(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’.
Pictured here is my client and friend, Joe Grygiel’s son, Zac (only 8 years young) from St. Peters, Missouri showing off his first shark! It was just one of many fish he caught. He landed this ‘bruiser’ on light tackle and I was impressed by his expertise at such a young age. This catch made his day, even though our main target was Redfish. We fished the north end of Pineland, but east winds contributed to water levels lower than I like. We were forced to change our strategy. Zac adjusted and is shown with one of his many Seatrout. Zac and I met up another day and had a photo taken together on a dock by the Cape Coral Yacht Club. Not to worry Zac, we will get you that Redfish!
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Winter tide levels should be higher south of the power lines in Pine Island Sound for those wanting to work open, shallow waters. This area is where two of my newest junior anglers from Hauntley, Illinois caught their game fish. Allie Pancloff (11) is pictured with her ‘keeper’ Redfish, while her cousin Venny Tiberi (11), is pictured with his ‘keeper’ Seatrout. Great job kids! Their grandfather Tom Miller, of Cape Coral was so excited for them, that he recently purchased a boat and will be taking them fishing on it soon. Looking forward to seeing Allie and Venny again!
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Other charters proved successful with catches of Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel and Mangrove Snappers. Pictured with a beautiful trout is Sandra Sandoli of New York. Her daughter Lisa (15) is holding a really nice Mangrove Snapper she caught. I had the pleasure of taking husband Paul, Sandra and Lisa out for a day during their annual visit to our beautiful area. Looking forward to seeing them again next year as well.
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This coming week’s weather forecast is good for inshore fishing. Backside of the full moon will offer morning outgoing tides and afternoon to evening incoming tides. Either tide should be good for all of the above species mentioned. Snook and Jack Crevalle are in the canals feeding. Offshore: catches of snapper, grouper and Triple Tail are being reported. Look for the larger Sheepshead to start moving to shallower water.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I am looking forward to providing another fishing report just before Christmas and the New Year. Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or via email at [email protected]. Check out rates and other fishing tips at www.fishfacecharters.com or in the December issue of Coastal Angler Magazine. I am available as ‘Captain for Hire’ by the hour on your vessel for navigation, fishing locations and techniques.