Mid and late October fishing proved to be somewhat better than I actually expected, given my comments on my latest report. One may recall, I mentioned many fishing guides presented dismal accounts of inshore catches and I was concerned that my luck would run out. Nonetheless, I was fortunate to find and catch a variety of species, including Redfish at some of the more productive, pre-hurricane (Irma) locations.
We’re gearing up for our largest event of the year – the Fort Myers Boat Show! With so much to see, learn and do, we want to make sure you feel as prepared as possible to get the most out of your boat show experience, no matter what show you’re at. Whether you’re there strictly for the boats, interested in discovering fishing tips from local anglers, or making your holiday wish list filled with the latest gadgets, you’ll want to make sure you aren’t leaving anything out. Whether you attend the show regularly or are planning your first visit, you can benefit from our tips below.
By Captain Terry Fisher
Early October proved to produce a variety of fish, even though Hurricane Irma played havoc on water levels and water quality. I just returned from a diving and fishing trip to the Turks/Caicos Islands, but prior to departing I had the opportunity to take out some truly good anglers out and test the inshore fishing grounds for Seatrout, Mangrove Snapper, Snook, Sheepshead, Black Drum and Redfish.
Okeechobee Waterway – St. Lucie Canal (C-44) High Flow and Low Water Hazardous Navigation
Notice is given that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is advising commercial and recreational vessels to use extreme caution traveling the Okeechobee Waterway between Port Mayaca and St. Lucie Locks due to high current flowing east and low canal levels created by maximum lake releases.
Read more “Notice to Navigation: NTN 2017-013 Okeechobee Waterway C-44 St. Lucie Canal Low Water”
By Captain Terry Fisher
Early October failed to produce a lot of charters as well as opportunities to boat or fish in as much as strong winds and rain put a damper on things. The weather forecast for the week of the 8th of October is looking pretty good and should allow access to both inshore and offshore locations. Unfortunately, I will not get to join the hunt for RED OCTOBER (Redfish) until the week of the 15th as I am traveling to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Fortunately however, I will have a week of Scuba Diving and some fly fishing, on the flats of those islands and cays.
By Captain Terry Fisher
The waters are still dark and dreary from Hurricane Irma. However, Mullet are everywhere and in bigger schools than I have seen in a long time. A variety of fish are biting, if and when you locate them, as there is not a lot of fishing pressure, due mostly to the time of year along with efforts to clean up after the storm. Baits such as shrimp are as good as I have seen prior to the storm. Other baitfish; for cast netting are off the beaches and are more active during mid-morning hours.
During the end of September focus on redfish and tarpon over on the west side. You’ll be able to find a group of 3-4 redfish holding out under the mangroves in a slightly deeper pocket. A shrimp with a rockport head or just free lined will help pull them out of their spot to eat. The tarpon seem to be just out from the mangroves or out on top of the bar. It may take a while to find that sweet spot this time of year but after you find it, you’ll stay busy.
Fishin Frank
Southwest Florida Yacht Club, “The Cruisingest Yacht Club in the USA®”, is continuing its popular Local Waters Seminar in October & November 2017. We have now partnered with the four United States Power Squadrons in SW Florida (Cape Coral, Fort Myers, San Carlos Bay, and Sanibel Captiva) to expand on the material presented. The seminar, developed as a service to the local boating community, discusses local water tips “beyond the charts” and our many nearby boating destinations based on SFYC member experiences and insights.
Read more “Southwest Florida Yacht Club Continues Popular Local Waters Seminar”
In 2016, Fort Myers was ranked in the top 5 cities with the most boat thefts in the country. Locking and tracking technology becomes more advanced every year, but unfortunately, so do the culprits. Thieves aren’t always out to steal an entire boat and are often looking for easier items to grab like outboard engines, trolling motors, props, and electronics. Big ticket items can come in small packages. Keeping up to date on the latest preventative measures can help keep your boat where it belongs—with you.
By: Stokes Marine
No two boat lifts or docks are exactly the same so chances are you’ll need a bit of customization to fit your needs. These needs might include washing your boat, boat maintenance, entering and exiting the boat, and accessing different areas around your boat.
If the dock does not wrap all the way around both side of the boat, washing the boat can become very difficult. Washing the hull of a boat while being on the boat can be rough on your back and sometimes impossible depending the what kind of hull you have.