Captain Terry says “ Tarpon and Shark are still here in big numbers…”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Tarpon and Shark are still here in big numbers off the beaches and in the passes of the outer islands from Sanibel to Cayo Costa. Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor are both holding these fish in big numbers. They move in on the incoming tides and start moving out with the outgoing tides. Mornings have been the most exciting to watch and experience the big schools of Tarpon as they put on a show when breaking the surface. Unfortunately, with the half-moon phase of last week the ‘bite’ has been off with only a handful hooked up each day and few landed.

Ingo's-5-ft.-Black-Tip-Shark

The baits of choice are threadfins (when one can find them) squirrel fish, blue crabs and pass crabs. The good news is that the charters have all proved exciting with hungry sharks taking baits when all else fails. Pictured here is a 5 ft. Black Tip Shark caught and landed by Mr. Ingo Merbach of Hof, Bavaria, Germany. It was caught while dead bait fishing a mullet off the bottom in Charlotte Harbor. While no Tarpon was landed, he and his family enjoyed a beautiful day with lots of excitement in quest of their first Tarpon. I include a picture of his family members; wife Verena, daughter Annalena, son Maximilian and friend Joey, from Matlacha, Florida. I am looking forward to taking them out again on their next visit to the area.

ingo's-Family-and-friend-Joey

Hopefully, the Tarpon run will continue through the new moon phase. Other species (both off shore and inshore) such as groupers, snappers, Redfish and Seatrouts have continued to provide good action and I expect that will continue with the higher summer tides and stronger currents.

Until next week, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tight-lines’ and safe fishing. Charter information may be obtained by calling me directly at 239-357-6829 or emailing me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. More articles and fishing tips may be found on my website; www.fishfacecharters.com.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “ During the half moon phase, the fishing should continue to be good…”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Fishing was really good during the new moon phase; especially with the winds from south to southwest shoving ample water into the shallower backcountry locations. Pictured here is one of my better junior anglers, Ty Sandquist (10 yrs) of Holyoke, Colorado, proudly displaying one of several nice Redfish he caught while on a charter with his grandfather, John Sanquist of Imperial, Nebraska. They both share a picture of Tyler’s second catch of the day. Grandfather is pictured with his prize catch of a 24 inch Redfish for dinner. These fish were all caught on the windward side of an island at the top of an incoming tide.

Ty-and-John-Sanquists-Redfishing John-Sandquist-Redfish

Tarpon and other species have been active as well. Other than for Tarpon, the most effective baits for me have been shrimps and Pinfish. Tarpon have preferred Threadfins. Both Tarpon and Threadfins are plentiful throughout Pine Island Sound, the passes and in the gulf off the outer islands and in Charlotte Harbor. Other species such as; Seatrout, Pompano, Mangrove Snappers, Ladyfish are all receptive to shrimps under a cork. Offshore species of Triple Tail, Cobia, Porgies, Snappers and Groupers are aggressive on jigs, shrimps, live Pinfish, Threadfins and cut bait presentations.

During the half moon phase, the fishing should continue to be good once the fish are found. Locating the fish will be the challenge together with having the ability to access areas of the backcountry locations (lower tides levels). Snook will continue to be caught in the passes and just off the beaches of the outer islands by free-lining shrimps, pinfish, white baits and Threadfins. Artificial presentations of soft plastics, top water, crank baits and twitch baits should work as well during tide movements. The key is to get out there and find the fish!

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing you ‘tight lines’! More fishing tips, articles and charter information may be found on my website at <a href=”http://www.fishfacecharters.com” target=”_blank”>www.fishfacecharters.com</a>. Feel free to contact me by phone at 239-357-6829 with any questions or simply email me your requests at <a href=”mailto:fishfacecharters@yahoo.com” target=”_blank”>fishfacecharters@yahoo.com</a>.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Fishing should improve over the next two weeks…” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Tarpon season is in full swing with tournaments from Ft. Myers Beach to Boca Grande Pass. Lee County Tarpon Hunters can be seen along the Inter-coastal water way and throughout Charlotte Harbor. Poor catching reports have run amok with the exception of last week in Charlotte Harbor as well as Boca Grande Pass. A couple of weeks ago I received nothing but dismal reports from members of the Cape Coral Tarpon Hunters Club fishing the areas south of Redfish Pass.

Based on better catch reports and numerous Tarpon sightings, I have been taking my Charter clients to the northern end of Pine Island sound and into the southwestern areas of Charlotte Harbor. I see a lot of Tarpon in the harbor and the fishing is fairly good. I look for it to get better with the new moon phase.

Terrys-Redfish3
Last week, Snook, Redfish and Seatrout catches proved to be less than that of the previous weeks, due mostly to the winds from the north and east. The winds of 15-20 knots kept the water levels low and prevented access to back country locations where I have been successful. Pictured here is a 31″ Redfish I caught on a charter around Foster Bayou on a high tide with strong southern winds providing sufficient water to get my 21 foot Cobia bay boat deep into a proven back country location.

Fishing should improve over the next two weeks as the new moon phase comes in, especially if the winds blow from the south. Moreover, Pilchards are showing up and that will help a great deal to entice bigger quarry out of the mangroves when the high tide peaks and the fish are deep into the growth, hampering an effective presentation.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone tight lines! Charter information may be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Feel free to contact me direct at 239-357-6829 for immediate assistance or email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “ Tarpon season is in full swing”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Tarpon season is in full swing with big Threadfin’s at the causeways, on other structures and just off the beaches. Boats are anchored up and down Pine Island Sound around Marker’s 4 and 18 on the southern end. Passes and areas off the main channels around Pineland, Cayo Costa and Jug Creek on the northern end. Baits of choice are mullet, Pin Fish, Lady Fish, Catfish and Threadfins; under corks/balloons and on the bottom. I will be in the mix starting next Monday for Tarpon charters.

Other species have remained active as well, including Snook, Redfish, Seatrout, Pompano and Spanish Mackerel. Keep an eye out for Cobia and Triple Tail for those working the beaches, Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor. Pictured here is one of my favorite yearly family charters featuring; Chris Dugan and sons, Tom (15 yrs.) and Jack (12 yrs.) of Norfolk, Va.. These junior anglers caught a number of fish that day. Looking forward to doing it again next year.

Jack-Dugan's-Seatrout

Huge Redfish are in the area and few better than the 31″ catch pictured here with Mr. Chris Kemp of the Atlanta area. Chris is a yearly regular of mine and a fantastic fisherman. This fish was caught under a cork with a cut Pin Fish off the point of a small island at the top of an incoming tide with southerly winds.

Chris-Kemps-Redfish

Fishing should only get better with the improving tides and the large amounts of baits around. This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters, wishing you ‘tight lines’. Charter information may be obtained at my website; www.fishfacecharters.com, by email at; fishfacecharters@yahoo.com or by calling me direct at 239-357-6829.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“ More fish are being caught deeper into back country locations…” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Recently I heard lots of complaints from many local Captains regarding catches over the last couple of weeks. However, I have found that with the current moon phase, favorable wind directions resulting in higher tides, that more fish are being caught deeper into back country locations and around some of the small islands off the main channel of Pine Island Sound. These locations include; Patricio and Mondago islands up north, big Panther Key and Demere Keys midway down, Mackeever Keys, McIntyre Creek and Punta Blanca Bay on the southern end.

Tarpon have joined the other species and one will see many boats along the InterCoastal Waterway anchored up waiting for the opportunity to hook and land one. Big Pompano, Snook and Redfish are also among the collection of species being caught. Pictured here are Mack McGinnes and Phil Renkes of St. James City (Pine Island) holding a 32″ Redfish.

Mack-and-PhilAmy-Miron

Amy Miron of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin proudly displays her Pompano caught under a cork using live shrimps. Her family, Jake, Kaylee (9), Olivia (11) and Samantha (5) are pictured together after a wonderful day on the water with memories that should last a lifetime. Everyone was in on the action.
The next few days should continue to produce similar fishing opportunities so long as the tide levels and southern winds allow access to the key locations mentioned above. Use Shrimp, Pinfish, Pichards, Threadfins or artificial presentations to target your quarries.
Miron-Family

Until the next fishing report, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone, tight lines! Information and charter bookings may be obtained by calling me at 239-357-6829 or by emailing fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. More information may be obtained at www.fishfacecharters.com.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “Fishing remains tough and I am looking forward to things picking up.”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)A lot of Captains have been complaining about recent catches and on certain days I agree. Some of the charters last week produced about half of the catches I am accustom to. However, the fish are still around, but finding them day after day is a real challenge. Nonetheless, last Monday with strong winds out of the South, one of my clients enjoyed the action of a 26 inch Redfish as well as a 25″ Seatrout. The fish were active mid-morning to mid-afternoon on a strong incoming tide. Mr. Scott Rogers of Chantilly, Virginia is shown here proudly displaying his catches. Rosie and Abbie (his wife and daughter) also caught lots of fish and enjoyed some of them for dinner that evening at their condo. I am looking forward to doing it again next year!

Scott-Rogers-RedfishScott-Roger's-Seatrout

Fishing remains tough and I am looking forward to things picking up. In the meantime, I will be out with clients chasing their fish of a lifetime and the wonderful memories of a rewarding day on the water. This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing for you tight lines! Check out my website; www.fishfacecharters.com for charter information and additional articles. I am easily reached via email at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com or via phone at 239-357-6829 for immediate assistance.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “ Tarpon (along with sharks) are continuing to move into the area…”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Fishing has been fantastic for most of my clients during the better part of March. Seatrout, Snook, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead and Redfish have all been active from the Sanibel Causeway to Jug Creek just off of Bokeelia, Pine Island. While the flats have produced more numbers of Seatrout, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, the shallows with ‘pot-holes’ in the ‘back-country’ locations have produced Redfish, Snook and larger Seatrouts. Pictured here is Jeff Konzak of Estes Park, Colorado holding a 25″, 6 pound Seatrout caught on a shrimp in Pine Island Sound. This fish required a lot of patience to swallow the bait before ‘setting the hook’. Also pictured here is a Redfish caught by Mr. Steve Weber of Cape Coral, Florida. Several of my clients have had good success with Redfish as well.

Steve-Weber's-RedfishJeff-Konvak'-Seatrout

In regards to other species: Tarpon (along with sharks) are continuing to move into the area with consistent average water temperatures around 70 degrees. Mangrove Snappers, Sheepshead, Ladyfish and Triple Tails are active and will be receptive live baits. Keep an ‘eye-out’ for Cobia. Fishing should get even better as more ‘Glass’ Minnows, Pilchards, Threadfin and other bait fishes move up from the south and ‘springtime’ temperatures continue to rise.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing you ‘tight-lines’. More information on ‘catches’, the techniques and charter information, may be obtained by calling me at 239-357-6829 or at my websites; www.fishfacecharters.com or www.captainterryfisher.com.  I am also easily reached via email at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. Looking forward to providing you with next week’s fishing report. Until then, be careful and be cautious of ‘foul’ weather!

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Catfish are active along with the Spanish Mackerels, which are signs of Tarpon returning to our areas.” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week fishing continued to be good. Spanish Mackerel are everywhere, large Seatrout catches daily, Pompano catches every other day or so with an occasional Redfish when I have targeted them. Sheepshead are still active. Pictured here is Roger Chen of Ft. Myers, Florida with a nice Sheepshead caught on a piece of shrimp on light tackle around and in some piles on the flats. His friend, Mary Blackmon of Naples, Florida, displays a nice Seatrout she caught on shrimp, under a ‘cajun’ popping rig. A variety of fish were caught on the charter making for a great ‘trip’.

Nancy's-SeatroutRoger-Chin's-Sheepshead

The day before I had the pleasure of taking Mr. and Mrs. Rick Jenkins of Cape Coral, Florida. Sheila Jenkins proudly displays a nice Seatrout she caught. Their  sons, Josh and Jake were aboard and everyone caught fish. I am looking forward to taking them  out again soon.

Sheila-Jenkins-Seatrout

Fishing should continue to be good as the water temperatures rise. Catfish are active along with the Spanish Mackerels, which are signs of Tarpon returning to our areas. Tides are getting higher and stronger allowing access to more ‘back country’ locations. I plan on doing some Tarpon/Shark combo trips mid to late March as the migration begins in full swing, following Pilchards and Threadfins up from the ‘Keys’ and Mexico. Nauturally, these will become the baits of choice for Tarpon and Snook for the seasoned anglers.

In closing, I will be holding seminars from time to time at the Bonita Springs Boat Show during the days of March 6, 7, 8 and 9. Vicki and I will have a booth as always, so be sure and stop by and check the schedule! Until next week, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters. More articles and charter information may be obtained on line at www.fishfacecharters.com or www.captainterryfisher.com. Email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com or feel free to contact me via cell phone at 239-357-6829 for immediate response.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry Says “Work the tides and get to the back country.”

Jane-Henderson-SeatroutBob-Wunsch-SeatroutTodd-Schmidt's-SeatroutTodd-Schmidt's-wife-Seatrout(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) My fishing article in the January Issue of the Lee County monthly publication; The Nautical Mile, was titled ‘Seatrout Fishing 101’. If you are having or was having trouble catching Seatrout, may I suggest that you go on line to that publication or my website and read the article. Since the cold fronts have passed the trout fishing has been fantastic utilizing those basic techniques and strategies discussed therein. Pictured here are some of the Seatrout that was caught by my charter clients within the last week. They were found in ‘pockets’ surrounded by ‘Turtle Grass’ at depths of 3′ to 5′ deep. Jayne Henderson and Bob Wunsch of Kewaskum, Wisconsin are proudly displaying their catches of of 22 and 23 inch Seatrout. Their friends, Todd Schmidt and his wife Jo Ann of West Bend, Wisconsin are holding their prize catches as well.

Vince-Young's-SnookSnook, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead and other species have also been very active. Ten year old Vince Young of La Crosse, WI. (on the left) had a special birthday treat when he landed this nice 22 inch Snook in the canals of Cape Coral. His cousin, Jack Brooks of Milwaukee, Wisconsin (pictured with him) was along to witness the catch.

Fishing should continue to be good so long as one is working the tides and can get to the ‘back country’ locations. Unfortunetly, the next week will bring lower tides preventing some boaters access to these areas. Nonetheless, if the cold front(s) stay away the fish should remain fairly active. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for additional articles and charter information. I am also easily reached via cell phone at 239-357-6829 or email at fishfacecharter@yahoo.com. Until next week: GOOD FISHING!

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Shrimp, live and cut Pinfish are probably still one’s best bet” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Despite the cool fronts and variable winds the fish have remained active at certain times of the day. It has been difficult to determine as to when to schedule some of the charters, as the fish are sometimes more active early morning as opposed to letting the sun and temperature warm up the ‘flats’ at midday. However, the facts are that they must eat, but the questions remain; when, where and at what depths?

Recently, I had the opportunity to take out some of my ‘favorite’ clients; Chad and Joy Wolney of Buffalo, Minnesota. Joy is a member of the Buffalo Wild Wings corporate management team. Last year I had the pleasure to ‘captain’ a fishing charter with members of that elite group, including Joy and her husband, Chad. We all had a great time. Needless to say, I was honored when they called me a few weeks ago to schedule a family charter, which included Chad’s mother and father, Vicki and Jim Wolney of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota.

Buffalo-Wild-Wings-Family

Ironically, Vicki had never done much fishing, but before that day was over, we all concluded that she was not only the ‘most improved angler’, but probably caught more and bigger fish than all ‘onboard’ (including the ‘captain’)! Pictured here is the Wolney family with Seatrout caught that very ‘cool’ day. The bite was so strong that we had to return to dock to get more baits. Congratulations Vicki!

On the ‘cold’ days, I have been finding fish on the grass flats in five (5) to six (6) feet of water. The water temperature is now around 68 degrees (F), keeping the fish down. Snook, Redfish, Sheeps head, Spanish Mackerel are all active on a moving water. Triple Tails are beginning to show up along the buoys, offshore. Big Snook and Redfish are deeper. Snook will be found in the canals, around the deeper island ‘cuts’ and on hard bottom structure. The waters are clear, so stealth is the ‘order of the day’. Shrimp, live and cut Pinfish are probably still one’s best bet for any of the species. Angler’s presenting artificial baits might consider slowing down the presentations. Be patient, as it is ‘winter’. If and when fish are found, the bite could be good.

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing you a great day of fishing! Fishing reports and charter information may be found at www.fishfacecharters.com. I am easily reached at 239-357-6829 or via email at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com with any questions or requests.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports