(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Regardless of the full moon cycle, the cool fronts have definitely slowed down the fishing as well as the ‘bites’. I have worked the flats and back country ‘on and off’ all last week and have found most success working the mangroves, pilings and structures for Mangrove Snappers, Sheepshead and Snook. Spanish Mackerel, Pompano and Seatrout still roam the flats but have been difficult to find during the cold spells. ‘Off-shore’ fishing and reports have been far and few between, due to the sporadic high winds.
Fishing remained fairly good until the last two or three cold fronts but has deteriorated (slowed) as the water temperatures dropped. Shown here is a picture of Mr. Shane Waldy of Niagra Falls (Ontario), Canada with a nice size Seatrout he was able to land after a tough day trying to find fish of any size.
A couple of days prior to that I had the pleasure of fishing with Mr. Aaron Hoffman of Lakeville, Minnesota, pictured with a really nice Pompano caught in Pine Island Sound, just off of Wulfert Keys. His sons, Eli (only 7) and brother Gavin (only 10) are pictured holding Seatrouts. They both proved to be really good ‘junior’ anglers each catching Snook in the ‘back country’.
It appears that the weather may improve over the weekend and into the middle of next week. I suspect that the fish will remain a little lethargic (with the exception of Sheepshead) with the cooler water temperatures of late. I have a number of charters scheduled over the next several days and look forward to reporting those results in my future fishing reports. Until then, slow down the presentations and be patient. This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing you the best. Additional articles and charter information will be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. I am easily reached via phone at 239-357-6829.
Standing rigging are the most important parts that keep your mast on your boat. When the mast goes overboard, not only can it be dangerous, but it can also be very expensive. You probably lose your sails, the electronics on your mast (wind, radar, antennas etc.) and your boat will be less stable.
The best way to check your rigging is have a qualified rigger go aloft and check the rigging from mast head to the chainplates.
When should you check the boat’s rigging? Most experts agree that your rigging needs to be checked after 10 years. Many insurance companies require that rigging needs to be less than 10 years old before they will insure your boat. If the rigging is closer to 15 to 20 years, you are asking for trouble. The rigger should use a blue ink dye that is used to confirm cracks in stainless steel swage fittings and the wire. Sometimes you see a line that looks like a crack, but by wiping it with the dye and sanding it with a medium duty cleaning pad (Scotch Brite), you can determine if it is an actual crack or just a line caused by swaging. The entire length of the wire needs to be checked. You can have two or more strands of wires cracked at different locations of the same wire (see slide show).
While aloft, the rigger should be checking the masthead, the sheaves, any sign for cracks in welds such as the mast head, spreader joints and all pins and rigging connections. We recently inspected the top of a furling system that was not performing correctly; the culprit was the cracked head of the system and the frozen bearings.
Rigging is not as expensive as you might think. If only a few stays are effected it can be changed without taking the mast down. If all the rigging needs to be replaced, than the best thing to do is unstep the mast and take that opportunity to change out the electric wires; good chance is they don’t meet current ABYC standards, and check the steaming and anchor lights. Whatever you do, don’t take too long to have a rigging expert take a good look at your rigging!
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Despite the cool fronts and variable winds the fish have remained active at certain times of the day. It has been difficult to determine as to when to schedule some of the charters, as the fish are sometimes more active early morning as opposed to letting the sun and temperature warm up the ‘flats’ at midday. However, the facts are that they must eat, but the questions remain; when, where and at what depths?
Recently, I had the opportunity to take out some of my ‘favorite’ clients; Chad and Joy Wolney of Buffalo, Minnesota. Joy is a member of the Buffalo Wild Wings corporate management team. Last year I had the pleasure to ‘captain’ a fishing charter with members of that elite group, including Joy and her husband, Chad. We all had a great time. Needless to say, I was honored when they called me a few weeks ago to schedule a family charter, which included Chad’s mother and father, Vicki and Jim Wolney of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota.
Ironically, Vicki had never done much fishing, but before that day was over, we all concluded that she was not only the ‘most improved angler’, but probably caught more and bigger fish than all ‘onboard’ (including the ‘captain’)! Pictured here is the Wolney family with Seatrout caught that very ‘cool’ day. The bite was so strong that we had to return to dock to get more baits. Congratulations Vicki!
On the ‘cold’ days, I have been finding fish on the grass flats in five (5) to six (6) feet of water. The water temperature is now around 68 degrees (F), keeping the fish down. Snook, Redfish, Sheeps head, Spanish Mackerel are all active on a moving water. Triple Tails are beginning to show up along the buoys, offshore. Big Snook and Redfish are deeper. Snook will be found in the canals, around the deeper island ‘cuts’ and on hard bottom structure. The waters are clear, so stealth is the ‘order of the day’. Shrimp, live and cut Pinfish are probably still one’s best bet for any of the species. Angler’s presenting artificial baits might consider slowing down the presentations. Be patient, as it is ‘winter’. If and when fish are found, the bite could be good.
This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing you a great day of fishing! Fishing reports and charter information may be found at www.fishfacecharters.com. I am easily reached at 239-357-6829 or via email at [email protected] with any questions or requests.
Having antifouling paint applied to a boat bottom is the most common part of maintenance on a boat that stays in the water. A clean bottom is fuel efficient and at today’s fuel price it is something you should be concerned about. If you are a sailor and race your boat, it is equally important so you can stay competitive on the race course and if cruising, you will just cruise faster.
Why do bottom job prices vary so much from boat yard to boat yard? The labor cost is close to being the same (within 5%) and the cost of material should be the same for all yards. So what is the difference?
Many yards quote on a bottom job using a base number which includes haulout, pressure cleaning and minimal prep for painting. Then, when the boat gets to the yard, the price changes because it had barnacles and that will be an extra charge. Then there will be another charge because it takes more than a couple of hours of prep. Want the entire bottom sanded? That is another charge. Will they paint just one coat on the boat and charge you extra for more paint?
The Sailor Wharf quotes ONE price and we have been doing it way since 1978. The only time we charge extra for bottom prep is when the barnacles are so large that you may even have oysters on your bottom. If your bottom paint is flaking off, the hull which happens when the original paint was not properly applied or, more common, when the original paint is so old that it no longer has the adhesion to stick to the hull, we would recommend the total removal of the paint.
The proper way to prep a bottom and the only way the Sailor’s Wharf will do the job:
The boat gets hauled, pressure cleaned and the boat gets blocked.
The next step is to sandblast the shaft(s), propeller(s) trim tabs, thru hull fittings, rudder(s) and other metal underwater gear. We then inspect shaft bearing(s) the propeller(s) and rudder(s) for any wear, corrosion, electrolysis and any other issues that can only be seen when a boat is out of the water.
To properly prep the boat’s bottom, we use vacuum sanders. It is not only the right way of doing it environmentally, it is also more efficient, since the dust is immediately removed and the sandpaper can do its job properly. The worker can also see exactly where he is going, since there will be a clean surface while he is sanding. The next step is to wash all the dust off the bottom and the prop(s) and running gear gets painted with quality metal paint for that purpose. The rest of the bottom gets painted with your choice of anti fouling paint which, we either roll or spray on, with an airless paint sprayer depending on the customer’s choice. We move the boat stands so we can have the entire boat painted except for the keel blocks. When the paint is dry (usually 24 hours) we lift the boat and paint the keel block areas and inspect the bottom one last time. When the final paint touchup is dry, we launch the boat and wash the deck.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Even though the New Year brought with it plenty of rain and gusty winds throughout our region, several ‘die hard’ anglers braved the elements in search of fish. I had the pleasure of fishing with many new clients shortly after the New Year and they were all successful in catching plenty of fish. Most impressive were youthful anglers determined to fish regardless of the conditions. Pictured here is ten (10) year old William Cawdrey of Cincinnati, Ohio proudly displaying just one of many Seatrout he caught over a two (2) day period of fishing the ‘flats’. His brother Timothy, only fourteen (14) and good friend Harrison Rodgers, only thirteen (13), proudly poses with Spanish Mackerel they caught. All three junior anglers showed exceptional abilities to handle whatever species decided to ‘take the bait’. They were all kept busy catching Crevalle Jacks, Ladyfish and lots of Seatrout on both charter days.
Another exceptional junior angler is Matthew Izzo (13), of Downingtown, Pennslyvania. Matthew is shown with one of many big Seatrout he caught in Pine Island sound during a half day charter. His father, Chris Izzo is pictured alongside his son while holding a nice Seatrout he caught. The day made for a great experience for both father and son as they caught lots of big Seatrout and other species. I am looking forward to the opportunity to take all of them out next year in search of their ‘fish of a lifetime’.
Fishing should continue to be productive with the ‘full moon on the horizon’. However, the cool front will make some parts of the day less likely to produce. I suggest going early morning for the better chances of big Seatrout, as warmer parts of the day have recently proven ‘less’ productive. Snook and Redfish are still active but hard to find due to the ‘skinny’ waters. Proven locations will still produce so long as the tide levels provide sufficient depth for the fish to get close to and under the mangroves; otherwise the fish will be elsewhere. Sheepshead and Mangrove Snappers are active most any part of the day, but my pleasure is early morning. Small bait hooks, ‘tipped’ with a nice piece of shrimp should get one a meal.
This is Captain Terry Fisher offering these tips for better days on the water. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more fishing reports, articles and charter information. Email me at [email protected] or call me at 239-357-6829 with any questions or to book a charter.
Don’t miss out on the fun! The Charlotte County Boat Show will be held at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds from Thursday, January 16th through Sunday, January 19th. Admission is free to the public and parking is $5.00. The show will be open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Check out a large boat display outdoors and then head inside the Expo Center to gear up on new boating accessories, boat lifts, clothing, yacht brokers, marinas, boatyards, service suppliers and more. Click here for more information.
2333 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL, 33948, United States
941-629-4252
Most of our customers ask if there is a new bottom paint they should use on their boat? The honest answer is maybe. I always tell our customers if the paint they are using is working than don’t switch unless you have a reason. So here are some reasons that you may want to switch:
All paints have a type of resin binder that keeps the paint compound together. After years of paint buildup, the first coat that was put on 10 years ago has reached the end of its life; the resin is brittle and can no longer adhere to the hull. No one can guarantee that any paint will adhere without flacking off. You can delay removing all the paint but you will need to fair the old paint and hope that it will hold until the next haulout. I have seen paint flacking off as you apply the new paint because the solvent in the new paint will soften the old, tired paint. The only way to cure the problem is remove all the old paint to the bare hull.
Ablative paint eliminates paint buildup since every time your diver cleans the bottom of the hull they are cleaning some of the ablative paint off the hull and exposing new paint. This paint usually cost a little more but is well worth the cost. Some people have success using a hard paint for their first coat, usually a different color, they then apply a couple of coats of ablative paint so the diver can warn the owner when they are down to hard paint and will need to get the boat hauled for a bottom job.
Last year I won the Regata del Sol al Sol, the St Petersburg to Mexico Race in the mono hull fleet. I used SeaHawk Biocop TF, a premium hard ablative paint. We also sanded the bottom with 400 grit autonet discs using a vacuum sander to get a very fast bottom in light air. I have the bottom repainted every 2 years so that I can inspect the hull, the strut & shaft, repack the grease in my 3 bladed feathering Max Prop and look for any signs of electrolysis.
There are a few new paints out there; we have applied Eco-Clad on 8 boats and the owners are happy but it is still too new to make good judgment on the results. SeaHawk has their new Smart Solution paint. If you really want to become an expert, take a look at the web sites of the common paints used on the Florida West Coast, www.pettitpaint.com, www.seahawkpaints.com, and the new www.ecoclad.com.
After you have done all the research, ask owners of the boats around you to find out what works best in your immediate area. Whatever you do, don’t wait too long between painting your boat’s bottom. Paint companies only warrant paint for 1 year and you can typically get 18 months to 2 years out of a good bottom job. When you start pushing this time line, you are asking for trouble. You need to inspect the bottom of your boat for signs of electrolysis, wear on the shaft cutlass bearings, rudder, blisters etc. I have found that in the 35 years of owning our boat yard, the customers who have a regular maintainance schedule of 18 months to 2 years will come out ahead financially over the long term.
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 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 monthly elaborate picnics, bocce, horseshoes and other relaxing activities.
January, South Seas cruise: A fleet of sixteen vessels belonging to CCCC members cruised to South Seas Resort on Captiva Island for a unique and entertaining adventure January 16 – 18. Under the cruise leadership of Past Commodore Phil Quick and wife Lyn, our adventure took a realistic turn with members going on a treasure hunt at the resort to find a wonderful hidden prize. Over the course of three days clues were given to attending members to assist in locating the prize. Joanne Zimmer was successful on Friday.
February, 2013 Prime Rib picnic: This was a milestone for CCCC as more than 70 members, guests and prospective members attended. The prime rib dinner, prepared by Gary and Kathy Taake and their able assistants was especially delicious as Gary and Kathy brought the selected meat from their Nebraska cattle operation. Topping off the outstanding meal was the individually packed citrus sorbet packets that both cooled and cleansed the palette. No one departs hungry from a monthly CCCC Island picnic.
February, Pink Shell Cruise: Twenty boats from the CCCC cruised to Ft Myers Beach on February 19th to participate in the opening and festive ribbon cutting of a wonderful new marina – the Pink Shell Marina. This Marina features great amenities, including floating docks, cable TV, dockside pump-out, and access to the Pink Shell Resort’s 3 heated pools, white sand beach, spa and food & beverage facilities. In addition, the marina offers the closest access to the Gulf of Mexico of any Ft. Myers Beach marina. Three days of fun, relaxation, and use of the Pink Shell amenities made for an outstanding cruise.
March Little Loop extended cruise: Three “slow” boats, and eight “fast” boats departed the CCCC owned Island on the Caloosahatchee River east of the Franklin Lock near Alva on separate days in mid- March due to weather conditions for crossing Lake “O”, eventually to meet on the east coast at Sailfish Marina in Palm Beach. Off and on weather was a determining factor for arrivals and departures from Bahia Mar Yachting Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Miamarina in Miami, Hawks Cay Marina & Resort on Duck Key, and Key West. Weather concerns are predominant when it comes to member boating safety. Overall with good friends, good meals, some outstanding fishing and swimming with dolphins, the group had a fine time cruising the Little Loop.
April, 2013 a busy CCCC month: Events following the Club Island picnic on the first Saturday of the month included:
50th Anniversary celebration cruise: The CCCC celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala dinner cruise and dance aboard the beautiful 100 foot Sanibel Princess on Wednesday, April 10th. Founded in 1963 by James Holmes and a small group of Cape Coral boaters, the club’s objectives are to encourage the sport of boating, promote good seamanship and fellowship in cruising the inland and coastal waters of Florida, and provide a clubhouse for the recreation and use of members and their guests.
Sixty members and guests, dressed for the occasion, boarded the Sanibel Princess at 6:00 pm for a four hour cruise, starting with a happy hour complete with full bar, and appetizers of vegetables, dip and cheese platter with fresh fruit. Then dinner was announced which consisted of a sumptuous buffet of several salads, winter medley mix of vegetables, red russet potatoes, beef tenderloin, chicken breast with wild rice, pan seared salmon with glaze, crab meat with pasta casserole, and delicious assorted desserts.
Each couple was given a beautiful commemorative acrylic plaque to honor the occasion. The Captains and crew members of the Sanibel Princess went out of their way to show club members a great time, and many who had never been aboard the boat agreed that the food, ambience and service exceeded their expectations.
April, Snook Bight Marina cruise: CCCC members had a great time at Snook Bight Marina for the April, 2013 monthly cruise. Members began arriving just before 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 16th, and despite the breezy conditions and fast tidal current from the SE, all boaters docked without incident. As the sun settled into the west, John Queen surprised everyone by transforming into ‘Alex Treebark’ and delivering a hilarious rendition of ‘CCCC Jeopardy’. Using a laptop and power point, John separated the crowd into three teams and grilled club members on subjects such as Club History, Hidden Island, Boating Safety Regulations. Two days followed enjoying the sights and sounds of Times Square, Santini Plaza, good meals and friendship, and the sands of Ft. Myers Beach, before members started their engines and headed for home on the 19th.
May, Up the GICW to Palm Island: On May 14, 2013 several members of the CCCC cruised northward on the Gulf ICW to Palm Island, a favorite annual Club destination. The trip up Pine Island Sound was a bit choppy, as was crossing Boca Grande Pass, but the five boats all arrived and docked without incident using the assigned assistance of Palm Harbor Marina staff. With near perfect weather and outstanding facilities, along with the hospitality planning of Captain Lynch, the arrival and securing of members boats was outstanding. The following two days were filled with trips to the beach, lots of pool time along with the traditional card games. Included on any CCCC cruise are outstanding appetizers, docktails, snacks and uniquely grilled meals. The morning of May 17 saw Club mariners slipping lines and departing for the southbound GICW cruise back home. The inter-coastal waterway was near calm and everyone returned without incident. June, Final spring cruise to Burnt Store Marina: The final CCCC cruise before the Club’s annual summer break was to Burnt Store Marina hosted by Detlef and Denise Rohleder, and co-hosted by Phil and Pat Kryger. Four members cruised north on the GICW and up a very smooth Charlotte Harbor. After checking in and tied up in the assigned slips, boaters were on their own to do whatever, until docktails at 4:30. Snacks were provided by the host at the Marina pavilion, including yummy crab dip and crackers provided by Bobbie McEwen. Over the next two days several members arrived by land yacht to participate in the bocce games, trivia contests, excellent meals, and other traditional CCCC cruise activities.
August, Special Island event: Due to the heat and humidity of mid-summer in S.W. Florida the CCCC normally holds no Club activities. 2013 was different as a recent new member decided to provide a different Island treat, a Pirate theme party! On August 17, pirates attacked Hidden Island! In preparation the Captain and his crew arrived on the island Thursday to ensure that all was clean and ready for those members who elected to attempt the Saturday pirate invasion. CCCC members and appropriately attired guests crossed the GICW by Club pontoon boat shortly after 9:00 am on Saturday. Braving snakes, a raven and numerous hazards along the way, they arrived only to be met by defense cannon fire from Vice Commodore Phil Kryger’s unique PVC cannon. Len Grassini, pontoon boat pilot and the intrepid Island grounds’ keeper, returned fire with 3 quick shots with his trusty shotgun and the battle was underway!
Once the battles were ended the members were confronted with three puzzles to complete, and clues to decipher before scouring the island for Treasure hidden earlier by the Captain and crew. Our intrepid Commodore, Mike Stewart and matie, Brenda, were swift, diligent with clues, persistent, and courageous. They braved hazardous conditions, analyzed the clues, and in swift order returned to the pavilion with the treasure chest in tow! Upon opening it they discovered 4 wonderful casks of Grog, fabulous plastic jewels and a dinner for two at the fantastic Moorings restaurant in Cape Coral! Oh, what Bounty (booty)!
Shortly after the prizes were awarded, all relaxed and enjoyed steaks, marinated in a mysterious sauce were grilled and matched with many other wonderful offerings on the serving table. Desserts abounded and all of the crew was well fed. Tired, hot, but well fed, the invading pirates departed the island to return to their ordinary lives declaring as they went that “a pirate’s life is way too short!”
September, The Naples Boat Club: The CCCC resumed its schedule of monthly cruises to both near and distant locations, with the season kickoff cruise to the Naples Boat Club. Unlike the 2012 cruise to Naples, waves were 1 to 2 feet on the Gulf of Mexico southbound on Tuesday the 17th making for a very comfortable ride for all members. One of the popular features of this cruise is a catered dinner after arrival on the first night. This means no one has to cook a dish after cruising two to five hours on a hot day, so at 6:00 PM, Rib City catered a delicious meal of sliced BBQ pork sandwiches, baked beans, potato salad and slaw, with an assortment of fresh baked cookies for dessert.
At the Wednesday morning continental breakfast cruise leaders announced a group activity in the pool at 11:00 am requiring good hand and eye coordination, but no further details were divulged.
At the appointed hour, all members in swimwear got in the pool, and waited patiently while hundreds of wine corks were dumped into the pool. It was explained that upon a signal, everyone was to grab as many corks as they could, and store them in any way they could. It was a hilarious scene as corks were stuffed into swim trunks, pockets, swim tops and bottoms, and both hands. When all the corks were gone from the pool, contestant’s collected corks were counted, with prizes to be awarded at Happy Hour later in the afternoon. First prize went to Phil Quick, who somehow collected 136 corks (an amazing feat), second prize was won by Phil Kryger, and third prize was won by Edie Limbright. A special booby prize was awarded to member Bobbie McEwen, who, despite using a portable oxygen tank, got in the pool and collected 29 corks. Although this was the smallest number of corks collected, she amazed everyone with her participation and effort.
Wednesday and Thursday were filled with Naples tours by trolley and water taxi, as well as another “Solo red bowl sailboat” build and race contest at the pool. Once again members enjoyed sinkings, devious antics, and laughs as contestants attempted to win.
Of course dinners out and member arrivals by land yacht rounded out the very successful and fun filled Naples cruise. Friday morning saw members slipping lines and heading back north with fond memories of CCCC cruising.
October, CCCC returns to Fisherman’s Village: Six club member boats cruised to Fishermen’s Village Tuesday the 15th of October. The water on Charlotte Harbor was smooth and that alone made the journey to Punta Gorda much better than last year when wind created very rough conditions. Upon arriving at the docks we had timely assistance from the marina staff. Dock masters Randy and Jim enhanced our stay by allowing us use of the boaters lounge for our happy hours and dinner time.
Over the next two days members used provided bicycles to ride into Punta Gorda, relaxed with card games, and enjoyed the activities on the pier. Friday morning attendees cruised back down Charlotte Harbor, turned south on the GICW for the return trip to Cape Coral and nearby locations. Another successful pleasure and fun filled CCCC cruise goes into the log books.
November, Uncle Henry’s Marina: Cruise leaders Mark and Kate Lewis planned the CCCC November trip to Uncle Henry’s Marina on Boca Grande. This is a location the Club had not been to in several years. Getting into Uncle Henry’s is a zigzag path through the channel off the GICW north of Boca Grande pass, but it is well marked and dock master Paul Robbins keeps a good eye on your progress so you don’t stray into trouble. The marina has a long single concrete dock with many good, wide slips. Twelve CCCC member boats cruised the GICW on November 19th to participate in the cruise. Bob and Bonnie Martin, on their 33’ Ranger tug Daisy Mae, arrived from Sarasota to join the group. They were on the final southbound leg of a several month Great Loop journey.
Kate prearranged for seven rental golf carts so members could explore Boca Grande. On Boca Grande locals and tourists use golf carts on special wide paved trails to move about the island. Over the next two days a few went fishing, some played cards while others left on carts to explore the Island, some going all the way down to Boca Grande Pass. Lunch for some was at the Loose Caboose and shopping is always a treat in Boca Grande.
On both Wednesday and Thursday several members arrived by land yacht to join the cruisers in the many fun activities to be had on Boca Grande. Friday, the trip home was pleasant although due to breezy conditions, seas were just a little rough. It was another great trip for the Cape Coral Cruise Club. Thanks to one of our newest member couples, Kate and Mark Lewis, for their attention to detail making this a very memorable event.
December, Change of Watch: Each December the CCCC has its only “formal” event where the current Club officers are recognized for their Club work and new officers are placed in office. Held at the Palmetto Pine Country Club this year, after dinner Past Commodore Len Grassini called Commodore Mike Stewart to give his outgoing comments followed by the swearing in of 2014 Commodore Phil Kryger and presentation of his flag. Commodore Kryger thanked Past Commodore Stewart for his achievements during 2013 and presented him the Past Commodore burgee flag.
Commodore Kryger asked for his new bridge to come forward: Vice Commodore Lee Jetton and Rear Commodore John Queen. They were presented with flags and sworn in. Then Commodore Kryger asked the rest of the board to come forward to be sworn in, followed by a short talk on his goals for the CCCC in 2014. Music and dancing rounded out the evening.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations. For membership information please contact Larry Mitchell at 239-560-2823. View a short picture video of Club activities and review additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org.
Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Since my last report, we experienced some real shallow (‘skinny’) water in conjunction with a cold front and strong north/northeast winds. Fortunately, the fish remained active. Shown here is Maik Lindner of Frankfurt, Germany holding a nice size Crevalle Jack he caught in a Cape Coral canal on the way to the ‘flats’. His brother, Christoff is shown with his first Snook on an artificial presentation while trolling the canal. Both fish were caught the day before the last cold (cool) front. Once we were on the ‘flats’, both fishermen continued to enjoy angling Spanish Mackerel, Seatrout and other species.
Canal and ‘up-river’ fishing should be good with the cooler weather as Snook, Redfish and snapper populations relocate to ‘winter’ in warmer waters. The baits of choice for the canals will be artificial plugs such as, soft plastics, crank baits, twitch baits and top water presentations; otherwise expect to catch a lot of catfish.
On the ‘flats’, large Seatrouts and Spanish Mackerels will undoubtedly be the easier fish to locate and catch. Live shrimps will be the most effective baits. Look to find easy targets, such as Sheepshead and Mangrove Snappers around pilings, concrete and rock structures, using small ‘bait’ hooks, tipped with a piece of shrimp.
Until next week, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters hoping that my report will help you catch more fish. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more articles and charter information. I am also easily reached at 239-357-6829 for any questions one may have.
A few years ago there was a recall on cetain thru hull fittings. We were ready to haul the boat that needed to have all the thru hull fittings replaced and the skipper suggested that the thru hull fittings did not really look bad. I tried to open the macerator thru hull fitting, knowing that it was the one that was least used. The thru hull broke and I had a ball valve in my hand. I yelled to our hoist operator that it was time to haul the boat. I was able to hold a rag over the 1” opening until the boat was hauled. Needless to say, there was no dispute that they all had to be replaced.
I remember in the 70’s and 80’s we had many boats that had gate valves. ABYC outlawed them, since the handles and more important the stems of the handles had a tendency to break. As we all know, these events happen in the worst circumstances. I very seldom come across a gate valve, and when I do, the skipper knows that it is one safety issue that needs to be resolved.
It is very important to maintain your ball valves and it is very wise to open and close your thru hulls periodically to make sure they open and close as they should. You should also lubricate them, which is best done when the boat is out of the water. You can check the thru hulls first when scraping the paint from the metal and if it looks golden and not pink, it is in good shape. If the metal is pink, the thru hull fitting should be replaced immediately, since the metal has no strength and is ready to fail.
One easy way to do this is to spray a PTFE type lubricant up into the thru hull when the ball valve is open and also spray the handle area the day before (this can be done in the water). It is important to open and close the ball valves a few times to make sure they work smoothly. You should be able to open and close your thru hull valves with your hands without using tools.
When you do have to change out the thru hulls of your boat, you should also consider changing out the hoses attached to the valves. In many cases the hose will break when you try to remove it from the valve fittings, which is a signal that the hose is deteriorated to the point that it can become a major safety issue.
When you have work done on the bottom of your boat at the Sailor’s Wharf, we will bring these type of issues to you attention; if you go to another yard, request that they, or you, take a good look at what is under the hull…. it may save your boat!
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Regardless of the full moon cycle, the cool fronts have definitely slowed down the fishing as well as the ‘bites’. I have worked the flats and back country ‘on and off’ all last week and have found most success working the mangroves, pilings and structures for Mangrove Snappers, Sheepshead and Snook. Spanish Mackerel, Pompano and Seatrout still roam the flats but have been difficult to find during the cold spells. ‘Off-shore’ fishing and reports have been far and few between, due to the sporadic high winds.
The best way to check your rigging is have a qualified rigger go aloft and check the rigging from mast head to the chainplates.
Why do bottom job prices vary so much from boat yard to boat yard? The labor cost is close to being the same (within 5%) and the cost of material should be the same for all yards. So what is the difference?
The Sailor Wharf quotes ONE price and we have been doing it way since 1978. The only time we charge extra for bottom prep is when the barnacles are so large that you may even have oysters on your bottom. If your bottom paint is flaking off, the hull which happens when the original paint was not properly applied or, more common, when the original paint is so old that it no longer has the adhesion to stick to the hull, we would recommend the total removal of the paint.
To properly prep the boat’s bottom, we use vacuum sanders. It is not only the right way of doing it environmentally, it is also more efficient, since the dust is immediately removed and the sandpaper can do its job properly. The worker can also see exactly where he is going, since there will be a clean surface while he is sanding. The next step is to wash all the dust off the bottom and the prop(s) and running gear gets painted with quality metal paint for that purpose. The rest of the bottom gets painted with your choice of anti fouling paint which, we either roll or spray on, with an airless paint sprayer depending on the customer’s choice. We move the boat stands so we can have the entire boat painted except for the keel blocks. When the paint is dry (usually 24 hours) we lift the boat and paint the keel block areas and inspect the bottom one last time. When the final paint touchup is dry, we launch the boat and wash the deck.
Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Since my last report, we experienced some real shallow (‘skinny’) water in conjunction with a cold front and strong north/northeast winds. Fortunately, the fish remained active. Shown here is Maik Lindner of Frankfurt, Germany holding a nice size Crevalle Jack he caught in a Cape Coral canal on the way to the ‘flats’. His brother, Christoff is shown with his first Snook on an artificial presentation while trolling the canal. Both fish were caught the day before the last cold (cool) front. Once we were on the ‘flats’, both fishermen continued to enjoy angling Spanish Mackerel, Seatrout and other species.
