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.
The 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!
(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.
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>.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Tarpon season is in full swing with tournaments from Ft. Myers Beach to Boca Grande Pass. Lee County Tarpon Hunters can be seen along the Inter-coastal water way and throughout Charlotte Harbor. Poor catching reports have run amok with the exception of last week in Charlotte Harbor as well as Boca Grande Pass. A couple of weeks ago I received nothing but dismal reports from members of the Cape Coral Tarpon Hunters Club fishing the areas south of Redfish Pass.
Based on better catch reports and numerous Tarpon sightings, I have been taking my Charter clients to the northern end of Pine Island sound and into the southwestern areas of Charlotte Harbor. I see a lot of Tarpon in the harbor and the fishing is fairly good. I look for it to get better with the new moon phase.
Last week, Snook, Redfish and Seatrout catches proved to be less than that of the previous weeks, due mostly to the winds from the north and east. The winds of 15-20 knots kept the water levels low and prevented access to back country locations where I have been successful. Pictured here is a 31″ Redfish I caught on a charter around Foster Bayou on a high tide with strong southern winds providing sufficient water to get my 21 foot Cobia bay boat deep into a proven back country location.
Fishing should improve over the next two weeks as the new moon phase comes in, especially if the winds blow from the south. Moreover, Pilchards are showing up and that will help a great deal to entice bigger quarry out of the mangroves when the high tide peaks and the fish are deep into the growth, hampering an effective presentation.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone tight lines! Charter information may be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Feel free to contact me direct at 239-357-6829 for immediate assistance or email me at [email protected]
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Tarpon season is in full swing with big Threadfin’s at the causeways, on other structures and just off the beaches. Boats are anchored up and down Pine Island Sound around Marker’s 4 and 18 on the southern end. Passes and areas off the main channels around Pineland, Cayo Costa and Jug Creek on the northern end. Baits of choice are mullet, Pin Fish, Lady Fish, Catfish and Threadfins; under corks/balloons and on the bottom. I will be in the mix starting next Monday for Tarpon charters.
Other species have remained active as well, including Snook, Redfish, Seatrout, Pompano and Spanish Mackerel. Keep an eye out for Cobia and Triple Tail for those working the beaches, Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor. Pictured here is one of my favorite yearly family charters featuring; Chris Dugan and sons, Tom (15 yrs.) and Jack (12 yrs.) of Norfolk, Va.. These junior anglers caught a number of fish that day. Looking forward to doing it again next year.
Huge Redfish are in the area and few better than the 31″ catch pictured here with Mr. Chris Kemp of the Atlanta area. Chris is a yearly regular of mine and a fantastic fisherman. This fish was caught under a cork with a cut Pin Fish off the point of a small island at the top of an incoming tide with southerly winds.
Fishing should only get better with the improving tides and the large amounts of baits around. This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters, wishing you ‘tight lines’. Charter information may be obtained at my website; www.fishfacecharters.com, by email at; [email protected] or by calling me direct at 239-357-6829.
On April 21 three boats from the Cape Coral Cruise Club left Cape Coral northbound to the “Golden Isles” of Georgia. These were boats that cruised under 20 knots. The following day three more boats, cruising in excess of 20 knots left the Cape Coral area at 8am so all could arrive at Sunset Bay Marina in Stuart that evening. The group traveled east on the Caloosahatchee River, across Lake Okeechobee and down the St Lucie Canal, headed for the Atlantic Intra Coastal Waterway. The weather was perfect and sunny with barely a ripple on the lake. After fueling and cleaning the boats, the cruisers met aboard the Sharon Ann, owned by Len and Sharon Palmisano for Happy Hour. Following Happy Hour most went to the Sailors Return restaurant at the marina for dinner.
The next morning the boats got off to another early start, again traveling in two groups, depending on the speed of the boats. The weather was ideal. The destination was New Smyrna Marina in New Smyrna Beach. The cruisers traveled in the Intra Coastal Waterway since there is good water depth, and few slow zones in this section. Upon arrival crews washed salt from their boats, fueled as needed prior to Happy Hour aboard Sharon Ann. Fueling at New Smyrna Marina is available at each slip for added boater convenience. Everyone dined on site at the Outriggers Tiki Bar.
Continuing north from New Smyrna the following morning boaters began the last day of serious, long day runs before starting a more leisurely cruise schedule. The destination was St. Augustine Municipal Marina. Five boats elected to venture out on the Atlantic Ocean via the Ponce De Leon inlet at New Smyrna since the weather was, again, perfect and outside the ocean was flat. The Intra Coastal Waterway is slower and there are several shallow water concerns between New Smyrna and St Augustine. Traveling “outside” also allowed the boats to arrive at the marina at slack water (no tidal currents). That is important because strong tidal currents can make docking difficult. Mark and Kate Lewis on MarKate decided to travel inside because they had never traveled this section of the Intra Coastal. The routine of cleaning and fueling the boats was followed by a change in routine. Happy Hour was not cancelled. Instead it was held aboard Pop’s Place, a Grand Banks owned by Kenneth and Sandra Starnes. This was followed by a roast beef dinner prepared by Sharon Palmisano.
Sightseeing was the activity of choice the next day since no travel was planned. The marina is in the historic district of St. Augustine giving the club members a wide choice of activities. The weather was again outstanding. Phil and Pat Kryger owners of Y Knot climbed the St Augustine lighthouse. Many of the couples toured the historic district on the Red Train. Rich and Robyn McGloin of the Robyn M enjoyed the architecture at Flagler College. Dinner that evening was “on your own” with most of the club members opting to eat on their boat.
The following day saw the group departing St. Augustine, headed to Golden Isles Marina at St Simons Island, Georgia. The group again traveled “outside” to avoid going through some shallow areas, as well as some military restricted areas of the Intra Coastal Waterway including a seven mile “slow” zone north of St. Augustine. The weather was excellent again.
The cruisers made their way to the Marina by entering St. Simons Sound inlet and following the channel markers up the Frederica River to the Marina. Again, the boats were washed and fueled in the slips. Those needing to replenish ship stores made a trip to the supermarket using the marina courtesy car. That evening Happy Hour was held at the Marina pavilion followed by a grill out of Italian sausage, hamburgers and hot dogs.
The next day a trolley tour of St Simons Island was taken by all the cruisers, as this was one our destinations. The tour company allowed the group to stay in “downtown St. Simons” for a couple of hours at the conclusion of the tour to shop and take advantage of the restaurants before returning them to the marina. The afternoon was free to explore in more detail places seen on the trolley tour, perform routine boat maintenance, or do as Steve and Nell Winner of Our Idea did, and use the courtesy car to go to the supermarket. The evening Happy Hour was again on the Sharon Ann followed by a group dinner at the Coastal Kitchen Restaurant, which is located at the marina.
Early up and out was the order of the day the following morning. Not because of the distance to Jekyll Island, but to get through Jekyll Creek before low tide. The creek only carries about 3 1/2 feet of water at mean low water, and while most of the boats on the trip have a draft of 4 feet or better, this is very important. Robyn M was the only boat leaving later in the morning since they needed less water than the other boats. Jekyll Harbor Marina was able to accommodate the boats that morning despite an early morning arrival. The distance traveled was only about 10 miles so washing and fueling was not necessary. The early arrival allowed the cruisers to begin exploring the island using courtesy bicycles provided by the marina. A manatee provided the group with additional entertainment by frequenting the marina. Happy Hour was again held aboard the Sharon Ann that evening, with the men gathering to tell each other stories. The women were playing dominos on the Y Knot and having a “happy hour” of their own. Dinner was “on your own”. Most ate on their boat with several Capt’s preparing dinner for their ladies.
The next day began with a dinghy race between MarKate and Pop’s Place. The name of the loser will not be reported to spare his feelings. Transportation to the historic district was arranged by the marina. Club members were able to explore the historic Jekyll Island Club, bordered by the former estates of long ago summer residents such as Joseph Pulitzer, J.P. Morgan, W.K. Vanderbilt, and Marshall Field, as well as visit the many shops and restaurants in the district. Several of the group took a horse drawn carriage tour of the area while others visited the turtle rehab center. The afternoon was free for the cruisers to explore more of the island, work on their boat or just take it easy. Happy Hour that evening was on Pop’s Place followed by a cook out of hot dogs and hamburgers provided by the marina.
Travel the following morning was to be north to Cumberland Island. The perfect weather, however, was about to end. The group decided to skip Cumberland Island and go direct to Fernandina Beach Marina. This provided the cruisers an extra day to travel home, which the captains thought might be necessary because of a very negative weather forecast of rain and high winds. During the trip to Fernandina cruisers saw wild horses grazing near the beach along the shore of Cumberland Island as well as two submarines in the Kings Bay naval base. The afternoon was spent touring Amelia Island with Happy Hour that evening on the Sharon Ann, followed bydinner at Bret’s Waterway Cafe, located at the marina.
The following morning the cruisers began the southbound trip home. MarKate and Our Idea decided to stay at Fernandina Beach an extra night and then slowly make their way home. The remaining boats left and headed for the New Smyrna Marina, running “outside” until St Augustine when seas became rough. They continued southbound on the Intra Coastal for the remainder of the trip. The next day they continued inside arriving at Sunset Bay Marina in Stuart. That section for the trip was on the Intra Coastal Waterway with the group staying just ahead of the serious storm front that blew in after all were safely secured at the marina.
The third day had the group west bound across Lake “O” returning to the Cape Coral area. This proved to be a most eventful day. More storms, that the cruisers were trying to avoid, finally caught up while they were on the river. All experienced lightning, thunder, wind, and heavy rain. In light of these poor visibility conditions, Sharon Ann touched bottom and required an assist from Sea Tow to be pulled off a mud bank. In the end everyone returned home safely with no major problems. Overall, this was a very fun filled and adventurous cruise hosted by Len and Sharon Palmisano.
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) Recently I heard lots of complaints from many local Captains regarding catches over the last couple of weeks. However, I have found that with the current moon phase, favorable wind directions resulting in higher tides, that more fish are being caught deeper into back country locations and around some of the small islands off the main channel of Pine Island Sound. These locations include; Patricio and Mondago islands up north, big Panther Key and Demere Keys midway down, Mackeever Keys, McIntyre Creek and Punta Blanca Bay on the southern end.
Tarpon have joined the other species and one will see many boats along the InterCoastal Waterway anchored up waiting for the opportunity to hook and land one. Big Pompano, Snook and Redfish are also among the collection of species being caught. Pictured here are Mack McGinnes and Phil Renkes of St. James City (Pine Island) holding a 32″ Redfish.
Amy Miron of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin proudly displays her Pompano caught under a cork using live shrimps. Her family, Jake, Kaylee (9), Olivia (11) and Samantha (5) are pictured together after a wonderful day on the water with memories that should last a lifetime. Everyone was in on the action.
The next few days should continue to produce similar fishing opportunities so long as the tide levels and southern winds allow access to the key locations mentioned above. Use Shrimp, Pinfish, Pichards, Threadfins or artificial presentations to target your quarries.
Until the next fishing report, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone, tight lines! Information and charter bookings may be obtained by calling me at 239-357-6829 or by emailing [email protected]. More information may be obtained at www.fishfacecharters.com.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)A lot of Captains have been complaining about recent catches and on certain days I agree. Some of the charters last week produced about half of the catches I am accustom to. However, the fish are still around, but finding them day after day is a real challenge. Nonetheless, last Monday with strong winds out of the South, one of my clients enjoyed the action of a 26 inch Redfish as well as a 25″ Seatrout. The fish were active mid-morning to mid-afternoon on a strong incoming tide. Mr. Scott Rogers of Chantilly, Virginia is shown here proudly displaying his catches. Rosie and Abbie (his wife and daughter) also caught lots of fish and enjoyed some of them for dinner that evening at their condo. I am looking forward to doing it again next year!
Fishing remains tough and I am looking forward to things picking up. In the meantime, I will be out with clients chasing their fish of a lifetime and the wonderful memories of a rewarding day on the water. This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing for you tight lines! Check out my website; www.fishfacecharters.com for charter information and additional articles. I am easily reached via email at [email protected] or via phone at 239-357-6829 for immediate assistance.
The cruise to Legacy Harbour Marina was fully attended with 15 boats cruising to and four resident boats participating. Harbormaster Eric Ravenschlag promised us 15 slips and he came through, and the marina was totally filled! While most people ate on their boat or walked downtown the first night, several of us tried out the little restaurant across from Joe’s Crab Shack. We had to stand on our burgers to get them thin enough to bite into!
Tuesday night saw cocktails at the chickee hut, followed by heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by the cruisers. Cruise leaders Mike and Brenda Stewart passed out cruise folders to those who missed the membership meeting and briefed everyone on the relaxed schedule for the cruise. No competing with the event packed cruise last month! The cruise leaders spent their time after hors d’oeuvres preparing fruit for breakfast Wednesday.
Chef Mike cooked up a breakfast of scrambled eggs with ham bits and cheese. Fresh fruit and croissants with butter filled out the meal. Most people then scattered to the winds in the downtown Ft. Myers area getting exercise, buying out the specialty shops and enjoying the vast array of lunch venues available. Others played cards in the room supplied by the marina.
It was Mike’s turn again Wednesday night as he barbecued 30 pounds of pork loin. Brenda brought out her delicious pasta salad, and for other tastes, the famous Club recipe coleslaw. Everyone got to choose the size/cut of loin they desired, accompanied by Brenda’s homemade applesauce, followed by several desserts provided by the ladies. Dinner was held at the chickee hut, but the food was on Lady Blue and the barbecues in front of the marina office.
Thanks to an army of the ladies the prepared meal was moved to the waiting ravenous club members at the hut. We had Ted and Beverly Hutson, Chuck Pollack and Sue Herzog, Dianne Myers, Jeannie Douglass’s grandson and two Limbright guests in attendance also. After dinner several of the crews headed downtown to listen to the harbormaster’s wife who was singing “torch songs” with her band.
Thursday morning breakfast leftovers were offered up to those desiring a bit to eat before getting their morning walk out of the way. The rest of the day was whatever cruisers desired to do. Many of the ladies duked it out again at the card tables. Others headed downtown again to try different stores and restaurants and that devilish purveyor of dietary supplements, Bennett’s Donuts!
Thursday at “3:27pm” a name christening was held by Phil and Lyn Quick on the dock behind their new 44 ft. fly bridge Sea Ray. After the champagne, everyone headed to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres hosted by Paul and Stephanie Carrico. The Marina, as thanks for our patronage, paid for the eats! NICE! We all then walked next door to Joe’s Crab Shack where they seated and served some 40 of us in grand style. The steam pots seemed to be the most popular menu items with steaks, ribs and stuffed shrimp in the running. The restaurant can satisfy most palates with their extensive menu.
Friday saw the Carrico’s heading out on their Great Loop adventure. They were already underway by the time the rest of us got around to slipping lines and returning to home ports. Legacy Harbour Marina is a nice place to visit, and nobody seemed in a big hurry to leave.
Thanks to everyone who participated and thanks to the marina staff who took care of all our needs quickly and with a smile. It was a good 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.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)The first part of last week proved to be very challenging finding and catching fish, with the exception of small Sheepshead and Mangrove Snappers. Nonetheless, three to four days after the cool front, the bite came back on, with reports of more fish being caught. The species included large Redfish, Snook, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, King Mackerel, Cobia, Shark and Seatrout. Pictured here is one on my best junior anglers of 2014, Wyatt Day (11yrs young), holding his 16 inch Pompano he caught on a shrimp (under a cork) on the flats in Pine Island Sound. Wyatt caught lots of other fish. He is a Junior Rodeo Champion from Cheyenne, Wyoming, with three Belt Buckles to his credit. Other pictures are with his mother and father, Lorie and David Day and a picture of a nice Spanish Mackerel that Lorie caught. It was a beautiful day on the water. Uncle Marshall, from Boca Raton, Florida was on board to witness their angling abilities.
The fishing should continue to produce decent numbers as the water is very warm for this time of year as tide levels become higher and stronger. Be on the lookout for Tarpon, Cobia, King Mackerel offshore as well as in Pine Island Sound, as I have seen them all.
This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing you tight lines! Stay tuned for more reports on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Charter and other information may be obtained by calling 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]
(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!
The 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.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)The first part of last week proved to be very challenging finding and catching fish, with the exception of small Sheepshead and Mangrove Snappers. Nonetheless, three to four days after the cool front, the bite came back on, with reports of more fish being caught. The species included large Redfish, Snook, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, King Mackerel, Cobia, Shark and Seatrout. Pictured here is one on my best junior anglers of 2014, Wyatt Day (11yrs young), holding his 16 inch Pompano he caught on a shrimp (under a cork) on the flats in Pine Island Sound. Wyatt caught lots of other fish. He is a Junior Rodeo Champion from Cheyenne, Wyoming, with three Belt Buckles to his credit. Other pictures are with his mother and father, Lorie and David Day and a picture of a nice Spanish Mackerel that Lorie caught. It was a beautiful day on the water. Uncle Marshall, from Boca Raton, Florida was on board to witness their angling abilities.
