#1 Trash Fish, Florida Money Fish, Silver King Fish, Game Fish or Wuss Fish?

#1 Trash Fish, Florida Money Fish, Silver King Fish, Game Fish or Wuss Fish?

Tarpon yes let's talk about Florida #1 Trash fish, oppsy I meant to say Florida #1 money fish, dang scratch that, I really meant to say Florida Silver King, the #1 game fish. Ok I guess I should explain, Tarpon is not edible, nor does it make a good mount, so  what do you call a fish that you can not eat, or even mount? Trash fish? Even a sail-cat is less of a trash fish, sail-cat are really pretty tasty....

Capt. Terry says Redfish and big Snook are now more active

Capt. Terry says Redfish and big Snook are now more active

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)  Notwithstanding the inclement weather of Tropical Storm Andrea, the fishing has been fantastic for Snook, Redfish, Seatrout, Mackerel and other species, including Flounder. Since then, I have had beautiful days on the water with...

ANDROS GOLD aka Dwight’s West Side Story (Part 1 of 9)

ANDROS GOLD aka Dwight’s West Side Story (Part 1 of 9)

Written by Hans Wilson Andros – April 6th to 16th. Dealing with the loss of my father and (two) one week vacations in one short month was a new one for me. My Dad was a sailor and outdoorsman and I have...

Don’t be afraid to get wet!

Don’t be afraid to get wet!

There is a lot about fish we don't know, but one thing I do know is that they are already wet, so rain would not make a difference to them. Let's leave aside pressure issues with the water, and just...

NOTICE: Restricted Locking at Ortona Lock, Okeechobee Waterway

NOTICE: Restricted Locking at Ortona Lock, Okeechobee Waterway

NTN 20130605 RESTRICTED LOCKING AT ORTONA LOCK, OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY 1. Vessels locking through Ortona Lock located at (LAT/LONG 26°47'21.25"N / 81°18'17.13"W) on the Okeechobee Waterway (OWW) are hereby restricted to 24 feet in beam width due to unexpected maintenance issues with the northeast...

Sometimes plan B is better!

Sometimes plan B is better!

Went fishin on Monday, got a 60 pound (estimated weight) Bull Shark, some Spanish, a nice Jack and not a lot else, but we had a good time. The rain surrounded us & kept pushing us farther up river, but none the less a good day. We made it to the dock as it started to rain. The first fish my grand nephew ever caught was a bull shark... not bad. I was lucky today, with all the rain &...

Capt. Terry says Boca Grande Pass isn’t for the “faint of heart”

Capt. Terry says Boca Grande Pass isn’t for the “faint of heart”

(FT. MYERS BEACH TO CHARLOTTE HARBOR) Fishing remains good for a number of species. Tarpon are in good numbers off Ft. Myers Beach as well as in Pine Island Sound. I have not had much success off of Sanibel or Captiva, but Boca Grande Pass has been loaded with fish. Tarpon seem to prefer big Threadfins, dollar size Blue Crab and Pass Crabs. Mackerel has performed well and jigging has found success in the pass at Boca Grande. However, fishing Boca...

HB 4001 – Repeal of the Florida Renewable Fuel Standard Act

HB 4001 – Repeal of the Florida Renewable Fuel Standard Act

The boating industry would like to thank Governor Scott for signing HB 4001. While our industry supports the progress of those seeking alternative energy sources, the effort needs to better address the variety of users and impact that alternative energies...

River Snook and Snapper Snafu!

River Snook and Snapper Snafu!

Lots of reports about the river, "Peace River" that is. It's funny that when it gets too rough to be on the Harbor that river fishing is "rediscovered". Try a full sized glitter Zara spook and hold on tight - the Snook...

Awwww, Snap! Big snapper available for a limited time!

Awwww, Snap! Big snapper available for a limited time!

Like many things about fish, I continue to learn, after all the more you know about what you are trying to catch, the more successful you will be. When I think about it there are really only a couple of...

Capt. Terry’s charter produced a number of small sharks for lots of ‘reel’ excitement!

Capt. Terry’s charter produced a number of small sharks for lots of ‘reel’ excitement!

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) The last couple of weeks have been really good for all of the ‘back country’ species (Redfish, Snook, Seatrout, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Shark, Mangroves Snappers). The Tarpon have been a little scarce this year...

Captain Terry’s Weekly Fishing Report

Captain Terry’s Weekly Fishing Report

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) The good spring weather together with stronger and higher tides should prove to be the biggest asset to any fishing trip. The location that one chooses to fish should depend on the height, strength and time of tide movements for best results; especially when they work together with the early morning hours. Most all species should be very active and receptive to a variety of live or cut baits, both ‘in’ and ‘off’ shore. They...

Fueling Your Boat: Ethanol vs. Non-Ethanol

Fueling Your Boat: Ethanol vs. Non-Ethanol

Summer is finally upon us. It is a great time to be in Southwest Florida, especially if you own a boat! The tarpon are rolling in, Grouper seasons are opening and the wind is actually calming down. So whether you’re a charter captain, an avid fisherman, or a recreational boater, now is the time to be out there. Before you launch your boat though, there are several things you need to remember. The usual checklist: life jackets, fire extinguisher, air...

Fishin’ Frank wonders whether the magic will remain?

Fishin’ Frank wonders whether the magic will remain?

Well the TV says that we are in for a week of thunderstorms each day, not all day but possible storms each day, which leaves us 1 of 2 possibilities. 1- The first is that a front moves across the Harbor...

Capt. Terry says “inshore fishing continues to get better”!

Capt. Terry says “inshore fishing continues to get better”!

(FT. MYERS BEACH TO CHARLOTTE HARBOR) The ‘inshore’ fishing continues to get better as spring sets in with the tides getting stronger and higher. I had the opportunity over the last number of days (before the full moon and during...

Fishin’ Frank says it’s the time of year to go catching, not fishing!

Fishin’ Frank says it’s the time of year to go catching, not fishing!

Everything is coming together nicely. The red tide is gone, the water temperature is up and the harbor is full of bait. Our summertime fish, tarpon, shark, cobia, mackerel are all starting to show up in the harbor in good numbers and it's only...

Shaaaaaaaarks! Fishin’ Frank reports they’re back!

Shaaaaaaaarks! Fishin’ Frank reports they’re back!

Sharks are moving into Charlotte Harbor. Sharp nose, Black tips, Nurse, Lemons, Spinners, and Bulls & Bonnets, which to be fair are here all year. But we do see increased numbers as the water warms up. each year as the water hits...

“Last week was fantastic for the ‘back country’ charters!” Capt. Terry

“Last week was fantastic for the ‘back country’ charters!” Capt. Terry

CAPTAIN TERRY FISHER’S WEEKLY FISHING FORECAST (Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week was fantastic for the ‘back country’ charters for those able to handle spin cast equipment as well as a few who wanted to learn. My charters boated two 30+ inch Snook while working the Mangroves on both incoming and outgoing tides. Lots of other fish action was captured on camera and video while anglers caught their share of Seatrout, Crevalle Jacks, Lady Fish, Shark and Redfish in the...

Fishin’ Frank’s Charlotte County Report

Fishin’ Frank’s Charlotte County Report

Cobia, Mackerel & Redfish galore. This is what has happened over the week while I have been under the weather. I try to update at least weekly. Not sure if I got sick or just ran out of get up and go, but either way the fishin has been smokin out in the Harbor and near gulf. Cobia are doing the spawn thing and have been thick near Hog Island & marker 1. Schools of Cobia about a mile off the...

Second Annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament

Second Annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament

Award-winning Doc Ford murder-mystery series novelist White has already signed on for fishing the tournament, in which 100 percent of the entry fee will be distributed as tournament awards. “I’m really looking forward to the tournament,” said White, a former area...

There’s something for everyone

Boat shows

Whether you are looking to dive into the boating lifestyle, interested in discovering fishing tips from local pros, or checking out the latest electronics, accessories, motors, boat lifts and supplies, there’s always...

trust your southwest florida marine professionals

Boater’s Resource Directory

Our world class boating region is home to a full complement of boating, and Southwest Florida’s dynamic marine experts are as wide ranging as the area’s boating opportunities.

check out the latest events and activities

Lots to do in SWFL!

Our area is such a natural resource for on-the-water activities that there’s always something going - keep up with the latest events here!