Fishin’ Frank wonders whether the magic will remain?

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Well the TV says that we are in for a week of thunderstorms each day, not all day but possible storms each day, which leaves us 1 of 2 possibilities.

1- The first is that a front moves across the Harbor and the fish move and quit feeding, or we get a couple inches of rain, and it lower the salt level of the Harbor, which would move many of the fish back into the gulf. Not good at all as we have been in the magic zone, every thing from Black fin tuna, Bonita, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Shark, Cobia, Tarpon, Snook, red fish, & more all biting. What can I say but WOW what a week.

2- The second possible out come, is that these afternoon rains and cloud cover will hold the water temperature steady, providing we get less than an inch of rain so the salt level remain constant in the Harbor, and if the clouds keep the water from heating up, this magic week could turn into a magic month. & HOW cool would that be!!

So here hoping for door number 2 and the magic remains

Fishin’ Frank

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Capt. Terry says “inshore fishing continues to get better”!

(FT. MYERS BEACH TO CHARLOTTE HARBOR) The ‘inshore’ fishing continues to get better as spring sets in with the tides getting stronger and higher. I had the opportunity over the last number of days (before the full moon and during the full moon) to do a number of charters. Snook season is in full swing and I have had tremendous success with this species. The Redfish are here in good numbers and a variety of sizes (including a lot of ‘over-slot’ size fish). Pictures of Mr. Don Shanley from Potosi, Wisconsin and Mr. Al Rawlings of Hastings, Minnesota are each shown here with a pair of 29” Redfish. This was only two of about 40 that they caught within 2 hours. Great going guys!

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Moreover, SeaTrout, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Crevalle Jacks, and shark are on the flats in good numbers and are very active. They are attacking shrimp, pilchards, live or cut Pinfish and Lady Fish, as well as a variety of artificial baits. They are feeding off of the ‘bottom’ as well as under corks. I am attaching a picture of 7 year old Tyler Tousey with a small Crevalle Jack. This was just one of his numerous catches. Later that day, Tyler caught a 33” Black Tip Shark (all by himself) on the flats in Pine Island Sound. Tyler fought the shark like a ‘pro’. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of it, but his father, Mr. Gerald Tousey, got it on video. Fortunately however, I got to witness this young angler in action. Nice going Tyler!

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‘Offshore’, Cobia, Red Grouper, King Mackerel and some Tarpon are all about. I have seen Tarpon jumping from time to time in Pine Island Sound as well and I am now planning some Tarpon trips. It is my thought that the fishing will continue to be good next week for both ‘inshore’ and ‘offshore’. However, I suggest fishing earlier in the day with the weaker tides for best results. If you have any questions give me a call at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]. Be sure and check out my websites at www.fishfacecharters.com; www.captainterryfisher.com for all updates on weekly and monthly articles and fishing reports.

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Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Fishin’ Frank says it’s the time of year to go catching, not fishing!

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Everything is coming together nicely. The red tide is gone, the water temperature is up and the harbor is full of bait. Our summertime fish, tarpon, shark, cobia, mackerel are all starting to show up in the harbor in good numbers and it’s only going to get better. Now is the time to get out there and get catching. Not fishing, catching!

The 20 foot hole (the upper hole) in the harbor seems to be the hot spot. Good reports of tarpon, shark, cobia and spanish mackerel. There was even a king fish caught in the 20 foot hole! I’m also hearing reports of cobia on the markers and on both the east and west sandbars. Tarpon are also starting to show up at the 41 bridge at night.

And don’t forget the usual suspects either. Snook, redfish and trout are all doing extremely well and so are flounder. There is plenty of bait to be found at the markers, in the middle of the harbor, the skating rink and even in the mouth of the Myaka River.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Shaaaaaaaarks! Fishin’ Frank reports they’re back!

Sharks are moving into Charlotte Harbor.

Sharp nose, Black tips, Nurse, Lemons, Spinners, and Bulls & Bonnets, which to be fair are here all year. But we do see increased numbers as the water warms up. each year as the water hits 75 degrees Cobia, Tarpon and shark move up from where ever they are during sown bird season, Crazy but each year as the Snow bird leave the big fish show up, How crazy is that, but just like their human counter parts the go south during the colder months and return as the waters warm.

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Shark fishing is like sailing hours of boredom punctuated by moments of shear excitement or terror.

Simple procedure – anchor your boat or cast your line out from the dock better if you chum and wait for the rush of a screaming reel.

This is just a long winded way of saying the Sharks are back n the Harbor and the numbers are growing, the numbers of Sharks will peak out in May the prime month for Sharks, But you may want to consider Catch & release during may as that is when the Sharks are going to give birth. By June they are done “Pupping” and dinner time may resume,

Yes I eat Sharks it is some of the best tasting meat and very healthy for you. Why buy fish oil tablets, ok some one else kills the fish for you, but when you do it your self no waste is the key. and I never take one while I still have meat from the first one.

Any way good luck out the have fun, and watch where you put your finger, It is Shark fishin after all.

Frank

UPDATE – 4.15 at 5pm

Shark are moving into the harbor, So it is time to start bending the points of the barbs on your hooks down, barb-less does not work, really bad idea, but bending the barb down so the bait & the fish stay on but are very easy to release is the key to a healthy shark population, Circle hook are too hard to get out and dangerous on the fingers, So use a J hook and flatten the barb.

The big mistake most people make is too big a hook, for black tip or Sharp nose go to a 4/0 with a chunk of bait 2 fingers wide. Good luck

 

 

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Last week was fantastic for the ‘back country’ charters!” Capt. Terry

CAPTAIN TERRY FISHER’S WEEKLY FISHING FORECAST

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

Last week was fantastic for the ‘back country’ charters for those able to handle spin cast equipment as well as a few who wanted to learn. My charters boated two 30+ inch Snook while working the Mangroves on both incoming and outgoing tides. Lots of other fish action was captured on camera and video while anglers caught their share of Seatrout, Crevalle Jacks, Lady Fish, Shark and Redfish in the mix. Herewith are pictures of clients; Mr. Dan Damon of Battle Creek, Michigan and Mississippi River Boat Captain, Don Mc Daniel with Holly Jett from Edwardsville, Illinois proudly displaying their ‘Snooks of a lifetime’.  Great going and congratulations to both of those anglers who prevailed over my constant instructions (‘suggestions’) while fighting and landing their first Snooks!

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Spring is here and the fish are very active both inshore and offshore. Lots of big Seatrout are being caught in the clean, clear flats where there is good water movement. The Redfish are here and are being caught early morning on top water plugs, jigs and spoons and more so, on live bait in the afternoon. The Tarpon are beginning to show up in numbers making it worth-while to start planning a trip so long as the weather permits. Look for Cobia close to shore and out on the structures in most any depth. They are curious and will hit anything from a shrimp to artificial.  King Mackerel are being caught on live pilchards, pinfish and artificial lures in about 30 to 65 feet of water on the same structure as one will find most reef species.

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If you want to book a charter or have any questions, I will be honored to take your call at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Fishin’ Frank’s Charlotte County Report

Cobia, Mackerel & Redfish galore. This is what has happened over the week while I have been under the weather. I try to update at least weekly. Not sure if I got sick or just ran out of get up and go, but either way the fishin has been smokin out in the Harbor and near gulf.
Cobia are doing the spawn thing and have been thick near Hog Island & marker 1. Schools of Cobia about a mile off the beaches. Jigs with a bass worm tip or Rat-L-Trap 3/4 once
seem to be the lures of choice.

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Spanish are moving in, I have heard a lot this year about how thin the fish were and it occurred to me that maybe the barrier of Red tide across the passes this year had a lot to do with so few fish like Trout. Since the Red tide has backed off the fish are pouring into the harbor.
Maverick lures are the trolling lure of choice for Spanish, just hold the rod and keep the boat moving about 2 to 3 miles per hour,
Red fish are feeding back around the Mangroves, crabs or I should say the baby blue crabs and spider crabs are what they are feeding on. So when the tide is higher a 1.3 or better cast under the branches or shrimp or crabs if you can catch them. Hang onto the rod. When that red hits it is a hit.
Good luck, have fun and be safe
Frank

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Second Annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament

Award-winning Doc Ford murder-mystery series novelist White has already signed on for fishing the tournament, in which 100 percent of the entry fee will be distributed as tournament awards.

“I’m really looking forward to the tournament,” said White, a former area fishing guide. “It’s for such a great cause, and a good excuse to get out and meet people and find out if I can still tie a Bimini.”

Mark your calendars for tournament day May 4, 2013.

Doc Ford’s, with locations on both Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach, sponsors the tournament to support the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge through the “Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS).

“This is so exciting!” said Marty Harrity, Doc Ford’s co-owner. “There’s not another tarpon tournament like it in the area. We’re expecting fishermen from all over Florida.”

“Doc Ford’s has been a faithful supporter of our efforts at “Ding” Darling, helping greatly to bolster refuge programs and research to balance federal budget shortfalls,” said Birgie Vertesch, DDWS executive director. “We’re so grateful to them for this huge effort in our behalf.”

Learn more about the tournament here: www.dingdarlingtarpontourney.org

 

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Winning Team – 2012

Team Doc Ford’s

Nick Fischer, Joe Harrity, Dennis Florie and John Landry

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Events

Lee County Fishing Report with Captain Terry

CAPTAIN TERRY FISHER’S WEEKLY FISHING REPORT

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

The ‘back country’ fishing is alive and good as spring has arrived. I am attaching a picture of a 35” Snook caught by one of my better anglers, Mr. Gino Mascarins of Canada. Gino and I have a lot in common. We like to go after a variety of species for lots of action and we are always prepared when the ‘fish of a lifetime’ takes the presentation. Gino was calm and collective from start to finish insuring landing this exciting game fish. Pictured with him is his lady friend Jennifer, a proven angler in her own right.

The water temperature is rapidly rising and the Tarpon have been reported about 6 miles off of the outer islands. Winds and weather permitting will allow Shark/Tarpon charters to begin soon.

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Additionally, the Redfish are showing up and I have been on some really nice size Seatrout in upper Pine Island Sound. The Spanish Mackerel have been on a big feed and I have taken as many as 25 fish on half day charters. My ‘Dream Team’ pictured from Michigan (Mike, Lea, Joseph and Jordan), completed a half day charter this week catching more than 75 fish, including Spanish Mackerel, Seatrout, Lady Fish and Pompano. They take  ‘top’ honors so far this year landing more fish than any other group. Congratulations to them.

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The fishing will continue to be good with the higher and stronger tides. Give me a call at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected] to set up a charter. Be sure and check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for monthly and weekly reports.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Manatee County’s biggest nautical event coming in early May!

   Come out to the West Marine Nautical Expo at Regatta Pointe Marina an MCS Band Slam to enjoy Manatee County’s BIGGEST boating and nautical event this year.
Here are just some of the FREE events and activities to enjoy:
–   Live  entertainment daily
–   High-quality boating seminars
–   Fishing Stations: learn how to fish by the best Charter Captains in the area sign up your son/daughter by 10 a.m. both days and learn how to fish from 12-2 pm and from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. each participant will go home with a rod and reel while supplies last.(16 & under).  Parent must be present when registering.
–   Boating demo rides
–   Powerboat/Sailboat show (more than 50 boats in the water)
–   Wide variety of marine outfitters, suppliers, services and other exhibitors
–   A nautical market from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ed Massey, one of fourteen members of the Regatta Pointe Marina Association, would like the general public to be aware that this expo is about more than sales, it’s an effort to give our boating community the most valuable tool of all – knowledge. “Our association is dedicated to providing a quality, free event built around meaningful seminars,” Massey said. “Our seminar speakers are better than ever with a wide range of topics that will appeal to both power and sailing enthusiasts.”

Seminars will be held in the Eagle’s Nest on the third floor of the River House Reef & Grill building, overlooking the historic Green Bridge and the Manatee River.  Forlocation information, please visit RegattaPointeMarina.com.

Posted by Scott Q Events Product/Services

Lee County Fishing Report with Captain Terry

I did not take time to write my weekly fishing report last week as I was busy between charters and working the Lee County Spring Boat Show at the Convention Center (my apologies to my weekly readers). Getting out this month has been fairly tough to schedule due to the previous two cold fronts and high winds that recently passed though the area. It appears that we have a few windy days ahead, but with warmer weather.

130.3.12 sheepsheadNonetheless, many of my charter clients have continued to enjoy my ‘back country’, ‘flats’ and mangrove island  locations  hooking, catching and yes, ‘losing’ some fish. I am attaching one of my favorite pictures of Mr. Dick Sharrer and his grandsons, Josh and Luke (from Pennsylvania). Luke (9 years old) caught this ‘winter’ Sheepshead on a fiddler crab. I am confident his late ‘great’ grandfather is proud. Nice going guys!

‘Spring is in the air’ and as the water temps continue to climb and stabilize, most all species will become more active and aggressive. In fact, I am hopeful of being able to do some successful Shark/Tarpon charters off of the islands of Sanibel and Captiva by the end of the month. Fishing should be good next week so long as the winds do not conflict.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing every fishing success. If you have any questions or need additional information please read my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. To book a charter, feel free to contact me at 239-357-6829 or email [email protected]

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports