(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.
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.
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 [email protected]. More articles and fishing tips may be found on my website; www.fishfacecharters.com.
On Monday the 19th of May 2014 at 8:00 am six boats from the Cape Coral Cruise Club set out on an adventure to the Out Islands of the Bahamas particularly on this trip, the Exumas. Those traveling are as follows: Len and Sharon Palmisano on “Sharon Ann” with guests, Greg and Bev; Kenneth and Sandra Starnes on “Pop’s Place”; Phil and Lyn Quick on “Sunkissed”; Rich and Robyn McGloin on “Robyn M”; Phil and Pat Kryger on ”Y Knot”; with Gary and Kathy Taake on “Happy Ours”. We all met at marker 92 off Tarpon Point Marina to head south for the beginning of our three week journey. Weather forecast was 10-15 knot winds with gusts up to 20 out of the east, so our “unofficial leaders”, Len and Sharon, led us down the Gulf of Mexico hugging the shore to give us a nice smooth ride to Marathon Key.
Thank the boat gods as the wind stayed out of the east. Well, there isn’t much close shore after Cape Sable, so it got-bouncy halfway down and continued choppy until we reached Marathon. Sunkissed and Pop’s Place had to go an extra few miles to get to the center span of the seven mile bridge giving us the proper height clearance. We arrived at the Marathon Marina fuel dock at 3:15 pm, adding 115 miles to our log. After fueling up we left at 3:40, to head up to Hawk’s Cay Resort and Marina. As expected the winds were due east, and all headed straight into the thumpers, three to four footers with an occasional five or six thrown in. Finally at 5:00 pm we arrived at our first destination “Hawk’s Cay” adding 28 more miles to our log.
It was pretty unanimous everyone wanted to stay an extra day to relax and Anticipate smaller seas for the crossing to the Bahamas. Most of us relaxed poolside while others did their own thing just chilling out. On Wednesday, May 21, we left Marathon at 8:00 am pushing into choppy seas, however, not as bad as Monday, but still slowed us down pretty well. At 1:00 pm we arrived at Miami fuel docks and at 1:45 we all docked at the Miamarina city docks. Everyone got their hoses out for our first fresh water wash down. At 6:30 that evening we had a group dinner at Bubba Gumps restaurant, then strolled the promenade and window shopped amongst the many stores.
The next day, Thursday May 21, the seas had laid down and were fairly small all the way across the Gulf Stream, putting us at Chub Cay at 1:30pm, adding 124 nautical miles. Chub Cay is a beautiful island. On the mend, we were told, with new owners spending millions of dollars, with floating concrete docks and a new clubhouse being built. There is a very nice infinity edge pool spilling into the crystal blue waters. Everyone showed up poolside for happy hour and to watch a phenomenal sunset.
Sunkissed was the only boat to buy fuel at Chub Cay, the owner concerned she would not have sufficient fuel on board to make it to Nassau, our next stop. With a low, low price of $6.80 per gallon, we only took on 100 gallons. After a leisurely Friday morning breakfast on we headed out at 9:40 am to beautifully calm seas on our way to Nassau. We entered the harbor at 11:40 am putting an additional 37.2 nautical miles under our boat, having taken in many sites along the way. After fueling up at a reasonable $5.42 per gallon, we tied up for our last wash down for a while. The girls went grocery shopping for some needed supplies while the guys did their chores and had a drink or three. At 2:45 pm, a very anxious Kenneth met his bride who flew in from Arkansas to be his first mate for the duration of the trip. Some stayed on board and cooked their own dinner while the Quicks, Taakes, McGloins and Krygers went to the Poop Deck restaurant for a very good meal.
On Saturday, May 24 at 10:00 am we left Nassau for the beautiful Warderick Wells Land and Sea Park, arriving at 1:10 pm. WOW, Tahiti, all over again. The hues of blue were mind blowing, the sand white and fine. We were moored here for 2 nights with everyone using their dinghies to do some swimming and snorkeling along with some exploring. Later in the day Bob and Bonnie Martin on “Bonaventure” caught up with us after having some problems with their boat. Also on board were Ron and Wendy, their daughter and son in law. They came just in time for Happy Hour on the beach. Everyone retired to their boats for dinner and relaxation. The next morning, Sunday, May 25, we awoke again to the beauty of Mother Nature. Everyone was doing their own thing, snorkeling, swimming or putting around in their dinks, crisscrossing each other. Gen sets ran day and night for all the comforts of home.
The next morning, Monday, May 26, at 10:00 am we all left for a really short ride of 20 nautical miles, to Staniel Cay Yacht Club (sic), but surprising to me, the place turned out to be super cool. Mega yachts were anchored outside, smaller ones tied up amongst us. As soon as we were all secured we saw large nurse sharks swimming around the docks and under our boats. Most of us went to the onsite restaurant for a great lunch followed by an afternoon lounging by the pool. By dinner time, which some could not even think about because of the large portions at lunch, it was time for a relaxing cocktail or two poolside, followed by a game of “99” with the Quicks, Krygers and Taakes. Then an early retirement so as to wake early enough for low tide to allow room to slide under the cave at Thunderball Grotto. Can’t wait.
True confession time. While I was breaking down my dinghy at the end of that day, the outboard slipped from my hands and dropped in about 20 feet of water. Stupid yes, dumb no; I had enough sense to have a line tied to it. After retrieving it, I rinsed it and put it away totally disgusted. I don’t like dinghies and have sworn off them forever.
Next day, Friday May 28, after a short ride, we arrived at Compass Cay, again having beautiful sea conditions. We pulled in to a mecca of yachts, sport Fish yachts and a few big center consoles. Compass Cay Marina is bare bones marina, with not much to do unless you want to take a little hike to the beautiful crescent beach with crystal clear water that is about 1/2 mile long. Or you may want to test your bravery and get in the water to pet the many nurse sharks, which many of us did. We have the pictures. The only issue we had was after having had the reservations for months, three of the boats had to tie up at a dock with no power. Again the gensets ran for 48 hours maintaining inside comfort. On our second night at Compass we had a pot luck dinner under the dock pavilion. All of our great cooks did a mighty fine job. This club never goes hungry.
The next day, Friday May 30, we entered the most anticipated destination (by me), Highbourne Cay. Did I say WOW, a gorgeous marina with numerous tiki huts. A real neat open air restaurant on the side of a small mountain overlooking the whitest sand and bluest water you would ever want to see. Fabulous docks, more friendly sharks albeit one huge bull shark that showed up from time to time. Six guys along with Sharon Palmisano chartered a boat with captain and first mate for our fishing expedition. We were getting a little jealous seeing all the Mahi being caught and cleaned here at the marina. We dropped our lines and immediately had four hits but only brought in one. A few minutes later, three strikes, one brought in. Next strike was this writers turn and a mackerel was landed. All told, four Mahi and one mackerel boated. Definitely not bad for three hours. Guess what we had for dinner that night? Wrong ….. We had reservations at the hilltop restaurant. However, everyone received a huge bag of Mahi which was eaten the next night and truly appreciated.
Later that same day three locals came in with a boat load of fresh conch, cleaning and selling it. My remembrance of island conch salad flashed before me and of course, we had to have some. Rephil and Gary wanted to blow their horns so they each got a conch shell to take home. In my opinion, this is a place we could have stayed for a week. Tomorrow, it is back to the not so calm Nassau Harbour Club Marina to fuel, wash down and fill up with water. Sunday, June 1, was just a short run to Nassau with 15 knot winds. Protection from the island chain gave us a very favorable ride. Boats were cleaned. Len and Sharon’s guests, Greg and Bev disembarked to catch a plane back to reality and Ken and Sandra’s guests, Josh and Ashley. Arrived for the remainder of the trip, by chance, just in time for happy hour. After an hour of chopping the store bought produce, the conch was ready to marinate. Piled on top of saltines everyone seemed to enjoy the conch salad along with Gary’s famous bacon wrapped smoked oysters. Then off to do your own thing for dinner.
At about 9:00pm a loud boom was heard. We gathered outside and were entertained by a fabulous fireworks display right in the middle of the channel. No one knew what the occasion was so we decided it was the islander’s appreciation of the CCCC visit to the island. Tomorrow to Paradise Islands Atlantis, hopefully they will let us in early.
On Monday, June 2, we eagerly awaited our turn to be called into the inlet to Paradise Island. By around noon, we were all tied up, in line, right by one of the many pools and a harbor side restaurant. A few of us had lunch there which was pizza and huge burgers, then everyone anxiously scuttled off to explore the many sites and attractions. This place has grown immensely since our last visit here with so much more to do and see. There were many huge mega yachts to be seen also. You really need good shoes and feet to see only a portion of what is offered. The next morning everyone went in different directions and rarely would you run into one of your cruising friends. Some went to the water park, some went sightseeing, some went to the pool and some found a nice spot to people watch. The forecast for tomorrow is bumpy seas, however, the plan is to leave right after check out around 8:00 am and head to Bimini.
Wednesday, June 4, We arrived at Bimini at 1:35 pm after a morning departure time of 7:50 am, with seas not bad at all. Everyone relaxed, pooled it or did some sightseeing. Dinner time had everyone at The Big Game Club. It seemed most of us wanted the penne pasta Alf redo with shrimp and lobster. However, they didn’t have any lobster and replaced it with conch and the shrimp count was anywhere from two to four, which was a little disappointing but the pasta and sauce was delicious.
We all retired early anticipating the long haul to Marathon in the morning. Thursday, June 5, All seven boats departed Bimini around 7:30 am heading to Miami and then South fearing for rough seas. They say” there is nothing to fear but fear itself’. The quote held true, a little bumpy, but not bad at all. The group arrived at Marathon Marina at 2:00 pm, a long day of 128 nautical miles. Our last happy hour on “Sharon Ann”. Then we had a delightful dinner at the marina restaurant. Cheers and tears as this was the last night of a truly great experience. Anxiety set in as people began leaving at 7:00 am with Sunkissed and Sharon Ann pulling out at 7:45am into unbelievably calm seas. The entire trip up the Gulf of Mexico was as flat as your swimming pool… Again the sea gods overall saw fit to give us a great experience the entire time. We arrived and were secured at our dock at exactly 2:00 pm. We give Len and Sharon Palmisano a big thank you for making all the arrangements and keeping up with all the reservations through the entire trip. It all seemed seamless. Also a big thank you to the mechanical wizards for an amazing, no problem trip for all seven boats.
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.
Full moon, southerly winds and high summer tides make for great fishing. Tarpon, Redfish, Snook and Seatrout are abound. Tarpon are here in big numbers! Big Snook are active both in the backcountry and off of the beaches. Tournament size Redfish are around the ‘hard to get to’ spoil and natural islands with structure and mangroves.
Southerly winds and higher summer tides give fishermen and fisher ladies alike more opportunity to target their favorite species and ‘catch a fish of a lifetime’, by allowing boater access to shallower areas that get a lot of less fishing pressure. Both live and artificial baits will work in quest of a big fish. Early morning hours are probably one’s best bet for the artificial presentations.
Working the structures around spoil and natural islands on the incoming tides will afford better opportunities to generate strikes before the water level allows the game fish to swim back into the cover. Getting them out of the cover will require ‘pitching’ some live white baits or chum along the fringes to draw the fish out to your presentation (normally cut or live baits).
The bite usually drops off at slack tide and patience is required until sufficient water movement on a receding tide rejuvenates fish activity and starts them following the current flow to different locations for oxygen, temperature, protection and feeding. A variety of backcountry species will be found milling around the flats at this time.
The canals throughout Lee County are holding lots of Snook, Jack Crevalle and juvenile Tarpon. My 1st Mate Vicki, is shown with one recently caught on crank bait while trolling in a canal.
More tips and information from Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters may be obtained by calling 239-357-6829 or emailing your requests to [email protected]. Until next week, good fishing and tight lines!
A flotilla of 9 boats set off on Tuesday May 20th heading north on the Gulf ICW with beautiful clear skies and calm seas that lasted for the entire cruise. Lead by Jon Lynch on Desperado, cruising members included Lee & Brenda Jetton on Moonlighter, Jim and Edie Limbright on Nevermind, Ted and Beverly Hutson on New Horizons, John and Mary Brehm on Panacea, Hal and Dee Moss on HarDee II, Larry and Mary Ann Habich on Knot Again, Mark and Sue Thompson on KDH, as well as first timers Bob & Carol Peterson on CRSide. Joining the group via auto were Chuck Pollack and Susan Herzog. Mac and Bobbie McEwen aboard Bullfrog had boat issues, cancelled late and were sorely missed.
As we passed Boca Grande Pass Tuesday morning, a clear teal blue and green sea greeted us boding well for the days to come. Approaching Gasparilla Bridge, pods of porpoise were playing alongside. We arrived at Palm Island Marina at 11:00 AM and per their usual great service, all arrivals were docked and all hooked up by 11:15 AM. The entire crew of all nine boats enjoyed each other’s company during lunch at Johnny Leverock’s including chowing down on tender calamari, clam chowder, salmon BLTs and Black & Blue salads, including cool beverages. Relaxing in and by the pool dominated the activities for the afternoon. This facility is famous for its great swimming pool.
Everyone enjoyed the pool and wished there were more club members present to enjoy the sunny weather and 90 degree water. The hot tub hosted a gaggle of ladies plus Lee Jetton (he was in heaven). Mark Thompson commented that Lee seemed to be the “thorn among the roses”. Happy hour quickly crept up and everyone feasted on a dazzling display of culinary expertise supplied by our ladies in the form of delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres polished off by German chocolate cake and carrot cake. As the sun went down, the party continued poolside well into the evening.
On Wednesday morning the group missed Mac & Bobbie’s famous chipped beef breakfast, however, the group quickly diverted to coffee cake and hot java. Later in the morning Brenda Butler decided to launch her new dink from the top of Moonlighter and received a plethora of advice from the “peanut gallery” with assistance from several pairs of hands. Later on a few members decided to ride the marina water shuttle to Rum Bay for lunch.
Sue Thompson brought out a super brain teaser puzzle that clearly confirmed that no one on our cruise will be inducted to MENSA any time soon. A wicked game of Wizard ensued with a couple of unexpected winners. A hamburger cookout finished out the evening. No one followed the traditional wait time of at least ½ hour before returning to the pool.
On Thursday, groups explored the beaches, took leisurely walks and played more cards. Dinner at Leverock’s for the entire group was superb. The team at Jonny Leverock’s provided a superb dinner of three select entrees, fine sides and as usual, very timely service – a deadly combination!
Friday morning came only too soon and by 8:30 am most boats had departed southbound for various home ports in the Cape Coral – Ft. Myers vicinity. This is the next to last cruise for the spring. Attending members hope all those traveling north for the summer had a safe trip. We will miss you and look forward to your fall return for continued cruising with the Club.
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.
(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.
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:[email protected]” target=”_blank”>[email protected]</a>.
WE’VE CREATED A MONSTER ON OUR SHORES, BAYS, RIVERS AND LAKES.
Improper application of fertilizers such as using more than recommended amounts or applying the wrong formulas at certain times of the year, has come back to bite us. When combined with rains and run-off, these nutrients are redirected from our lawns and gardens and feed harmful aquatic algae that threatens our quality of life and our economy. We all need to do our part and ask you to do yours by using the resources provided here. Please don’t feed the monster! Fertilize Smart!
Don’t spill fertilizer!
If you do have an accident, sweep the granules up. Rinsing fertilizer off with a hose could send it down the storm drain.
Don’t fertilize water bodies!
When throwing fertilizer onto water bodies or impervious surfaces, such as driveways or sidewalks, particles on hard surfaces can wind up in unintended places.
Don’t fertilize if heavy rain is forecast!
This increases the potential for fertilizers to run off into storm drains or to leach through soil with the rainwater.
(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.
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 [email protected]
CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA (May 20, 2014) – TowBoatUS in Cape Coral announces it will be a sponsor for the 10th Annual “Ryan’s Redfish Challenge” fishing tournament on May 24th at Cape Harbor. The goal of the event is to raise awareness and funds for “Barbara’s Friends,” a branch of the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation. Proceeds will go to benefit the Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Fund.File Transfer: unknown.jpgThe event is held in honor of Ryan McCleskey, who ended his fight against cancer on February 3, 2006.
The tournament is organized by family, friends, and acquaintances of Ryan who wish to continue his battle with loving memory. To date, the “Ryan’s Redfish Challenge” event has raised over $80,000 for this cause.
“We are honored to be able to help such a worthy organization through our sponsorship,” said Captain Richard Paul, co-owner of TowBoatUS. “This tournament is sure to be a lot of fun for everyone involved, and we are looking forward to being a part of this event!”
Ryan’s Redfish Challenge Tournament takes place from 7am – 4pm on Saturday, May 24th, 2014. The final weigh-in will be held at 4pm at The Marina at Cape Harbour in Cape Coral, FL. Following the weigh-in will be an event with food, raffles, and live music, which goes until 7pm.”
Those participating in the tournament are invited to attend a “Captain’s Meeting” prior to the event, on Friday, May 23rd. Check-in for the Captain’s Meeting will be at the Twisted Conch in Cape Coral from 5:30-6:30pm, with food and drinks until 8:30pm, and live music from 7-9:30pm.
For more information about participating in Ryan’s Redfish Challenge or sponsorship opportunities, visit RyansRedfishChallenge.com.
ABOUT TOWBOATUS CAPE CORAL:
From sponsoring fishing tournaments that benefit wounded war veterans and cancer cure research to towing stranded boaters back to port, co-owners Richard Paul and Jay McMillan of TowBoatUS Cape Coral believe in giving back to the people of Southwest Florida who’ve helped their business become a success. While their company mainly provides marine salvage and boat towing services, most importantly they provide peace of mind to stranded boaters off the coast of Lee County, FL and along the Caloosahatchee waterway. To enjoy the same peace of mind, sign up for an unlimited recreational boater’s membership at BoatUS.com
“Short” “No Frills” Cruise to Tween Waters Resort Marina Proves Popular
With a long cruise to the Golden Isles of Georgia scheduled in April, the Cape Coral Cruise Club offered a “short” cruise to Captiva Island’s Tween Waters Resort Marina Wednesday, April 16th through Friday, April 18th. Although 13 boats signed up to participate, only 7 made the cruise due to boat problems, illness or other unforeseen events. The 7 boats were “Sunkissed”, Phil & Lyn Quick; “K D J”, Mark & Sue Thompson; “Desperado”, Jon Lynch & Elise Vannoy; “Knot Again”, Larry & Mary Ann Habich; “New Horizons”, Ted & Beverley Hutson; “Jean Mary III”, Jeanie Douglass with son Peter and his wife Patti; and “Moonlighter”, Lee & Brenda Jetton with guests Gary & Danee Halford. Joining the cruise by car were Chuck Pollack & Sue Herzog, Joan Prosser, Joan Raymond, and Sonja Wright.
Billed as a “no frills” cruise, the only fee for the cruise was a tip for the dockhands. A dry erasure white board was installed where anyone could post an activity, and those who wished to join in could do so. Since there was no cooking demands on the ladies, they enjoyed being able to join in with the men at any time.
Activities posted on the white board included swimming or hot-tubbing, lunch pool-side, dominoes, cards, a walk to town for ice cream, beach going, a walk to the Green Flash restaurant for dinner, and cocktails on the dock. Although rain, high wind and thunderstorms had been predicted, the cruise enjoyed mostly sunny weather and light winds both cruising to and from Tween Waters.
Cruise Leader Brenda Butler Jetton had announced that as a gesture of good will, she would donate popcorn at happy hour, but that it would be limited to 2 kernels per person per day. At cocktail hour on the second day, some participants complained that they had not been given the promised popcorn, so Brenda produced 7 zip lock bags filled with 12 kernels (2 per person per day) for each boat. Each boat’s name was written on the zip lock bag. After a good laugh, big bowls of both cheese popcorn and kettle corn were set out for consumption.
On Friday, a group dinner was held at the on-site Crows Nest restaurant with 20 in attendance. After a rocky start (an incorrect group menu was presented without the promised Teriyaki Grilled Salmon) correct copies were presented and a delicious meal was then enjoyed by all.
As strong winds were predicted for later on Saturday, most boats left early and were home before the wind and waters kicked up. All who participated agreed that a “no frills” cruise can be a lot of fun, hope it will be repeated in the future, and thank Brenda Butler for organizing a great “un-organized” cruise.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations. For membership information please contact Larry Mitchell at 239-560-2823. View a short picture video of Club activities and review additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org.
(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.
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.
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; [email protected] or by calling me direct at 239-357-6829.
A flotilla of 9 boats set off on Tuesday May 20th heading north on the Gulf ICW with beautiful clear skies and calm seas that lasted for the entire cruise. Lead by Jon Lynch on Desperado, cruising members included Lee & Brenda Jetton on Moonlighter, Jim and Edie Limbright on Nevermind, Ted and Beverly Hutson on New Horizons, John and Mary Brehm on Panacea, Hal and Dee Moss on HarDee II, Larry and Mary Ann Habich on Knot Again, Mark and Sue Thompson on KDH, as well as first timers Bob & Carol Peterson on CRSide. Joining the group via auto were Chuck Pollack and Susan Herzog. Mac and Bobbie McEwen aboard Bullfrog had boat issues, cancelled late and were sorely missed.
