“Fishing is as good as it gets right now” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

Fishing and boating should be fantastic over the next week or so. High tides, good weather forecasts excite most anyone looking to enjoy a day of cruising, beaching, shelling, swimming and of course, fishing! Fishing is as good as it gets right now; especially on the ‘new’ moon phase. I suggest fishing early in the mornings and getting in before the heat kicks up accompanied by the threat of afternoon storms.

Last spring, I had the pleasure to do several trips with my fishing companion and friend, Mr. Leland Longstreth, of Ft. Myers, Florida. Lee caught several nice Snook free-lining pilchards under the mangroves on incoming and outgoing tides. He is pictured with one caught on the last outing. On a separate occasion, his grandson Ben Batchelder, of Carmel, Indiana, accompanied his grandfather and me on charter while vacationing here. Ben is a polite, fantastic junior angler who has caught his share of fish over the years. Unfortunately, the big Snook eluded him this year. None the less, Ben is committed to catching his Snook of a ‘lifetime’, just like grandfather did a couple of years back. Ben is pictured holding a Snook caught around the mangroves of Sanibel Island. Ben is on the wrestling team at Carmel Clay Middle School and recently placed 3rd in the 115 pound division in Marion County (Indianapolis, Indiana). Nice going Ben! See you next year.

Leland's-SnookBen's-Snook

Another junior angler that I have the yearly pleasure to fish with is 12 year old Connor Budach, of Owatonna, MN. Connor was accompanied by his mom and dad (Lee Anne and Mike Budach). Connor is pictured with a nice Spanish Mackerel. It is one of many fish he caught that day. Connor continues to improve his angling abilities and has requested a shark/Tarpon trip for next year! I am looking forward to taking him. I must warn the sharks and Tarpon that Connor is ready for them!

Connor-Budach-Mackerel

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone good, safe boating and tighter lines! Charter information and reservations may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or by emailing me at [email protected]. More articles, tips and information is on my website; www.fishfacecharters.com

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “It is a ‘full’ moon and Tarpon are everywhere.”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Looking back on the last few weeks brings good memories of a large number of Snook caught. My favorite Canadian client; Mr. Gino Mascarin (with Captain Terry) and his friend Jennifer Wintermans, both of Thunder Bay, Ontario are pictured here with a couple of nice Snook they caught during their annual visit to Cape Coral. Gino is a world class fisherman whose ranking is annually threatened by Jenifer who is on the verge of ‘out-doing’ him. She is relative new to salt water angling, but continues to become more involved and successful with each expedition. Gino capitalizes on his ability each time a big game fish takes the presentation. His catch percentage is second to none. Nice Job Gino and Jenifer!

Gino-and-TerryJenifer's-Snook

Not to be outdone, Mr. Martin Smith of Cape Coral closed the spring Snook season out with an impressive Snook that pushed 38 inches. Moreover, due to light tackle, a couple of other large ones that took presentations, got deep into the mangroves before he was able to get them turned. The good news is: catching Snook is a year round ordeal! Plenty of them out there to give everyone the opportunity for a ‘Snook of a lifetime’.

Martin-Smith's-Big-Snook

It is a ‘full’ moon and Tarpon are everywhere. They are taking crabs, Pinfish, Threadfins Lady Fish, Mullet, Catfish fillets and Mackerel fillets ‘free-lined’ or cut . Hopefully, the winds will subside over the next few days and offer more opportunities to work the passes and the west side of the outer islands.

Redfish making appearances. Get to the mangroves before the tides ‘max’ out for the best chances. They are biting cut baits and live Shrimp presentations on a regular basis. Seatrout in good numbers and decent sizes. Lots of Jack Crevalle as well.

Offshore; Cobia, Permit, Grouper, Triple Tail, Porgy’s, King Fish, Spanish Mackerel and Tarpon are all here and are providing plenty of action.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish face Charters wishing everyone safe boating, ‘tighter lines’ and Cinco de Mayo! 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 for more information and articles.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Boating Basics

CabbageKeyCrop

Learning begins with the basics. Master the fundamentals of anything and your ability to advance becomes much easier and firmly rooted.

For boaters, there are four basic areas that provide that foundation. Master these, and you are well on your way to becoming a skilled and responsible boater.

Know your boat and equipment

Certified Coast Guard Captains are required to memorize vessel and engine specification manuals that are hundreds of pages thick. This way, they know their equipment down to the last bolt and, therefore, can confidently bring their crew and boat safely through dangerous situations.

In the same way, knowing your recreational boat boat will bring you similar confidence. Start with your boat’s manual (if you have one). This will be your best guide to the features and design of your boat. It should also contain important information for safe operation and maintenance of the craft. Also, make sure you know how to operate the boat’s electronics. At minimum, you should have a VHF-FM marine radio to contact the Coast Guard in the case of an emergency (Channel 16).

Know your water

Purchase navigation charts of the waterways you travel. Store them on your boat taking care to make sure they are wrapped or stored in plastic so they stay dry and legible. Study them often. Be mindful to learn landmarks, hazards such as submerged objects, and safe channel markers. Know where shallow areas are so you are not running aground. Take the time to go on outings solely for the purpose of learning the area, and use your charts to become more familiar with your local waterways. Apps like this one for Lee County, FL are a great resource and a smart added tool.

Beyond this, knowing how to navigate using a compass, GPS, and a chart will allow you to pinpoint your location and chart a safe course. This will all help you to eventually become a skilled navigator, and expand the limits of where your boat can take you.

Know right from wrong (aka the “Rules of the Road”)

Similar to the rules that govern the safe flow of traffic for road vehicles, there are similar rules to govern the safe maneuvering of boats. Called Coast Guard Navigation Rules, they are also known as “Nav Rules.” Although recreational boaters aren’t required by law to know these rules, it is highly recommended. These rules teach boaters safe boating protocol.

EXAMPLE: Do you know who has the “right of way” when you approach a sailboat under sail power alone?

ANSWER: The sailboat does. You must maneuver your boat to allow the sailboat safe passage.

Boating can become dangerous quickly when boaters don’t know these rules, and it’s not safe to assume you can apply road driving rules to marine situations.

Know your safety regulations

Both the U.S. Coast Guard and local marine law enforcement agencies have the authority to board your boat to ensure your compliance with safety equipment rules and regulations. Depending on size, most vessels are required to have navigation lights, a sound signaling device, emergency flares, and life jackets. The larger the vessel, the greater the requirements. Visit the Coast Guard’s regulation page to learn more about these and make sure you are in compliance.

As you master these four basic areas, consider taking a Coast Guard Auxiliary safety course. It is a small investment of time that can make your time on the water safer and more enjoyable.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Boating Tips

“The balance of the month and the first week of May should produce lots of action…” Says Captain Terry

Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor – Fishing has been good even though we have been in between the full and new moon phases. This has been attributed mostly to good tides, good wind directions (southeast, southwest and westerly), warm weather bringing migrations of Tarpon, King Fish, Cobia, and Spanish Mackerel close to our shores. Other species such as Snook, Redfish, Seatrout and super size Jack Crevalle are providing plenty of action in virtually every area that one would expect them to be.

The balance of the month and the first week of May should produce lots of action on live, cut and artificial presentations. Snook season is open through April 30 and they are very active on live pilchards. Redfish are eating big shrimps. Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel, Lady Fish and jack Crevalle are plentiful, aggressive but are not particular about what they eat. Tarpon are everywhere, so don’t be surprised if one takes your light tackle presentation. Moving water is the key to catching any of these species. Fish the incoming and outgoing tides.

WYATT DAY

My favorite ‘Cowboy’, Wyatt Day (12) of Cheyenne, Wyoming spent the better part of a day with me catching his share of fish. He is pictured here with just one of his many fish he caught during his annual visit to Sanibel. I have the opportunity to fish with Wyatt at least once a year and it is a real joy for me. Wyatt participates in the Rodeo circuit during his time in Wyoming. He wins his ‘junior’ division just about every time he competes and has the trophies to back it. Wyatt is fast becoming a ‘top’ junior angler as well. He is very knowledgeable and good at catching a variety of species when the opportunity presents itself.

This is a great time for recreational boaters and beginning anglers to get out the fishing gear. The ‘bite is on’! Anyone wanting assistance on how to navigate, where to fish and how to fish, should not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to offer advice and suggestions to make your boating and fishing desires/experiences fun and productive.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tight lines’! Contact me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected] with questions or for charter bookings. Check out www.fishfacecharters.com for additional articles and fishing tips.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Fishin Frank’s Fishin Updates!

SharkCatch

 

Fishin Update – 4/16/15
Sea Trout have been pretty steady at Laishley Pier between sun up until around 9 and 10 o’clock in the morning. Here, the trout are hitting live shrimp under a poppin cork. Try to get about 4 feet from your hook to the cork. Casting might be harder with that much line under the poppin cork, but just let the tide drift it away from the pier. Then pop your cork and wait 20 seconds or so, and then pop your cork again.

Sea Trout have also been steady at Placidia pier, usually about an hour after low tide. Use free line shrimp off the first half of the pier. This is a short cast out, and once you cast, give your line some slack, then when it gets tight give it a little more slack. Fishing here is better when you are closer to the shore than farther out on the pier.

Fishing Update – 4/18/15

This week has been and continues to be good fishin.  Catching Red Grouper, Trigger Fish, and Mangrove Snappers out in the gulf around 60-80 feet of water.  Many of the Snapper are 3 pounds or more.

Also, Mike sent us this fishing report:

‘Hey Frank.  Fished Thursday at the Placida trestle on the incoming tide. Caught several undersized sheepshead and mangrove snappers; also a couple of stingrays. We did manage several fair sized whiting on shrimp. The sharks were biting very well, blacktips and bonnet, all in the 3-4 ft. range. I caught my blacktip on a pinfish. 
Love your website and the store. – Mike H’

Fishing Update – 4/20/15

We are seeing a bunch of Sea Trout from PC beach up towards the cut-off. To catch, use shrimp or white bait under a poppin cork. This is a nice size school of fish, and most are in the 20 inch size range.

Triple Tail are still out in the near gulf and a few have been spotted in the Harbor. To find them, look for crab trap floats or really anything that’s floating. You may even find Triple Tail hanging around at some of the markers. In order to find Triple Tail, cruise along as slow as you can go with your boat while it’s still on plane. If you see one, it will look like a dirty rag just under the surface, with its face, hiding under the object. It’s almost like a little kid thinking ‘if I can’t see you, then you can’t see me’. Do not stop the boat for at least 100 yards once you spot a Triple Tail, then make a turn and come back quietly. Then cast at them free line with a small shrimp or white bait.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Warmer water temperatures are bringing in Tarpon and other species in full force.” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Warmer weather and higher tides complimented by the new moon should provide excellent fishing over the next few days. My clients have had their share of fun with warm weather and mild winds over the past few weeks. Family charters have prevailed over spring break with many ‘junior’ anglers enjoying time on the water catching a variety of fish. Nine (9) yr old Seth Leohr from Indianapolis, Indiana is pictured with a huge Spanish Mackerel he caught while on a charter with his father Andrew. Both Andrew and Seth had a good day of fishing catching Spanish Mackerel, Seatrouts, Jack Crevalle and other species.

Seth-Leohr's-Mackerel

Another of my other favorite ‘junior’ anglers, Jack Gagliano (9) of Winnetka, Illinois is shown on the left, seated with Captain Terry. Jack’s cousin, Paul (9) of Ft. Myers, Fl. is seated  on the right. Both boys enjoyed a day catching many Seatrout and other species. Not to be ‘out-fished’, Jack’s father, Steve Gagliano is shown with a nice Snook he caught.

DSCN2513DSCN2512

Fishing should get even better over the next number of days. It appears the cold fronts are gone and the warmer water temperatures are bringing in Tarpon and other species in full force. Bait fishes, shrimps and artificial patterns are all working well. Now is the time to ‘go fishing’! 

Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829  or by emailing; [email protected]. More articles and fishing information may be obtained at www.fishfacecharters.com.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Cape Coral Cruise Club heads to South Seas Resort

The destination for the Cape Coral Cruise Club’s March Cruise was the always popular South Seas Resort on Captiva Island. Dubbed the “Cabbage Head Cruise”, 21 boats participated in the three day cruise in perfect weather.

The ideal weather Tuesday allowed for a happy hour on the docks the first afternoon with an abundance of snacks and appetizers. Then the group hopped on the South Seas Trolley at 5:45 for a ride to Doc Ford’s Captiva Island Rum Bar & Grill. Everyone enjoyed delicious dinners, and no one rode back to the resort hungry.

Wednesday morning began with a breakfast of sausage, scrambled eggs, sweet rolls, and fresh fruit served by the cruise leaders in the Chart Room. The group, which had been joined by members Chuck Pollard & Sue Herzog, then separated for shopping trips, fishing, swimming in the pools or going to the beach. During the afternoon swimming in the pool, a group of outspoken members surrounded Vice Commodore John Queen and gave him a hard time about his grey moustache and his “comb-over” hair style, all contending that he would look 10 years younger if the moustache were shaved off and the “comb-over” hair clipped off. After 30 minutes of badgering, John agreed he would allow the changes, but only after dinner, after a few adult beverages, and after being duct taped to a chair.

20150330c

At 4:30, everyone gathered in the Chart room for cocktails, snacks and fried “fish bites” caught by Gary Taake, Phil Kryger and Bob Martin. This was followed by an awesome St. Patrick’s Day dinner of corned beef and cabbage with all the trimmings, prepared and cooked by Cruise Leaders Phil & Lyn Quick. Since many of the ladies spent time chopping up the 40 pounds of cabbage heads for the dinner, the “Cabbage Head Cruise” was born.

20150330b

After desserts, the “Cabbage Head” haircut began. John Queen had arrived at the dinner with his moustache shaved off, and sat duct taped in a chair for the ceremonial haircut. With the group cheering her on, Brenda Jetton clipped off the “comb-over” hair, and trimmed the sides. When she was finished, John DID look 10 years younger. Everyone gave John a huge round of applause for being such a great sport.

Then it was time for a group game of “The Not So Newly Wed Game” with “awesome” prizes. All the ladies were sent out of the room and the men had to answer a number of personal questions about their relationships with their spouse. The answer sheets were collected, the men left the room, and the ladies had to answer the same questions. The questions were designed for laughs, including, “Where was the most unusual place you made whoopee?” Needless to say, answers were both varied and hilarious. When the group reassembled, answers were compared and the couple with the most matching answers won prizes. Gary & Kathy Taake won first place, Bob & Carol Peterson second place, Chuck Pollack & Sue Herzog third place, and a special prize was awarded to John Queen for being such a good sport.

Two groups stayed in the Chart room for a game of “99”, and a third group remained for a game of “Phase Ten”. Laughter could be heard on the docks from the avid players.

Thursday morning began with a light Continental Breakfast of rolls, croissants, fresh fruit and muffins, followed by lunch and an afternoon with no scheduled activities. The warm and pleasant weather allowed for water sports activities, hiking, shelling, beach walking and ocean swimming. Some members ate left-over corned beef and cabbage for lunch, and some of the ladies played games in the Chart Room. After cocktails and snacks at 5:00, some of the group went for ice cream at the on-site “Scoops & Slices” before retiring for the night.

20150330a

Sunny skies and light winds made for an easy Friday morning departure for the group who left with fond memories of South Seas. Special thanks go to Cruise Leaders Phil & Lyn Quick for all their hard work preparing for this wonderful cruise, and also to Dock master Charles Martz and his very professional crew who made our docking and stay so enjoyable.

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 Lee Jetton

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Cruising

“The Tarpon have started to arrive” says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Inshore fishing has been really good for Spanish Mackerel, Seatrout, Permit, Pompano, Jack Crevelle, Ladyfish and Snook. The Tarpon have started to arrive with water temperatures at 74 degrees. I have hooked up a couple of Tarpon while fishing the flats for Seatrout and Spanish Mackerel. The warmer waters are generating lots of action with ‘feeding’ frenzies erupting a couple of times a day at numerous locations in Pine Island Sound. Pictured here are my 1st Mate’s (Vicki’s) friends; Mr. R. D. Jones of Marion, Indiana holding a large Spanish Mackerel he caught on the northern end of Pine Island a few weeks ago. Accompanying him was Mr. Tad Hunter of Ossian, Indiana holding one about the same size. Both men caught their share of fish before the charter ended. Since then the Mackerel sizes have improved somewhat. Mackerels are being located throughout the deeper ‘pockets’ of water up and down Pine Island Sound.

R-D-Jones-Spanish-Mackerel Tab-Hunter's-Spanish-Mackerel

Numerous clients have taken the opportunity to capitalize on the Snook bite and the Snook ‘season’. Pictured here is Mr. Steve Holladay of Waleska, Georgia holding his 29″ Snook caught around Punta Rassa while ‘free-lining’ a Threadfin. His friend, Mr. Russ Probyn of White Georgia caught ‘his’ Snook (pictured) using the same method. Nice job gentlemen! The Snook bite should be good the balance of the year and there are some big ones out there!

Steve-Holladay's-Snook Russ-Probyn's-Snook

I also had the opportunity to take out my best ‘Junior’ angler; Jack Rober’t (9 yrs.) of Blaine, Minnesota. He is pictured with a Pompano he caught on the flats. He was accompanied by his friend, Ethin Kluker (10 yrs.) of Centerville, Minnesota, pictured with Jack. Both boys (all grown up now) was allowed to go on their own with me and my 1st Mate Vicki. We had a great time with them. Nice going boys!

Jack-Rober't-PompanoJack-Rober't-and-Ethin-Kluker

Fishing should be great all week with warm weather and the full moon on the horizon. Every species should be active on both the outgoing and incoming tides. Until next report, this is Captain Terry Fisher and 1st Mate Vicki wishing everyone ‘tighter’ lines and HAPPY EASTER! Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or emailing [email protected]. Check out my website, www.fishfacecharters.com for more articles and complete charter information.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Boating Courtesy

IMG_9903

One of the common frustrations in boating is a general lack of awareness when it comes to observing the ‘rules of the road’ when on the water. While many states require young boaters to successfully complete a boating safety course before operating a boat or watercraft, it can be argued that boaters of all ages should be required to show proficiency in boat handling along with some simple instruction on basic boating courtesy—beyond what is required by law. While, in most cases, discourteous boaters are simply ignorant of basic courtesies, many are simply indifferent or just plain obnoxious.

The following is a look at what you might call the Top 7 Boating Sins. They range from the mildly annoying to things you might think should be punishable by more medieval means. See if you agree.

    1. SLOW OR FAST PASSING…PICK ONE
      Most boaters understand the concept of slowing down when passing between a group of other boats. This means leaving no wake as you pass. Slowing down just a little so that your boat “plows” thru the water is actually more disruptive to somebody (who is, for instance, trying to fish) than passing on plane and leaving less wake.

