Captain Terry’s Weekly Fishing Report

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) The good spring weather together with stronger and higher tides should prove to be the biggest asset to any fishing trip. The location that one chooses to fish should depend on the height, strength and time of tide movements for best results; especially when they work together with the early morning hours. Most all species should be very active and receptive to a variety of live or cut baits, both ‘in’ and ‘off’ shore. They are all here and virtually all of my charters have been successful finding and catching the ‘target’ species when working during good tide movement, be it ‘flood’ or ‘ebb’. The only exception to this has been the lack of a lot of Tarpon action.

P1050233Nonetheless, reports of Tarpon catches around Mile Marker 4 (off of ‘C’ Span by Sanibel) and other areas up and down Pine Island Sound are becoming more common. A few Tarpon are being taken off of the ‘Outer’ Islands as well. If one belongs to an organization such as; Cape Coral Tarpon Hunters Club, access to catches, locations, techniques and baits are easily obtained on a daily basis. Mackerel, Catfish, Mullet, big Greenbacks and Pinfish should do the trick for those looking for these fighting game fish.

There are lots of Seatrout in the grass and ‘potholes’ from James City all the way to Cayo Costa. I am finding that some ‘schools’ are producing numbers of big trout over 20” on a regular basis, but one needs to move around to find them (I am having most of my success for bigger fish in the northern corridor of Pine Island Sound, above Redfish Pass).

In the ‘back country’, big Snook and Redfish are both up and down Pine Island Sound on both the east and west sides. Other species, such as Crevalle Jacks, Bar Jacks, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, may be found anywhere along the above corridor on the flats with the Seatrout.

The gulf is loaded with species such as; Kings, Snapper, Permit, Grouper and Cobia. Keep a lookout and a ‘rig’ loaded for Cobia. I keep a lead head with an 8”-12” eel ready to cast. The fish have been very active and I forecast more of the same over the next week with the added benefit of more Tarpon opportunity.

P1050235In closing, I want to acknowledge the casting and catching abilities of 15 year old Andy Batchelder of Carmel, Indiana (grandson of Lee Longstretch of Indianapolis). He is pictured here with two of the fish caught during his first ‘back country’ excursion using only artificial lures. I am looking forward to our next ‘outing’ together for more and bigger fish. Great going Andy! Practice your casting liked we discussed before next year and you may catch your ‘fish of a lifetime’!

If anyone has any questions or would like more information on your favorite type of fishing, feel free to contact me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]. Check out my websites and my article ‘links’ at www.fishfacecharters.com or www.captainterryfisher.com

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Fueling Your Boat: Ethanol vs. Non-Ethanol

Summer is finally upon us. It is a great time to be in Southwest Florida, especially if you own a boat! The tarpon are rolling in, Grouper seasons are opening and the wind is actually calming down. So whether you’re a charter captain, an avid fisherman, or a recreational boater, now is the time to be out there. Before you launch your boat though, there are several things you need to remember. The usual checklist: life jackets, fire extinguisher, air horn, throwable PFD, spot light, tackle box, fishing poles, cooler, sun screen, oh, THE PLUG!… and the list goes on. But what about the one thing that actually allows you to get where you want to go? Unless you plan on paddling your way, your motor is a vital component to your boating experience. I’m not suggesting that you might forget you motor, but don’t forget to take care of it.

Many people take their motor for granted. Besides just changing your oil or cleaning your carburetor, you have to think about what products you’re putting in your motor. Everyone is familiar with ethanol fuel, but do you really know what it is and the effects it has on a motor? In a nut shell, it’s moonshine. Ethanol is highly refined (grain) alcohol, approximately 200 proof, that can be produced from natural products like corn or sugar cane. Although ethanol fuel is widely used because it is less costly up front, there are three main problems with using it in your boat: phase separation, deterioration of fuel system components, and the overall cost of keeping your boat operational.

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Phase separation is the separation of water and ethanol from fuel within a tank. When water is present in a tank, it bonds to the ethanol molecules in the fuel. Once the three-part mixture of water, ethanol and fuel reaches a certain point, the ethanol and water will drop to the bottom of the tank and separate from the fuel. Once this occurs, you are in danger of severely damaging your motor. Depending where your fuel inlet is located, your motor might receive the fuel portion of what is in the tank or the ethanol/water mixture. Both will cause problems with your motor. While the water/ethanol mixture will obviously cause damages, the fuel portion will be about three octane less than what it should be and therefore result in damages to your motor. Both these scenarios start with the presence of water in your fuel tank. With the humidity we have, the rains that we get, and the inherent nature of boats being on the water, let’s face it, water will get in your tank over time.

While on the topic of tanks, this is where your fuel system begins and the first point where ethanol has a chance to deteriorate your equipment. Most boat manufactures do not use fiberglass tanks anymore, however there are still several in use today. Ethanol will break down certain resins that hold the glass fibers together, allowing that debris to potentially reach your motor. Fiberglass is just one of the materials that ethanol will deteriorate. What about rubber, plastic, even some types of metal? It is true, it can deteriorate all these materials, all of which are a part of your fuel system. Many people mix additives to try to counteract the effects of ethanol, but that is a difficult and uncertain way of dealing with the problem.

Additives have been around for years, mostly to boost octane and preserve stagnant fuel for extended periods of time. More recently, additive manufactures have developed products designed specifically for ethanol treatment. The problem is, there are many different types of fuels throughout the country. They go through different refining processes, have different Reid Vapor Pressures (RVP), and they all have their own blend packages added by the major oil companies already. The chance that additive manufacturers have tested their products on all these different fuel types is highly unlikely. I wouldn’t trust my multi-thousand dollar investment on chemicals that are untested and may not be compatible with my fuel.

Furthermore, additives are expensive. Whether you are mixing in additives for ethanol compensation or to boost octane, that all has to be factored in to the overall cost of running your boat. If you add an octane booster to your fuel to make up for the efficiency you loose by running ethanol enhanced fuel, you are chasing your tail. Then factor in the cost of repairs to your fuel system and potentially your entire motor, you will be spending hundreds if not thousands more simply because you ran ethanol enhanced fuel.

In all fairness, most boat and motor manufacturers claim to have made adjustments to there manufacturing process that allow their watercrafts to accept up to 10% ethanol blended fuel. Still, the jury is out as to the long-term effects of what this fuel will do, to even the newer motors. Play it safe, protect your investment, run non-ethanol (also known as 90 Rec) fuel, and enjoy the summer waters without worrying if your motor will get you back to dry land. For more information about the advantages of non-ethanol fuel, contact your local marina mechanic or email [email protected].

 

Written by John Siefert, Edison Oil Company

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Product/Services

Fishin’ Frank wonders whether the magic will remain?

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Well the TV says that we are in for a week of thunderstorms each day, not all day but possible storms each day, which leaves us 1 of 2 possibilities.

1- The first is that a front moves across the Harbor and the fish move and quit feeding, or we get a couple inches of rain, and it lower the salt level of the Harbor, which would move many of the fish back into the gulf. Not good at all as we have been in the magic zone, every thing from Black fin tuna, Bonita, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Shark, Cobia, Tarpon, Snook, red fish, & more all biting. What can I say but WOW what a week.

2- The second possible out come, is that these afternoon rains and cloud cover will hold the water temperature steady, providing we get less than an inch of rain so the salt level remain constant in the Harbor, and if the clouds keep the water from heating up, this magic week could turn into a magic month. & HOW cool would that be!!

So here hoping for door number 2 and the magic remains

Fishin’ Frank

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Capt. Terry says “inshore fishing continues to get better”!

(FT. MYERS BEACH TO CHARLOTTE HARBOR) The ‘inshore’ fishing continues to get better as spring sets in with the tides getting stronger and higher. I had the opportunity over the last number of days (before the full moon and during the full moon) to do a number of charters. Snook season is in full swing and I have had tremendous success with this species. The Redfish are here in good numbers and a variety of sizes (including a lot of ‘over-slot’ size fish). Pictures of Mr. Don Shanley from Potosi, Wisconsin and Mr. Al Rawlings of Hastings, Minnesota are each shown here with a pair of 29” Redfish. This was only two of about 40 that they caught within 2 hours. Great going guys!

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Moreover, SeaTrout, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Crevalle Jacks, and shark are on the flats in good numbers and are very active. They are attacking shrimp, pilchards, live or cut Pinfish and Lady Fish, as well as a variety of artificial baits. They are feeding off of the ‘bottom’ as well as under corks. I am attaching a picture of 7 year old Tyler Tousey with a small Crevalle Jack. This was just one of his numerous catches. Later that day, Tyler caught a 33” Black Tip Shark (all by himself) on the flats in Pine Island Sound. Tyler fought the shark like a ‘pro’. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of it, but his father, Mr. Gerald Tousey, got it on video. Fortunately however, I got to witness this young angler in action. Nice going Tyler!

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‘Offshore’, Cobia, Red Grouper, King Mackerel and some Tarpon are all about. I have seen Tarpon jumping from time to time in Pine Island Sound as well and I am now planning some Tarpon trips. It is my thought that the fishing will continue to be good next week for both ‘inshore’ and ‘offshore’. However, I suggest fishing earlier in the day with the weaker tides for best results. If you have any questions give me a call at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]. Be sure and check out my websites at www.fishfacecharters.com; www.captainterryfisher.com for all updates on weekly and monthly articles and fishing reports.

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Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Fishin’ Frank says it’s the time of year to go catching, not fishing!

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Everything is coming together nicely. The red tide is gone, the water temperature is up and the harbor is full of bait. Our summertime fish, tarpon, shark, cobia, mackerel are all starting to show up in the harbor in good numbers and it’s only going to get better. Now is the time to get out there and get catching. Not fishing, catching!

The 20 foot hole (the upper hole) in the harbor seems to be the hot spot. Good reports of tarpon, shark, cobia and spanish mackerel. There was even a king fish caught in the 20 foot hole! I’m also hearing reports of cobia on the markers and on both the east and west sandbars. Tarpon are also starting to show up at the 41 bridge at night.

And don’t forget the usual suspects either. Snook, redfish and trout are all doing extremely well and so are flounder. There is plenty of bait to be found at the markers, in the middle of the harbor, the skating rink and even in the mouth of the Myaka River.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Shaaaaaaaarks! Fishin’ Frank reports they’re back!

Sharks are moving into Charlotte Harbor.

Sharp nose, Black tips, Nurse, Lemons, Spinners, and Bulls & Bonnets, which to be fair are here all year. But we do see increased numbers as the water warms up. each year as the water hits 75 degrees Cobia, Tarpon and shark move up from where ever they are during sown bird season, Crazy but each year as the Snow bird leave the big fish show up, How crazy is that, but just like their human counter parts the go south during the colder months and return as the waters warm.

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Shark fishing is like sailing hours of boredom punctuated by moments of shear excitement or terror.

Simple procedure – anchor your boat or cast your line out from the dock better if you chum and wait for the rush of a screaming reel.

This is just a long winded way of saying the Sharks are back n the Harbor and the numbers are growing, the numbers of Sharks will peak out in May the prime month for Sharks, But you may want to consider Catch & release during may as that is when the Sharks are going to give birth. By June they are done “Pupping” and dinner time may resume,

Yes I eat Sharks it is some of the best tasting meat and very healthy for you. Why buy fish oil tablets, ok some one else kills the fish for you, but when you do it your self no waste is the key. and I never take one while I still have meat from the first one.

Any way good luck out the have fun, and watch where you put your finger, It is Shark fishin after all.

Frank

UPDATE – 4.15 at 5pm

Shark are moving into the harbor, So it is time to start bending the points of the barbs on your hooks down, barb-less does not work, really bad idea, but bending the barb down so the bait & the fish stay on but are very easy to release is the key to a healthy shark population, Circle hook are too hard to get out and dangerous on the fingers, So use a J hook and flatten the barb.

The big mistake most people make is too big a hook, for black tip or Sharp nose go to a 4/0 with a chunk of bait 2 fingers wide. Good luck

 

 

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Last week was fantastic for the ‘back country’ charters!” Capt. Terry

CAPTAIN TERRY FISHER’S WEEKLY FISHING FORECAST

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

Last week was fantastic for the ‘back country’ charters for those able to handle spin cast equipment as well as a few who wanted to learn. My charters boated two 30+ inch Snook while working the Mangroves on both incoming and outgoing tides. Lots of other fish action was captured on camera and video while anglers caught their share of Seatrout, Crevalle Jacks, Lady Fish, Shark and Redfish in the mix. Herewith are pictures of clients; Mr. Dan Damon of Battle Creek, Michigan and Mississippi River Boat Captain, Don Mc Daniel with Holly Jett from Edwardsville, Illinois proudly displaying their ‘Snooks of a lifetime’.  Great going and congratulations to both of those anglers who prevailed over my constant instructions (‘suggestions’) while fighting and landing their first Snooks!

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Spring is here and the fish are very active both inshore and offshore. Lots of big Seatrout are being caught in the clean, clear flats where there is good water movement. The Redfish are here and are being caught early morning on top water plugs, jigs and spoons and more so, on live bait in the afternoon. The Tarpon are beginning to show up in numbers making it worth-while to start planning a trip so long as the weather permits. Look for Cobia close to shore and out on the structures in most any depth. They are curious and will hit anything from a shrimp to artificial.  King Mackerel are being caught on live pilchards, pinfish and artificial lures in about 30 to 65 feet of water on the same structure as one will find most reef species.

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If you want to book a charter or have any questions, I will be honored to take your call at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Fishin’ Frank’s Charlotte County Report

Cobia, Mackerel & Redfish galore. This is what has happened over the week while I have been under the weather. I try to update at least weekly. Not sure if I got sick or just ran out of get up and go, but either way the fishin has been smokin out in the Harbor and near gulf.
Cobia are doing the spawn thing and have been thick near Hog Island & marker 1. Schools of Cobia about a mile off the beaches. Jigs with a bass worm tip or Rat-L-Trap 3/4 once
seem to be the lures of choice.

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Spanish are moving in, I have heard a lot this year about how thin the fish were and it occurred to me that maybe the barrier of Red tide across the passes this year had a lot to do with so few fish like Trout. Since the Red tide has backed off the fish are pouring into the harbor.
Maverick lures are the trolling lure of choice for Spanish, just hold the rod and keep the boat moving about 2 to 3 miles per hour,
Red fish are feeding back around the Mangroves, crabs or I should say the baby blue crabs and spider crabs are what they are feeding on. So when the tide is higher a 1.3 or better cast under the branches or shrimp or crabs if you can catch them. Hang onto the rod. When that red hits it is a hit.
Good luck, have fun and be safe
Frank

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Second Annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament

Award-winning Doc Ford murder-mystery series novelist White has already signed on for fishing the tournament, in which 100 percent of the entry fee will be distributed as tournament awards.

“I’m really looking forward to the tournament,” said White, a former area fishing guide. “It’s for such a great cause, and a good excuse to get out and meet people and find out if I can still tie a Bimini.”

Mark your calendars for tournament day May 4, 2013.

Doc Ford’s, with locations on both Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach, sponsors the tournament to support the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge through the “Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS).

“This is so exciting!” said Marty Harrity, Doc Ford’s co-owner. “There’s not another tarpon tournament like it in the area. We’re expecting fishermen from all over Florida.”

“Doc Ford’s has been a faithful supporter of our efforts at “Ding” Darling, helping greatly to bolster refuge programs and research to balance federal budget shortfalls,” said Birgie Vertesch, DDWS executive director. “We’re so grateful to them for this huge effort in our behalf.”

Learn more about the tournament here: www.dingdarlingtarpontourney.org

 

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Winning Team – 2012

Team Doc Ford’s

Nick Fischer, Joe Harrity, Dennis Florie and John Landry

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Events

Lee County Fishing Report with Captain Terry

CAPTAIN TERRY FISHER’S WEEKLY FISHING REPORT

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

The ‘back country’ fishing is alive and good as spring has arrived. I am attaching a picture of a 35” Snook caught by one of my better anglers, Mr. Gino Mascarins of Canada. Gino and I have a lot in common. We like to go after a variety of species for lots of action and we are always prepared when the ‘fish of a lifetime’ takes the presentation. Gino was calm and collective from start to finish insuring landing this exciting game fish. Pictured with him is his lady friend Jennifer, a proven angler in her own right.

The water temperature is rapidly rising and the Tarpon have been reported about 6 miles off of the outer islands. Winds and weather permitting will allow Shark/Tarpon charters to begin soon.

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Additionally, the Redfish are showing up and I have been on some really nice size Seatrout in upper Pine Island Sound. The Spanish Mackerel have been on a big feed and I have taken as many as 25 fish on half day charters. My ‘Dream Team’ pictured from Michigan (Mike, Lea, Joseph and Jordan), completed a half day charter this week catching more than 75 fish, including Spanish Mackerel, Seatrout, Lady Fish and Pompano. They take  ‘top’ honors so far this year landing more fish than any other group. Congratulations to them.

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The fishing will continue to be good with the higher and stronger tides. Give me a call at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected] to set up a charter. Be sure and check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for monthly and weekly reports.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports