Blog & Alerts - Page 29 of 57 - Go Boating Florida

January 6, 2016

Captain Terry says “good fishing after the current cold front moves through bringing the bigger Sheepshead”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Fishing was fantastic for the whole month of December 2015. The warm weather allowed the ‘bait’ fish to remain on the shallow shoals, flats and around ‘piles’ of the bridges, making them easy targets for cast netting. All species were active; especially Snook on Pilchards while fishing the outgoing tide. Pictured here is Lili Bunch (one of my better junior anglers), from Leawood, Kansas, holding one of many Snook she caught just before the New Year. Her father John, caught his large Snook while ‘free-lining’ Pilchards under the docks in Cape Coral. I had the privilege of fishing with them both during the week of Thanksgiving, with similar success, around North Captiva and Pineland areas.

Not to be outdone, other of my young anglers had lots of action on live baits (under corks) in areas with turtle grass. Mile Marker 13 south of St. James City will usually provide action, so long as the winds cooperate. The fishery there is a big area. Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, small shark and Lady Fish should provide plenty of action for those looking for a fun time. Depths from 3 to 6 feet are best. Pictured here is the Mark Warren family of Glencoe, Illinois enjoying family time over the Christmas holidays. Caroline (10) is pictured beside dad with her Spanish Mackerel, while brother Jack proudly displays one of many Seatrout he caught throughout the day. Nice going guys!

I am looking forward to continued good fishing after the current cold front moves through bringing the bigger Sheepshead in from the gulf.

In closing, meet ‘Moby’, a Labrador Retriever (11 weeks young). He will join 1st Mate Vicki as Fish Face Charters 2nd Mate. He is excited about the challenges that lay ahead to being a good and productive companion.

Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829. I am also available as ‘Captain for Hire’ on your vessel by the hour to assist with navigational needs, fishing locations and techniques. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. I may also be reached via email at [email protected]. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

December 21, 2015

Cape Coral Cruise Club returns to Marco Island

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Eleven boats were greeted with sunny skies for the November trip to Marco Island Marina, a destination that had been off the Club schedule for a few years. All boats were neatly snuggled into their slips with the aid of dock master, Elmer Mimas, who located the entire group on one dock for our convenience. Cruise leaders for this cruise were Terry and Laurie Carlson. The boats no sooner got tied up and the fun began as all boaters were introduced to the cruise leader’s Marco Island Poker Run, receiving their score cards and their first playing card. Subsequent cards were issued at different scheduled events throughout the three day cruise.

Tuesday evening was kicked off with Heavy hors d’oeuvres by the pool, followed by a Cape Coral Cruise Club Member Trivia game prepared by cruise leaders,Terry and Laurie Carlson. Participants enjoyed learning little known facts about Cruise Club members that had been gleaned from Bio’s that are soon to be published on the Club website. Gary Taake was the winner of the competition. Valuable prizes were awarded!

Breakfast was served Wednesday morning by the cruise leaders. Main dishes included Apple Monkey Bread, Sausage Hash Brown Casserole, a Stuffed Pancake casserole and more. Pretty sure nobody left hungry. Wednesdays daytime activity was a fun trip to the Marco Island Farmers Market that ended with a nice lunch/drinks at the Esplanade marina. The Wednesday evening meal, provided by the cruise leaders,along with contributions from other cruisers, was centered around the Carlson’s “almost famous backyard smoked” pulled pork with all the trimmings. After dinner entertainment was provided by John and Patti Queen and their “When the Hell was that?” competition. Winner was Pat Kryger with runner up Donna Overstreet. Once again, valuable prizes were awarded. CCCC has neat contests…

Thursday morning brought yet another breakfast by the pool with Scrambled eggs with cheese, rolls and fruit. Later that morning a trip to the Marco Island Museum was on tap. Approximately 10 people enjoyed learning the history of Marco Island from ancient times to present modern development.

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Thursday evening was our dinner out at CJ’s on the Bay at Esplanade. Cruisers were treated to a beautiful facility and marina on the bay at the Esplanade with a wonderful menu that provided something tasty for everyone. The after dinner highlight was the culmination of the Marco Island Poker Run. Final cards were drawn and the winners were Bill and Donna Peterson… and yes, valuable prizes were awarded.

Friday morning all boats cast off, bid a fond farewell to Marco Island Marina and headed back north for a smooth Gulf ride back to the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area.

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 Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. 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 Facebook.

By Terry and Laurie Carlson

Posted by Scott Q Cruising

December 17, 2015

It’s time to share the water again.

Welcome, tourists!

It’s time to share the water again.

As increased boater traffic descends upon SW Florida, a partial review of The Navigational Rules of the Road seems timely.

Traffic volume
Common sense dictates not to operate at high speed in high traffic density areas. A safe speed allows people piloting boats time to respond to situations as they develop, and minimizes the risk of collision—not only with the nearest approaching vessel, but with others around it…the domino effect, if you will.

