“ The Snook bite is REALLY GOOD ” says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) I want to thank everyone who attended the Bonita Boat Show last weekend. It was a great show with lots of vendors and opportunities to learn about boating and fishing the waters of Lee and Collier Counties. The fishing seminars were a great success and my 1st Mate, Vicki and I enjoyed the opportunity to welcome all new ‘charter’ clients ‘on board’!

The full moon cycle last week help to produce some great catches. The warmer weather, moderate winds and decent tides afforded opportunities for clients and friends to take advantage of the recently opened Snook Season. Pictured here is one of my fishing friends, Mr. Steve Morrison of Cape Coral holding a nice Snook caught while ‘free-lining’ a Threadfin around the creeks of Iona Shores. This 24″ beauty was a little short for harvesting, but provided plenty of action on light tackle.

Kevin-Barrett's-Snook

A few days later, Mr. Kevin Barrett of Crivitz, Wisconsin, landed his ‘Snook of a lifetime’, while ‘free-lining’ a large Threadfin close to the mouth of a creek in the same area. He is pictured here proudly displaying his ‘trophy’ (38 inches/18 lbs.) before returning to the water. Also, pictured, is Kevin’s friend Connie Chamber of Crivitz, holding one of many large Jack Crevalle she caught, using the same bait and technique as mentioned above. Unfortunately, Connie lost a ‘slot’ Snook (28″-33″) due to the Captain’s instructions during the landing! Sorry Connie; hopefully I will make amends on next year!

Steve's-SnookConnie's-Jack-Crevalle

Finally, I had the opportunity to finish last week’s segment with a young ‘junior’ angler, (‘1st Mate for the Day), Mr. Zach Hager (10yrs old) from Otsego, Minn. shown here holding one of many Seatrout he caught during a charter with his ‘Great’ Uncle Don Redman of Medford, Minnesota; his father Marlin, Uncle Mark and cousin Tracy Hager (16), both of Ramsey, MN.. Zach and Tracy put on a fine display of what we may expect from the younger anglers of tomorrow by ‘out’ fishing everyone on the vessel (with maybe the exception of ‘Great Uncle’ Don!) Great job guys!

Zack's-Captain-Hat

In closing, the bait fishes are back, the Spanish Mackerel’s are back, the Seatrout bite is better, the SNOOK BITE IS REALLY GOOD, the tides are stronger and even though we are coming into the ‘mid-moon’ phase, the fishing should be good. Until next week, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters, wishing everyone; ‘tighter lines’! Contact me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected] for charter bookings or questions. Check out our website: www.fishfacecharters.com for all information pertaining to charters, more articles and fishing tips.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Cape Coral Cruise Club’s cruise to the Pink Shell Marina.

Pink Shell Cruise Feb 2015

The destination for the second cruise of the Cape Coral Cruise Club in 2015 was the Pink Shell marina in Ft. Myers Beach. This destination has been a longtime favorite for the club. Club members Gary and Kathy Taake organized the trip and their efforts in planning resulted in a fine event for all.

pink-shell-042

Tuesday February 12th, 19 boats from Cape Coral Cruise Club arrived at Pink She’ll and
enjoyed the only warm but always windy day of the trip. Tuesday evening was happy hours
at the dock masters followed by pot luck in the Mariner Room. After a feast of turkey, ribs
and your choice of various side dishes, carried in by all participating, a game of LCR Wild
was played. Winners went home with a pocket full of quarters. The evening was ended with
Happy Birthday song to Ted Hutson. A rough night was spent by boaters with cold winds at
40 miles per hour.

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Wednesday breakfast was served in the Mariner room followed by games, lunch on your own
and free time of your choice. Some boaters left in the afternoon so not to put up with the
rough night on the boats as wind increased and temperatures dropped. Dinner was at
Matanzas By The Bay with CCCC members enjoying a host of foods of their choice from the
menu.

Thursday breakfast was once again served in the Mariner room with the rest of the day on
your own. Once again the winds and cold prevailed. Afternoon was spent on your own.
Some preferred to dine on their rocking boats while others bundled up and took a trolly to
beach restaurants.

Friday was more of the same weather making leaving the marina a little more difficult then it
should have been but as always a great time was had by all. Old man winter will not ruin the
fun for CCCC.

The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Cruising

The Bonita Springs Show

BonitaFBeventPhoto

Fort Myers, FL – Southwest Florida’s prime boating season is fast approaching and the Bonita Springs Boat Show, March 5-8 at the Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Track is the perfect chance to get ready. Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association’s 26th Annual springtime show offers a wide variety of boats and accessories.

“This is just a great location for a show in the very heart of our boating community,” said show manager John Good. “We have a huge display of boats and products and more parking than we could ever use. Some shows are such a hassle to get to, but this location on Bonita Beach Road between I-75 and U.S 41 is perfect.”

Nearly every major area dealer is on hand, representing almost 60 different boat lines. Just about every type of boat used in Southwest Florida up to about 35’ will be on display. A 180’ tent houses accessory displays. Everything from engines and electronics to boat lifts, to marine accessories to clothing and gifts items, to a wide variety of services.

Fishin’ Frank and his crew will be conducting seminars throughout the four day show. Fishing guides and experts will be on hand to answer questions and just talk fishing. The U.S. Coast Guard and Power Squadron can answer questions about boat safety and visitors will find lots of information about where to go and how to enjoy Southwest Florida waters.

Show hours are 10AM-6PM, Thursday – Saturday and 10AM – 5PM on Sunday. Admission is $8.00 (kids under 16 are free with paid adult admission). Parking is free. The Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Track is located at 10601 Bonita Beach Road SE Bonita Springs, FL 34135.

For more information about the show and about boating in Southwest Florida, visit goboatingflorida.com or contact: Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association at 239-656-7083.

Posted by Scott Q Boat Show

“Warm weather, decent wind forecasts and full moon on the way should allow access to lots of locations.” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) This week should be a good week for boaters and fishermen (ladies) alike. Warm weather, decent wind forecasts and full moon on the way should allow access to lots of locations. Last week was tough for offshore fishermen and captains as well as myself on the flats and in backcountry areas. Nonetheless, the Sheepshead bite was fantastic for those willing to brave the rain and wind. Larger Spanish Mackerel are showing up around Bokeelia. There are big Seatrout and nice Sheepshead on the flats and on the inside of the passes (respectively) on the northern end of Pine Island Sound. Pictured here is Mr. Ron Adkinson of Amherstburg, Ontario holding a huge Seatrout caught close to Cayo Costa under a cork with shrimp. His friend, Dieter Weimann of Fort Erie, Ontario holds one of many nice Sheepshead he caught inside North Captiva Pass.

Ron's-Huge-TroutDieter's-Sheepshead

The southern end of Pine Island Sound (around the Punta Rassa area) produced some really big Sheepshead as well. Pictured here are two other of my clients; Mr. La Vern Woltjer of Willmar, Minnesota and his son, Mr. Matt Woltjer of New Prague, MN. each holding one of their numerous Sheepshead caught during a recent afternoon charter.

La-Vern's-SheepsheadMatt-Woltjer-Sheeps

Snook, Redfish, Flounder and Jack Crevelle were among some of the other species caught for the week, but were not nearly as active as the Sheepshead. Blind and Redfish Passes are also holding fish.

This coming weekend (March 5, 6, 7 and Sunday March 8) will find my 1st Mate Vicki and I at our booth (FISH FACE CHARTERS), at Go Boating Florida’s; Bonita Springs Boat Show (in the parking lot of the Dog Track). This is a great venue so be sure to attend. I will be doing fishing seminars as well and we look forward to seeing everyone. Those that follow my articles, please stop by and introduce yourself as we look forward to meeting you.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tight lines’. Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or emailing [email protected]. The website address providing charter information and other fishing tips is www.fishfacecharters.com

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “Fishing for the Sheepshead should be good anytime during moving water”

Chad,-Joy,-Jim-and-Denise

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Even though last week brought on some brutal winds and a couple of unwanted cold fronts, fishing was a fantastic in the back country locations for those wanting to catch Sheepshead, Mangrove Snappers, Flounder and Redfish. The Redfish bite was good during a couple of days with strong southerly winds blowing in extra water providing access to remote locations. Live baits of choice for many guides and anglers have been shrimp and Pinfish. Fiddler Crabs for Sheepshead have been virtually extinct. Early morning ‘top water’, swim, twitch and soft plastics rounded out artificial presentations for species such as Jack Crevelle, Redfish, Snook, Mackerel and Seatrouts.

Chad's-SheepsheadJoy's-Sheepshead

The pictures are of my favorite corporate fishing clients and friends of the Buffalo Wild Wings Organization of Buffalo, Minnesota: They are Chad Wolney, Joy Wolney and Denise Riley all from the corporate office in Buffalo, MN. They were joined by Chad’s father, Jim of Sauk Rapids, MN. Each angler proudly displays their individual catches of big Sheepshead as well. Other species, such as Mangrove Snapper, Snook and Redfish were caught.

Denise's-SheepsheadJIm's-Sheepshead

The new moon cycle is upon us this week and if the temperatures warm a bit and the winds are reasonable for access to the flats up and down Pine Island Sound, the fishing for Spanish Mackerel and Seatrout should improve. Fishing for the Sheepshead should be good anytime during moving water, as they are the go to, tasty, winter species that test anglers abilities to hook!

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone safe boating and tight lines! Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or emailing to [email protected]. More charter specifics, information and articles will be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“This week’s cold front and windy days will undoubtedly cause the bite to slow down” Says Captain Terry

(February 09, 2015)
Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbour. Fishing during the past week was real good for Sheepshead in areas around the Mangroves as well as in Redfish and N. Captiva Passes along the docks. Larger Seatrouts and a few Spanish Mackerel are being caught, but not yet in big numbers or larger sizes. Some groupers are being caught in deep holes in Pine Island Sound and the back country areas when fishing for other species. Small Redfish are holding creek mouths and deeper pockets of water along current cuts. Black Drum are active around the bridges and dock areas of the passes.

Dan's-SheepsheadHaley's-Seatrout

Pictured here is Mr. Dan Wellacher, Haley Roth and Sarah Waldman all from Auburn, Ohio showing off some of their catch for the day. Their friend, Mr. Jack Carson of Bainbridge, Ohio took the prize with his large Sheepshead caught on a piece of shrimp in about 3ft. of water. The group was a blast to be with and I look forward to doing it again with them.

Sarah's-SheepsheadJack's-Big-Sheepshead

This week’s cold front and windy days will undoubtedly cause the bite to slow down on several species. However, the afternoon tide levels should allow anglers to fish when the sun heats things up. The direction and strengths of the winds will determine locations where one will chose to fish.

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing every angler ‘tight’ lines! Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or emailing me at [email protected]. More articles, reports and rates may be found on my website: www.fishfacecharters.com.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Cape Coral Cruise Club’s cruise for January 2015

Most months of the year the Cape Coral Cruise Club schedules a cruise to a selected destination where the boats typically tie up for 3 days. Once the boats are tied and secure the club members engage in socializing and eating and games and consumption of beverages. The destination for this first cruise of 2015 was Legacy Harbor in Ft Myers. At this high season this marina, as many others, is mostly full and it was a good work of logistics for the harbormaster to accommodate the group. The marina is very well maintained and the staff was ever helpful from assisting on arrival and answering questions. The marina is blessed with wider than usual slip fingers, making the process of boarding much easier than is the case in many other marinas I have visited in Florida.

10 Boats journeyed to Legacy Harbour on Tuesday January 20th. There are 3 boaters who live aboard at Legacy Harbour, so no cruising was involved for them. This cruise was organized by leaders Pat & Phil Kryger aboard Yknot. A lot of work goes into this planning of a cruise, and we thank Phil and Pat Kryger for their effort!

 

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The weather was very favorable on Tuesday, making it a nice smooth ride. Docking at Legacy was handled efficiently by Erick and Lana; they got us all settled in with lines and electric on the floating docks. Ten others arrived by car, and joined the festivities. bringing appetizers and their favorite libations. Then it was 4:30 and time for happy hour under the Tiki Hut, and a great time to relax after a “long hard” trip. Then it was right into dinner with 4 different types of chili. There was hot sauce if you wanted to kick it up , cornbread, oyster crackers, cheese, onions, great salads and desserts. As always, there was plenty to eat and then some!

