(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Fishing has been mixed over the last few days due in part to the receding moon phase, time of tides and hot weather/water. Shrimps are small, requiring that one use either cut bait or throw cast nets for Pinfish and Threadfins. Even those can be hard to locate during the summer months. I have been forced to start some mornings on artificial baits until I see bait schools with sufficient sizes of fish to justify a ‘cast’.
The Tarpon are still around and my clients have had their share of hookups using Pinfish and Threadfins in Pine Island Sound. These fish are big and hungry (100 to 150lbs) and will hit on ‘light’ tackle on the flats. The beaches of Sanibel, Captiva and Cayo Costa and their respective passes are all holding small schools of Tarpon as well as big Snook. The Sharks are thick and hungry as well.
Inshore fishing has been spotty for the reasons mentioned above. However, with the ‘New’ moon on the horizon, the weekend of the 4th of July and after, should produce some good fishing. I suggest that one considers throwing nets or using baits other than live shrimp, as they are too small to be effective. Otherwise, consider loading the hooks with 2 or 3 shrimps. There are plenty of Redfish around. The ‘challenge’ is finding them, but once they are located and feeding, most are slot size and will eat for about 1 hour before moving on or taking a break in the hot weather.
MY WEEKLY FORCAST IS THAT FISHING WILL STEADILY IMPROVE AS THE NEW MOON PHASE APPROACHES AND PASSES (3 days before and 3 days after).
As a veteran; HAPPY 4TH OF JULY AND THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE SERVED! If you have any questions or want to book a charter; I am easily reached at 239-357-6829 or via email at [email protected]. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more information. Until next week, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish face Charters of Cape Coral, Ft. Myers and Pine Island, wishing you a ‘FISH OF A LIFETIME’.
Well it’s that time again. Summer is here, the pace is a bit slower for boat sales and the weather and waterside sites are also less busy. That is the perfect excuse to get on the water and do some restaurant hopping. One of our favorite destinations is Fort Myers Beach. It’s an easy cruise and there is plenty to do when you get there.
We enjoy stopping at Nervous Nellie’s which is the first restaurant before the FT Myers Beach bridge. The dockage is free and the food and drinks are always great and well priced. It is also any easy walk to the main part of the beach called Time Square. Plenty of shops to look through and the newly replenished beach is really nice now.
Hop back in your boat, go under the bridge and to your immediate left is Bonita Bill’s which is one of the locals favorite watering holes. Good food and a laid back attitude. Just around the corner to the left is Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille. They have also free dockage and an extensive menu. They have entertainment on the weekends and occasionally book signings by the author of the Doc Ford book series, Randy Wayne White.
A little east you can dock at Salty Sam’s Marina and you have a choice of the Big Game Club which is an open sports style or Parrot Key restaurant which is more resort style. Both are good, so you can’t make a mistake.
A mile or so farther east and south is Snook Bight Marina which is sporting new floating docks and the very nice Bayside Bistro restaurant which has an upscale menu and one of the best views of the bayside that you can find.
So, even if it is summer, you can find plenty of places close by to have a lot of fun with boat. On the way home, pull out in front of Sanibel Island beach, drop the hook and hop in the water for a cool down and a cold one.
Next time we’ll talk about other boating spots close to home.
See you on the water!
Pat
Paradigm Yacht Sales & Brokerage
http://www.yachtworld.com/paradigm/
There are few places to view Fourth of July fireworks displays that can rival the view by boat. This is a great time to get on the water with friends and family. Raft up with your boating buddies, or stake out your own quiet little cove.
There are things that should be kept in mind before venturing out for an evening on the water. Rusty Gardner, founder of Florida By Water, reminds us that even although this can be a great boating experience, safety must always come first. He offers up a few suggestions:
First, make sure that all of your navigation lights are in working order. It is imperative that other boaters are able to see you in the dark.
Second, it is very helpful to have a chart plotter or other navigation device on board when navigating at night. Slow speeds are always better in these conditions and a extra lookout could be invaluable.
Third, make sure you have all of the required safety equipment on board and always wear your life jacket!
