SWFMIA’S COMMENT ON MANATEE REGULATIONS

Manatee deaths related to watercraft reached a record 104 in 2016, causing some to push for additional regulation.

The Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association has put together a few facts and comments and a graph that puts some perspective on the state of the manatee population in Florida.  Special thanks to Bob Atkins, President of Citizens for Florida’s Waterways, and a designated Boating Public member of Governor Scott’s Boating Advisory Council for providing much of the data and commentary.

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Posted by Scott Q Blog

Captain Terry’s SW Florida Fishing Report

(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.

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Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Cold Snaps Have You Landlocked? Here’s a few things you can do in the meantime.

There are few things that keep avid boaters off the water, but strong, chilly winds during a Floridian “winter” can be one of them. If you’ve got an itch to get on the water but the weather isn’t agreeing, check out the boating and fishing related activities listed here to hold you over.

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Posted by Scott Q Blog

Mid-February SW Florida Fishing Report

The beginning half of February has proven to be quite successful for Fishin’ Frank and his clients! This past weekend there have been multiple reports of Pompano along the coast and are best caught with sand fleas, pieces of peeled Shrimp under a popping cork or tiny trap and jigs. Fishin’ Frank recommends the jigs like a small buck-tail or a Crazy/Banana Jig Placing a small piece of Shrimp meat on the point of the hook will better your odds. If you are using the Crazy/silly jigs then Fishin’ Frank recommends the ones with the teaser attached although he has been selling more of the plain ones. Pink and white or Chartreuse and white are the best-selling colors. He has also found that the Pompano are within casting distance from the beach all along the coast line.

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Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Cruise Club returns to Legacy Harbour

By Michael Stewart

It was bluebird weather for the Cape Coral Cruise Club members taking part in the 2017 Legacy Harbour Cruise. All nine boats made it in, one boat being late while waiting for refurbished props to be reinstalled. First time Club cruisers, Bobby and Joyce Miller arrived is style with their prospective member pennant proudly displayed. Welcome to the Club!

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Posted by Scott Q Cruising

Southwest Florida Yacht Club Hosts Local Waters Seminar

Southwest Florida Yacht Club, “The Cruisingest Yacht Club in the USA®”, is continuing its popular Local Waters Seminar in February.  The seminar, developed as a service to the local boating community, discusses local water tips “beyond the charts” and our many nearby boating destinations based on SFYC member experiences and insights.

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Posted by Scott Q Events News

Early February SW Florida Fishing Report

(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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Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Fishin’ Frank’s fishing report for January

Black Sea Bass have not been plentiful in Southwest Florida for several years but winter this year has brought this fish back to us! Right now if you are fishing from the beaches or off of a dock or old pier, you’re most likely to hook this rare fish by using a shrimp as bait. Sheep head are also picking up and the colder waters are bringing on a better bite at Placida or Tom Adams but be sure to get out there before we return to our usual warm weather.

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Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry’s SW Florida Christmas Time Fishing Report

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

Christmas and the New Year Holiday brought good weather and lots of opportunities to accommodate a number of charter requests from locals and visitors alike. Fishing was ‘spotty’ during the Christmas break but still produced a number of great trips with sufficient catches of Grouper, Seatrout, Mangrove Snapper and Spanish Mackerel to satisfy most.

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Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry’s SW Florida Holiday Fishing Report

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

This is the time of the year when many come from the frigid areas of the north to enjoy the holidays of Christmas and the New Year. The last few charters have delivered some nice catches for my young anglers. The catches were from the southern end of Pine Island Sound all the way north to Charlotte Harbor. Due to the lower winter tides, most of the game fish were caught south of the power lines in open water, around mangrove islands with oyster clusters and dead wood. The water is clearing up around the mouth of the Caloosahatchee since the Corps of Engineers have quit sending fresh water to us from Lake O. Seatrout, Redfish, Snook, Mangrove Snapper, Spanish Mackerel and small shark made up most of the ‘bounty’.

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Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports