St. Pete needs breakwaters in any pier plan

JAY CONNER/STAFF
JAY CONNER/STAFF

 

ST. PETERSBURG — Water taxis, kayaking and courtesy boat slips all made the short list for the city’s new pier, reflective of a community eager to turn its signature waterfront into a maritime playground.

But those plans may be unrealistic, according to a consortium of about 50 local boat builders and nautical firms who are warning that the unprotected waters around the pier would damage moored boats and often are too choppy for activities like kayaking and paddle-boarding.

Although attention has been focused on the high-profile pier project, behind the scenes, leaders of the Tampa Bay Marine Industries Region have been telling local leaders they need to invest in breakwaters to calm the waters around the city’s downtown.

“None of this is going to work without a breakwater,” said Jopie Helsen, group chairman.

The group, with members from Catalina Yachts and Mastry Engine Center, has been meeting to draw up a proposal to transform the city’s waterfront. Now the group is going public and looking to gain support for its proposal.

Breakwaters would help protect the city’s downtown from storm surge in the event of a hurricane and calm the waters in the city marina and other moorings. That would attract yacht and power-boat owners who shy away from tying up expensive vessels in St. Petersburg because they fear wave damage, Helsen said.

“St. Petersburg should be the No. 1 boating destination in the Southeast and Gulf of Mexico,” Helsen said. “But it’s a lousy boating destination. When it’s rough, there’s no protection.”

A preliminary design produced by the group shows 1,200 feet of breakwaters including a submerged breakwater west of the pier and two above-water structures extending from Vinoy and Lassing parks. Those could become extensions of the parks, giving walkers, joggers and cyclists a fun trip out into the bay, Helsen said.

Rubble from the demolition of the old pier approach could be used to construct the structures that would then be overlaid with lime rock. Over time, the underwater breakwater would become like a reef and attract marine life, Helsen said.

Such a project would not be cheap. Industry estimates run between $15,000 and $25,000 per foot, which means construction costs could run up to $30 million. Any such project also would have to navigate a host of permitting and environmental hurdles.

“There is a lot of environmental and cost issues,” said Dave Metz, interim administrator of city development. “The city has listened. As we develop the pier area and the Downtown Waterfront Master Plan, those ideas will be looked at closer.”

Some of the cost could come from federal funds. President Barack Obama recently signed into law a bill that makes more money available for dredging, ports and harbor projects.

Helsen and other leaders of Tampa Bay Marine Industries Region have shown their ideas to several local groups including the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

Ross Preville, who is chairman of the chamber’s Downtown Waterfront Master Plan Task Force, said the idea was well-received at the chamber and that he would be pushing for its inclusion in the waterfront plan that is being developed by AECOM Corp.

He said the results of the public meetings and online poll conducted by the Pier Working Group show residents want more activities on the new pier than just a place to fish and stroll.

“My understanding is in order to accomplish this we do need to add protection, and I don’t know any other way to do that than a breakwater,” Preville said.

Catering to boaters may make economic sense. More than 47,000 recreational boats are registered in Pinellas County, the most in Florida. Add Hillsborough and Pasco counties, and there are more than 111,000 registered recreational boats within a day-trip of the city.

But few boaters visit St. Petersburg because of a lack of available courtesy boat slips and because easterly winds often kick up strong waves that slam boats against their moorings.

On ActiveCaptain.com, boat owners leave reviews for other boaters. Reviews of the moorings in St. Petersburg rave about the city and its downtown but frequently leave warnings about conditions.

“Pass it by if winds are E or NE above 10 knots,” wrote Apollo Beach resident John Stocksdale, reviewing moorings in the Vinoy Basin. “Surge gets in the basin and makes it feel like the inside of a washing machine.”

Those same conditions would likely play havoc with boaters trying to tie up at a new pier or navigate a kayak, said Nancy Frainetti, who for seven years ran The Electric Marina Boat Rentals in the North Yacht Basin renting out kayaks, pedal boats and 21- and 24-foot electric boats. She shuttered the business when the pier closed.

“There were at least 100 or more days a year I had to close the business because the wind was blowing out of the east and the waves were just crashing,” she said. “It wouldn’t be safe to send out people, plus it was damaging my boats.”

Boat slips and kayaking also were part of the ill-fated Lens pier design that voters soundly rejected in a referendum last year.

That may have been a blessing because that pier would have suffered from the same buffeting, said Robert Weisberg, distinguished university professor at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, who specializes in physical oceanography, which is the study of ocean circulation and waves.

Weisberg said the pier design was unrealistic for Tampa Bay conditions and likely would not have stood up to a Category 1 hurricane. The activities proposed for the new pier also may not be practical in some weather conditions.

He said he hopes this time around the city will take advantage of the world-renowned marine research institution it has in its backyard.

“For the Lens debacle, I don’t think anybody consulted with anybody in my college,” he said. “That was a serious error. It remains to be seen how much we get consulted on any new projects.”

The son of a boat builder, Helsen has been involved in yachting all his life. Once a yacht designer, he now runs Sailor’s Wharf, a boat servicing company in the Salt Creek area.

For St. Petersburg, he envisions students taking water taxis from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg to go out in the evening, and yachts docked in transient slips so the passengers can dine along Beach Drive and sleep in calm waters on their boat.

But he worries that most leaders and planners do not understand boating. The group’s video that was released Friday claims most planners view the downtown area from the land looking out.

“We see it from the water side looking in,” the narrator says.

BY CHRISTOPHER O’DONNELL
Tribune staff
[email protected]
(727) 215-7654
Twitter: @codonnellTBO

 

View waterfront plan concept video here.

Florida Lobster Mini Season

With Florida Lobster Mini Season just over one week away, it’s time to get out on the water and scout out these tasty Florida creatures. Yesterday, I ventured out on my first prospective dive of the season departing the Hillsboro Inlet on the east coast of Florida in Pompano Beach. The wind was light, visibility was great, but I experienced an unusual and strong south current that brought some confusion to the dive. There have been many scattered reports for the season, and I decided to start off with a deep dive on the third reef in 100′ of water near the Commercial Pier in Ft. Lauderdale. Throughout the dive, I came across about a half dozen Hogfish in the 12-14 inch range. I was fortunate to land my spear shaft in one of these hogfish, and the fish got off my spear and swam into a hole in 93 feet of water. As I swam up to the hole, not only did I see the injured fish, but I found lobster! It is common when diving to find grouper and hogfish seeking shelter in a hole with lobster. Throughout the dive, I came across 4 lobster which were small and well hidden. Of these four, two of the bugs would have met the legal size requirements if season were open.

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It is important to remember that the Carapace of the lobster needs to be at least 3 inches and needs to be measured in the water. My favorite technique to catching the lobster is to use a “tickle stick”, a 2 foot metal prong, and a small net. Throughout the state of Florida with the exception of Monroe county, divers can harvest 12 lobster a day during the 2 day mini season which is double the regular season limit of 6 per person. However, Monroe county only allows 6 lobster per person to be harvested during the mini season. Remember to get your Florida Fishing License with a lobster stamp and get out on the water and enjoy the great Florida tradition of lobster mini season on July 30th and 31st.

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-Kyle Good

Captain Terry says “Offshore reports good Red Grouper, Cobia, Gray and Yellow Tail Snapper bites.”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) In my last report, I felt that coming into the ‘Full Moon’ Phase would produce some good fishing if the winds allowed access to ‘less pressured’ areas for both Snook, Redfish, Seatrouts, Pompano and other species, and it did. Pictured here is junior angler, Tom Moslander III., of Granite City, Il. proudly displaying a nice Redfish he caught on a jig with a shrimp (under a cork); while hIs grandfather, Tom Moslander caught this large Jack Crevalle on the flats, just off of Sanibel in Pine Island Sound.

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A few days later, Mr. Mike Swift of Ft. Myers was given an ‘anniversary’ charter by his lovely wife, Rebecca. Mike landed this 29 ” Snook in the back country behind ‘Burnt Store Bar’. Mike also had lots of success when he landed a couple of nice Redfish in the Pineland backcountry earlier in the day.

Mike-Swift's-Snook

Inshore fishing should continue to be good all this week as the ‘Full Moon’ just begins to phase out. Tides will be good and if southerly winds ‘blow’, lots of opportunity awaits anxious anglers to access more remote areas. The Seatrout bite seems to have picked up a bit and hopefully will continue. Pompano, are being caught off of the sand shoals in about 5 to 6 ft. of water on shrimp under corks. Look for ‘murky’ greenish colored water.

Offshore reports good Red Grouper, Cobia, Gray and Yellow Tail Snapper bites. Tarpon still around with the better bite off of the lighthouse around Sanibel Island.
This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing you ‘tight lines’! Charter information and other fishing articles/tips/ reports may be obtained on my website; www.fishfacecharters.com. Feel free to call me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected] to book a charter.

Cape Coral Cruise Club revisits Burnt Store Marina

Nine CCCC members made the trip to Burnt Store Marina for a 3 day cruise beginning June 17. Participating were cruise leaders Jack and Elsie Harris on Running Water, Robert and Carol Peterson on C R Slide, Ted and Beverley Hutson on New Horizons, Jim and Edie Limbright on Never Mind, Phil and Pat Kryger on Y Knot, Hal and Dee Moss on Hardee II, Lee and Brenda Jetton on Moonlighter, and Mack and Bobbie McEwen on Bullfrog with Bruce & Sue Longman arriving on Surface Interval Thursday.

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We had perfect weather Tuesday going to Burnt Store with light winds and flats seas. The Marina staff assisted in securing all the boats shortly after arrival. Happy hour started at 5pm. Diane Myers, Sonja Wright, Jon Lynch, & Phil and Lin Quick all drove to the marina for a delightful cheeseburger cookout at the Marina pavilion.

Wednesday was the Bocce ball tournament with Mack McEwen officiating. The winning team was Sonja and Diane & Phil and Pat. Happy hour with heavy hors d’oeuvres concluded the afternoon. This is always a fun part of CCCC cruises as the women come up with some exciting and different appetizers. We had lots of good food followed by a spirited game of “99”. Brenda Butler showed off her quicker than the eye double drawing. A hat full of quarters was won by Phil Kryger.

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Thursday was a free day with lots of swimming and game playing. Happy hour started at 5 pm (a few began cooling off sooner) Diane Myers, Sonja Wright, Larry and Ana Maria Mitchell, John and Patti Queen, Larry and Mary Ann Habich, and Pat Evans and her daughter Gina drove up to join in the group dinner at Porto Bello restaurant. The food and service was excellent. Unfortunately the staff ran short of rare prime rib. Yet there were other equally delicious selections from which to choose. Many then adjourned to Y Knot and Moonlighter for an after dinner drink and good conversation.

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The trip home on Friday was clear and sunny with a flat Charlotte Harbor. Most of the trawler style boats left at the crack of dawn, while others slept in choosing to depart for home later in the morning. This was the last CCCC monthly cruise for the spring as many members go north for the summer and, due to the heat, the Club suspends organized cruises until September. Another successful CCCC boating event logged.

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.

“ Fish areas with good water movement…” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Tarpon are still in the area; off of the beaches, in the ‘passes’, in San Carlos Bay, Pine Island Sound and especially Charlotte Harbor. Their whereabouts depend on whether the tides are incoming or outgoing. Baits of choice are small Blue Crab, ‘Pass’ Crabs, Mullet and other bait fishes. However, the bite becomes slow after they get a look at a lot of presentations from the numerous boats; as they are surrounded like ‘wagon trains’ surrounding a campfire. My suggestion is to get out early and get on them before that happens.

Back-country fishing is good as tides are strong and high, offering daily access to less pressured areas for those adventurous enough to seek out Redfish, Snook, Seatrout and the numerous other species that occupy these locations. I recommend fishing early morning and get in before the weather becomes too hot, bringing strong storms and lightning to the area.

Offshore bottom fishing continues to be good as well. Live baits such as Squirrel fish, Pin fish, Crabs and Shrimp will all do the job.

Pictured here is six (6) year old Andy Lam of Cheyenne, Wyoming holding the biggest fish of the day on his family charter, showing his grandfather, Lloyd Wilder (‘Pop’) how it is done. Way to go Andy! Not to be outdone, Andy’s mother Carey is shown with her first Jack Crevalle. We all had a great time that day and I am looking forward to taking Andy out again on his next visit, as he is a fantastic junior angler, ahead of his years.

Andy-Lam's-and-'Pop'-with-SeatroutsCarey-Lam's-Jack-Crevalle

Next week should be productive since we are just coming off of the new moon. Fish areas with good water movement on the top half of either the incoming or outgoing tides for best results.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for charter rates and additional fishing tips. Feel free to call me at 239-357-6829 for immediate assistance or email me at [email protected]. Until next week; tight lines and happy boating!

Captain Terry says “ Tarpon and Shark are still here in big numbers…”

(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.

Ingo's-5-ft.-Black-Tip-Shark

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.

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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.

LIFESTYLES OF THE “NOT SO” RICH AND FAMOUS – Cape Coral Cruise Club

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

By Phil Quick

“Great summer back-country fishing!” says Captain Terry

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.

162The 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!

Cape Coral Cruise Club returns to Palm Island

DSC_0022 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.

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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.20140522---CCCC-Palm-Island-4

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.

by Jon Lynch

Captain Terry says “ During the half moon phase, the fishing should continue to be good…”

(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.

Ty-and-John-Sanquists-Redfishing John-Sandquist-Redfish

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>.