And finally, never drink and boat. As the captain you are responsible for the safety of everyone on your vessel. With this many boats on the water, the 4th of July is not a time to take risks.
Anna Maria Island
26th Annual “Sandbar Fireworks Spectacular” FIREWORKS that will light up the night sky on the north end of Anna Maria Island.
Cape Coral
Red, White and Boom. The Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the City of Cape Coral’s 4th of July party, RE/MAX Realty Team’s Red White & Boom. For over 10 year the best of the Cape Coral business community comes together every July 4th celebrate America with Southwest Florida’s most spectacular fireworks show and party.
Held at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge on Cape Coral Parkway the RE/MAX Realty Team’s Red White & Boom is a day filled with patriotic fun. Throughout the years the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral’s Red White & Boom has won the reputation as the best place in Southwest Florida to honor America on the 4th. By land or sea the experience is remarkable as over 20,000 citizens enjoy coming together in the Spirit of America.
More details: The Cape Coral Bridge and Cape Coral Pkwy. shut down between the bridge and Del Prado Blvd. beginning at 4 p.m . There will be live music, kids carnival, & vendors selling food & beer. *Fireworks will begin at Dusk. for more information contact Bob Knickman 239-549-6900 ext. 109 website
Englewood
“Light Up Lemon Bay” Englewood’s annual patriotic fireworks display receives no government funding — the entire program cost is supported through your generosity. website
Fort Myers
Freedom Fest Block Party 2pm ’til Midnight – Fireworks start at 9:30pm, Contact: 1-855-732-3836 Huge fireworks display over the Caloosahatchee River. Food, Live music & kids activities. website
Longboat Key
Boom Boom on the Bay: July 2nd Fourth Annual “Boom Boom on the Bay” FIREWORKS that will light up the night sky on Longboat Key over Sarasota Bay.( For Boaters- it is Channel Marker 39). Come by boat to Dock & Dine or by car. Valet Parking & delicious specials. Seating is limited so call now to get your spot for dinner and a great show! Located at: 760 Broadway Longboat Key, FL.
Punta Gorda
Fishermen’s Village Annual July 4th Celebration: Independence Day festivities begin at 11 a.m. with live entertainment, children’s activities and a fireworks display over Charlotte Harbor. website
Smuggler’s 4th of July Festival: Join the festivities on July 4th at Laishley Park from noon – 10 pm. Just a $2 donation at the gate (or for $6 we throw in a 4th of July Blow-out t-shirt). Please don’t bring a cooler (they have lots of great food and drink) but do bring your lawn chair, sun screen and your patriotic spirit. website
Sarasota
Fireworks Spectacular over Sarasota Bay. Part of the Suncoast Offshore Festival, viewing is free from anywhere downtown including Bayfront Park and Island Park. The Sarasota Fourth of July fireworks show starts at dusk or around 9:00 p.m. website
Siesta Key
Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Siesta Key: 22nd Annual 4th of July Fireworks Display and Party. Fireworks over Siesta Key are blasted off just north of the volleyball courts, so viewing is good from anywhere south and along Crescent Beach (south of Siesta Public Beach), out on the Gulf, or from the Intracoastal waterway. Starts about 9:15 p.m website
St Pete Beach
Fireworks will be shot off a barge in the Gulf of Mexico directly west of the beach. They can be seen from any area along the coastline or by boat. July 4th beginning at 8pm
St Petersburg
Join us on Thursday, July 4, 2013, at Spa Beach Park along the downtown waterfront July 4th 9:00 pm weather permitting (weather conditions may result in fireworks any time between 8:30 pm-10:00 pm) No rain date.
Tampa
At the Florida Aquarium with fireworks over the channel at 9:00 p.m.
Venice
The Venice area fireworks are fired from the south Venice Jetty in the Venice Beach area and there are a number of good vantage points: anywhere along Venice Beach, Nokomis Beach, or from a boat on the Gulf of Mexico or anchored on the Intracoastal waterway, northeast of the Jetty on the water. Fireworks at sunset. website
