Cape Coral Cruise Club 2015 Fall Schedule

The Cape Coral Cruise Club, founded in 1963, is unique among S.W. Florida boat clubs in that it owns a portion of a private spoil island on the Caloosahatchee River east of the Franklin Lock near Alva. Over the years a covered pavilion has been built where the members enjoy elaborate monthly picnics, bocce, horseshoes and other relaxing activities.

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A major advantage for members is that the Island has ample dockage for member’s boats. Over the years, four docks have been installed on an inside oxbow off the ICW with both 30amp and 50amp electric service. This allows docking for as many as 16 member boats up to 45′ in length to be docked for the weekend at minimal cost. Ferry service across the ICW aboard the club’s 24′ covered pontoon boat, manned by a licensed captain, is provided for members & guests who drive up for the monthly picnic.

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Because the Club is a cruising organization, in addition to the Island picnics, members can participate in monthly cruises to local destinations. Fall 2015 cruises include:

September destination: For the last few years the Naples Boat Club has become one of the most popular Club cruise destinations. With a first class onsite restaurant, beautiful pool and outstanding docking facilities this cruise always has a wait list. Cruise leaders have been known to plan very interesting and different activities including a variety of Naples dining adventures.

October destination: Once again the Club returns to Fisherman’s Village Marina on Charlotte Harbor. With abundant shopping on Fisherman’s pier and the close proximity to activities in downtown Punta Gorda, this is a very popular and well attended cruise.

November destination: For a change in 2015, the CCCC has planned a return cruise to Marco Island. Due to the distance and potentially rough weather this has not been a regular Club destination. Members are looking forward to making this again a popular cruise.

Also in November the Club hosts a booth at the Ft. Myers Boat Show. Members are present to answer questions on membership and point out many other fun Club functions.

December: Traditionally no cruise is planned for December as the Club holds a formal “Change of Watch” dinner where past Club officers are recognized for their achievements and officers for the coming year are installed. This is the only annual Club “Coat & Tie” event.

Several other destinations, including South Seas Resort, Palm Island, Pink Shell Resort, Legacy Harbor, and Snook Bight Marina are in the works for the spring of 2016. Although not yet determined, generally a long (10 day to two week) spring cruise is planned. Past locations have included the Bahamas, short loop to Key West, Tarpon Springs, and the south Georgia Isles.

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The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.

August 11,2015

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Cruising

Buying your first boat: Navigating the sea of options

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Living on a planet that is 2/3 water might qualify a boat as a necessity rather than a luxury. We could not agree more! So let’s get down to the necessities of your shopping criteria and get you started.

Question 1 – What kind of boat?

Your first step is to determine the type of boat that will suit your needs, and that is based on how you plan to use the boat. There are three main boating activities: cruising, fishing, and watersports. While many boats can be used for two or even all three activities, the chart below shows the type of boat and its primary use.

 Day Boating  Cruising  Fishing Watersports
Bowrider/Runabout Overnighter Jon Boat Personal Watercraft
Deck Boat Motorycht Bass Boat Bowrider/Runabout
Pontoon Boat Express Cruiser Flats Boat Ski/Tow Boat
High Performance Trawler Center Console Wakesurfing Boat
Walkaround Jet Boat
Convertible Rigid Inflatable

Day boats are designed to entertain guests and deliver good performance. They are intended (as the name implies) to be taken out for the day and not stayed on overnight.

Cruising boats are also designed for entertaining guests but are not typically as fast or agile as a smaller day boat. They offer cabins and overnighting capabilities, and typically include a head (toilet area) and some form of galley (kitchen) equipment.

Fishing boats are designed with open cockpits in the rear of the boat to maximize the deck space needed for fishing. Plus, they are usually equipped with specialized storage areas and compartments for rods, tackle, bait and the day’s catch.

Watersports boats are designed for waterskiing, wake boarding and towing various water toys at speed. They range from basic sport boats and jet boats to specialized tow boats—which tend to be for the more experienced tow sports enthusiast.

Question 2 – What Size?

Boat size is an important consideration. The bigger the boat, the more features it typically has—like cabins, galleys (kitchens), heads (toilet areas), and so on. The downside to bigger boats is they are more costly to buy, operate and maintain, have more systems to understand and operate, and might not be trailerable. When you’re first getting started in boating, we recommend your first boat be no larger than 24 feet. This, of course, must be balanced with the amount of passengers and gear you plan to bring aboard. Resist the urge to go too big too soon.

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Question 3 – New or Used?

The next step is to decide if you want to buy a new or a used boat. Each has its pros and cons—not unlike cars. New boats should provide you with trouble-free operation right from the start. They are sold by dealers who order them direct from the factory and, provided they get the right dealer-prep, are in first-class condition.

Before buying a new boat, make sure the dealer you are considering will support you after the sale throughout your term of ownership. Ask around at boat shows and at the dealer’s location to make sure you’re buying from a reputable dealer with a strong commitment to customer service.

The downside to new boats is they cost more than a similar used boat, but when you buy new you are entitled to all the warranty coverage and manufacturer’s support that comes with buying a new boat.

A used boat may or may not still be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. These can be sold by a) dealers (who’ve taken the used boat in on trade), b) brokers (who don’t own any boats, they just represent them for sale), or c) private individuals. You take a greater risk on the overall quality of a used boat than you do on a new boat since you don’t know the history of the boat, its maintenance, or whether it’s been involved in any type of accident or suffered any damage.

Many of us will bring a used car to our mechanic prior to finalizing the purchase of a used car. By the same token, you can (and should) hire a marine surveyor to go over the boat carefully. The survey will uncover any problems with the boat, and let you know whether you’re getting a good deal or just buying somebody else’s headache.

Question 4 – Which Make and Model?

Once you decided which type of boat and whether to buy new or used, the next step is to narrow your search down to which boats you want to actually see firsthand and take for a test drive.

There are several magazines and websites that regularly do roundups and buyers guides to help you with your research. BoatTEST.com is one good example. They classify boats by type and have helpful video tests online so you can see the boats run and get the tester’s opinions on where can save you countless hours as you do your research.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Boating Tips Product/Services

“The stronger currents will provide more oxygen to the water and will improve the bite as well.” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)  This week offers us great fishing with a ‘full’ moon and higher tide levels which will allow access for many anglers to the remote areas. The stronger currents will provide more oxygen to the water and will improve the bite as well.

The Redfish bite has been strong and plentiful! I suggest getting to the mangroves and working the incoming before the tides ‘max’ out for your best chances. Redfish are not as easy to find once they leave the mangroves and oyster beds. The baits of choice have been large handpicked shrimps, cut pinfish and crabs. As the summer temperatures ‘heat up’ I’ve noticed the big bull Redfish are coming in from the gulf sooner than expected.

Captain Terry had a ‘special treat’ a few weeks ago and was able to fish the freshwater lakes and ponds with three of his grandchildren that are pictured here. Landon (8) is pictured with his large Catfish, Addison (7) is pictured with her Bluegill and Avery (4) is pictured with her Crappie!

 Landon Addison's-Crappie Avery's-Bluegill

This is First Mate Vicki and Captain Terry Fisher of FISH FACE CHARTER’S wishing everyone safe boating and tighter lines! Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-­‐357-­‐6829 or emailing me at [email protected]. Check out my website: www.fishfacecharters.com for more information and articles.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “ Snook are easier to catch on the outgoing tide because…”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Fishing has been good on high incoming tides for most species such as Seatrout, Mangrove Snappers, Redfish and Snook. The outgoing will also produce (especially for Snook). Snook are easier to catch on the outgoing tide because their locations are much more predictable. Work the current cuts around the creek mouths and spoil islands for them. Redfish on the other hand, are not as easy to find once they leave the mangroves and oyster beds. Small Sharks are everywhere on the flats. Cut pinfish (bleeding) should produce some fun action. They will also take shrimp while catching Seatrouts, Ladyfish and Spanish Mackerel suspended under a cork.

Picture here is a group of young baseball players from Tennessee, with their fathers. They took some time between tournament games in Ft. Myers to fish. Eric and Ben Chumley are together in a picture holding one of two sharks caught by Ben, while father Eric proudly ‘displays’ a big Seatrout. Their friends, Jason Martin and his son Ty Martin are pictured with a small ‘Black Tip’ shark of their own. Not to be out done, Jason’s other son, Eli Martin caught a shark as well.

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Lots of fun memories were made that day, as was on another father and son outing, featuring Mr. Dave Placher and his son Luke from Blue Ridge, Georgia holding a small ‘Black Tip’ shark. Luke also displays his large ‘yellow mouth’ (Seatrout) caught on a shrimp. Lots of fish were caught that afternoon, the day before they headed home from a nice visit with mom and grandmother in Cape Coral. Good job Luke!

In closing the new moon is on the horizon with good tides providing access to a lot of areas. Pilchards, Threadfins are around for the netting. Crabs and decent shrimps still available for live baiters. This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tight lines’. Charter information on my vessel or yours may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or emailing [email protected]. More articles, fishing tips, reports and charter services available may be found on my website: www.fishfacecharters.com

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Grouper, Snapper, Permit and other structure loving species should provide plenty of action offshore.” says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbour) Fireworks and fishing! Full moon, strong currents, high tides and summer temperatures will make for great holiday time fishing both inshore and offshore. The only issue for offshore will be the winds. Grouper, Snapper, Permit and other structure loving species should provide plenty of action offshore. Baits of choice will be large Pinfish, Grunts, Sardines, Threadfins and even shrimp. Threadfins are everywhere for anglers willing to cast a net.

Inshore; the Seatrout bite has pickup us a bit, but fish for them in the early morning hours before things heat up! Mangrove Snappers are easy targets right now as well. There are a few Spanish Mackerel around and they will all eat small summer shrimps.

Redfish and Snook are plentiful and will be found around islands on incoming tides. Otherwise good luck finding them in deeper holding areas on the flats. Large to Jumbo shrimp is the best bait for the Redfish but I suggest, Pilchards and Threadfins for Snook. Anglers using artificial presentations need to go early morning (regardless of tides) for better results.

Pictured from New Kensington, PA. is junior angler Nick Delp holding a nice Seatrout he caught using shrimp under a cork. His brother, Alex had fun angling several fish, including the Black Tip shark he is posing with. These young men were here with their parents, Jason and Teresa enjoying some free time prior to their wrestling competition in Orlando.

The Jones family from Sullivan, Missouri (my home state) had a blast catching nice Redfish. Pictured as a family are; Terry, Janice, Mackenzie and Kierstin. Mackenzie and Kierstin each caught the Redfish they are holding.

Terry-Jones-Family

I am looking forward to fishing and boating over the next several days and suggest that boaters and anglers alike get out on the water and have some ‘salt-life’ fun! Wishing everyone a Happy 4th of July while we all celebrate living in this wonderful country and beautiful SW Florida!

‘Semper Fi’ to United States Marines. Thanks to all of the men and women of every armed force (past and present) who have served our country!

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tight lines’. Charter information and/or bookings (on your vessel or mine) may be done by calling me at 239-357-6829 or by emailing me at [email protected]. More fishing articles, tips and information will be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“The Snook bite is excellent, especially when using live Pilchards.” says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbour) Fishing was ‘OK’ the last few days as we struggled through the 1/4 moon phase approaching a ‘new moon’. However all of next week should produce good opportunities as tides become higher during daylight hours providing strong currents, with good oxygenation. Tarpon are in good numbers just off of Captiva Beach just south of Redfish Pass. One may find them anywhere from the swim buoys to a few yards out. They are in Boca Grande Pass as well. The baits of choice are Threadfins, Crabs, Pinfish and Mullet. I suggest getting the baits down with a weight once the schools are spotted and moving toward the boat.

The Snook bite is excellent, especially when using live Pilchards. The problem is finding the Pilchards. Redfish seem to prefer large shrimp and cut baits such as, Pinfish or Ladyfish. Fish both species on the incoming or outgoing tides.

Seatrout and Spanish Mackerel will both be taken on grass and sand flats. I prefer to use a weighted jig head under a cork in 5 to 6 foot of water. It is hot in the afternoon and these fish are looking to ‘beat the heat’! Mangrove Snappers are around the mangroves, as their name suggest. Use a circle hook under a small cork loaded with a small shrimp. Regardless of the species, always try to fish on a moving tide as ‘slack’ tides normally do not produce as good.

Kudlac-Family

Pictured here are two of my recent family charters featuring youthful, ‘junior’ anglers. Firstly, the Kudlac family; John, Lea, Natasha and Alexandra from Greenville, S. C. Natasha (12) is holding a small Jack Crevalle. Her sister Alexandra (8) is holding a big Spanish Mackerel she caught. Not to be outdone, Lea caught a beautiful Seatrout measuring over 20 inches.

Natasha's-Jack-Crevalle Alexander's-Mackerel Lea-Kudlac-Trout

Boethel-Family

The Boethel family; Carl, Christy, Colter and Owen of Belton, Texas. Colter (10), is holding one of many Seatrout he caught. His 8 year old brother, Owen is holding a 17 inch Seatrout he caught on a shrimp under a cork. Both boys had a good day of catching as did their mother, Christy who caught a 3 ft. shark! I am looking forward to taking both families out again next year!

Colter's-Seatrout Owen's-Seatrout

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone tight lines! Charter information may be obtained on my website: www.fishfacecharters.com. Charters may be booked via email at [email protected] or by calling direct at 239-357-6829.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Proper Propping: Getting the most from your boat’s performance

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Selecting the correct propeller is a critical factor in maximizing your boat’s performance.Choosing the correct size and style of prop for your boat will keep the engine operating within its recommended rpm range and allow it to harness as much of its horsepower as possible.

Size DOES Matter:

Prop measurements have two key designators: diameter and pitch. Diameter is determined by doubling the distance from the center of the hub to the tip the prop’s blades. A good rule of thumb is smaller diameter props are typically used with smaller engines/boats, and larger diameter props are typically used with larger engines/ boats.

Pitch measures the forward movement of the propeller’s blade during one complete revolution. This is measured in inches. Lowering prop pitch will increase acceleration and thrust. Increasing prop pitch will make the boat go faster (provided the engine has enough power to keep the RPMs in the optimum operating range. If the engine doesn’t have enough power to run a higher pitch prop, performance suffers across the board and you could easily damage your engine. A good test is, if the prop lets your engine operate at Wide Open Throttle (WOT) within its correct rpm range, you’ve got a good prop fit.

Number of Blades. How it adds up.

For years, boaters have debated the question of 4-blade propellers versus 3-blade versions. (The traditional argument is that 4-blade props are slow and 3-blade props are
fast.) Today, with higher fuel prices and tighter economic times, boaters are taking a second look at this debate. Speed is now a much smaller part of the boating equation. In turn, practical, real-world performance is the name of the game for most people. So, which props should you be using, 4-blade or 3-blade? Traditionally, the idea that 4-blades were slower than 3-blades was true to some extent. But what you need to keep in mind is that many of those 4-blade props were not designed with speed in mind. Instead, the earliest designs were intended to cure handling issues such as ventilation, cornering blowout, motor elevation requirements, and hole shot issues. Without many options in blade design, and very few of them truly intended to be particularly fast, the 4-blade got branded as slow, while their other performance benefits were largely dismissed.

In contrast, today’s 4-blade propellers have evolved into both all-purpose and highly specialized designs. This new generation of props can be tailored to not only address those traditional handling issues, but can also be tailored to improve a boat’s performance range, which can, in some cases, include speed.

Before making a choice, determining your performance priorities will help you determine your prop choice.

Cupped Boat Propellers

Special curved trailing edges enable the prop to maintain performance at higher trim levels and in tight corners. Cupped boat props allow most boats to achieve a higher top-end speed or at least the same speed at a lower engine RPM. They also promote more efficient fuel consumption.

Material is not immaterial.

Propellers can be made of composite, aluminum, and stainless steel. Composite boat props offer good performance, are durable, and inexpensive. They also offer some protection for your lower unit during a prop strike becoming something of a sacrificial lamb. Aluminum props are the most common and are suitable for the widest range of applications since there are so many models and styles available. Stainless steel props offer the highest performance—due to their lack of flex—and best durability.
The chart below is a handy comparison:

PropGraph

Spare yourself the pain…carry a spare.

Finally, always have an extra propeller on board with tools allowing you to change it out. If you have a prop strike or spin out a hub, you will only be delayed a few minutes and not miss out on any for or worse—be stranded.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Boating Tips

Southwest Florida Yacht Club’s May Cruises

Southwest Florida Yacht Club (SFYC) had three cruises in May – our traditional cruise to South Seas Island Resort for Mother’s Day weekend, a mid-week cruise to Tween Waters, and a two week cruise to Tarpon Springs. The following are highlights from the Mother’s Day and Tarpon Springs cruises.

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The theme for this year’s Mother’s Day Cruise, led by Alina & Harvey Steele and Debbie & Bill Hummer was “All Relaxation”. The cruisers, fifteen boats total, arrived on Friday and were greeted with a welcome drink of “Hummer’s Famous White Sangria”. In fact, much of Friday saw folks chatting on the aft deck of the Lorelei, enjoying cheese and crackers with an unending supply of sangria. Friday evening, the group took the South Seas trolley down to Doc Ford’s where we had a lively dinner in a private dining room.

SouthSeas2

The cruise leaders provided a continental breakfast on Saturday morning including bagels, fruit and freshly baked muffins. During the day, everyone pursued their own interests, such as biking, shopping, fishing, dinghy cruising, and swimming. At some point, most everyone had a chance to see “Nick”, the resident marina dolphin, up close. Nick, who is apparently so-named for the scars on his pectoral fin, hunts mullet in the shallow marina waters along the sea wall. The hot and lazy day resolved into a warm and pleasant evening with the requisite cocktail hour, which included light snacks and a selection of wines, served in the Chart Room adjacent to the docks. Dinner was beach-casual at the Sunset Beach Grill, where several people played Caribbean Hook & Ring Toss; the more expert players providing coaching for some vacationing children. After dinner, everyone watched the sun set over the Gulf and several reported seeing the “green flash”!

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The Mother’s Day Breakfast in the Chart Room started with Mimosas and Bloody Marys. The menu included egg casseroles, fruit, breads, and Crepes Suzette. Apparently well fed and well rested, the Cruisers departed for home or their next destination late morning in perfect weather.

The Tarpon Springs cruise was fourteen days and stopped at five marinas – Sarasota Yacht Club, Clearwater Yacht Club, Turtle Cove Marina in Tarpon Springs, Club Treasure Island, and Longboat Key Club Moorings in Sarasota.

The group had a wonderful dinner at Sarasota YC. The next day they rode their bikes over to Lido Beach and had a relaxing lunch at the Lido Resort. Back at the Sarasota YC, everyone enjoyed hanging out in their beautiful pool.

The fleet arrived at Clearwater YC in time to enjoy their wonderful Sunday Brunch. The next morning the ladies severely beat the guys in a game of miniature golf. In the afternoon, everyone lounged at the pool and ordered pizza for dinner. The next day the ladies did some serious shopping and then everyone had a delicious dinner at the YC. As is common on several of our cruises, some members bring their “land yachts” and connect with part of the cruise. In this case, the Burgers drove up and joined the cruisers for the next 5 days.

TarponSprings1

In Tarpon Springs we had a great seafood dinner at Rusty Bellies Restaurant, which was a short walk from Turtle Cove Marina. The next day, we drove to Bonefish Grill in Tampa, where we met up with the Blackfords and the Steeles, and after dinner everyone went to Zoominations at the Lawry Zoo to see the beautiful Chinese Luminaries. The following day we went to the Tarpon Springs YC for a delicious lunch. Following lunch the group went to the Castle Winery for a wine tasting and informative lecture on “How to be a Wine Snob”. It was a lot of fun and we all left with plenty of good wine. Later that night we had appetizers and cocktails at the Turtle Cove Clubhouse and celebrated Len Burger’s birthday with a big cake. On our last day in Tarpon Springs, everyone walked to the sponge docks and did some more shopping followed by a wonderful dinner at Mama’s Restaurant. One of the highlights was several of our guys dancing with the “Belly Dancer”!

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At Club Treasure Island we enjoyed their Sunday Brunch in their beautiful Club House. On Memorial Day we rode the bus to Seahorse Restaurant for breakfast and then rode the bus to John’s Pass for a little more shopping.

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At the Longboat Key Club Moorings, we had dinner at the Portofino Restaurant after a restful day of lounging in the pool and hot tub. The Ellis’ daughter and family arrived from the UK and enjoyed the pool/beach at the resort. The next day the group went to St. Armand’s Circle and stayed for dinner. The last day, after spending the day at the beach, everyone enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Chart House Restaurant. All in all it was a very relaxing cruise and the weather totally co-operated. Everyone had a great trip.

SFYC is a very active yacht club with more than 30 scheduled cruises per year ranging from 3 days/2 nights to 3-4 weeks in length. Upcoming cruises over the summer include Naples Boat Club, Palm Island, Snook Bight, South Seas, and Legacy Harbour. SFYC also has on average two social functions per month, many at our home base, The Marina at Edison Ford/Pincher’s in Fort Myers.

If you are interested in participating in a trial cruise to meet us and see what we’re about, or to arrange to attend one of our monthly meetings, please contact our Fleet Captain, Harvey Steele, at (239) 671-8887 or [email protected]. Much more information, including our cruise schedule, is also available on our website www.southwestfloridayachtclub.com. You can also visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SouthwestFloridaYachtClub.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Cruising

Cape Coral Cruise Club returns to Palm Island Marina

Led by Jon Lynch and Elise Vannoy on Desperado, a flotilla of 10 boats cruised up the ICW to a club favorite destination, Palm Island Marina. Under sunny skies and seas that were surprisingly calm and slick as glass, many boats made record time. Many boaters voiced their surprise at the number of dolphins spotted during the trip. Joining in the fun were Commodore Lee Jetton and Brenda Butler on Moonlighter, Vice Commodore John and Pati Queen on Semper Paratus, Doug and Michelle Rhees on LunaSea, Phil and Lin Quick on Sunkissed, Bob and Carol Peterson on CR Side, Joe and Kelli Miller on B Mine, John and Mary Brehm on Panacea, Jeff and Joanne Ziemer on Still Crazy, and last but not least, Jim and Rear Commodore Edie Limbright made their maiden voyage on Princess, their recently purchased Viking.

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Arriving by car were Brenda and Mike Stewart as well as Mac & Bobbie McEwen. Most of the boaters gathered at Leverock’s for lunch on Tuesday then adjourned to the pool or games under the pavilion shade which made for a leisurely afternoon. Gathering for our traditional happy hour, cruising tales and mechanical advice freely flowed. With heavy hors d’ouevres supplied by each of the boats made for a sumptuous buffet.

Wednesday proved to be another perfectly sunny day enticing many to visit the beach and have a bite of lunch at Rumrunners, take a walk, float and chat in the pool or play cards. As we enjoyed our happy hour, all members participated in two brainteasers. Winners of the “Name that Boat” and “Flying Colors” quizzes were Jettons and Ziemers. Congratulations! Mike Stewart demonstrated his Grill Master credentials by cooking 26 burgers to perfection. Many thanks to Edie Limbright for a wonderful Spinach Salad, Michelle Rhees and Brenda Stewart for luscious desserts. After dinner, crews toured Jim and Edie Limbright’s new “Princess”.

On Thursday, a continental breakfast of berries and sweet rolls started the morning followed by a polite game of keep away which quickly devolved into a rowdy dunking session providing entertainment for onlookers and lots of laughs for participants. Beach goers collected perfect and imperfect shells as well as sharks teeth. Since it was Red Nose Day, each couple posed with a red nose. During happy hour, crews chatted and revealed items remaining on our “bucket lists”, then headed to Leverock’s for a group dinner full of laughter, stories and good company.

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Friday morning boats departed Palm Island Marina as a good time was had by all.

The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.

By Jon Lynch and Elise Vannoy

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Cruising

“I expect the big bull Redfish to come in from the gulf sooner than later this year.” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Summer is here and the fishing has been fair. This week brings forward a ‘full’ moon phase offering high tide levels and access to remote areas not accessible to many anglers during ‘mid-moon’ phases. Hopefully, the currents will provide more oxygen and improve the ‘bite’. Threadfin’s are fairly plentiful and are best for Snook and Tarpon. Unfortunately, ‘white’ bait fishes have been scarce.

Therefore, the baits of choice for Redfish, other than artificial presentations, will be big shrimps, cut Pinfish and crabs. Redfish are showing up more and more and with the early hot temperatures, I expect the big bull Redfish to come in from the gulf sooner than later this year. Seatrout have been hard to find with any size to them. Look for them to hold up in deeper holes during the hot days of the week and use small shrimps to insure lots of action from the species. Tarpon are still in the area, mostly off the beaches and in Boca Grande Pass. Crabs seem to be the most effective bait.

Offshore should be good so long as the weather permits. Be safe and try to get in early to mid-afternoon ahead of the storms. Inshore boaters and anglers should be cautious as well.

Over the last few months I have had great pleasure to take out several ‘Junior’ anglers. Pictured here from Lakeville, MN. is Aidan Andre (9) holding just one of many fish he caught while fishing Pine Island Sound. Great going Aidan!

Aidan's-Seatrout

Six (6) year old, Kinley Gillihan of Kansas City, Missouri is pictured with a nice Seatrout she caught. Kinley also caught a shark all by herself. She is a terrific future ‘lady’ angler!

Kinley's-Seatrout

The Jacobs Family from St. Charles, Missouri (once my home town area), accompanied me on a charter. Lee (11) is holding a Jack Crevalle he caught. His brother Austin (9), is pictured with a nice Seatrout. Both boys caught their share of fish and are destined to be ‘big time’ anglers! The family (Karen, Todd, Lee and Austin) are pictured together after a wonderful afternoon on the water. Thank you Karen and Todd. I enjoyed the time we had together!

Jacob's-FamilyLee's-Jack-CrevalleAustin's-Seatrout

Until the next ‘report’; this is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone tight lines and safe boating. Charter information may be obtained by calling me at 239-357-6829 or emailing me at fishfacecharters.com. More articles and information may be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports