(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) I just returned this week from an incredible experience in the Indian Ocean to ‘fish the flats’ on the Atolls in the Maldives. Needless to say, I was a little apprehensive doing my first charter since returning home, due to the fact that I had no reports of fish activity or passed weather patterns for almost two weeks.
Nonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised when my charter clients started catching Snook, Seatrout, Crevalle Jacks and Redfish from the same locations that had proven successful prior to my departure to the Maldives. They were not large fish (although a couple of large ones were lost during the retrieve). Joe Rossman of St. James City, Pine Island, Florida and Richard Lloyd, of Foster, R.I. are both shown here with small Redfish they caught during the 4 hour ‘orientation’ charter that departed around 8 AM aboard Joe’s 16’ Flats boat from his dock in St. James City. Both anglers caught several more fish including Snook.
Approximately ten (10) fish were caught in a short period of time. The objective of the charter was to show them locations where they could find fish on a regular basis using a variety of techniques. Both live and artificial presentations were used and proved successful. The locations were in and around the Punta Rassa area.
I am looking forward to my next few charters, as I suspect the fish to remain active so long as we have mild weather. To book a charter, please call 239-357-6829 or email Captain Terry Fisher at [email protected]. Check out my website; www.fishfacecharters.com for more information and fishing articles.
Cruise leaders Mark and Kate Lewis planned the Cape Coral Cruise Club (CCCC) November trip to Uncle Henry’s Marina on Boca Grande. This is a location the Club had not been to in several years. Getting into Uncle Henry’s is a zigzag path through the channel off the GICW north of Boca Grande pass, but it is well marked and dock master Paul Robbins keeps a good eye on your progress so you don’t stray into trouble. The marina has a long single concrete dock with many good, wide slips. For its age the central dock is in very good condition.
Twelve CCCC member boats headed up the GICW on November 19th including: Panacea, Knot Again, Four Bugles, Y Knot, Markate, Whatever, Robyn M, Knotatoy, West Leigh, Happy Ours, KDJ, and Sharon Ann. The weather was great, winds light, and the water was smooth. After docking, hooking up electric, checking in, and doing some cleaning and organizing, we discovered that members Bob and Bonnie Martin, on their 33’ Ranger tug Daisy Mae, had come in from Sarasota to join the group. They were on the final southbound leg of a several month Great Loop journey.
It was almost docktail time and Bruce & Sue Longman and Rusty & Marlene Glover arrived by land yacht. Tradition is that the blowing of a conch shell starts happy hour. Mac was not present to perform the ritual, so, with his approval by phone, docktails began without him. A wide variety of pre-potluck snacks was greatly enjoyed. At 6:00pm more dishes began to appear for the pot luck dinner at the marina provided picnic shelter, consisting of a variety of salads, chicken legs, a sandwich ring, tortellini with meat balls, and a special goulash. Mark grilled chicken pieces marinated in a delicious, secret Jamaican jerk recipe. The serving table was packed including desserts of key lime pie and cream puffs.
Wednesday’s breakfast, also at the marina picnic shelter, consisted of an egg casserole created by Kate Lewis, along with croissants, muffins and fruit salad.
Kate prearranged for seven rental golf carts so members could explore Boca Grande which were delivered shortly after breakfast. They all looked like new WHITE carts (remember the color) and would seat four adults. In Boca Grande locals and tourists use golf carts on special wide paved trails to move about the island. After breakfast a few went fishing, some played cards while others left on carts to explore the Island, some going all the way down to Boca Grande Pass. Lunch for some was at the Loose Caboose and shopping is always a treat in Boca Grande.
Later in the afternoon we were joined by Hal & Dee Moss, Sharon & Wes Rubenich, Susan Herzog & Chuck Pollack, Dianne Myers, Ken & Sonja Wright, Ted & Beverly Hutson for docktails and the ride, for some, via golf cart to PJ’S Grille for dinner. Everyone had had great dinners along with a favorite beverage. Then it was back to our boats in the dark, many of us on our golf carts. When we arrived back at Uncle Henry’s, someone, I won’t mention any names, had a RED cart…not the rented white one. There was a quick run back to PJ’S Grille for a hasty exchange before the owner discovered the mistake. Hal Moss was called on to meet them there, because with headlights on plus a full day of use makes short life for a golf cart battery. All went OK and they returned safe and sound.
