By Captain Terry Fisher
Fishing was tough going during most of August. Fortunately, however, I was able to find areas not affected by the red ride and algae blooms, or at least not as affected. Most of the areas that I fished during the month of August included the northern end of Matlacha Pass, Cape Haze (Charlotte Harbor) and mangrove islands along the western side of Pine Island and as far off the Inter-Coastal as possible. Early in the month, Snook and Redfish proved to be the more reliable targets. They were holding in their normal locations prior to red ride and negative impacts from the algae blooms.
Pictured here are Bob and Jan Anthony of Millersburg, Ohio with one of the bigger Redfish caught during August. Bob and Jan are regular charter clients/friends who have a home in SW Cape Coral (we all live on the same street and that makes us ‘neighbors’ as well). Jan was the angler that landed this monster! Bob is pictured with a shark and one of many Mangrove Snappers that the group caught. This trip, they were accompanied by their good friend David Bayer, also from Millersburg. David is pictured with a nice Snook. Thanks for a great time on the water, fishing-friends!
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Hans Peter and Eva Wagner from Zurich, Switzerland are another of my favorite families to fish and boat with. I have the pleasure of taking them out every year that they visit SW Florida. Their daughter Melanie (10), remind me of my granddaughters and is a delight to be with. She and her mother are pictured with one of their many Mangrove Snappers caught during the charter. We fished, beached and ate ice cream just like every other excursion we go on. Great memories are made with this family. Hope to see you all soon!
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Later in the month of August, locating cooperative fish became more of a challenge to find, as the red tide and algae bloom became more intense. None-the-less, regular charter clients, David Springett and son Nick of Orlando, Florida, joined me aboard Fish Face II for Nick’s 21st birthday celebration. Dad and son are pictured here together toasting to Nick’s new status in life. Fishing was very tough that day, but we were able to squeeze out some action in Charlotte Harbor chasing diving birds and catching Lady Fish and Jack Crevalle while losing hooks to a couple of Spanish Mackerel. Looking forward to seeing both of the guys next year.
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As I write the water appears to be cleaning up and I have had recent success catching Pompano, Jack Crevalle, Mangrove Snapper, Snook and Redfish. Seatrout are still scarce, but improving. Things hopefully will continue to improve and get back to normal during the coming weeks.
Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Email me at [email protected] or call direct to 239-357-6829 for questions regarding charters and rates. I am also available as Captain for Hire (by the hour) on your vessel for safety, navigation, fishing locations and techniques that work.