REDFISH (‘Reds’) are everywhere. The Redfish numbers continue to grow and their sizes are getting bigger. The bull (big) ‘Reds’ will continue to migrate in from the gulf to eat and mate before heading back to the gulf in November to winter in deeper water. The FULL MOON will provide for higher and stronger tides, lots of oxygenation and the fish will become very aggressive when foraging for food.
The baits of choice have been jumbo shrimps, live or cut Pinfish/ Ladyfish, Pilchards, finger mullets, gold spoons, top water lures, and scented plastics (jigged or rigged weed-less). This week has produced most of the Redfish around the mangrove islands at the top of incoming tides, using presentations stated above.
Pictured here is Mr. Davis Hasson of Naples, Florida (Senior at Florida Gulf Coast University), holding a Redfish caught on a jumbo shrimp. Davis is an avid fisherman and scuba diver and is always a pleasure to be around. Unfortunately, we had to cut this trip short due to weather. I recently had the pleasure of catching Bonefish on the ‘fly’ with Davis while on a ‘cultural’ exchange, fishing and scuba diving in Cuba, of which I will write about in a later report.
Now through the first week of September should be good fishing as the full moon approaches and then takes a few days to subside. Remember to work the oyster clustered areas surrounding the mangrove islands. Look for ‘jumping’ mullet as they are a very important part when it comes to locating Redfish (Redfish follow them around). I prefer to fish the top half of incoming tides for Redfish, as they seem to provide better results.
SNOOK SEASON OPENS SEPTEMBER 1st!
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tighter’ lines! Other fishing reports, tips and charter information may be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Feel free to email me at [email protected] or for immediate attention, call me direct at 239-357-6829.
Goboatingflorida.com is hosted by the Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association. We are a member-owned trade association made up of businesses involved in the recreational boating industry. SWFMIA was formed in the early 1970’s when a small group of Ft. Myers boat dealers joined together to stage the first Fort Myers Boat Show.
At the time, the only plan was to generate a few boat sales from a show, but before long the show began to grow, by-laws were written, a board of directors formed and SWFMIA was incorporated. Actually, Boat Shows and Trade Associations are an essential element in the marine industry. Most major boat shows in the U.S. are owned by a trade association and it is the revenue from these shows that fund the lion’s share of operating budgets.
Today, SWFMIA represents the industry from Lee County through Tampa Bay, with over 200 members. We are governed by a Board of Directors consisting of a very diverse group of industry business leaders. Our objectives are to protect, promote and grow recreational boating. We play an active role monitoring legislative and political issues that affect boating, both for our member businesses and for the boating public. We provide a variety of services to our members and keep them informed on industry news and issues.
We produce three annual boat shows. The Fort Myers Boat Show, downtown on the river in November. The Charlotte County Boat Show, in January at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds. The Bonita Springs Boat Show in February at the Naples/Fort Myers Greyhound Track.
About four years ago, our Board decided to create a web site that would be a source of boating information for the public. As you look through the site, you will find all kinds of information useful to enjoying your time on the water. You will also find a listing of our members, the products and services they offer and links to their web sites. This is a great source for just about any type of boat, product or service you might need in our region.
We are working to make the site a better resource to keep boaters informed about legislative, political, and rule making issues related to boating. We have local, state and national lobbyists who keep us up to speed on potential issues. For example, in the last several months, we have been involved in or are monitoring the Manatee Protection Plan being adopted in Pinellas County, the St. Petersburg Downtown Waterfront Redevelopment, the dredging of Big Pass in Sarasota, boat ramp issues in Cape Coral, and development of the Historic District in downtown Fort Myers. We’re keeping an eye on pending statewide legislation standardizing rules on where boaters can anchor. On a national level, pending legislation to increase ethanol levels to 15% will adversely affect most marine engines.
You will also see blogs on our site with all kinds of boating information. Boaters are welcome to provide contributions about your time on the water. Send us a story and a few photos about a recent day on the water or a special fishing trip. How about a great restaurant or watering hole you have been to by boat. We live in the greatest boating area in the U.S. and it would be great if you would share your boating lifestyle with others.
We welcome your comments, suggestions, and input on our site. How can we make it more informative and useful? Please e-mail us at [email protected]. We will respond.
Southwest Florida Yacht Club (SFYC) continues to cruise through the summer with trips to the Naples Boat Club (Burger/Marta) and Palm Island (Zych/McKinley) in June, Snook Bight (Burger/Scheinert) in July, and South Seas (Hummer) and Legacy Harbour (Barnhart/Mann) in August. The over-riding theme for the summer cruises was Relaxation.
A lot of time on these cruises was spent relaxing by the pool and/or beach, enjoying casual pot luck and restaurant dinners, excursions to shop, and hanging out with friends. Many of the boaters made other stops on the way to/from the destination to extend their trip a few days.
The South Seas cruise was enjoyed by all as it had a large number of youngsters and teenagers. Some came from as far away as England to cruise with their grandparents. They all spent a lot of time at the beach and in the pools, and kept all of the adults entertained.
SFYC is a very active yacht club with over 35 scheduled cruises per year ranging from 3 days/2 nights to 3-4 weeks in length. Upcoming cruises include Snook Bight, Cape Harbour, Tampa Bay (2 weeks), Palm Island, Pink Shell. SFYC also has on average two social functions per month, many at our home base, The Marina at Edison Ford/Pincher’s in Fort Myers.
If you are interested in participating in a trial cruise to meet us and see what we’re about, or to arrange to attend one of our monthly meetings, please contact our Fleet Captain, Harvey Steele, at (239) 671-8887 or [email protected]. Much more information, including our cruise schedule, is also available on our website www.southwestfloridayachtclub.com. You can also visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SouthwestFloridaYachtClub.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) The Redfish are here in good numbers. The bigger Redfish are arriving daily as they come in from the Gulf of Mexico to fatten up for the winter months and to mate as well. I have had tremendous success with catching them with jumbo shrimp on a weighted jig head suspended under a cork either just on the sea bed or just above it. Other techniques have included a jig head or weight on the bottom with a jumbo shrimp to hold in places of current to keep the bait in the strike zone around the oyster beds or mangrove roots.
Pictured here are Stacey and Dean Church of Branson, Missouri each holding their recent catches. They hired me out by the hour on their vessel to show them fishing locations and techniques. I also provided instructions for chumming and cast netting pilchards on the flats. They have invested in a home here in Ft. Myers and are planning to move down in the not too distant future to live in this beautiful area. They come down to Florida about every two months. They are experienced anglers who were smart to obtain valuable information to insure safe boating and guarantee successful fishing adventures. Very nice people that I had the pleasure to meet and help.
Also, I have pictures of two junior anglers with their recent catches. Ms. Neko Bade (7 yrs.) is holding her first Seatrout. Her brother, Luke Bade (10 yrs.) did a professional job of angling his first ever Redfish that he rightly and proudly displays. Their father, Richard Bade holds his catch as well. Their mother Jodi caught the most Seatrout that day and proved that she is a part of the fishing family from Austin, Texas. Good job fishing friends!
Redfish are everywhere. This is the opportunity to get out and get one. They should continue to be plentiful from now throughout the month of October. Over the coming weeks, I will keep everyone abreast as to their whereabouts and techniques to catch them. Anyone wanting me to go out on their vessel should contact me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]. My website: www.fishfacecharters.com will provide more information to those seeking articles, techniques and charter information.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club, founded in 1963, is unique among S.W. Florida boat clubs in that it owns a portion of a private spoil island on the Caloosahatchee River east of the Franklin Lock near Alva. Over the years a covered pavilion has been built where the members enjoy elaborate monthly picnics, bocce, horseshoes and other relaxing activities.
A major advantage for members is that the Island has ample dockage for member’s boats. Over the years, four docks have been installed on an inside oxbow off the ICW with both 30amp and 50amp electric service. This allows docking for as many as 16 member boats up to 45′ in length to be docked for the weekend at minimal cost. Ferry service across the ICW aboard the club’s 24′ covered pontoon boat, manned by a licensed captain, is provided for members & guests who drive up for the monthly picnic.
Because the Club is a cruising organization, in addition to the Island picnics, members can participate in monthly cruises to local destinations. Fall 2015 cruises include:
September destination: For the last few years the Naples Boat Club has become one of the most popular Club cruise destinations. With a first class onsite restaurant, beautiful pool and outstanding docking facilities this cruise always has a wait list. Cruise leaders have been known to plan very interesting and different activities including a variety of Naples dining adventures.
October destination: Once again the Club returns to Fisherman’s Village Marina on Charlotte Harbor. With abundant shopping on Fisherman’s pier and the close proximity to activities in downtown Punta Gorda, this is a very popular and well attended cruise.
November destination: For a change in 2015, the CCCC has planned a return cruise to Marco Island. Due to the distance and potentially rough weather this has not been a regular Club destination. Members are looking forward to making this again a popular cruise.
Also in November the Club hosts a booth at the Ft. Myers Boat Show. Members are present to answer questions on membership and point out many other fun Club functions.
December: Traditionally no cruise is planned for December as the Club holds a formal “Change of Watch” dinner where past Club officers are recognized for their achievements and officers for the coming year are installed. This is the only annual Club “Coat & Tie” event.
Several other destinations, including South Seas Resort, Palm Island, Pink Shell Resort, Legacy Harbor, and Snook Bight Marina are in the works for the spring of 2016. Although not yet determined, generally a long (10 day to two week) spring cruise is planned. Past locations have included the Bahamas, short loop to Key West, Tarpon Springs, and the south Georgia Isles.
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.
