Redfish are still going strong, and the Reds are moving onto the west side of the Harbor. Shrimp, and Pinfish are the baits of choice right now. I believe the reason the Reds are getting thicker on the west side, is due to the lower fresh water volume coming into the Harbor from the rivers. The Peace River is down to 4.5 feet from 7.5 feet last week at this time, so you can finally start seeing the bottom again.
The bad news is that with red tide in and around the gulf beaches, the fresh water coming down the river is our security blanket, and red tide cannot live in fresh water and the Harbor still being very fresh keeps the red tide in the gulf. This means that the salt levels are coming up in the Harbor, which makes the fishing better but could also lead to red tide being able to come into the Harbor. Good news is that right now if red tide would come into the Harbor the out going tide which pulls the fresh water from the rivers would kill any red tide. All we can do is wait and see how long the red tide bloom will last or if we get lucky and get more rain.
But for now all good here in the Harbor and we hope the red tide will not get too bad along the beaches. There are some reports of dead fish in the ICW along the back side of Boca near Placida, but not real terrible at this point. So head to the west wall or the east side of the Harbor and have a great day catching Reds and Snook.
Spanish Mackerel and Spotted Sea Trout are both starting to move into Charlotte Harbor in good numbers. The fishing is getting better by the day and these wonderful cool mornings are really helping. The rain has been slowing down and the rivers are flowing less and less, so this week and next we are going to see some great days for catching. Now if the wind would back off a little it would be perfect!
-Fishin Frank
One of our Fishin Frank customers wrote in on their weekend!
Hey Frank,
I was out on Friday and Saturday to see what was hitting. Reds are still the play down here in the mangroves and the smaller ones seem to be feeding on shrimp. Large Jacks are starting to move in and strike hard. We have also had some Snook but they’ve been on the small side. Lots of small Snappers have been working the canals and mangroves north of the Bridge.
Here are some pics of my 11 year old bending her rod in the saltwater for the first time. She had a blast! She says, “much bigger fish than the Bass” she had mastered in the local lakes, lol. Here are some pics of her catches:
(October 19, 2015) Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor – Fishing was good during the past week during the new moon phase, especially on the grass flats from Ft. Myers Beach all the way up to Charlotte Harbor. Areas holding Turtle Grass from 3 to 6 foot of water produced lots of action for those looking for Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle and Lady Fish. Incoming tides produced the best all around fishing times for the above mentioned species as well as Redfish and Snook in the back country areas. Offshore anglers reported lots of success when the winds allowed them to fish.
Pictured here are sisters, Lauren Binkley (14) and Jenna Binkley (13) of Ashland City, Tennessee, each holding one of many Seatrout caught under a cork on the flats, at Mile Marker 13 just off the Intracoastal Water Way. They also caught lots of Spanish Mackerel, Lady Fish and Jack Crevalle. These young ladies love the outdoors both for fishing and hunting. They will be back in Tennessee just in time for the opening day of ‘deer season’ on October 31st. Good hunting ladies!
Lots of Redfish are still in the area and large shrimps seem to be the bait of choice (at least for my charters). I am having such success using them, that I have not taken the time to try much else. Normally, cut Pinfish, Lady Fish hold the balance of my arsenal, but have not been as effective of late. The Redfish are everywhere, but with the dark, brackish, high water due to rain runoffs around Punta Rassa they have been much harder to locate. Nonetheless, James Binkley (Lauren and Jenna’s father) is pictured holding a nice Redfish he caught at the top of the tide beside a shallow, oyster flanked, mangrove island.
Areas at the ‘northern’ half of the Intracoastal Water Way (between the power lines and Charlotte Harbor) have been my most productive areas for Redfish. I work exclusively around the mangrove islands on incoming tides. Pictured here is long time client and friend, Mr. Leland Longstreth of Ft. Myers holding one of several Redfish he caught a couple of days ago on the back side of the new moon phase. Lee and I go after these ‘bruts’ and Snook at least four times a year it seems. His friend, Mr. Tom Richardson of Ft. Myers accompanies us on several of these adventures and is pictured with one of his Redfish. Nice job guys!
In closing, Snook season is still open and there are lots around. Redfish should stay plentiful at least through the month of October. Look for them to thin out however as mid November arrives. Now is the time to go fishing for Redfish and Snook!
This is Captain Terry Fisher and 1st Mate Vicki, wishing everyone ‘tighter lines’! We will be at our booth (FISH FACE CHARTERS) inside the convention center during the November `19-22′ Boat Show. I will be doing some fishing seminars as well. See you there. Contact me by phone at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected] with any questions. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com.
Big changes to Gulf recreational red snapper management could be coming – here’s your chance to weigh in and make sure your voice is heard. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) is holding public hearings on a proposal known as regional management that could give states a larger role in red snapper management in federal waters. See meeting dates and times below.
Currently, the Council is responsible for management of the recreational red snapper fishery in all Gulf of Mexico federal waters. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) manages state waters off Florida. If the Council approves regional management, the federal recreational red snapper quota would be divided state-by-state or at a regional level, and states would set recreational seasons and bag limits in both state and federal waters off their coast.
Regional management could allow for recreational red snapper regulations in federal waters to be tailored to more local needs. However, there are possible trade-offs, such as potentially fewer fishing days for Florida red snapper anglers.
Two meetings will be held in Florida on regional management during October. Council and FWC staff will be on hand at these meetings to discuss proposal details and what it might mean for Florida anglers. If you cannot attend an in-person meeting, there will also be a webinar.
The FWC Commission will discuss regional management and review input from the public hearings at its Nov. 18-19 meeting in Panama City. This input will help the FWC Commission decide how the FWC representative on the Council should vote on the Council’s regional management proposal.
The Council is expected to make a final decision on regional management at its Jan. 25-29 meeting in Orange Beach, AL.
Meeting dates and locations:
All in-person meetings begin at 6 p.m. local time and end no later than 9 p.m. local time. The webinar begins at 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
Old Florida isn’t always a thing of the past. Part of it is just off Channel Marker 60.
One of the great joys of Southwest Florida boating is discovering all the hideaways and hidden gems scattered along the coast and its inland waterways. Every once in a while, you find the mother lode. In our case, it was Tarpon Lodge and Restaurant and nearby Cabbage Key.
The underlying purpose of our trip was a planning meeting/retreat with an important client—incidentally, one of the largest boat manufacturers in the world. We wanted to get away from the distractions of our respective offices and, since boating is our business, why not find a classic boating destination that would help us relax our minds and get re-grounded in the process.
Tarpon Lodge was a perfect choice since it is secluded and quiet, yet kept the outside world comfortably accessible—little conveniences like WiFi can not be undervalued. The waterfront hotel was built from a vintage lodge originally used as vacation home for a couple from Philadelphia in 1926. The lodge and stilt building are home to relaxing, airy rooms with its four-star, upscale restaurant below serving lunch and dinner daily.
As there is no dedicated meeting facility, the lodge’s resourceful staff created one for us—blocking off part of the restaurant’s patio breezeway where we set up shop for our two days of brainstorming. When the urge to fish overtook us, a quick stroll to the adjacent docks—where our boat was tied up—provided a welcome diversion.
Having limited luck wetting a line, mouthwatering sustenance was just a short hop away at famed Cabbage Key in the form of the quintessential Cheeseburger in Paradise. It was here tropical storyteller and songwriter Jimmy Buffett was inspired to write the song of the same name decades ago. And not much has changed. If anything, the count of dollar bills blanketing the entire ceiling and walls of the restaurant (estimated at $100K) has increased, but little else—a fitting homage to the “If it ain’t broken…” adage.
The path between Cabbage Key and Tarpon Lodge is home to another piece of living history—a group of stilt fish cabins in Pine island Sound. Built some 80 years ago, the fish cabins — many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places — are a legacy to the area’s past (pre-World War II) when fishermen netted fish by hand and stored their catch in the fish cabins (then fish-company-owned ice houses), where boats later picked up the harvest and carried it to nearby Punta Gorda. They are now owned by various groups and used primarily as getaways for local recreational anglers.
So if life takes you anywhere near channel marker 60 in the Pine Island Sound Intercoastal Waterway, consider yourself lucky. It is home to a cluster of historical gems not commonly found.
The above installment was an account of a meeting retreat between pearl brands and their client, Bayliner Boats. To learn more about pearl brands, visit pearlbrands.com.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) My 1st Mate (Vicki) and I recently returned from our ‘ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FISHING AND DIVING EXPEDITION’ in Greece and Italy. I am happy to be back in SW Florida to do some serious ‘Redfishing’ and Snook fishing. October is the month! As reported prior to traveling, I was on them before I left and I have been on them since my return of October 1. Prior to departing on September 1, I had the pleasure of taking out three gentlemen from The Quarry in Naples. They are all members of the Quarry Fishing Club and they all caught their share of big Redfish. Pictured here are Tom Bothe (center), Jim Rainey (right side) and Bill Flister each holding one of their many catches. Bill (pictured on the left) is also the President of The Quarry Fishing Club, of which I plan on doing a seminar at their clubhouse later this month.
The ‘NEW’ moon phase is upon us offering up some strong currents and hopefully lots more action over the next week or so. That being said however, with all of the rain, tide levels should remain higher than projected past the middle of the month, allowing access to locations that these game fish seek for food and extra protection. The balance of October will bring in a ‘FULL’ moon phase, keeping good fishing opportunities alive all month. Target both Snook and Redfish with artificial or live presentations on the incoming or outgoing tides around the mangroves.