Thursday breakfast was eggs, fruit salad and croissants. The rest of day was open for each couple to fish, explore, play cards or just relax. Many headed in the golf carts to the south end of the Island for lunch at South Beach and a visit to the Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum in Gasparilla Island State Park.
Docktails began around 4:30 with snacks and talk among members about the many interesting things to do in this old Florida atmosphere part of Southwest Florida. Dinner was on your own. Some went to the Tiki Bar restaurant and others remained on their boats.
Friday, the trip home was pleasant although due to breezy conditions, seas were just a little rough. It was another great trip for the Cape Coral Cruise Club. Thanks to one of our newest member couples, Kate and Mark Lewis, for their attention to detail making this a very memorable event.
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.
Every once in a while I think about the bait shops in the north. Last night I was talking to my elder daughter, who happens to live in north Wisconsin. I am sitting on the back porch T-shirt (no sleeves of course) and shorts, 77.6 degrees when she happens to mention it is 2 degrees with a wind chill of 10 below zero. I could not hold back a chuckle, I hear from her during storm season about how can I live here. Well they had tornados and now blizzard+ conditions 10 to 20 degrees below zero the snow plows clearing the roads keep filling the drive way so they have to clear it at least twice a day. What you ask does this have to do with my thoughts, well here in Southwest Florida, we are a year round store, this year August was better business wise than January. I have a much larger pay roll the bills are higher than ever, and the store keeps growing, while on the other hand my counter parts from the north are down here in full swing. Each year we get a bunch of regulars who come down for a fish in holiday, bait shop owners from all over the northern states. It is great catching up with them hearing about what happened over the year.
I think it must be kind of great to be able to just close down and take off. No one would notice, as they are huddled up around the fire place. Ahhh Wait, what, the heck am I thinking! It is going to be 80 degrees out today, I should have a great day at the store. Rouse me, and click the magic shoes and there’s no place like home.
Yes I am happy right here. I would just rather live in paradise.
Speaking of great fishin, the Spanish have moved all the way up to Marker #2 and the 41 bridges. Better with a maverick than a spoon, or a Storm twichin shad.
Trout. They seem to be everywhere right about now. We’re getting reports from Boca to the 41 bridges.
Personally, I’ve been doing the best on trout on the east side of the harbor. If you’re looking for quality then head inside the bar from Two Tits (Cormorant Key) and work the trough against the mangroves. Moving out into the flats will bring on the little guys, but most of the big trout are hanging out in that trough.
If you’re looking for quantity then you really can’t beat Burnt Store channel. There are a kabillion little trout inside the channel. The nice thing is, if you stay at it, you will catch legal trout mixed in with them. You’re not going to shatter any records, but you will catch a nice dinner. I’ve been free-lining shrimp into the channel on the faster tides. On the slower tides, I’ve been putting a small split shot just above the shrimp and jigging it across the bottom. Another option is trolling small X-raps or Storm lipped lures through the channel. It took us almost 30 minutes to get into Burnt Store today because every time we threw a Storm into the channel it would get whacked.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) The Ft. Myers boat show was a huge success with lots of people interested in many aspects of the Marine Industry including boating and fishing. I enjoyed sharing fishing techniques and offering suggestions during my seminars on how to locate and catch Redfish, Snook and Seatrout on the ‘flats’ and in the ‘back waters’ of the bays. Since then, I have been extremely busy with requests from clients on how to navigate and fish the waters in the Ft. Myers, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Charlotte Harbor areas, ‘on board’ their vessels.
Additionally, I have enjoyed taking new clients fishing on my vessel. Pictured here is Mr. Frank Miller of Floren, New Jersey with his 29” Redfish caught early last week on a Pilchard in the ‘back-country’ of Pine Island Sound. Unfortunately, the winds and recent ‘cold’ fronts have made it a little more difficult but the fish have still been fairly active and the next week or so should be good with the approach of a ‘new moon’.
In closing, I will be in the Maldives (Indian Ocean) to do some diving and fishing for myself. I am looking forward to sharing those experiences in some of my next articles. Charter requests may be made via email to [email protected] or call 239-357-6829. Also, please check out my website www.fishfacecharters.com for more information and fishing reports. This is Captain Terry Fisher praying that you had a ‘Happy Thanksgiving’!
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week proved good fishing. The only inconvenience were the winds blowing 10-20 knots out of the North/Northeast restricting access to some of my favorite spots. Snook, Seatrout and Redfish have been my emphasis; especially since Snook season is in ‘full-swing’ and all species are here in good numbers up and down Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass. Grouper and other migratory species are closer to shore with winter months approaching.
In the ‘back country’, I had the opportunity to fish with Mr. Steve Cohen and his grandson Jonathan Downs of Lansdale, PA. (pictured on the way back to port from a day on the water). I also took the time to capture Jonathan with his first Snook. It was only one of many fish he caught that day. He showed a lot of natural talent required to become a superior angler. I am looking forward to taking them again next year.
Fishing will probably be ‘tough’ the balance of the week and into the weekend with the cold front and high winds. Nonetheless, with the approaching ‘full moon’ and hopefully moderate temperatures, fish should continue to be receptive to most presentations, especially live pilchards.
This weekend I will be at the Ft. Myers Boat Show (Downtown Convention Center), to meet and greet both past and new clients. I am scheduled to do some seminars on ‘How to Locate and Catch Redfish, Snook and Seatrout’. STOP BY THE FISH FACE CHARTERS BOOTH AND SAY HI!
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Fishing has been real good so long as I have been able to cast net and load the ‘bait-well’ with Pilchards. Other techniques; such as artificial, live and cut Pinfish and shrimps will also produce at certain times, but while the ‘white bait’ is still around, that is what I prefer using. Pictured here is Mr. David Boyer (Command Sergeant Major U.S. Army, Ret.) of Cleveland, Ohio, holding one of many Redfish he caught using live Pilchards. He also got the opportunity to catch a number of good sized Snook.
Last Friday (the day before the cool front) I had the pleasure of taking a couple of established charter client’s out to ‘target’ Snook and Redfish. Between them they caught and released over 20 fish including 12 Snook in the 24-26 inch range and 4 ‘slot-sized’ Redfish before we called it a day. Shown here is my ‘Understudy’, Captain Mike Wilson of Cape Coral, holding just one of many Snook he landed on Pilchards. The other client, Mr. Calvin Wiegers (of Massachussetts) is pictured with one of his Redfish.
Fishing should continue to produce good action so long as the wind is not too strong. The tide movements are still good and the fish are fattening up for the winter months. More pictures, articles and charter information, may be obtained from my website, www.fishfacecharters.com. To contact me for a charter or any questions, call 239-357-6829 or email [email protected].
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week proved ‘hard’ fishing because of the low morning, outgoing tides and north/northeast winds blowing out water from the ‘back country’, preventing access to a lot of good fishing spots. Nonetheless, my charters produced some nice fish in spite of the cold front that passed through. The fish ‘lay-low’ during the morning following the temperature drop, but by the end of that day, my afternoon charter client, Mr. Mark Ballard of Dyer, Indiana proved his angling abilities by landing a 31” Snook and a 24” Seatrout (both pictured here) on the river side around Shell Island.
Later in the week, I fished the northern end of Pine Island Sound (Pineland) with my father-in-law (Bill Kern of Wentzville, Missouri) and found a few fish on the top of the outgoing tide, in and around the deeper mangrove cuts. The winds continued to plague the day but Bill was still successful catching several species, including the Redfish pictured here.
This week will ‘front’ a new moon, but those fishing the flats and backcountry during the day will have to work the lower of the two high tides. So long as the cold fronts stay away and the winds allow, fishing could be good for both inshore and offshore.
Check out my website www.fishfacecharters.com for more articles and charter information. Feel free to contact me by phone number 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected].