Living on a planet that is 2/3 water might qualify a boat as a necessity rather than a luxury. We could not agree more! So let’s get down to the necessities of your shopping criteria and get you started.
Question 1 – What kind of boat?
Your first step is to determine the type of boat that will suit your needs, and that is based on how you plan to use the boat. There are three main boating activities: cruising, fishing, and watersports. While many boats can be used for two or even all three activities, the chart below shows the type of boat and its primary use.
Day Boating
Cruising
Fishing
Watersports
Bowrider/Runabout
Overnighter
Jon Boat
Personal Watercraft
Deck Boat
Motorycht
Bass Boat
Bowrider/Runabout
Pontoon Boat
Express Cruiser
Flats Boat
Ski/Tow Boat
High Performance
Trawler
Center Console
Wakesurfing Boat
Walkaround
Jet Boat
Convertible
Rigid Inflatable
Day boats are designed to entertain guests and deliver good performance. They are intended (as the name implies) to be taken out for the day and not stayed on overnight.
Cruising boats are also designed for entertaining guests but are not typically as fast or agile as a smaller day boat. They offer cabins and overnighting capabilities, and typically include a head (toilet area) and some form of galley (kitchen) equipment.
Fishing boats are designed with open cockpits in the rear of the boat to maximize the deck space needed for fishing. Plus, they are usually equipped with specialized storage areas and compartments for rods, tackle, bait and the day’s catch.
Watersports boats are designed for waterskiing, wake boarding and towing various water toys at speed. They range from basic sport boats and jet boats to specialized tow boats—which tend to be for the more experienced tow sports enthusiast.
Question 2 – What Size?
Boat size is an important consideration. The bigger the boat, the more features it typically has—like cabins, galleys (kitchens), heads (toilet areas), and so on. The downside to bigger boats is they are more costly to buy, operate and maintain, have more systems to understand and operate, and might not be trailerable. When you’re first getting started in boating, we recommend your first boat be no larger than 24 feet. This, of course, must be balanced with the amount of passengers and gear you plan to bring aboard. Resist the urge to go too big too soon.
Question 3 – New or Used?
The next step is to decide if you want to buy a new or a used boat. Each has its pros and cons—not unlike cars. New boats should provide you with trouble-free operation right from the start. They are sold by dealers who order them direct from the factory and, provided they get the right dealer-prep, are in first-class condition.
Before buying a new boat, make sure the dealer you are considering will support you after the sale throughout your term of ownership. Ask around at boat shows and at the dealer’s location to make sure you’re buying from a reputable dealer with a strong commitment to customer service.
The downside to new boats is they cost more than a similar used boat, but when you buy new you are entitled to all the warranty coverage and manufacturer’s support that comes with buying a new boat.
A used boat may or may not still be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. These can be sold by a) dealers (who’ve taken the used boat in on trade), b) brokers (who don’t own any boats, they just represent them for sale), or c) private individuals. You take a greater risk on the overall quality of a used boat than you do on a new boat since you don’t know the history of the boat, its maintenance, or whether it’s been involved in any type of accident or suffered any damage.
Many of us will bring a used car to our mechanic prior to finalizing the purchase of a used car. By the same token, you can (and should) hire a marine surveyor to go over the boat carefully. The survey will uncover any problems with the boat, and let you know whether you’re getting a good deal or just buying somebody else’s headache.
Question 4 – Which Make and Model?
Once you decided which type of boat and whether to buy new or used, the next step is to narrow your search down to which boats you want to actually see firsthand and take for a test drive.
There are several magazines and websites that regularly do roundups and buyers guides to help you with your research. BoatTEST.com is one good example. They classify boats by type and have helpful video tests online so you can see the boats run and get the tester’s opinions on where can save you countless hours as you do your research.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) This week offers us great fishing with a ‘full’ moon and higher tide levels which will allow access for many anglers to the remote areas. The stronger currents will provide more oxygen to the water and will improve the bite as well.
The Redfish bite has been strong and plentiful! I suggest getting to the mangroves and working the incoming before the tides ‘max’ out for your best chances. Redfish are not as easy to find once they leave the mangroves and oyster beds. The baits of choice have been large handpicked shrimps, cut pinfish and crabs. As the summer temperatures ‘heat up’ I’ve noticed the big bull Redfish are coming in from the gulf sooner than expected.
Captain Terry had a ‘special treat’ a few weeks ago and was able to fish the freshwater lakes and ponds with three of his grandchildren that are pictured here. Landon (8) is pictured with his large Catfish, Addison (7) is pictured with her Bluegill and Avery (4) is pictured with her Crappie!
This is First Mate Vicki and Captain Terry Fisher of FISH FACE CHARTER’S wishing everyone safe boating and tighter lines! Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-‐357-‐6829 or emailing me at [email protected]. Check out my website: www.fishfacecharters.com for more information and articles.
