Fishing Report from Captain Rich at Reel Rich Fishing Charters The fishing action has been excellent from Punta Gorda down to Fort Myers, with the central areas really standing out over the past week. Pine Island Sound has been producing solid catches of Sea Trout and Bonnethead Sharks, while Gasparilla Sound has been a hotspot for Sheepshead and Redfish. The best results have come during good tidal movements, combined with warming afternoon sunshine. Sea Trout are schooling up, and anglers are seeing great numbers using live shrimp. However, larger trout are being caught with a slower approach, using large paddle-tail baits worked gently over grass flats. For Redfish, cut ladyfish has been highly effective, as well as shrimp and crabs fished near mangroves and oyster beds. With the New Year just around the corner, we’re gearing up for the official start of the season. As seasonal visitors arrive, it’s more important than ever to book your dates early to secure the best times for optimal tides. Reach out to us with your preferred date range, and we’ll help you pick the best opportunities to get on the water. Since this will be our last report before Christmas, we want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. Thank you for an incredible year, and we’re looking forward to fishing with you in the New Year!