Balmy mornings and thundery afternoons can only mean one thing: hurricane season has arrived. As with all things in boating, preparedness is key. Watching the local news report of a CAT 2 swirling in the Gulf is not the time to start figuring out what to do with your boat. Having a plan in place will give your boat its best chance to weather the storm.
Every 4th of July finds me taking out past clients and new clients to enjoy the holiday of ‘our country’s independence’. Fishing has picked up with the advent of cleaner, clearer water from the gulf, rivers and creeks. This has been a blessing to our estuary and the environment. Bait fish are abound with other species such as Seatrouts, Jacks, Redfish, Snook, Spanish Mackerel and Ladyfish again gracing the waters of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass and Charlotte Harbor in good numbers.
Springtime and early summer boating brings out the best in family and friends. Recently I had the pleasure of taking one of my daughters and her family out for fishing, fun and frolic while they visited North Captiva Island during their vacation.
We may be biased, but Independence Day is a holiday best enjoyed on the water. Not only does catching a firework show by boat help you avoid traffic and parking hassles, but those dazzling colors in the sky sparkle even more when they’re reflected on the water. Motor on over to one of these boat-friendly 4th of July displays happening all down our coast and be sure to watch for the ultimate firework courtesy of Mother Nature, the green flash!
Florida sees upward of 100 thunderstorm days each year, despite our state’s sunny nickname. And here in Southwest Florida we can expect a downpour almost every afternoon from mid-June to late August. A brief storm isn’t a problem on land but can become a life-threatening situation on the water.
By Captain Terry Fisher
This writing features some really great times and moments with clients fishing with their families as well as boating and fishing with my family. This all came about after the successful Bonita Boat Show that Vicki and I attended at the Grey Hound Race Track in early March. Exhibitors featured a diversity of marine products, including fishing seminars to wet any angler’s appetite. It is also a time when Vicki and I have a few days together enjoying the industry that we represent while having the opportunity to spend one on one time with friends and clients, sharing fishing and boating experiences. I am pictured in a booth representing our company, FISH FACE CHARTERS LLC.
Boating isn’t just our favorite pastime, it’s a major—we’re talking billions of dollars—economic engine for Southwest Florida. And a lot of effort is required to keep our waterways navigable for us boaters. That’s where the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) comes in, with their mission to preserve and enhance the commercial, recreational, and ecological values of District waterways. We recently sat down with WCIND Executive Director Justin McBride to get the inside scoop.
Read more “Meet WCIND: Boaters’ Best Friend”
Southwest Florida is an angler’s paradise year-round, but springtime is when our local fishing really shines. As the waters are warming up, tarpon, reds, snook, and many other species are becoming more active both inshore and offshore. So now is the perfect time to prep for your next big catch.
Read more “Spring Fishing Has Arrived in SWFL”
Look at any waterway in Southwest Florida and you’ll see all kinds of boats. Regardless of your vessel, it’s important to keep in mind the challenges and hazards of fueling it. Bigger boats mean bigger fuel tanks—and that means more fuel to create hazards for our environment and your safety.
Read more “Are You Fueling up Correctly?”
By Captain Terry Fisher
It is that time of year when the SWFMIA have their product show at the Grey Hound Race Track parking lot on Bonita Road. This is an exciting event that 1st Mate Vicki and I are always excited to participate. It starts on Thursday and ends Sunday (February 28-March 3rd). Look for us at the Coastal Angler Magazine/Fish Face Charters booths. I will also be doing daily fishing seminars at the Frank’s Fishing Village. These seminars are designed to assist fishermen and ladies looking to improve their level of experience and angling success through discussion and demonstrations. Vicki and I are encouraging anyone interested to stop by our booth and check the seminar schedule.