Wednesday morning we blew the circuit breakers because of a proliferation of electric skillets, while cooking the eggs, French toast and sausage. So, improvising, Gary Taake cooked the eggs on his boat, while Lee Jetton cooked the sausage on the gas grill, and Phil Kryger did the French toast on the electric grill. Add to this fresh fruit, juice and muffins, and that makes a nice start of the day, and the weather was very fine also.

Usually on these cruises there is a group game activity and this one featured an “ informational” scavenger hunt. There were 6 teams of 3. Teams deployed around the marina to find 20 different things like women’s names on boats, number of slips at the Marina, concrete swans (very tricky finding those) and other information. It took most teams about 30 minutes to complete the hunt.

We were joined by the same group arriving by car that came Tuesday plus others, bringing more snacks and libations.

After Happy Hour the group dispatched to Pinchers at Edison Ford Marina for dinner with 40 members. We were seated on a veranda with a beautiful view of the glorious sunset that day.

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Thursday people did whatever they fancied; some had breakfast at First Watch or Bennett’s Fresh Roast, some played games and some walked downtown to Fort Myers, and some cleaned their boats or relaxed.

That evening many of us went to Firestone Restaurant and the Sky Bar for another sunset and dinner.

Friday was the return cruise to each individual’s home port. The weather was pretty windy but navigable for all, and it is this writer’s impression that a very good time was had by all.

By J. G. Brehm MD

The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.

Posted by Scott Q Cruising

“THE SHEEPSHEAD BITE SHOULD BE HOT THIS WEEK!” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week continued to produce catches of numerous species including, Spanish Mackerel, Seatrouts, Mangrove Snappers, Snook, Redfish, Sheepshead and a few Flounder. On one hand; I am still disappointed with the size of Seatrout and low numbers of Spanish Mackerel on the flats, but feel confident they are coming. On the other hand; I am pleased that we have had a very mild winter thus far and the full moon cycle this week should only enhance the fishing. THE SHEEPSHEAD BITE SHOULD BE HOT THIS WEEK!

Larry's-Big-Sheepshead

Pictured here is Mr. Larry Davis of Quincy, Illinois holding a nice Sheepshead caught in Redfish Pass on a small piece of Shrimp. Not to be ‘out-fished’, his friend Tom Haire of Buckeye Lake, Ohio shows a bigger one shortly after Larry got his. Their friend, Leroy Schuelke of Minnesota also caught his share of fish.

Tom's-SheepsheadTom,-Larry-and-LeRoy

All three anglers are pictured behind the console returning to port after a great day on the water.

Leslie,-Kelly-and-TraceyLeslie's-Seatrout

Also, I had the opportunity to take out three ladies from Canada, whom had never fished the waters of SW Florida. Leslie O’Reilly of Burlington Ontario shows off her first Seatrout. She caught several more trout and a huge Lady Fish. Her life-long friends, Kelly Jordan of Burlington, Ontario and Tracey Mihalus (Kelly’s sister) of Ottawa, both caught their first back-country Seatrout as well. These ladies made my day. The fun we shared is expressed with the picture of all three of them together.

Kelly's-SheepsheadTracey's-Seatrout

In closing, I want to point out that lately the tide ‘predictions’ appear to be a little ‘off’. In other words, there is moving water where tide chart predictions say there are none. Conversley, there is no tide movement when and where there is suppose to be; so I recommend to consider going out an hour or so earlier and gauge it for yourselves based on the currents carrying your baits or look at the currents on the channel markers, then one will know for sure where to fish and when the bite should be better.

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone ‘tight-lines’! Call 239-357-6829 for immediate assistance regarding charters or email [email protected] Check out my website www.fishfacecharters.com for more articles and charters information.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Sheepshead should arrive in full force with bigger ones being caught for sport and harvest.” Says Captain Terry

Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor
(January 24-January 31, 2015)

Fishing this last week was fair to good. Unfortunately, the new moon phase provided the higher and stronger currents during night time hours when most of us were off the water. Furthermore, It appears that the weekend and the start of the week will bring cooler weather, making the fish a little lethargic. None-the-less, do not be discouraged, as the good news is; Sheepshead should arrive in full force with bigger ones being caught for sport and harvest. The best baits for Sheepshead, are Fiddler crabs and shrimp pieces. The Seatrout and Mangrove Snapper bite should be good on small shrimps.

Some Spanish Mackerel are being caught as they continue to migrate through the area. Hopefully, this week’s cool front from up north will move them south in bigger numbers and sizes.

Live pilchards are being netted around the Sanibel Causeway in fairly good numbers on either the early morning incoming or outgoing tides. This is the best live presentation available for Snook. Jack Crevalle are everywhere and love to eat them as well.

Aaron,-Gavin-and-Eli-Hoffman

Pictured here is Aaron, Gavin and Eli Hoffman of Lakeville, Minnesota on their annual fishing trip with Captain Terry. Aaron shows off his first Snook (22″) caught on a pilchard while free-ling. Gavin (11 yrs) is holding just one of his many Seatrout he caught that day. His brother Eli (9 yrs), is shown with his Seatrout as well as a nice Gag Grouper he caught. I enjoy taking these junior anglers out as they are two of the better fishermen that I have the pleasure to fish with! Nice job Gavin and Eli! Practice casting and you will get your Snook next year.

Aaron's snook

Galvin's Seatrout

Eli's Seatrout

Eli's Gag Grouper

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone tight lines. If I may be of assistance for a charter on your vessel or mine, call me at 239-357-6829. More articles and charter information will be on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com including charter rates on my vessel or your vessel. Email me or my 1st Mate Vicki at [email protected] with any requests or questions.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

THE 14th ANNUAL CHARLOTTE COUNTY BOAT SHOW JANUARY 15-18, 2015

THE 14th ANNUAL CHARLOTTE COUNTY BOAT SHOW
JANUARY 15-18, 2015

PORT CHARLOTTE, FL – Charlotte County is home to just about the finest boating waters in the United States and The 14th Annual Charlotte County Boat Show is coming to the Charlotte County Fairgrounds, January 15th – 18th. This is the area’s largest showing of boats and marine products and a great chance to see what is new in 2015.

Every major dealer will be on hand with more than 250 boats estimated to be on display. The Fairground’s Expo Hall will be loaded with a variety of marine accessories and services. There will be supplies and accessories, boat lifts, clothing, yacht brokers, marinas, boatyards, service suppliers and more.

The show is a great opportunity to learn more about area boating and safety. The U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary, Power Squadron, and local Yacht Clubs can answer just about any questions you may have about where to go and how to enjoy the amazing boating waters of Charlotte Harbor.

The ever popular Fishin’ Franks Bait & Tackle will hold Fishing Seminars throughout the four days. You can learn from and talk with area guides about both inshore and offshore fishing. You’ll never find a friendlier or more experienced crew than Fishin’ Frank’s team, always happy to answer all your questions. With Frank’s popular Fishing Simulator, you can experience the excitement of catching everything form a bass to a marlin. It’s all free. Just stop by the seminar area.

Admission to the show is free. There is a $5.00 parking fee for very convenient on-site parking. The show is open from 10AM-6PM Thursday through Saturday and 10AM-5PM on Sunday.

The Boat Show is located on the north end of Port Charlotte at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds. 2333 El Jobean Road (Route 776), Port Charlotte FL 33948. About 3 miles west of U.S. 41. Across the street from the Charlotte County Sports Complex (Spring Training site of the Tampa Bay Rays).

The CHARLOTTE COUNTY BOAT SHOW is owned by the Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association. The association, whose membership includes virtually every boat dealer and marine related company in Southwest Florida, has protected the rights of boaters and promoted boating and the marine industry in Southwest Florida for more than 40 years. The association also owns the BONITA SPRINGS BOAT SHOW, held at the Naples Ft. Myers Greyhound Track in March and the FORT MYERS BOAT SHOW, held in downtown Fort Myers in November.

Complete show details can be found at www.goboatingflorida.com.

Posted by Scott Q Boat Show