 

    1. ONE PERSON’S MUSIC IS ANOTHER’S NOISE
      While sharing is generally a good thing, forcing your musical tastes on others is not. Voices carry over water. Radios and loud music carry even further. Keeping the volume at a courteous level goes the furthest.

 

    1. SQUATTER’S RIGHTS
      The first boat to arrive at a fishing area gets to set the tone regarding how others arriving later should fish. If the first boat starts trolling counterclockwise, you should too. If the first boat anchors up, back off a respectable distance and drop anchor. If you want to be the one setting the standard, get there earlier.

 

    1. CROSSING THE LINE(S)
      If anglers in a boat are obviously working a stretch of shoreline or reef, pass by behind them without leaving a wake. Anything else is rude and should not be outside the reach of anyone’s common sense.

 

    1. WATERCRAFT WOES
      Personal Watercraft users need to keep in mind that the rules apply to them as well. A smaller craft does not equate to smaller courtesy requirements.

 

    1. LITTERBUGS
      Virtually everyone knows littering is wrong…we learn this as children. No one want to see our waters and shorelines covered with litter.

 

    1. RAMP DON’T CAMP
      A boat ramp is for launching a boat. Not rigging a boat for launch, loading gear or casual conversation. When boating alone your rig should occupy the ramp site for no more than five minutes. When boating with a buddy, no more than two or three minutes.

 

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Boating Tips

“ The Snook bite is REALLY GOOD ” says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) I want to thank everyone who attended the Bonita Boat Show last weekend. It was a great show with lots of vendors and opportunities to learn about boating and fishing the waters of Lee and Collier Counties. The fishing seminars were a great success and my 1st Mate, Vicki and I enjoyed the opportunity to welcome all new ‘charter’ clients ‘on board’!

The full moon cycle last week help to produce some great catches. The warmer weather, moderate winds and decent tides afforded opportunities for clients and friends to take advantage of the recently opened Snook Season. Pictured here is one of my fishing friends, Mr. Steve Morrison of Cape Coral holding a nice Snook caught while ‘free-lining’ a Threadfin around the creeks of Iona Shores. This 24″ beauty was a little short for harvesting, but provided plenty of action on light tackle.

Kevin-Barrett's-Snook

A few days later, Mr. Kevin Barrett of Crivitz, Wisconsin, landed his ‘Snook of a lifetime’, while ‘free-lining’ a large Threadfin close to the mouth of a creek in the same area. He is pictured here proudly displaying his ‘trophy’ (38 inches/18 lbs.) before returning to the water. Also, pictured, is Kevin’s friend Connie Chamber of Crivitz, holding one of many large Jack Crevalle she caught, using the same bait and technique as mentioned above. Unfortunately, Connie lost a ‘slot’ Snook (28″-33″) due to the Captain’s instructions during the landing! Sorry Connie; hopefully I will make amends on next year!

Steve's-SnookConnie's-Jack-Crevalle

Finally, I had the opportunity to finish last week’s segment with a young ‘junior’ angler, (‘1st Mate for the Day), Mr. Zach Hager (10yrs old) from Otsego, Minn. shown here holding one of many Seatrout he caught during a charter with his ‘Great’ Uncle Don Redman of Medford, Minnesota; his father Marlin, Uncle Mark and cousin Tracy Hager (16), both of Ramsey, MN.. Zach and Tracy put on a fine display of what we may expect from the younger anglers of tomorrow by ‘out’ fishing everyone on the vessel (with maybe the exception of ‘Great Uncle’ Don!) Great job guys!

Zack's-Captain-Hat

In closing, the bait fishes are back, the Spanish Mackerel’s are back, the Seatrout bite is better, the SNOOK BITE IS REALLY GOOD, the tides are stronger and even though we are coming into the ‘mid-moon’ phase, the fishing should be good. Until next week, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters, wishing everyone; ‘tighter lines’! Contact me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected] for charter bookings or questions. Check out our website: www.fishfacecharters.com for all information pertaining to charters, more articles and fishing tips.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports