(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.
Pinfish, Pilchards, shrimp and ‘dollar’ size crabs are good baits for the species referred to above. Redfish are the most active of game fish, but may change as the cold fronts begin to move in. The new moon is on the horizon and should be taken advantage of. I am pictured here with a 31 inch Redfish caught on just off of the mangroves on an outgoing tide in about 3 foot of water with deeper holes around the area. My client/friend, Mr. Dave Turner of the Springfield, Missouri area is holding one he caught while ‘free-lining’ a Pinfish in the same area, at the same exact time. It was a ‘double’ hook up and ‘double’ fun for both of us! Dave is a frequent visitor to the area and we usually get out at least one time while he is here. We were on his ‘flats’ boat.
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Most all species are biting. Now is the time to fish. November may be a ‘transition’ month to the winter species. Not all bad, but requires some changes in tactics and locations.
The Fort Myers Annual Boat Show will be held at the Downtown Convention Center November 17-20. My 1st Mate Vicki and I have a booth inside and look forward to clients and friends stopping by to say hello! I will be doing at least one seminar a day. Be sure and check the show schedule or stop at our booth for times and topics.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone safe boating and good fishing! Charter information may be obtained at www.fishfacecharters.com or by emailing [email protected]. I am also easily reached by phone at 239-357-6829 for immediate response. I am available as ‘Captain for Hire’ on most vessels for safety, navigation, fishing instructions including, techniques and locations. Check out my other fishing articles in the monthly issues of Coastal Angler Magazine found at numerous retail locations, such as bait and tackle shops, Marine retailers, Bass Pro and Publix supermarkets.