The wonderful thing about living in SW Florida is that it is only a half day trip by land or water to the upper or middle Keys. All the species that we target and catch here are there as well. The techniques and type of equipment remain the same, the difference however, are shorter distances (only 5 miles) to 100ft. depths for Grouper, Snapper and other reef species.
1st Mate Vicki and I frequent the Florida Keys each year and encourage SW Floridians to ‘mix it up’ a bit and enjoy both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean venues. Last year Vicki and I took two separate ‘Voyages’ to Key West and beyond to Ft. Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas. Unfortunately, 2nd Mate ‘Moby Dick’ (our Chocolate Lab) was not included. This year however, he is joining the ‘Crew’ (his family) for two full weeks of fishing, eating, fun and relaxation. Moby loves to sniff the fish and hang out with the ‘gang’! When he is not with us, his job is to protect the house and property that we rent, greet any friend or client that shows up. I enjoy seeing boaters with their dog on board as well. Vicki and I will spend a lot of time trolling the Atlantic waters for Dorado, Tuna and Wahoo and enjoying a ‘change of pace’, as we have had a busy season since last November.
Fishing has been great here at home. I enjoyed seeing clients and friends at the annual boat show in Bonita last March. Lots of boats to dream of owning together with lots of ‘Salt Life’ products to purchase and enjoy both on land and water:
OFFSHORE (winds permitting); Groupers, Snappers, grunts, Permit, Triple Tail and Tarpon are all here.
INSHORE; Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Mangrove Snapper and Seatrout are being caught in good numbers.
Recently the heat and humidity have been brutal. I recommend that all anglers and boaters stay hydrated as well as go early instead of later. Baits are available for cast netting and small summertime shrimps at bait shops. More experienced anglers my consider artificial presentations. They work as well but not as good as live presentations.
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Any anglers wanting information for fishing offshore or inshore this summer and fall should feel free to contact me for equipment and bait recommendations. I spend a great deal of time as ‘Captain for Hire’ on ‘Boat Club’ vessels, personal vessels for both offshore and inshore to assist with navigation, fishing locations and techniques that take the ‘guess’ work out of fun boating and guaranteed fish catching.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone a safe and fun 4th of July Holiday. My thanks go out to my Marine Corps ‘brothers and sisters’ together with all other veterans and service members that continue to ensure our freedoms as we know them. Nothing easy comes without sacrifice!
Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Email me at [email protected] or call me direct at 239-357-6829 with any questions for information or to schedule a charter on my vessel or yours as I am available as ‘Captain for Hire’ by the hour on your boat.
By Captain Terry Fisher