“Sheepshead should arrive in full force with bigger ones being caught for sport and harvest.” Says Captain Terry

Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor
(January 24-January 31, 2015)

Fishing this last week was fair to good. Unfortunately, the new moon phase provided the higher and stronger currents during night time hours when most of us were off the water. Furthermore, It appears that the weekend and the start of the week will bring cooler weather, making the fish a little lethargic. None-the-less, do not be discouraged, as the good news is; Sheepshead should arrive in full force with bigger ones being caught for sport and harvest. The best baits for Sheepshead, are Fiddler crabs and shrimp pieces. The Seatrout and Mangrove Snapper bite should be good on small shrimps.

Some Spanish Mackerel are being caught as they continue to migrate through the area. Hopefully, this week’s cool front from up north will move them south in bigger numbers and sizes.

Live pilchards are being netted around the Sanibel Causeway in fairly good numbers on either the early morning incoming or outgoing tides. This is the best live presentation available for Snook. Jack Crevalle are everywhere and love to eat them as well.

Aaron,-Gavin-and-Eli-Hoffman

Pictured here is Aaron, Gavin and Eli Hoffman of Lakeville, Minnesota on their annual fishing trip with Captain Terry. Aaron shows off his first Snook (22″) caught on a pilchard while free-ling. Gavin (11 yrs) is holding just one of his many Seatrout he caught that day. His brother Eli (9 yrs), is shown with his Seatrout as well as a nice Gag Grouper he caught. I enjoy taking these junior anglers out as they are two of the better fishermen that I have the pleasure to fish with! Nice job Gavin and Eli! Practice casting and you will get your Snook next year.

Aaron's snook

Galvin's Seatrout

Eli's Seatrout

Eli's Gag Grouper

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone tight lines. If I may be of assistance for a charter on your vessel or mine, call me at 239-357-6829. More articles and charter information will be on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com including charter rates on my vessel or your vessel. Email me or my 1st Mate Vicki at [email protected] with any requests or questions.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

THE 14th ANNUAL CHARLOTTE COUNTY BOAT SHOW JANUARY 15-18, 2015

THE 14th ANNUAL CHARLOTTE COUNTY BOAT SHOW
JANUARY 15-18, 2015

PORT CHARLOTTE, FL – Charlotte County is home to just about the finest boating waters in the United States and The 14th Annual Charlotte County Boat Show is coming to the Charlotte County Fairgrounds, January 15th – 18th. This is the area’s largest showing of boats and marine products and a great chance to see what is new in 2015.

Every major dealer will be on hand with more than 250 boats estimated to be on display. The Fairground’s Expo Hall will be loaded with a variety of marine accessories and services. There will be supplies and accessories, boat lifts, clothing, yacht brokers, marinas, boatyards, service suppliers and more.

The show is a great opportunity to learn more about area boating and safety. The U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary, Power Squadron, and local Yacht Clubs can answer just about any questions you may have about where to go and how to enjoy the amazing boating waters of Charlotte Harbor.

The ever popular Fishin’ Franks Bait & Tackle will hold Fishing Seminars throughout the four days. You can learn from and talk with area guides about both inshore and offshore fishing. You’ll never find a friendlier or more experienced crew than Fishin’ Frank’s team, always happy to answer all your questions. With Frank’s popular Fishing Simulator, you can experience the excitement of catching everything form a bass to a marlin. It’s all free. Just stop by the seminar area.

Admission to the show is free. There is a $5.00 parking fee for very convenient on-site parking. The show is open from 10AM-6PM Thursday through Saturday and 10AM-5PM on Sunday.

The Boat Show is located on the north end of Port Charlotte at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds. 2333 El Jobean Road (Route 776), Port Charlotte FL 33948. About 3 miles west of U.S. 41. Across the street from the Charlotte County Sports Complex (Spring Training site of the Tampa Bay Rays).

The CHARLOTTE COUNTY BOAT SHOW is owned by the Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association. The association, whose membership includes virtually every boat dealer and marine related company in Southwest Florida, has protected the rights of boaters and promoted boating and the marine industry in Southwest Florida for more than 40 years. The association also owns the BONITA SPRINGS BOAT SHOW, held at the Naples Ft. Myers Greyhound Track in March and the FORT MYERS BOAT SHOW, held in downtown Fort Myers in November.

Complete show details can be found at www.goboatingflorida.com.

Posted by Scott Q Boat Show

“ Right now, it is all about the tides. ” says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) So far we have had a mild winter and the bite continues to be consistent with few exceptions. A new moon is on the horizon and I suggest that anytime over the next week will provide good opportunity to get on the water and catch fish, even though the tide levels will be moderate. Early morning or late in the afternoon will likely be the most productive times. My long time friend, Mr. Rex Burlison of St. Louis, Missouri (pictured with his brother Ron), holding one of many Seatrout caught recently on the ‘flats’. Ron Burlison shows off his first Snook, caught under a dock while free-lining a pilchard on a circle hook during the ‘top’ of a moderate outgoing tide. Both anglers caught numerous other species, including Jack Crevalle, Bar Jacks and Sheepshead throughout the day.

Rex-and-Ron-Burlison's-SeatroutRon-Burlison's-Snook

Right now, it is all about the tides. Snook fishermen should concentrate on free lining baits along deeper tidal cuts around the passes, docks and other structures on outgoing tides. Sheepshead are biting good on small hooks with shrimp and crabs on the incoming tides. Redfish can be caught on the incoming tide as well, but in deeper holes around the mangroves with cut Pinfish and big Shrimps on the bottom. The Seatrout bite is good, but I am still looking for the bigger ones to start biting. Look for Spanish Mackerel just off the outer Islands of Sanibel Lighthouse, North Captiva, Cayo Costa and around Jug Creek shoal in Charlotte Harbor just off Bokelia. Fish for the ‘Spaniards’ with 40 lb monofilament leader with a weighted jig head and shrimp about 4ft. under a cork. No need to use wire leader or a ‘trailing’ hook.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tight’ lines! Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or emailing [email protected]. More articles and information may be obtained by visiting my website at www.fishfacecharters.com

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

2014 – A good year for the Cape Coral Cruise Club

Once again having a booth at the November Ft. Myers Boat Show was very worthwhile. With the able
assistance of several Club members who manned the booth over the four days, we were able to attract about six new members. Both Club publicity and membership appreciates the time and effort of those participating, making this show the best yet. Between the News-Press monthly cruise articles and the community awareness generated by attending the Boat Show, the WORD IS OUT. If you like to cruise in your own boat, and wish to do this with like-minded boaters, CCCC is the club for you!

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December is when, in lieu of a group going on a cruise, the Club changes officers. The beautifully decorated Palmetto Pine Country Club was the venue for the 2014 Cape Coral Cruise Club CHANGE OF WATCH. This annual formal event is the night when the new Bridge and Board of Governors is sworn in, and the outgoing Bridge and Board is recognized for their efforts on behalf of the Club.

Upon arrival, each couple or single member picked up their name sign to place on a table along with a playing card. Servers circulated with plates of hor d’oeuvers enjoyed with cocktails, including Swedish meatballs, bacon wrapped scallops, coconut shrimp and bruschetta. Mike Cole of Black Tie Entertainment was the D J and played music during cocktail hour, while member Craig Overstreet sold 50/50 drawing tickets.

Following the cocktail hour, the 61 members and guests sat down for a dinner of either 10 oz. Black Angus Prime Rib of Beef, or Australian Sea Bass served with tossed salad, oven roasted potatoes, vegetable medley, rolls & butter, and peppermint ice cream with candy canes.

After dinner, Len Grassini called Commodore Phil Kryger forward to give his outgoing comments, which included thanking the outgoing Board, thanking Sharon Palmisano and Larry Mitchell for their many years of service. Commodore Kryger then called forward members Perry Ahrens and Bob Martin, and presented to them Life Membership awards for their long time service to the Club.

This was followed by the swearing in of 2015 Commodore Lee Jetton, who was presented with his Commodore flag. Commodore Jetton thanked Past Commodore Kryger for his outstanding work on behalf of the Club, and presented him his Past Commodore gold name tag, his flag.

The new flag Officers: Vice Commodore John Queen, Rear Commodore Edie Limbright, Secretary Dianne Myers and Treasurer Brenda Stewart. The remainder of the 2015 Board members, Island & Property Chairman Len Grassini, Membership Chairman Phil Kryger, Asst. Secretary/Treasurer Terry Carlson, and Members at Large Perry Ahrens & Steve Winner were also sworn in.

Following Commodore Jetton’s incoming comments the 50/50 drawings were held, with Paul Carrico the big winner. Matching playing cards were used to draw remaining prizes including 17 free stays at various marinas (a few for 2 free nights). Winners declining the free stays were able to select from a table of assorted gifts, so that every membership or guest couple won a prize.
The evening continued with everyone showing off their dancing skills until 10:00 PM when it was time to end an enjoyable evening of food, fun and prizes.

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The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.

Posted by Scott Q Cruising

“Seatrout and Sheepshead bites and sizes should continue to improve.” Says Captain Terry

Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Happy New Year to all Lee County boaters, fishermen and fisher ladies! Being my first report of the year, I want to report that fishing has remained good. Coming into the full moon over the last week attributed to the bite. The new cold front has just arrived today, but it will be short lived, with temperatures forecasts to heat back up by Friday and Saturday giving everyone a chance to get back on the water and enjoy the only warm weather in the lower 48 states, right here in SW Florida.

The little fish baits are still here, but I admit, they are getting smaller and are harder to find. They are around the bridge pilings. I get mine around the A and C spans of the Sanibel Causeway early in the mornings. Otherwise, use Pinfish or shrimps. Pictured here is Brian Nagy of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania holding a 31 inch Snook he caught on a pilchard, free lined on a circle hook on, along a mangrove line of a creek around Shell Point.

Brian-Nagy's-31-inch-Snook

Jack Crevalle, Mangrove Snappers, Sheepshead and other species, including bigger Seatrout are starting to become more active as winter sets in. Spanish Mackerel are coming into Charlotte Harbor and will provide good action off of Jug Creek Shoal around Bokelia. Fish them with a cork, 4 ft. of 40lb monofilament leader with a weighted jig head with live shrimps for good results (one does NOT need a wire line to catch them). Simply keep the line tight and only one in ten will bite it off. They should hold in about 7 to 8 foot of water just off the line on the outside of the shoal.

I look for the Mackerel bite to really heat up just before, during and after the new moon this month and continue through the month of January. Seatrout and Sheepshead bites and sizes should continue to improve. Remember, Sheepshead are ‘suckers’ for Fiddler Crabs, but will take shrimps as well.

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone a Happy New Year and ‘tighter’ lines! Contact me at [email protected] or call me at 239-357-6829 for charter information or assistance on your vessel. Find more articles and fishing tips on the links on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports