GULF HARBOUR
Soundings
VOL. 25 NO. 7
Another Seabreeze Publication
JULY 2024
www.GulfHarbour33908.com
Catch The Action July On The Water By Capt. Bill Russell July is the month summer weather settles in bringing hot humid days, often with little wind until early afternoon as a sea breeze kicks in, followed by thunderstorms. Most anglers opt for an early start to take advantage of calm seas and avoid the mid-afternoon heat and storms. For those looking to bring home fish dinner, mangrove snapper is a good choice through the summer. No need to make a long run offshore, as snapper are caught throughout the inshore and nearshore waters. Fish for snapper under docks, bridges, piers, or about any type of structure. Many anglers do very well from shore without the expense of a boat. After Ian, shore fishing locations are limited, but there are piers and bridges open to fishing. From boat, fish under deeper mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, sand potholes and rock ledges or structure in and near the gulf passes. Mangrove snapper is one of our tastier fish and fight hard for their size. They make a great summer target. Often leader and hook shy if the water is clear, it’s often necessary to lighten the tackle. Inshore, I go with 3 or more feet of 12- to 20-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 1/0 circle hook.
Redfish and sea trout are caught throughout the summer. High tides give the best opportunity for redfish as they are foraging under the shade of mangrove shorelines. Sea trout often run in schools with the best bite often coming over the morning incoming tides as cooler water moves over grass flats. Grass flats with clear or clean water in 4- to 8-foot depths are favored areas. Calm summer mornings give good opportunities to run offshore. American red snapper season is open in gulf waters for recreational anglers through the month of July for those
willing to spend the fuel money for a long run offshore. Not sure of the reason but both gag and red grouper seasons are closed. To get updated grouper, snapper, and fishing regulations go to www.myfwc.com or download the Fish Rules app. Closer in, within sight of land, reefs and wrecks can be productive with everything from snapper to goliath grouper. You will not hook any big red snapper, but you can fill a cooler with tasty filets and save a lot of fuel money. Anchoring up current of structure with a fresh chum bag is preferred. A variety of baits is a good idea as well as an arsenal of rods rigged and ready from light to heavy action. Keep a lookout for speedsters such as bonito, Spanish mackerel and king mackerel harassing bait schools in depths from 20 to 90 feet. Small spoons or Tuna Jets in various colors can bring instant hookups when trolled around feeding activity. Watch for birds and surface commotion to locate the fish. If you have a live well full of baitfish, a little chumming may quickly get the action started. Artificial reefs are a natural attractant for baitfish followed by predators. Catch and release snook fishing is strong through the summer. Large females are up and down the coast surrounded Catch The Action on page 6
Alliance For The Arts Shorts Of The Fort Join us at the Alliance for the Arts for the inaugural Shorts of the Fort where the captivating landscapes and vibrant communities of Lee County, Florida take center stage. This unique film festival invites you to submit your short films, ranging from a quick 30-second snapshot to an immersive five-minute narrative, showcasing the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers. Whether you are a seasoned director or a budding storyteller, this is your opportunity to capture the essence of what Lee County is to you in film. Get creative with your visuals and storytelling to explore the rich tapestry of local life and nature. Share your vision, connect with fellow filmmakers and gain exposure in a dynamic setting. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a festival that celebrates the diverse beauty of greater Fort Myers through the power of film. Submit your work and make every frame count at the Shorts of the Fort and contribute to a festival that cherishes the power of film and the allure of local culture. Make every frame impactful – join us and let your creativity shine! All film submissions must be between 30 seconds and five minutes in length. Fees/ Deadlines: $15 regular fee, July 31 $25 late fee, Aug. 26 Metamorphosis: Member Exhibition July 5 to July 27 We invite our current members to submit one work following the theme “Metamorphosis” to be displayed in the main gallery during this monthlong group exhibition. As an artist and an Alliance member, this is your annual opportunity Gulf Harbour Soundings
to exhibit your work in our main gallery! No online submission process, no jury notification – simply the opportunity to celebrate the artists that make our artistic community so unique. The theme “Metamorphosis” calls to mind concepts of transformation and change, it can explore how people, nature and society undergo metamorphoses over time. Artists could interpret this theme through depictions of personal evolution, environmental shifts, societal upheavals, or even the lifecycle of creatures undergoing metamorphosis, such as butterflies or frogs. It could evoke feelings of transition, adaptation and renewal, encouraging viewers to reflect on the cyclical nature of transformation and the beauty found within the process of change. Wednesday Night Market July 10, 5 to 8 p.m. Join us every second Wednesday of the month from 5 to 8 p.m. for our monthly pop-up market. We feature a selection of fresh produce, art, live music, food trucks and beer and wine. Members Only – Book Club July 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join fellow Alliance members in the Main Gallery to explore literature – both fiction and nonfiction – revolving around art, artists, art history and art appreciation. Alliance For The Arts on page 4 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID FT MYERS FL PERMIT 751
President Chris Cope’s granddaughter, advertising Gulf Harbour
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