(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Prior to, during and after the recent Ft. Myers Boat Show the fishing was and has been fantastic on both incoming and outgoing tides. The ‘white’ bait has been around the bridges and cast netters have been active catching all of the bait they need on one cast. These baits have provided premium Snook action on both incoming and outgoing tides. (especially outgoing). Pictured here is Mr. Doug Frasier of Minnesota holding one of many Snook’s he caught on ‘white’ bait. Over 20 Snook was landed during an outgoing tide on circle hooks. It was a first for Doug and he adjusted very well. Good job Doug!
Shrimps and Pinfish work for those seeking out Seatrout, Spanish Mackerels, Ladyfish and Redfish. Pictured with Redfish are Dr. Ulrich Jaeger and his brother-in-law, Jean-Marie Schmitz, both of Luxembourg. Both fish were caught on large live shrimp on a jig head on the bottom. These two anglers proved their ability time and time again landing over 15 Redfish and a number of small Seatrout. They had an awesome day!
Cold fronts are pushing down from the north and only time will tell how much longer we will be able to cast nets for the bait fishes. Additionally, if the weather deteriorates and the water temperatures get low too quick, the fish will begin to move to other spots. However, we should still have some good fishing throughout the next week or so on the back side of the recent front. My recommendation is to fish later in the day and give the flats and other areas time to warm up. The fishing will still be predicated on the tides and they will cooperate with later departures for the fishing grounds over the next week or so.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters thanking all ‘fishing family and friends’ that stopped by our both, in the convention center at the Ft. Myers Boat Show last week or attended one of my seminars. Vicki and I enjoyed seeing all of you again. Charter information may be obtain on line at www.fishfacecharters.com. Email me at [email protected] or call me at 239-357-6829 for immediate response.
Southwest Florida’s largest and most anticipated boat show returns for it’s 42nd annual exhibition of boats, equipment and seminars. The event will be held in the Harborside Event Center and the City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin Thursday, Nov. 13 through Sunday, Nov. 16. The show will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
“Few other shows in the country are able to offer both indoor and in-water viewing of boats and accessories.” says show manager, John Good. “This promises to be our largest in-water display in many years!”
The Harborside Event Center will be filled to capacity with boats and marine accessories. A new accessory display area has also been added along Hendry Street facing the marina. This leads to the “Welcome to the Water” Boating Lifestyle area in the City Pier Building on the river.
Fishing, Diving, Paddlesports, Boat Maintenance Tips and other boating how-to information will be on display inside and outside. Local fishing expert Fishin’ Frank will host a series of seminars covering techniques to catch many popular Gulf Coast species. Frank’s guides will be on hand throughout the show to offer advice on making the most of your fishing time on the water. The popular “Fishing Simulator” returns giving show visitors the chance to catch everything from bass to billfish.
Saturday and Sunday, one of Florida’s top divers, Jim “Chiefy” Mathie will hold seminars on spear fishing and catching lobster. Mathie is the author of two books, “Catching the Spear-it” and “Catching the Bug” that offer detailed information on improving your diving skills.
Boats however are still the show’s main draw. Every type of boat from kayaks and inflatables to yachts and everything in between. There will be more than 40 companies displaying boats, representing more than 90 boat lines, plus over 40 brokerage boats in-water.
Food and beverages will be available inside the event as well as several new downtown restaurants. Admission is $10.00 per person, per day and free for children under 16 with a paid adult admission. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information about the show, click here.
On a beautiful October Tuesday, fourteen Cape Coral Cruise Club boats headed north on the GICW, turned into Charlotte Harbor, then on to the Peace River to Fisherman’s Village Marina. The good member turnout was because this remains one of the Club’s favorite destinations. With mooring assistance from Harbor Master Jim’s helpful crew, boaters completed the always present post cruise boat chores, then relaxed the remainder of the afternoon. The Pre-happy hour time at the Boater’s Lounge produced some groans with the announcement of a trivia quiz on Florida. Prizes were awarded to both the winning and runner-up couples. Happy hour was followed with most everyone’s favorite, heavy hors D’oeuvres. This is the occasion when the first mates out do themselves. The first night is usually an early one, probably because of all the fresh air.
Wednesday started with a midmorning walk through the park along the river in Punta Gorda to the Rte. 41 bridge and back. Appetites having been built, most members took advantage of the fine restaurants at the Fisherman’s Village Shops for lunch. It was then time for a wet “T” shirt contest on the dock behind the boats. Each couple was given a tee shirt and one of the two had to put it on. Seems simple but the shirts had been water soaked, rolled tight, then frozen. Only body heat and muscle power were allowed. Again prizes were awarded to the top two finishers. Their unique means to thaw the shirts – the winners sat on them, used body heat! Dinner was a mini-Oktoberfest prepared by the cruise leaders and helpers with fare including brats, sour kraut, beer-cheese soup, and Black Forrest cake. A few of the night owls finished the day with a rowdy game of “99”.
A breakfast of biscuits with sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage links, fresh fruit and adult beverages started the day on Thursday. The bulk of the day was a “do your own thing” event. Some rode marina courtesy bikes to town, some shopped in the Village, some enjoyed the pool, and some just sat around and told sea stories, a few of which may have been true… The main feature of the evening was the group dinner at the Captain’s Table. Good food and excellent service were enjoyed by the boaters who were joined by ten Club members who arrived by car.
Friday morning saw the flotilla depart the marina heading homeward. Neptune must not have been as pleased with us as he was on our trip to the marina. Winds of 15 to 20 out of the northeast made the seas a bit snotty on Charlotte Harbor, but all arrived safely at their destinations. As usual, another great, safe Cape Coral Cruise Club trip goes into the books.
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 Larry Mitchell at 239-560-2823. 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 our Facebook page.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Fishing has remained good during the month of October for most species. I had the opportunity to take a Martin Smith of Cape Coral out with his grandson’s ( Isaac and Ethan) from Churubusco, Indiana to do some ‘serious’ fishing and ‘catching’.. We left around noon to target some Seatrout on the flats (as the tides were better later in the day for Redfish and Snook). I was elated and surprised to find out that both Isaac and his 7 year old brother, Ethan were very experienced and proved it over and over again throughout the afternoon by catching Seatrout, Snook and Redfish in good numbers. Pictured here is Ethan, being helped by his father to hold a 23″ Redfish that he fought and landed late in the day. He also hooked and landed his first Snook. Not to be outdone, Isaac caught his first Redfish as well. Great job guys!
Snook, Permit, Seatrout, Redfish and Mangrove Snappers are very active and it should only get better as the full moon cycle approaches and the daytime higher tide levels provide opportunity to backcountry venues. Live, dead, cut baits will be one’s best bet and it appears that the weather patterns will be favorable as forecasted.
Finally, I am pictured with a couple of my favorite client friends, Jade Tilford and Elizabeth Goodin of Kevil, Kentucky who I have the pleasure of spending a day each year with to do shelling, site seeing, lunch and yes, a little fishing as well. See you next year ladies.
This is Captain Terry wishing everyone ‘tight lines’ and good boating. Charter information may be obtained by going to my website at www.fishfacecharters.com or email me at [email protected] or call me at 239-357-6829.
CALLING ALL BOATERS! WE NEED YOU to join us in cleaning Estero Bay!
MONOFILAMENT MADNESS
SATURDAY, November 1, 2014
8:00 AM – 1:00PM
FISH-TALE MARINA FORT MYERS BEACH
Please fill out and return attached registration form so we may plan accordingly for the BBQ! Registration Form
The KLCB Marine Cleanup is an annual event during which volunteers go out in boats, kayaks, canoes, jet skis and anything else that floats, to remove monofilament fishing line and other harmful debris from the mangrove areas of Lee County. The boaters begin working at safe light (dawn) and continue until around noon at which time they are treated to a Volunteer Appreciation Barbecue by Sam Galloway Ford. Because of the focus on fishing line, the project committee has affectionately dubbed the cleanup “Monofilament Madness”. It is hoped that through educational awareness, the people who are causing the problem will be reached and their behavior modified so that, among other reasons, wildlife will be spared agonizing deaths from entanglement in monofilament fishing line.
How Did It Start?
The project was conceived in 1993 in a small tackle shop in North Fort Myers (Lehr’s Economy Tackle) by two local fisherman (Larry Davis and Dave Westra), who discussed doing something about the deplorable problem of monofilament fishing line which had been discarded or left by careless fishermen especially in the mangrove areas. Davis and Westra were sure they could drum up volunteer support from local fishermen and boaters, but were in need of help in raising the funds necessary for such a project. The two came to KLCB seeking help with their cleanup idea and the Marine Cleanup project was born. KLCB is a private non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization capable of coordinating such projects through community sponsor support. Sam Galloway agreed to provide a catered lunch to all volunteers who would come out on Marine Cleanup Day to clean up the mess. Other corporate leaders followed.
How Is The Cleanup’s Success Measured?
The ultimate goal, of course, is to eliminate the monofilament and trash problem, and the success of attaining that goal would be measured by the lack of the problem. Until then, we measure the cleanup’s success by the growing awareness and willingness of hundreds of volunteers to dedicate a Sunday to the cause.
What Is Found?
Nothing could have prepared us for the first Marine Cleanup day (October 29, 1993) when volunteers began unloading mounds of trash and huge tangles of monofilament line onto the dock at Tarpon Point Marina. As boat after boat pulled up to the dock, it became clear that the citizens of Lee County were very serious about cleaning up their beautiful waterways.
Exactly what do the volunteers find?
Without a doubt, the #1 culprit is monofilament fishing line — miles of it. In fact, according to the Executive Director of KLCB, Rudy Busch, the previous “Monofilament Madness” cleanups have produced enough discarded fishing line to stretch from Fort Myers to Tallahassee.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) October is ‘Redfish Month’. Those anglers seeking their dream of hooking, fighting and landing a big Redfish should make arrangements to target this species now; especially with a ‘full moon on the horizon’! Notwithstanding that we are still a week away, both of the daily high tide cycles should provide plenty of water to seek out the fish in a number of areas around Punta Rassa Bay, Buck Key as well as other areas on the immediate east side of Sanibel, Captiva and North Captiva Island locations. Areas of Pineland, Matlacha and Two Pines will have lower water levels than I desire, making them less productive for many anglers.
There are plenty of bait options, ‘white’ baits off virtually every sandbar as well as big Threadfin’s off the beaches. Big shrimps and cut Pinfish are both good options. Recently, I had the pleasure of taking Frank Petrick and his son Jonah, of Lehigh Acres, Florida on a charter. Pictured here is Mr. Frank holding a beautiful Redfish he caught on a cut Pinfish under a mangrove. His son Jonah proved his angling abilities as well by catching a variety of fish, including a large Snook.
On a subsequent charter, I had the pleasure to fish with Mr. Tom Ryle, his wife Shirley and son Wes of Covington, Kentucky. Tom and Shirley now spend considerable time on Sanibel enjoying our beautiful weather. Within minutes of making a shrimp presentation along an oyster laden spoil island, Shirley landed the 29 inch Redfish pictured here. Unfortunately, it was over the maximum ‘slot’ size of 27″.
Nonetheless, Tom caught a 24 inch Red for dinner. They all caught a variety of species that afternoon as the tides moved into the back country areas around Punta Rassa and Tropical Home Site areas. Nice job Tom and Shirley! Let’s do it again!
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tight lines’. Charter information may be obtained by calling me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]. Check out my website: www.fishfacecharters.com for more articles and fishing tips.
By: Fishin’ Frank
Reds are still doing well at the 41 bridges, cast at the high line wires. Tom Adams Pier in Englewood is a very good day time spot for Mackerel and Snapper from land. For the Mackerel, use a poppin’ cork and shrimp (like you would for seatrout), pop it hard let them know your bait is there.
If you are using lures, a 1./2 once or 3/4 once Spoon is your best bet, or a 4 inch paddle tail jig. At the inter-coastal, I would use the Silver pepper with the Chartruse tail the paddle tail. It creates a lot of noise going through the water and noise will bring on the Spanish mackerel. Have fun out there!
Well our new hoodies are a welcome addition this morning with the temps at 60 degrees. It really was not that cold, but when it was 90 yesterday, it takes a couple of days to get used to it.
Fishing side of the report: Redfish are at the 41 bridge, the north end near the high line wires. This is going to annoy Austin – he has had those Redfish to himself up to a couple of days ago when a group of guys found them and yesterday a tournament boat found the school. Storm swim baits 3 or 4 inches and dark color, brown or purple. Jig them with about a 12 inch lift to the tip of your rod. If you are a bait guy, shrimp tail hooked is your best bet. Use a Carolina style rig, hook a 24 inch leader and a swivel with a bullet weight in front of the swivel. Putting a bead between the weight and your swivel is a good idea. Let the shrimp sit for a minute, then give the rod a sharp jerk up again no more than a 1 foot lift to your rod tip. This will lightly crack the sinker into the bead into the swivel, making a light cracking sound. Let the Redfish know your bait is there.
Snook are doing well here also. Again the Storm or the Berkley swim bait 4 inch for the Snook (any color as long as it is dark). Use an upward jigging motion, but you need to be very close to the pilings of the bridge.
Well I have a mountain of work to catch up on, I will give more reports as they happen. Check out our new on-line store. That is what I hope to help pay for the internet reports and Radio Fishin. Yes I do have to make money as bad as it sounds.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club enjoyed the beautiful Naples Boat Club for their September cruise on the 16th, 17th and 18th. Fourteen boats signed up for the cruise but two had to drop out – one for a mechanical issue and one for an emergency home repair issue. This is the third year in a row the September cruise has been to the Naples Boat Club, which speaks volumes about its helpful staff, great amenities and convenient location to Naples shops and restaurants.
The 12 boats that participated were “MOONLIGHTER”, Cruise Leaders Lee & Benda Jetton with members Mike & Brenda Stewart aboard – “PANACEA”, John & Mary Brehm – “Y KNOT”, Phil & Pat Kryger – “WHATEVER”, Jim & Edie Limbright – “SURFACE INTERVAL”, Bruce & Sue Longman – “DESPERADO”, John Lynch & Elise Vinnoy – “BULLFROG”, Mac and Bobbie McEwen – “HAR DEE II”, Hal & Dee Moss – “C R SIDE”, Bob & Carol Peterson – “SEMPER PARATUS”, John & Pati Queen – “SUNKISSED”, Phil & Lyn Quick – and “HAPPY OURS”, Gary & Kathy Taake.
The winds and seas were almost perfect on Tuesday for the cruise down the Gulf of Mexico to Gordon Pass and on to Naples Boat Club. After docking, it was time for enjoying the pool with its waterfall, cards, a game of pool in the beautiful Clubhouse, or just relaxing aboard. At 5:00 pm it was time for happy hour with snacks in the Clubhouse, followed at 6:00 pm by a catered dinner of Chicken Stir Fry with rice, oriental salad, rolls & butter and a variety of different cakes for dessert. After a long cruise from Cape Coral, the catered dinner meant that none of the ladies would have to cook and could join in the fun after docking.
Wednesday was a morning and early afternoon open for shopping, exploring Naples, breakfast or lunch aboard or at a nearby restaurant, enjoying the pool, or games in the Clubhouse. Although there had been some rain, at 2:00 pm the sun came out and everyone met in the swimming pool for a Yellow Rubber Duck Race. First the men, and then the ladies, were divided up into two groups of 6 in the pool. Each person was given a yellow rubber duck. The object of the game was, on a signal, to drop your duck in front of you and propel it to the other side of the pool only by pushing it with your nose or blowing it. After two runoffs, the winners were determined.
The first prize winner for the men was John Queen, who won not a yellow duck but a bottle of Grey Goose, and second place went to Mac McEwen who won, in a Victoria’s Secret bag, not skimpy attire but a key with a small knife hidden inside. On the ladies side, first place went to Edie Limbright, who won, fittingly enough, a bottle of Ugly Duckling wine, and second place went to Carol Peterson who won a pair of scissors. Everyone who participated had a barrel of laughs and were good sports to participate. Prizes were awarded at happy hour.
Following happy hour at 4:30 pm, the entire group, joined by members Steve and Nell Winner who had driven down, walked to downtown Naples to the Mangrove Café for a $35.00 special of 2 dinners with salad, bread, and a bottle of wine. Everyone reported a great meal with fast and efficient service. Hats off to the Mangrove Café for a wonderful dining experience.
Thursday morning was again a free morning and early afternoon to enjoy Naples. Some members enjoyed Tin City, breakfast at the Cove Inn, shopping, games, or playing pool in the Clubhouse. As before, rain was a bit of an issue, but dissipated at 2:00 pm for the second yellow rubber duck contest at the pool. In this contest, no one had to get in the pool, as everyone drew a card with a number on it. Each yellow rubber duck also had a number painted on it matching the numbers drawn. Then, all the numbered ducks were dumped into the pool at the waterfall end and were pushed by wind and current to the other end of the pool. Some ducks floated straight to the other end, some did a U-turn, some floated to the sides and one even went into the pool scupper. Everyone cheered on their duck until winners were declared.
The owner of the winning duck was Bobbie McEwen who won a box of Double Dog Dare wine. The second place duck was owned by Jon Lynch, who won a set of funnels, and the third place duck was owned by Lyn Quick who won a pair of scissors.
At 4:30, happy hour with snacks was held in the clubhouse where the above prizes were awarded. Gary Taake prepared Oysters Rockefeller, and Phil Kryger prepared fresh caught fried Fish Bites to add to the snacks. Then, at 6:00 pm, everyone walked to the on-site Wharf Tavern for a group seafood dinner, highlighted by a $15.99 1 ¼ pound whole steamed Maine lobster dinner with fries and slaw. Once again, the Wharf Tavern made every bib attired member happy with lots of drawn butter to dip juicy lobster into. No one left hungry. Following dinner, the left over cakes were served in the Clubhouse along with a delicious Mango cobbler made by Edie Limbright. Those who still had room for dessert enjoyed the sweet feast.
Friday morning members left in small groups for the trip back to Cape Coral and Fort Myers. Once again, light seas with only occasional periods of scattered rain made for a safe and very comfortable cruise home. Thanks go to everyone who participated in the cruise, as a cruise cannot be successful without members participating. Thanks also go to the Naples Boat Club staff for their courtesy, assistance, and professionalism.
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 Larry Mitchell at 239-560-2823. 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 our Facebook page.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) My 1st Mate (Vicki) and I recently returned from a trip to Italy to experience some fly fishing on the Lima River close to Lucca, Italy. We had a wonderful time with one of the guides based out of Florence, but are happy to be back in beautiful SW Florida in time for some Redfish and Snook action.
It did not take long for me to get back on the water. Pictured here is Mr. Brady Johnson of Johnston, Iowa holding a Redfish he caught on an incoming tide in the back country of Punta Rassa. His lady friend, Ms. Jordyn Kapsch, caught a variety of species, including Seatrout, Crevalle Jacks, Snook and the Redfish she is holding.
The Snook bite was good all week. One of my regular clients, Mr. Frank Miller of Roebling, N.J., showed off his angling ability when he hooked and landed the 28 inch Snook pictured here.
Fishing should continue to be good, especially if the winds blow from the south and south west. Otherwise; one needs to fish the higher of the two incoming tides to have enough water to provide access to more locations. Some of the year’s best Redfish action will be in October! Artificial presentations as well as live and cut baits should work. Fish moving water for best results.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone tight lines! Check out my website; www.fishfacecharters.com for more fishing reports, articles and information. I am easily reached by phone at 239-357-6829 or via email at [email protected] for charter bookings.