Moreover, October is simply a great month to fish. Good tides, good wind directions and many species, such as Seatrouts, Flounders, Spanish Mackerels, Mangrove Snappers, Jack Crevalles and the ‘Resident’ Tarpon continuing to be very active. They will all hit shrimp on the flats and around the mangroves under a popping cork presentation.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tighter’ lines! Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more fishing tips on the ‘links’ as well as charter information. I am easily reached via email at [email protected] or call me direct at 239-357-6829 to book an ‘October Redfish or Snook Charter’!
Seventeen boats braved the “unknown” by taking a trip down the Gulf of Mexico for our annual trip to the beautiful Naples Boat Club. Why that adjective? September on the Gulf of Mexico… are you going to deal with a potential hurricane or be delighted by a gorgeous sunny day. Some southbound boaters experienced bumpy seas, but all arrived safely. Those cruising were Y Knot, Phil and Pat Kryger;, Infinite Sea, Paul and Stephanie Carrico; The Geezers, Stu and Jane Harelik; MarKate, Mark and Kate Lewis; Princess, Jim and Edie Limbright; Surface Interval, Bruce and Sue Longman; B Mine, Joe and Kelli Mille;, Hardee II, Hal and Dee Moss; Sharon Ann, Len and Sharon Palmisano; Luna Sea, Doug and Michelle Rhees; Spoiled Yacht’n , Armond and Pam Sykes; Still Crazy, Jeff and Joanne Ziemer ; C R Side, Bob and Carol Peterson; Wine Down, George and Carol Smith; Happy Ours, Gary and Kathy Taake; Knot Again, Larry and Maryanne Habich; and Sunkissed, Phil and Lyn Quick.
Club members experienced three days of clouds and lots of rain. However, it did not lessen our appetites for food, drink, and fun & games. So that everyone could relax on arrival day, cruise leaders Phil and Lyn Quick, saw to it that no one would go hungry. One hundred and fifty pieces of fried chicken were provided along with hot buttered biscuits, potato salad, and sliced tomatoes. Way too much chicken. Pumpkin pie with lots of whipped cream was a wonderful finishing touch. Needless to say anyone requiring chicken for the rest of the cruise did not have to look past the refrigerator to find plenty of leftovers.
Cruise leaders Phil & Lyn Quick announced at this first night dinner that the cruise FUN activity was a three day “triathlon”. Goal? Win in each one of the three night cocktail party sporting events.
1. An adult version of Pin the Tail. We super imposed a picture of POTUS on a pictured donkey. Members were paired up for each of the three day triathlon with others’ spouses to keep things interesting for all the games. For pin the tail one of each couple was blindfolded, spun around and attempted to pin the tail on the jackass. Lots of laughs were had by all. Various table games finished off the evening and then everyone retired to their floating homes for a good nights’ sleep.
Day two provided us with even more rain. Therefore several card and other table games became the activity for many in the beautiful Naples Boat Club Clubhouse. After a nice continental breakfast of pastries and fresh fruit several members pulled out their rain gear and walked to Tin City and Fifth Avenue to help stimulate the local economy. 2. 2nd night of the triathlon – Couples must break the balloon. Female members had a balloon secured to their back. And partner had to squeeze the balloon between the couple from behind and break it. Tight squeezes and booms of breaking balloons brought lots of laughs. After this activity, with the help of some members who drove down, members were shuttled to Fifth Avenue for a splendid Italian dinner at Cafe Luna. Forty-four members had a satisfying dining experience.
Thursday morning had more bakery delights provided as another gloomy wet day was upon us. No one was brave enough to put on bathing suits and sit by the pool the entire trip. A bus trip to the Naples Zoo was cancelled due to rain. Most people figured a way to offset the weather and make the best of the day. Happy hour was moved up a half hour to allow for the final leg 3 of the triathlon.
3. Pantyhose bowling brought more belly laughs. To understand this game, a ball is placed in the foot of one leg of panty hose stocking. The waist opening is then placed over your head. Water bottles placed on the floor, like bowling pins must be knocked over by swinging the ball, no hands please. This was a timed event meaning downing the three bottles quickly wins. Prizes were then awarded to the top five couples who bested their counter parts in each of the three daily events.
We then walked to the front of the Naples Boat Club building to the Wharf Tavern to have a wonderful lobster dinner with all the trimmings. Luckily it was a short, sheltered walk, because…you guessed it…yep…still raining!
Most folks retired early knowing the forecast for a northbound departure day was again uncertain. Some left at daybreak and some left at their leisure to take on a smooth Gulf and relish the great times we all had. We look forward to the next cruise trip to again enjoy the camaraderie and boating that the Cape Coral Cruise Club provides.
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.
As I have said before, there are lots of Redfish out in the Harbor. We spent 3 hours fishing the east side, about 3/4 of a mile north of Pirate Harbor, and caught 6 Reds, 3 Snappers, a huge Bonnet Shark, and 3 Snook. Oh and a couple of Catfish and a Needlefish. They were small, but not a bad way to spend a few hours. We caught everything, except the Snook, on live shrimp either using a sinker or under a Poppin Cork. The Snook was caught on a Storm Twitch.
The Fishing is quite good right now and the weather is perfect. The water is very dark. The strange thing, and yes there is always something – a Pompano jumped out of the water, 15 feet in front of me just to tease me. I could almost hear that Pompano blowing raspberries at me.
Seminole, FL – Congressman David Jolly (FL-13) has introduced legislation that will lead to a more accurate count of Red Snapper and other reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. The bill, called the Gulf Red Snapper Data Improvement Act, will allow for third-party data collection of fish populations to be used for federal stock assessments, which could ultimately lead to longer Red Snapper fishing seasons for the recreational sectors.
“Many in the fishing community, from private anglers, to charter, to commercial, have questioned the government’s stock assessments. My bill will give each of them a seat at the table. Third-party data collection will expand the information available to the government, particularly Red Snapper, and improve the data used to determine fishing seasons,” Jolly said.
The Gulf Red Snapper Data Improvement Act designates $10 million annually for third-party data collection of Gulf Red Snapper and other Gulf reef species. The data collection program will be managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southeast Regional Office located in St. Petersburg, Florida.
“This will improve our knowledge of fisheries stocks and if the research shows a larger fish population than the government suggests, this will open the door for a longer fishing season for species like Red Snapper. And a longer Snapper season is an economic and quality of life win throughout our community, positively impacting everyone from local scientists committed to the protection of fish populations, to recreational anglers, to charter operators, to businesses that depend on fishing tourism like hotel and restaurant operators,” Jolly noted.
A member of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations, Jolly was able to secure similar language in the Fiscal Year 2016 House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Bill earlier this year.
For additional information regarding this legislation please contact Preston Rudie, Communications Dir. for Representative Jolly at (727) 418-7722. You may also click this link to visit Representative Jolly’s website.
In the area around Boca Pass and the straights right across to Burnt Store, schools of bait fish like Thread Fins and Glass Minnows are moving in with the tide, and then move back to the gulf as the tide heads out. Spanish Mackerel can be found under these schools of bait. Below that you can find Ladyfish & Jacks, and under those you will find Sharks. Yes there are layers of fish, and they can be found in the gulf near Trembley Reef or any of the closer ones, during the last half of the outgoing tide and the first third of the incoming tide.
Once the water starts moving in hard, the bait will follow the saltwater into the Harbor and will give you a shot at some reel fun fishing, with fast and steady bites. Light tackle and a small steel leader are a good idea to use. Once your bait gets below the regular fish, you’ll find the Black Nose and Black Tip Sharks. These are a ball on the light spinning tackle.
There are red fish near Burnt Store. Yes, the big red fish are schooling along the bar, and they have been moving from just north of Pirate Harbor down to Two Pines. The Z-man scented paddler, in either the Bad Shad or Root Beer gold colors are your best bet. I use a Z-man jig head but you may rig them with a weed less worm hook if you like. The method I use with the Z-man is sort of like casting with dead/cut bait. Watch for red fish movement, and waves that are moving a bit different from the other waves. Cast it out in front of the moving water and let it sit for a minute, then give it a good twitch and take up the slack and twitch and repeat.
If I do not see fish moving which is often the case, I stay half a cast away from the sand bar and try to cast over the bar to the other side, and then slowly twitch the Z-man across the top of the bar and back all the way to the boat.
For those that prefer to use cut bait, just cast and let it sit. This is dead stinky stuff. Hot dark water means I will not cast out reel in and cast. If I feel the need to move my bait, it will only be a couple of inches at a time. Let the stink of the bait do it’s job.
Here’s a little news for the weird fishin wise. The canals in Port Charlotte are starting to hold fish. Snook is a given. September is when snook fishing should start getting good. But flounder, sheep head, red fish and mangrove snappers, are all in the canals in what could be called fishable numbers.
With all of the rain and the water being so dark, to tell the truth, there should be almost no fish in the canals. The rivers are running at flood stages and the water is so very fresh, and there is even a little salt near the bottom. Why are these fish moving into the canals?
The answers to why the fish are here in the canals could be the temperature. The canal temps have been lower than normal for this time of year, because of the rain and cloud cover. The clouds keep the sun’s radiation from heating up the water, and the water being in the mid 80’s is where it has to be for the fish to move back into the canals. This is rare but not unheard of. With so much rain and clouds, the waters are being kept cool.
The fish have been eating live shrimp, which is their #1 choice, and live pin fish, which is their #2 choice. Cut bait fish or dead shrimp are both a close 3rd. Lures would be D.O.A. shrimp or buck tail jigs.