(FT. MYERS BEACH TO CHARLOTTE HARBOR) Last week proved to be productive fishing in light of the cooler weather and good tides. Morning or midday seemed to make little difference so long as one had the right baits and was fishing tide movements. I attribute part of the success to reduced water ‘run-offs’ from Lake Okeechobee together with reduced amounts of rain. In the ‘back country’, Pilchards have been producing more strikes and harvest for both the preferred species of Snook and Redfish, while live and cut baits, such as Pinfish and grunts, worked well in the passes and offshore for Grouper and Snapper. Artificial baits have been productive for Crevalle Jacks, Spanish and King Mackerel.
This week should be good with the ‘full moon’ cycle providing good tide movement; but it is time to ‘get out there’ while the opportunities exists to get into the shallower areas as winter approaches bringing lower tide levels and slower water movement.
Recently, I had the opportunity to fish with the Kevin Pearson and his family from the Ft. Lauderdale area. Pictured here are his daughter and son; (Nicole) showing off a nice Seatrout caught just minutes before her brother (Kenny Pearson) landed his 25” Redfish on the flats of Punta Rassa. Nicole also caught a Redfish shortly afterwards in the vicinity of Galt Island. Nicole was the ‘winner’ of that outing and I am looking forward to the next trip with Kenny and his family.
In light of the nice weather, a number of clients have requested late afternoon and evening ‘Sunset’ cruises to enjoy ‘dolphin watching’, serenity and some ‘family time’ on our beautiful waters. Pictured here are James Ward with his lovely wife Amy enjoying the evening with Harold and Carol Moldenhauer (James mother and father-in-law) all from the Detroit, Michigan area. They spend time each season on North Captiva and are seasoned ‘regulars’ to our area. Very nice people and I hope that I have an opportunity to serve them again.
In closing, I expect good fishing all of this week during the ‘full moon’ cycle. Fish tide and current movements with the baits that I have mentioned above and one should find success. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more fishing forecasts, articles and charter information. I am easily reached by phone number 239-357-6829 or via email at [email protected].
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week was fantastic fishing for Redfish, Snook and Seatrout. I prefer fishing the northern half (Redfish Pass to Charlotte Harbor) as well as the back waters of Matlacha Pass in light of the high tannin water influxes at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. The water is much clearer up there with plenty of Pilchards available to cast to. Pilchards have been the ‘bait of choice’ for me and most of the other captains that I have talked with. I have had lesser success with artificial, live shrimp and cut baits.
Pictured here is Kristen Mory of St. Petersburg, Fl. with a nice Snook she took on a live Pilchard after chumming up the area. Her friends, Emily and Cornelia of St. Petersburg are pictured here with their fish as well. Cornelia had to boat her Redfish by hand when the reel malfunctioned on the retrieve. These ladies were a pleasure to fish and I enjoyed watching all three prove their angling expertise on a number of occasions that day! Nice going ladies!
Moreover, I had the pleasure of fishing a wedding party from Tarpon Lodge at Pineland last week. Ms. Sammi Willis (the bride), is pictured here with her Seatrout. Her brother (Brandon Willis together with father) is shown with his nice ‘slot’ Snook of 28 inches, while the ‘father of the bride’, Bill Willis, shows off a nice Redfish. Congratulations to Seth Wadas and his ‘Bride’, Sammi on their marriage.
This week should continue to produce great fishing for Snook, Redfish and other species alike. Mackerel and Triple Tail along with grouper are all available and closer to shore. They are all active. I wake up every morning ready to go and capitalize on the October Redfish and Snook action that awaits most any angler. I am still available for charters during some of the October days for anyone that wants to get in on the action. Call me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for complete information and more fishing reports.
Nonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised when my charter clients started catching Snook, Seatrout, Crevalle Jacks and Redfish from the same locations that had proven successful prior to my departure to the Maldives. They were not large fish (although a couple of large ones were lost during the retrieve). Joe Rossman of St. James City, Pine Island, Florida and Richard Lloyd, of Foster, R.I. are both shown here with small Redfish they caught during the 4 hour ‘orientation’ charter that departed around 8 AM aboard Joe’s 16’ Flats boat from his dock in St. James City. Both anglers caught several more fish including Snook.
