavy enough.
In between snapper and goliaths there’s the possibility to hook Spanish and king mackerel, cobia, permit, barracuda, snook, sharks of all sizes, plus other species. Many anglers fish several different line class rods at a time targeting more than one species.
Armed with a variety of baits is the best way to catch multiple species. Small baits like shrimp, pilchards and little pinfish are great for snapper and other bottom fish; larger live bait is often the ticket for a big barracuda, snook, or cobia. Big bait, dead or alive is the choice for goliaths. If you want to hook a permit you need small live crabs, this is often the best bait for cobia as well. Anchoring up current of the structure with a quality block of chum is the best way to bring the action behind the boat.
Inshore, sea trout fishing is steady through the summer. Look for larger trout over areas of open water where shallow sandbars transition to deeper grass flats from 3 to 6 feet deep with good water movement. Schools of small baitfish concentrate in these areas. Trout, plus Spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish and sharks are located around the bait. Diving pelicans, terns and gulls often give up the location of schooling bait.
Speaking of sharks, they are abundant throughout the inshore waters. Size can range from a couple of feet to well over 10 feet. Fresh chunks of mullet or ladyfish and large live pinfish are top bait choices. Some days we do better fishing baits on bottom and other days suspending baits under a float does the trick. It’s just fishing, don’t be afraid to experiment to see what works for you.
Over higher tides target redfish and mangrove snapper under mangrove overhangs and other structure. You can catch a big redfish on a small bait but seldom hook a snapper on a large bait. Mangrove snapper are one of our tastier fish. If you want to catch some, small baits and hooks with a light leader are key. Inshore mangrove snapper numbers were on the rise through June and July, there should be plenty around this month.
It’s a good idea to use the weather and tides to your advantage, especially over the hot days of August. Water temperature can change quickly, give us three or four days with bright sunny skies and the inshore waters quickly get hot, often slowing the bite. A couple rainy days with limited sunshine and water temperature will drop several degrees; this can trigger good fishing. If conditions allow, get an early start to the day for plenty of time on the water and back to a safe place ahead of the heat and afternoon storms.
For charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service and “Catch the Action” with Capt. Bill Russell, call or text (239) 410-8576, website: www.fishpineisland.com, email: gcl2fish@live.com.
Capt. Bill Russell is a native and lifelong resident of Pine Island who has spent his entire life fishing the waters surrounding Pine Island and Southwest Florida. For the past 28 years, Bill has been a professional fishing guide who takes pride in customizing each trip to ensure everyone on board has a great time and will return again. Come join us and “Catch the Action.”