Heavy seas
As winds and seas increase, slow down—the boat will handle more predictably and easily. Pounding on swells or becoming airborne fatigues the hull and/or could injure you or your passengers.

Visibility
If conditions develop that make it difficult to see, slow down. Fog and rain are obvious limiting factors to visibility. Others are visible obstructions—bends in river, piers, bridges and causeways—these, along with heavy boat traffic, can limit your view of “the bigger picture.”

Low light situations or steering directly into the sun decreases your ability to see objects or judge distance.
Avoid spray on the windscreen (particularly salt spray) as much as possible and clean it regularly. Spray build-up on the windscreen is particularly hazardous in darkness or when glare is a factor, as it intensifies it.

Besides Heavy Seas, Traffic Density, and Visibility there are additional external factors that will have an effect your vessels ability of running at a safe speed.

Water depth
In shallow water, the bottom affects the movement of your boat. Slow down. If the water is extremely shallow, the boat’s stern tends to “squat” and actually moves closer to the bottom.

Waterway width
When meeting another vessel in a narrow channel or operating near a bank certain considerations apply:

The deeper your vessel’s draft, the greater the cushion and suction effect caused by the bank nearest you—particularly if your boat’s draft is nearly the same as the depth of the waters you are operating in.
The closer to a bank or another vessel, the greater the cushion and suction will affect your boat.
In very narrow waterways, slow down to decrease cushion and suction effects, just not to the point of losing your ability to maintain steering control.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips

December 16, 2015

“ Catch has been good for Snook, Redfish, Seatrout and Spanish Mackerel” says Captain Terry

This week’s forecast promises some nice weather for all boaters, fishermen and fisher-ladies alike. With the new moon phase, the tides are ‘in-line’ for good fishing in the mornings, afternoons or evenings. So far, the cold fronts have not put the fish down and all species are very active. Over the last week or so, the catch has been good for Snook, Redfish, Seatrout and Spanish Mackerel on the flats and back areas of Pine Island Sound. They key to catching them of course is four-fold:

Right type of bait;
Right type of presentation;
Locate the fish;
Fish the tides (water movement in or out);

Time on the water will go a long way to accomplish this, but the best way, is to hire a fishing guide (yours truly) that will explain tide movements in detail, offer fishing locations and techniques for each species.

Pictured here is Chris Satterfield of Lee Summit, Missouri holding a nice Redfish he caught on a shrimp. His son Aidan is pictured with two nice Snook he caught free-lining a Pilchard.

Aidan is an avid fisherman and is the most committed junior angler I have ever had on-board. His enthusiasm and commitment to the sport of fishing remind me of past industry leaders such as, Bill Dance and Roland Martin. The knowledge, skill and expertise he displayed on and off the boat was second to none.

His fishing club, Bent Rod Sport Fishing (Instagram address: bentrodsportfishing) is followed by a number companies and outfitters. He enjoys making lures and tying flies for fresh water bass and trout. His love for both freshwater and saltwater fishing propels him to study species and techniques via You Tube and through publications offering insights that will make him even better. Congratulations Aidan on your recent 14th birthday (December 11). Looking forward to our next adventure together!

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters, LLC wishing everyone safe boating and tight lines! Email me at [email protected] or call me direct at 239-357-6829 to Charter or for a ‘Captain for Hire’ on your vessel to educate, demonstrate to catch your ‘fish of a lifetime’!

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

December 7, 2015

National Tom Sawyer Days

This year brought about lots of charters with clients catching lots of fish, having lots of fun and most importantly, lots of good memories. I traveled to Cuba to dive and fish while Vicki visited family in Dallas and Chicago. We traveled to destinations in Europe exploring, snorkeling, diving, boating and fishing. One of my most treasured memories however, is that of returning home to Hannibal, Missouri to visit my family and attend functions surrounding Tom Sawyer Days.

It is no secret that National Tom Sawyer Days is an event steeped in tradition, embodying the characters, thoughts and lore surrounding Hannibal’s favorite son Mark Twain. This year marked the 60^th year capturing the innocence and interest tied to the event as much as the much-anticipated crowning of the new Tom and Becky. The thing that made our trip extra special was the fact that our nephew, Rhet Reed (13), was among 5 finalists being considered for this year’s Tom Sawyer.

To my recollection, the month of June has been a celebratory month for Tom Sawyer Days, including a fence-painting contest at Mark Twain’s Boyhood home. This visit re-kindled memories of the past and I agree with Mark Twain that; when one returns home, nothing is as big as one remembers’. Houses are much smaller, the main streets are narrower and the geographical area of the town is less than I recall. The river harbor (which I considered huge 40 years ago) has docks for only a few small slips for flat bottom fishing boats, runabouts, small cabin cruises and small houseboats. Only the mighty Mississippi River is as big and powerful as I remembered.

Vicki and I were in the thick of things. A full day with our niece, Tara Reed (9), to tour Mark Twain’s historical sights such as, his boyhood home, his fathers law office, the jail and general store. Climbing Cardiff Hill for a view from the world’s only inshore lighthouse over-looking the Mississippi.

Attending a dinner cruise aboard the Mark Twain River Boat with all of the Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher finalists who would continue to audition for the titles while on the cruise. Family and friends, who never left the little river town of Hannibal, enjoyed a delightful evening with food, drink and entertainment while becoming re-acquainted. They included bankers, business owners, tradesmen, contract workers railroad conductors and engineers (just like my father and Rhet’s grandfather, Harry Fisher, who once engineered iron horses on the railroad tracks along the river).

I invited my life-long friend, Don Burroughs and his wife Debbie, to join us on the cruise. Don and I were Boy Scouts together exploring area caves, hillsides, cliffs and river bottoms. He and Debbie are collectors of Mark Twain arts and crafts and we were honored with their presence.

Aboard the vessel, Captain Terry of Hannibal (Owner of the paddle boat) and a graduate of Hannibal Senior High School (just like me), invited me to take the helm. Piloting toward the bridge, my thoughts went back to yesterday; fishing on the riverbank as a young boy, and learning to navigate my first boat (a 16ft. Mark Twain fiberglass tri-hull).

The formal announcement of the winners came July 4 (during the 4^th of July Celebrations). Rhet Reed and Molly Broughton became the official 2015 Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher. They will represent Hannibal at numerous local, regional, state and even national functions. They will be two of the town’s top tourist attractions, the faces for all that is Mark Twain. Congratulations Rhet and Molly!

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters hoping that you enjoy this Adventure of Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher.

By Captain Terry Fisher

Posted by Scott Q Stories from the Sea

November 30, 2015

“The last couple of weeks produced lots of good fishing.” Says Captain Terry

The last couple of weeks produced lots of good fishing. The numbers of Redfish caught per charter was scarce, but nice size fish were boated. Pictured here is one of the bigger Redfish landed during November. It measured 33” and was caught by Rich Obser of New York. His wife Teri joined the party and is holding one of her catches. Both Redfish were caught on live shrimp. Rich and Teri had to go home to work the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade. Happy Thanksgiving to you both!

This week’s cold front did not suppress the bite too badly. The winds have been the biggest obstacle to overcome. Seatrout bite has been good on the grass flats using shrimp under a cork to suspend the bait. Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish and Jack Crevalle joined in on most every charter. Pictured with a nice Seatrout is Lili Bunch from Leawood, Kansas. She is also holding a nice Redfish she caught around the docks at North Captiva Pass. Lili is a fly-fisher lady as well. I was impressed with her ability at 12 years young and looking forward to taking her out again during the Christmas Holiday. Nice job Lili!

Snook bite was also good. I am pictured here with a big Snook caught while free-lining a Pilchard. They have been the most productive presentation for Snook. Lots of these bait fish around the bridges of Punta Rassa for cast netting. Chumming the flats will also produce live bait, including Pinfish.

Based on the current warm weather forecasts for the coming week, I am looking forward to a continuing bite.

This Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters, LLC hoping everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or by emailing [email protected]. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more reports, tips and articles.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

November 18, 2015

Captain Terry Fisher’s Boat Show Fishing Report

Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor – November 17, 2015

Prior to the cold front of last week, the fishing continued to be good for all inshore species. Offshore reports also were positive for Triple Tail, Grouper and other reef species.

Inshore catches for Redfish were exceptional until the last few days and before the north and northeast winds blew out the water from the shallows around oyster beds and the mangroves. Pictured here is a group of 5 holding their bounty of Redfish during an early morning charter. They are Mr. Ben Davis, of Cape Coral, Steve Smith and Chris Hall of Ft. Myers and Glenn and Colleen Gabrys of Crown Pointe, Indiana.

The flats produced lots of action and fun for the Paul Kelly family from Glenview, Illinois. His children Patrick (9), Peyton (8) and Brooke (5) are pictured here with their Seatrouts. Partrick and Peyton caught lots of fish that day and had lots of fun. They caught a variety of species and the family was pleasure to spend time with. I am looking forward to doing it again next year.

I expect fishing to be good over the weekend and into early next week with a full moon phase and so long as an aggressive cold front does not approach.

In closing, be sure and attend the Ft. Myers Boat Show. I am looking forward to giving seminars on the species that I catch on a regular basis. My seminars are designed to assist those who want to learn the basics of catching inshore species, such as Seatrout, Redfish, Snook, Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Pompano and Mangrove Snapper to name a few. My 1^st Mate Vicki and I have a booth inside the convention hall. Stop by and say hi!

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters,LLC. Charter information may be obtained by calling direct at 239-357-6829 or by emailing us at [email protected]. Check out our website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more tips and charter information.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

November 11, 2015

Cape Coral Cruise Club Revisits Fisherman’s Village Marina

Despite a rocky, rolling, breeze driven, Charlotte Harbor, eleven hardy Cape Coral Cruise Club vessels and their crews maneuvered their way to Fisherman’s Village Marina in Punta Gorda for the October 21-23 cruise. Counting the boat crews and folks who traveled by land yacht, over 30 club members enjoyed all or some of planned activities over the 3 day event.

While some went fishing, others played card games, went biking on Marina provided bicycles, or visited the local art galleries. All enjoyed shopping at the local craft and tourist shops on Fisherman’s Village concourse. Warm weather and light breezes added to the pleasure of afternoon pool time where many members floated and shared stories of the day.

Steve and Nell Winner coordinated the cruise and attending members enjoyed daily hot breakfast casseroles prepared by Nell. As is customary with this group each afternoon ended with happy hour snacks and docktails in the Captain’s lounge. The staff at Fisherman’s Village Marina are quite accommodating in that the Marina makes the Captain’s lounge available at no added cost.

Wednesday was a pre-arranged pizza party in the Captain’s lounge with several pizzas delivered by a local restaurant. All enjoyed pizza along with their favorite beverages.

Thursday evening was the group dinner party at the “Captains Table” restaurant on the second floor at the north end of the concourse. All participants enjoyed a wonderful salad bar and meal overlooking Charlotte Harbor while watching the sun set on a beautiful clear evening.

The Friday morning departure saw all boaters safely exiting the harbor and traversing much calmer conditions on Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The Cape Coral Cruise Club has been making Fisherman’s Village Marina a fall cruise destination for years and it is a cruise that regularly takes all the slips that the marina makes available.

By Steve and Nell Winner

Posted by Scott Q Cruising

November 2, 2015

Fishin’ Frank updates us on some bridge fishing & Turtle Bay action!

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Today’s update is on pier fishing or in this case bridge fishing. The Cobia and Tarpon are being hooked at the 41 bridges, with cut bait or lures that look like an eel green, white or brown lure colors.

For you boaters, Turtle Bay is loaded with Sea Trout. Use a 1/8 ounce yellow or bright green jig head, with a 3 inch Gulp new penny shrimp body, placed 30 inches below a poppin cork for the most fish. Heading into Turtle Bay, go past the manatee signs and then head up wind. You will want to drift this flat for the Trout. Then cast out a good ways and pop the cork and watch it disappear. IOW Fish On!

For more information on Turtle Bay, visit my page at: http://fishinfranks.com/turtle_bay.htm

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

October 29, 2015

Captain Terry says “Redfish will continue to inhabit the flats and backcountry so long as the warm weather holds.”

(October 29, 2015)

Last week the inshore fishing continued to be excellent for Redfish and Snook together with a number of other species, including but not limited to, Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder and Mangrove Snappers. The most productive days were the ones prior to last weekend (October 24), before the cool front approached and the east winds started to blow.

Nonetheless, with the full moon approaching, most all of my charter clients were able to secure Redfish and Snook catches. Pictured here is Mr. Wayne Hasson of Naples holding a nice Snook he caught while ‘free-lining’ a small Pilchard on a circle hook. Not to be out-done, his son, Davis Hasson, landed a nice Redfish on a large shrimp suspended under a popping cork in heavy structure, close to ‘Bird’ Key in Pine Island Sound. Davis caught two nice size Black Tip Sharks to top off the morning. The cold front made fishing that morning tough, but we all enjoyed the time together on the water and look forward to our next adventure.

The full moon is upon and so long as warm weather prevails, fishing should continue be good for all species. Even though the harvesting of Snook will close on November 01, anglers may still target and enjoy the catch. Lots of small pilchards are in the area and are my preferred bait (free-lined on a circle hook) for Snook. I suggest using a cast net with a ¼” mess, otherwise the baits will ‘Christmas-tree’ and require lots of extra work to get them to release and still keep them alive.

Redfish will continue to inhabit the flats and backcountry so long as the warm weather holds. Other species such as Spanish Mackerel and Seatrouts are here in bigger sizes with all species available for harvesting. Be sure and get the FWC Regulations and Rules governing the size, methods allowed and any other requirements or restrictions.

In closing, Vicki and I will be at the Ft. Myers Boat Show (Downtown Convention Center) on November 19-22. I will be doing seminars as well. My seminars will explain the many techniques that I utilize to catch inshore species. Be sure and stop by and say hi!

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters, LLC saying so long and tight lines! Obtain charter information at www.fishfacecharters.com or call me direct at 239-357-6829 with any questions or to schedule a charter on your vessel or mine.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports