By Captain Terry Fisher
The waters are still dark and dreary from Hurricane Irma. However, Mullet are everywhere and in bigger schools than I have seen in a long time. A variety of fish are biting, if and when you locate them, as there is not a lot of fishing pressure, due mostly to the time of year along with efforts to clean up after the storm. Baits such as shrimp are as good as I have seen prior to the storm. Other baitfish; for cast netting are off the beaches and are more active during mid-morning hours.
Recently, offshore fishing has been more productive overall than inshore. Nonetheless, I have had uncanny successes with certain species since the storm. Pictured here are James Ross of Cape Coral and his son-in-law, Dr. Gregg Vagner of Austin, Texas each holding one of many Gag Groupers caught last week during their inshore charter. These two men are becoming regulars and are both avid fishermen. Jim owns a Hews flats boat and I hope he fishes my locations when the water clears up. October is the month to target Redfish, during their yearly inshore spawn. Unfortunately, the Redfish and the Snook were not cooperative, but it was not because we did not try. Hopefully, I will get an opportunity to take Greg’s young son Matthew (13), Tarpon/Shark fishing next May, when he visits his grandparents here in Cape Coral. Always and enjoyable trip with these nice people!
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Hugo Llauger of Lehigh Acres (owner of Tropicaya Produce located at Pine Island Road and Veterans Pkwy) loves to fish. I had the opportunity to take Hugo a couple of times during the latter part of September. Hugo is pictured with one of two Redfish caught on our first charter together. Hugo prefers to fish offshore, which we will do next. Anyone looking for the great produce should consider shopping at Tropicaya Produce. They offer Cuban sandwiches and salsa together with a variety of other products. 1st Mate Vicki and I do purchase produce and salsa from them!
Fish are biting, but the waters of Pine Island Sound and the River basins need to clear up for optima fishing. I am looking forward to targeting Snook and Redfish during the latter part of October.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters. Website: www.fishfacecharters.com. Charter reservations may be made by emailing me at [email protected] or by calling me direct at 239-357-6829. I am also available as your ‘Captain for Hire’ (on your vessel), by the hour for safety, navigational instructions, fishing locations and proven fishing techniques. Pick up a copy of the monthly publication; COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE, at a number of locations, including Bass Pro in Ft. Myers, bait shops, Publix grocery stores in Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties for some of my additional fishing reports.