(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Fishing has been fantastic for most of my clients during the better part of March. Seatrout, Snook, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead and Redfish have all been active from the Sanibel Causeway to Jug Creek just off of Bokeelia, Pine Island. While the flats have produced more numbers of Seatrout, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, the shallows with ‘pot-holes’ in the ‘back-country’ locations have produced Redfish, Snook and larger Seatrouts. Pictured here is Jeff Konzak of Estes Park, Colorado holding a 25″, 6 pound Seatrout caught on a shrimp in Pine Island Sound. This fish required a lot of patience to swallow the bait before ‘setting the hook’. Also pictured here is a Redfish caught by Mr. Steve Weber of Cape Coral, Florida. Several of my clients have had good success with Redfish as well.
In regards to other species: Tarpon (along with sharks) are continuing to move into the area with consistent average water temperatures around 70 degrees. Mangrove Snappers, Sheepshead, Ladyfish and Triple Tails are active and will be receptive live baits. Keep an ‘eye-out’ for Cobia. Fishing should get even better as more ‘Glass’ Minnows, Pilchards, Threadfin and other bait fishes move up from the south and ‘springtime’ temperatures continue to rise.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing you ‘tight-lines’. More information on ‘catches’, the techniques and charter information, may be obtained by calling me at 239-357-6829 or at my websites; www.fishfacecharters.com or www.captainterryfisher.com. I am also easily reached via email at [email protected]. Looking forward to providing you with next week’s fishing report. Until then, be careful and be cautious of ‘foul’ weather!
Pink Shell Resort Marina on Fort Myers Beach was the February destination for 18 Cape Coral Cruise Club boats. Pink Shell, with its floating docks, white sandy beach, three heated pools, spa, restaurants and attentive staff, proved once again to be a great place for a monthly cruise.
Boats participating were “Happy Ours”, Cruise Leaders Gary & Kathy Taake; “Sunkissed”, Phil & Lyn Quick; “Sharon Ann”, Sharon & Len Palmisano; “Moonlighter”, Lee & Brenda Jetton; “Bow’t Time”, Terry & Laurie Carlson; “Lady Blue”, Mike & Brenda Stewart; “KDJ”, Mark & Sue Thompson; “Y Knot”, Phil & Pat Kryger; Hardee II”, Hal & Dee Moss; “Lady Mar”, Rusty & Marlene Glover; “Knot Again”, Larry & Mary Ann Habich; “Desperado”, Jon Lynch & Debbie Schwab; “Semper Paratus”, John & Pati Queen; “New Horizons”, Ted & Beverley Hutson; “Robyn M”, Rich & Robin McGloin; and “Daisy May”, Bob & Bonnie Martin. Also joining the group were prospective members Bob & Carol Peterson aboard “C R Side” & Paul & Stephanie Carrico aboard “Infinite Sea”, both boats completing their shake-down cruise.
Arriving at the Marina, members were given electronic arm bands that provided access to all the Resort’s amenities. Then, at 4:30, members met on the marina deck for cocktails and light snacks, before moving to a meeting room at 6:00 for a Pot Luck Picnic. Cruise Leaders Gary & Kathy Taake had prepared large pots of Pork Ribs and Smoked Turkey, and others provided side dishes and desserts, so it was an eat-all-you-can-hold feast.
After dinner, members were split into 2 teams, each with a “Brenda” Captain (Jetton & Stewart). Captains selected team members to participate in a series of eight “A Minute to Win It” games. Roars of laughter erupted during every game, with contestants trying hard to win in a one-on-one contest. There was the “Nose Dive” game where both contestants stick their nose in a pile of Vaseline, then pick up a cotton ball with their nose and deposit them in a bowl of water, a “Dizzy Mummy” game where one contestant turns in circles while being wrapped in toilet paper, and 6 other games. Each team won 3, so there was a final tie-breaker for the 2 captains.
Each Brenda was given a pair of panty hose with a penny in each toe. The ladies had to slip a panty hose leg over each arm and extract the pennies without crossing their arms or using hands on the opposite leg. After wild gyrations, Brenda Jetton was the first to extract the 2 pennies, so her team was declared the winner. Prizes were $100,000… (Small candy bars called “Hundred Grand”) for winning team members and “dum-dum lollipops” for the losers. Every contestant was a very good sport, and our thanks go to them for participating. Lots of laughs!
The second day began with a hot breakfast of scrambled eggs with bits of prime rib mixed in, fresh fruit, and assorted breakfast pastries prepared by the Cruise Leaders. Bloody Marys were also available to wake up the sleepy heads. The afternoon was free for members to go to the beach, swim in the heated pools, shop, play games, dink ride, or ride the trolley to lunch. At 4:30, happy hour began on the marina deck with Mai Tai’s provided by the cruise leaders, followed by a catered private dinner buffet poolside, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Joining the group by car for the dinner were members Bob Martin, Jeanie Douglass, Joan Prosser, Joan Raymond, Bruce & Sue Longman, Mary & John Brehm, Chuck Pollack & Sue Herzog, and Larry & Ana Maria Mitchell. Everyone enjoyed a great meal in a wonderful setting.
The third day began with another breakfast of French Texas Toast, fresh fruit and pastries. Then it was once again a choice of activities and a lunch on your own. At 4:30, members gathered at Hal & Dee Moss’s boat, “Hardee II” for a new boat name christening. Cups of champagne were provided by Hal & Dee to toast the removal of the old name and the unveiling of the new name. All who attended enjoyed the ceremony and wished them good luck on their new boat. Happy hour on the marina deck took place before “dinner on your own”.
The next morning boaters departed with fond memories and full stomachs following this fun-filled cruise. Thanks go to Dave O’Connor, dock master, and his great crew. And special thanks go to Gary & Kathy Taake for putting on a wonderful cruise. Their planning and special touches made this a cruise to remember.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations. For membership information please contact Larry Mitchell at 239-560-2823. View a short picture video of Club activities and review additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week fishing continued to be good. Spanish Mackerel are everywhere, large Seatrout catches daily, Pompano catches every other day or so with an occasional Redfish when I have targeted them. Sheepshead are still active. Pictured here is Roger Chen of Ft. Myers, Florida with a nice Sheepshead caught on a piece of shrimp on light tackle around and in some piles on the flats. His friend, Mary Blackmon of Naples, Florida, displays a nice Seatrout she caught on shrimp, under a ‘cajun’ popping rig. A variety of fish were caught on the charter making for a great ‘trip’.
The day before I had the pleasure of taking Mr. and Mrs. Rick Jenkins of Cape Coral, Florida. Sheila Jenkins proudly displays a nice Seatrout she caught. Their sons, Josh and Jake were aboard and everyone caught fish. I am looking forward to taking them out again soon.
Fishing should continue to be good as the water temperatures rise. Catfish are active along with the Spanish Mackerels, which are signs of Tarpon returning to our areas. Tides are getting higher and stronger allowing access to more ‘back country’ locations. I plan on doing some Tarpon/Shark combo trips mid to late March as the migration begins in full swing, following Pilchards and Threadfins up from the ‘Keys’ and Mexico. Nauturally, these will become the baits of choice for Tarpon and Snook for the seasoned anglers.
In closing, I will be holding seminars from time to time at the Bonita Springs Boat Show during the days of March 6, 7, 8 and 9. Vicki and I will have a booth as always, so be sure and stop by and check the schedule! Until next week, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters. More articles and charter information may be obtained on line at www.fishfacecharters.com or www.captainterryfisher.com. Email me at [email protected] or feel free to contact me via cell phone at 239-357-6829 for immediate response.
Fort Myers, FL – The Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association has relocated its 25th Annual Spring Boat Show, to the Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Track in Bonita Springs, March 6th -9th.
“After more than twenty years at the Lee Civic Center in North Ft. Myers it was time for a change and we could not be more excited about this new venue,” commented John Good, Boat Show Manager. “It moves our show into the heart of a fast growing population base of Southwest Florida Boaters and gives us a great geographical spread for our three annual shows. We now have a show in Bonita Springs, our Fort Myers Boat Show, downtown in November, and our Charlotte County Boat Show in January in Port Charlotte.”
The Greyhound Track is located on Bonita Beach Road between I-75 and U.S. 41. The site offers all the space needed for boat and accessory displays in one area and there is more than ample on-site parking. “We do not see a downside to this location,” says Good. “It’s convenient, very easy to find and all displays will be in a large paved parking area.”
Nearly all the area’s major dealers will be on hand with hundreds of boats on display. The show will feature a wide variety of booth displays with all kinds of marine accessories, and services. Port Charlotte’s “Fishin’ Frank” and his crew of experienced and entertaining guides will conduct fishing seminars all four days of the show. Frank’s new fishing simulator will give show visitors a chance to experience the excitement of fighting everything from bass to billfish.
This is a great opportunity to see, compare and buy boats and accessories. Boat shows are always so appealing to the public because you can shop without driving all over Southwest Florida. But more than that, if you are new to the area or thinking about getting into boating, the show is a great learning experience. What do you want to do on the water? What kind of boat fits your budget? What about financing and insurance? What kind of accessories do you need? How about a boat lift? How can I learn about safe boat operation? Where are fun places to go on a boat? You can answer all those questions at the show.
We’re even bringing our Caloosa Café & Pub that is such a hit at our November Show, featuring great food and all kinds of drinks. And, of course, the Greyhound Track and Poker Room will be in full operation throughout the show.
Show hours are 10AM-6PM, Thursday – Saturday and 10AM – 5PM on Sunday. Admission is $8.00 (kids under 16 are free with paid adult admission). Parking is free. The Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Track is located at 10601 Bonita Beach Road SE Bonita Springs, FL 34135.
For more information about the show and about boating in Southwest Florida, visit www.goboatingflorida.com or contact: The Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association. 239-656-7083. [email protected].
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week continued to produce good fishing despite the cool fronts that pushed through. Some days offered southern winds that provided for good opportunities to reach ‘hard to get to’ winter spots due to the seasonal low tides (southern winds tend to ‘push’ the water into Pine Island Sound, while northern winds will ‘push’ the water out).
Pictured here are some fishing clients that had so much fun catching fish in early February that they opted to go again last week. Jim Poff and Shannon Poff of Salem, Ohio are displaying nice size Seatrouts they each caught on shrimps . Jayne Henderson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin is also shown with her big Seatrout. The charter hoisted a variety of fish species that morning including lots of Spanish Mackerel, Crevalle Jacks and sharks to name a few.
Another charter client, Mr. John Manteuffel of St. Paul, Minnesota is shown with a large Sheepshead caught on a Fiddler Crab ‘deep in the pilings’ in Pine Island Sound. John also hooked and successfully ‘angled’ a larger Sheepshead (around 18″) but was lost at the net ( I took responsibility for not getting the fish in the boat) and gave John credit for the catch.
I see nothing in next week’s weather forecast to ‘shut down’ the bite. Water temperatures are holding with tendencies to go up. Hopefully, ‘spring is in the air’ as we approach the opening of Snook season. Spring brings sardines and herrings for the netting. They will be the ‘baits of choice’ for me, once they arrive.
More articles and charter information may be obtained at my websites; www.fishfacecharters.com or at www.captainterryfisher.com. I am easily reached by phone at 239-357-6829. Until next week, good fishing!
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Prior to the cold front and the ‘Full Moon’, fishing for all of my clients was fantastic! Boat loads of Spanish Mackerel were all over areas of Bokelia and Foster Bay, just to mention two prime locations. Big hungry Seatrout were present in deep holes (4-6 ft) while small Seatrout, Crevalle Jacks were all around. We caught Redfish on incoming and outgoing tides at openings (deeper ‘cuts’) protecting grass flats. Mangrove Snappers and big Sheepshead were caught around pilings using small shrimps and Fiddler Crabs. My baits of choice for the Spanish Mackerel were small to medium size shrimps. Cut Pinfish, ‘jumbo’ shrimps and Ladyfish were more effective for the bigger Seatrout and Redfish. Artificial baits were effective as well for Spanish Mackerel, Seatrout, Snook, Crevalle Jacks and Redfish.
My father-in law, Bill Kern of St. Louis, Missouri is pictured here with a ‘giant’ Seatrout he landed just before dark on a ‘flat’ in Pineland.
Also, pictured are friends and repeat clients from Marshalltown, Iowa. Roger Chase is shown with his catch of a nice size Spanish Mackerel. His wife Sally, is proudly displaying a big Seatrout she caught on the ‘flats’ north of Foster Bay. Their friends (also from Marshalltown), Dennis and Sondra Buffington are pictured with a couple of their catches. Dennis (‘Buff’); is holding a huge Spanish Mackerel while his wife, Sondra displays her first Bluefish. Over one hundred fish were caught that day. Needless to say; ‘we all had a blast!
Once this last cold front passes, I feel the fishing should continue to be fairly good, as the water temperatures are rising. The days are getting longer giving anglers more time to work the tides.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing you the best. Check out my websites at www.fishfacecharters.com and www.captainterryfisher.com for more articles and charter information. I am easily reached at 239-357-6829 or via email at [email protected].
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) My fishing article in the January Issue of the Lee County monthly publication; The Nautical Mile, was titled ‘Seatrout Fishing 101’. If you are having or was having trouble catching Seatrout, may I suggest that you go on line to that publication or my website and read the article. Since the cold fronts have passed the trout fishing has been fantastic utilizing those basic techniques and strategies discussed therein. Pictured here are some of the Seatrout that was caught by my charter clients within the last week. They were found in ‘pockets’ surrounded by ‘Turtle Grass’ at depths of 3′ to 5′ deep. Jayne Henderson and Bob Wunsch of Kewaskum, Wisconsin are proudly displaying their catches of of 22 and 23 inch Seatrout. Their friends, Todd Schmidt and his wife Jo Ann of West Bend, Wisconsin are holding their prize catches as well.
Snook, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead and other species have also been very active. Ten year old Vince Young of La Crosse, WI. (on the left) had a special birthday treat when he landed this nice 22 inch Snook in the canals of Cape Coral. His cousin, Jack Brooks of Milwaukee, Wisconsin (pictured with him) was along to witness the catch.
Fishing should continue to be good so long as one is working the tides and can get to the ‘back country’ locations. Unfortunetly, the next week will bring lower tides preventing some boaters access to these areas. Nonetheless, if the cold front(s) stay away the fish should remain fairly active. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for additional articles and charter information. I am also easily reached via cell phone at 239-357-6829 or email at [email protected]. Until next week: GOOD FISHING!
South Seas Resort on Captiva Island was the January destination of the Cape Coral Cruise Club. Always a popular location, eighteen boats signed up for the cruise, however, illness or mechanical issues left eight boats unable to participate. The ten boats that made the cruise were MOONLIGHTER, Lee & Brenda Jetton – BOW’T TIME, Terry & Laurie Carlson – Y KNOT, Phil & Pat Kryger – MARKATE, Mark & Kate Lewis – DESPERADO, John Lynch & Debbie Schwab – DAISY MAE, Bob & Bonnie Martin – SHARON ANN, Len & Sharon Palmisano – SUNKISSED, cruise leaders Phil & Lyn Quick along with Phil’s brother Lee – HAPPY OURS, Gary & Kathy Taake, and STILL CRAZY, Jeff & Joanne Zeimer.
Unusually cool weather limited pool activities, so the first night’s activities began with cocktails and snacks in the Captains Lounge, where the group was joined by members Rusty & Marlene Glover who had rented a condo at the resort, along with John & Pati Queen and Rich & Robyn McGloin who had driven. This was followed by a resort trolley ride to Doc Fords for 6:00 pm dinner. After great meals and fine libations, the group trolleyed back to the resort marina for conversation and games.
The second day at South Seas began with a marvelous pancake and scrambled eggs breakfast in the Chart Room prepared by Susan Herzog and Mary Ann Habich. No one left hungry. A number of the ladies then played cards in the Chart Room while the men explored the resort or fished off the fishing pier. Competing with a large group of aggressive pelicans for the fish, several men caught a number of keepers even with the cold water and gusty winds. One group rode the trolley to the shopping center, and another group walked to lunch.
After cocktails at 4:30, a dinner of grilled pork tenderloin (expertly grilled by Phil & Lee Quick) was offered at 6:00 along with an abundance of side dishes and desserts prepared by the ladies. Here the group was joined by members Larry & Mary Ann Habich, Hal & Dee Moss, Mark & Sue Thompson and Sue Herzog who had driven to the resort. After this “feast”, a trivia contest was held. A prize was given for the highest score with Sharon & Len Palmisano winning a portable charcoal Barbeque grill. Another prize for the lowest score was won by Jeff & Joanne Zeimer, a 3-pack of LED flashlights. There were lots of laughs with some of the incorrect answers, including one by Gary & Kathy Taake who stated that one of the Triple Crown winning horses was “Trigger”. The night concluded with ten people playing “99”, and Lyn Quick winning the pot. The chilly night made the pleasant hum of boat heaters necessary.
The final day began with a light continental breakfast of pastries and fruit in the Chart Room. Then it was off for shopping, fishing, biking, or exploring, while a number of ladies concluded a game of Mexican Train Dominoes, with Brenda Jetton winning the pot. Several of the men had a great day fishing with Phil Kryger, Gary Taake and Bob Martin filling a large bucket with fresh fish. Two groups rode the trolley and then walked to the Green Flash for a late lunch or early dinner.
After cocktails in the Chart Room, left-overs from the Grilled Pork Dinner were served and again, no one left hungry. A few then went for ice cream at “Scoops & Slices” before retiring for the night.
Saturday morning, the group departed for home with fond memories of South Seas Resort. Special thanks go to Phil & Lyn Quick for their efforts in planning a great cruise, and to Harbormaster Charles Martz and his knowledgeable and courteous crew who made our stay so enjoyable. You can be sure South Seas Resort will be a club destination in the near future.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations. For membership information please contact Larry Mitchell at 239-560-2823. View a short picture video of Club activities and review additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Regardless of the full moon cycle, the cool fronts have definitely slowed down the fishing as well as the ‘bites’. I have worked the flats and back country ‘on and off’ all last week and have found most success working the mangroves, pilings and structures for Mangrove Snappers, Sheepshead and Snook. Spanish Mackerel, Pompano and Seatrout still roam the flats but have been difficult to find during the cold spells. ‘Off-shore’ fishing and reports have been far and few between, due to the sporadic high winds.
Fishing remained fairly good until the last two or three cold fronts but has deteriorated (slowed) as the water temperatures dropped. Shown here is a picture of Mr. Shane Waldy of Niagra Falls (Ontario), Canada with a nice size Seatrout he was able to land after a tough day trying to find fish of any size.
A couple of days prior to that I had the pleasure of fishing with Mr. Aaron Hoffman of Lakeville, Minnesota, pictured with a really nice Pompano caught in Pine Island Sound, just off of Wulfert Keys. His sons, Eli (only 7) and brother Gavin (only 10) are pictured holding Seatrouts. They both proved to be really good ‘junior’ anglers each catching Snook in the ‘back country’.
It appears that the weather may improve over the weekend and into the middle of next week. I suspect that the fish will remain a little lethargic (with the exception of Sheepshead) with the cooler water temperatures of late. I have a number of charters scheduled over the next several days and look forward to reporting those results in my future fishing reports. Until then, slow down the presentations and be patient. This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing you the best. Additional articles and charter information will be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. I am easily reached via phone at 239-357-6829.
Standing rigging are the most important parts that keep your mast on your boat. When the mast goes overboard, not only can it be dangerous, but it can also be very expensive. You probably lose your sails, the electronics on your mast (wind, radar, antennas etc.) and your boat will be less stable.
The best way to check your rigging is have a qualified rigger go aloft and check the rigging from mast head to the chainplates.
When should you check the boat’s rigging? Most experts agree that your rigging needs to be checked after 10 years. Many insurance companies require that rigging needs to be less than 10 years old before they will insure your boat. If the rigging is closer to 15 to 20 years, you are asking for trouble. The rigger should use a blue ink dye that is used to confirm cracks in stainless steel swage fittings and the wire. Sometimes you see a line that looks like a crack, but by wiping it with the dye and sanding it with a medium duty cleaning pad (Scotch Brite), you can determine if it is an actual crack or just a line caused by swaging. The entire length of the wire needs to be checked. You can have two or more strands of wires cracked at different locations of the same wire (see slide show).
While aloft, the rigger should be checking the masthead, the sheaves, any sign for cracks in welds such as the mast head, spreader joints and all pins and rigging connections. We recently inspected the top of a furling system that was not performing correctly; the culprit was the cracked head of the system and the frozen bearings.
Rigging is not as expensive as you might think. If only a few stays are effected it can be changed without taking the mast down. If all the rigging needs to be replaced, than the best thing to do is unstep the mast and take that opportunity to change out the electric wires; good chance is they don’t meet current ABYC standards, and check the steaming and anchor lights. Whatever you do, don’t take too long to have a rigging expert take a good look at your rigging!