Captain Terry’s SW Florida Holiday Fishing Report

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

This is the time of the year when many come from the frigid areas of the north to enjoy the holidays of Christmas and the New Year. The last few charters have delivered some nice catches for my young anglers. The catches were from the southern end of Pine Island Sound all the way north to Charlotte Harbor. Due to the lower winter tides, most of the game fish were caught south of the power lines in open water, around mangrove islands with oyster clusters and dead wood. The water is clearing up around the mouth of the Caloosahatchee since the Corps of Engineers have quit sending fresh water to us from Lake O. Seatrout, Redfish, Snook, Mangrove Snapper, Spanish Mackerel and small shark made up most of the ‘bounty’.

Read more “Captain Terry’s SW Florida Holiday Fishing Report”

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “October finished strong for most inshore species”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

October finished strong for most inshore species, including Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper and decent size Seatrout joining the ‘party’. Pictured here is Dave Anderson of Lake St. Louis, Missouri holding a nice Flounder he caught around Cabbage Key while ‘free-lining’ a shrimp under a cork along mangrove trees. I was ‘Captain for Hire’ on Dave’s new 24ft. Boston Whaler Bay Boat. Dave and his wife Barbara learned some fishing locations, strategies and techniques that yielded each of them a Redfish along with a number of other species, including Snook.

Read more “Captain Terry says “October finished strong for most inshore species””

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry’s October 24th Fishing Report

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)
October 24th, 2016

Fishing has been very good north of the power lines in Pine Island Sound (‘Sound’) for species such as Snook, Redfish, Seatrout and Mangrove Snappers. South of them, the water is ‘coffee’ color due to the excess releases by the Corps of Engineers from Lake O. Red Tide seems to linger in specific areas from time to time. The Punta Rassa launch ramp is slow with few charters going out as of last week, due mostly to that. I run most of my charters out of Pineland Marina and Matlacha when possible, even though water levels are higher at the southern end of the Sound’, allowing good access to more remote areas.

Read more “Captain Terry’s October 24th Fishing Report”

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “Hurricane Matthew is finally gone”!

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

Hurricane Matthew is finally gone so we can all go back to doing what we love to do; fishing and boating! The water temperatures and wind conditions should allow most anyone good opportunity over the next week to fish both offshore and inshore. Naturally, the winds will mostly dictate offshore activities. Offshore bottom fishing should produce good numbers of Grouper, Snapper, Porgies, Cobia and an occasional Triple Tail. Baits of choice include, Pinfish, Threadfins, Finger Mullet, squid and shrimp. Use circle hooks when fishing for reef species. Know the species by sight or compare to a ‘fish species’ color chart. Know size requirements and harvest restrictions.

Read more “Captain Terry says “Hurricane Matthew is finally gone”!”

Posted by Scott Q Fishing Reports

Captain Terry Fisher’s SW Florida Fishing Report for September 26, 2016

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

Last week produced good fishing offshore as well as inshore. Red Grouper, Lane Snapper, Permit, Gray Snappers and a few Cobia were caught on live Pinfish, shrimp, squid and crabs. Many fisherman and guides enjoyed a good bite anywhere from 3 to 30 miles offshore.

Read more “Captain Terry Fisher’s SW Florida Fishing Report for September 26, 2016”

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “Fishing remains good inshore”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)
August 17, 2016

Fishing remains good inshore, especially early mornings on high incoming or outgoing tides for Seatrout on the flats. Troll for Spanish Mackerel around Sanibel Lighthouse, in Redfish, N. Captiva and Boca Grande Passes, using spoons with swivels and 40lb monofilament leaders. Fish for large, Mangrove Snappers in the passes using small circle hooks, 3oz. lead weights with shrimps or small Pinfish for bait.

Read more “Captain Terry says “Fishing remains good inshore””

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “waters should clear up as summer temperatures return to the 90s”

The last 10 days brought about a mix of good and not so good catches. Water levels were high enough, but due to the ‘on-slot’ of rain, muddy waters moved the fish from locations that I was expecting them to be. However, on the brighter side and with the exception of our normal afternoon showers, the waters should clear up a bit as summer temperatures return to the 90s. I am looking forward to some good fishing during the early morning hours and well into early afternoon in most areas, as water levels should remain high. Fish the tides when possible, as good water movement will enhance the bite.

Read more “Captain Terry says “waters should clear up as summer temperatures return to the 90s””

Posted by Scott Q Fishing Reports

Captain Terry Says “Early morning fishing should be good”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

Early morning fishing (inshore and offshore) should be good over the next 10 days or so. We have a ‘New-Moon’ phase bringing in high water levels for the inshore anglers together with strong water currents that should enhance opportunities for offshore anglers as well.

Read more “Captain Terry Says “Early morning fishing should be good””

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports