(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)
Since my last report, fishing has been difficult due to low water levels, strong winds from the west, and little change in seasonal temperatures. Weather related, this has been an extremely mild winter, especially when compared to last January and February. None-the-less, time on the water boating and fishing has been exceptionally nice due to warm weather, warm water temperatures and moderate ‘cool’ fronts.
The good news (as I write) is that recently fishing has improved. My clients have caught and hooked a number of different inshore species. Pictured here is the Hager family of Otsego, Minnesota.
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All members of the family caught lots of fish and had a beautiful day on the water. Kaitlyn (14) is shown with a nice Snook she caught inside the Captiva Pass while fishing for Sheepshead under a dock. Her father, Martin is holding his Sheepshead he caught shortly after arriving at the destination. The rest of the family, mother Aimee, Zachary (12) and Makayla (10) are each shown with one of many Seatrout that were caught on the charter. Great job you junior anglers! A photo with dad/grandfather Dennis Hager, of Andover, Minnesota is included.
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Most of the fish my clients are catching are on shrimp. I utilize ‘popping’ corks with a weighted jig head on leaders to suspend just above the seabed. Most anything will hit this presentation. Hard core anglers may want to experiment with top water, paddle tails and other presentations, as they are effective as well.
Another recent charter produced Tarpon hookups on light tackle while fishing the flats. None were landed due mostly to lighter tackle being utilized for Pompano, Seatrout, Blue Runners and Spanish Mackerel. Pictured is Erich Smith of Churubusco, Indiana holding a nice Pompano he caught recently (it is OK that it is bleeding, as he took it home to eat). Eric lost a Tarpon on the charter but is determined to get one next time. Good try Eric! His wife Amelia, is shown with one of many large Sheepshead caught around structure just off of Pine Island Sound. They caught more fish on that charter than I have seen on many charters in a while. They are regular and frequent charter guests, excellent anglers and always accompanied by my friend and long time fishing client, Martin Smith of Ft. Wayne, Indiana/Cape Coral.
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I am looking forward to the Boat Show at Bonita Springs (Grey Hound Race Track Grounds), March 2-5. Vicki and I will have a booth and I plan on doing some seminars. Coastal Angler Magazine franchise owners will also be present. Be sure and stop by our booth or tent and pickup a recent copy of the magazine and say HELLO!
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone tight lines and safe boating. Reserve your charter by calling me at 239-357-6829 or emailing [email protected]. Checkout my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. I am available as ‘Captain for Hire’ at an hourly rate for navigation assistance, fish locations and techniques on your vessel. My Coastal Angler Magazine articles are available on line at www.coastalanglermag.com or at Bass Pro Shop, Publix, Ft. Myers Marine, Pineland Marina, West Marine stores as well as many bait shops, such as D&D Bait in Matlacha.