(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)
The back half of January proved to be less productive than most of us like. However, Snook, Seatrout, Jack Crevalle and Mangrove Snapper were very active inshore. Recently, the larger Sheepshead have begun to show up on around docks and mangroves. Pictured here is Rex Burlison of St. Louis, Missouri holding a nice Sheepshead he caught in a St. James City canal. Not to be outdone, brother Ron Burlison of St. Peters, Missouri landed a few Mangrove Snappers, small Snook as well as the Sheepshead he is holding. Rex, Ron and a friend are pictured together here holding one of the bigger Snook Rex landed that day. Nice job guys!
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During mid January, I had the opportunity to join my friend, Captain Dennis Pelligrino of Cape Coral to go 20 miles offshore in his new 28ft Sailfish, powered by two 300hp Yamaha outboards. This was one of the nicer boats and rides that I have experienced. We were on his grouper numbers in short order and made the best of it with several Porgy’s, Lane Snappers and Red Groupers. Captain Denny is pictured with a 22 incher he caught on a ‘Spro’ Jig Head loaded with a slice of Squid Wing. The weather was good and I am looking forward to another day out. Denny comes from New Jersey and has worked the gulf waters religiously over the past five years and appears to have unlocked the secrets to successful offshore bottom fishing. Nice Job Captain Denny! Anyone wanting to contact Captain Dennis may do so through me at my number or email address mentioned below.
Last week I fished with Mr. John Spiddle, the Garmin Factory Training Representative for SW Florida. He was here to train me on my new Garmin 7610 XSV. It was so easy to use that we finished early and had some time to target a favorite winter species for many anglers, Sheepshead. John is pictured with one of the larger ones he caught. I recommend Garmin products over all electronics. The chart plotters/Sonar and other products are the most advanced and user friendly on the market. That is the reason I use and recommend them over all other brands!
Early February inshore fishing should prove to be really good for the Sheepshead, Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel and Jack Crevalle I like to fish the tides and will usually wait to go out after the morning sun has an opportunity to warm things up. Offshore will depend on the winds. Look for the big fish to move in closer to islands and passes as water temperature cools.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone safe boating and success winter angling. Target the winter species for best results. Check out my new website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Call me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected] to book charters or ‘Captain for Hire’ by the hour on your vessel to share fishing techniques and fishing locations. Pick up your copy of Coastal Angler Magazine at Bass Pro, West Marine, Publix, Ft. Myers Marine and tackle shops for my monthly fishing articles and reports.