Captain Terry says “REDFISH are everywhere.”

REDFISH (‘Reds’) are everywhere. The Redfish numbers continue to grow and their sizes are getting bigger. The bull (big) ‘Reds’ will continue to migrate in from the gulf to eat and mate before heading back to the gulf in November to winter in deeper water. The FULL MOON will provide for higher and stronger tides, lots of oxygenation and the fish will become very aggressive when foraging for food.

The baits of choice have been jumbo shrimps, live or cut Pinfish/ Ladyfish, Pilchards, finger mullets, gold spoons, top water lures, and scented plastics (jigged or rigged weed-less). This week has produced most of the Redfish around the mangrove islands at the top of incoming tides, using presentations stated above.

 

Davis-Hasson-Redfish

Pictured here is Mr. Davis Hasson of Naples, Florida (Senior at Florida Gulf Coast University), holding a Redfish caught on a jumbo shrimp. Davis is an avid fisherman and scuba diver and is always a pleasure to be around. Unfortunately, we had to cut this trip short due to weather. I recently had the pleasure of catching Bonefish on the ‘fly’ with Davis while on a ‘cultural’ exchange, fishing and scuba diving in Cuba, of which I will write about in a later report.

Now through the first week of September should be good fishing as the full moon approaches and then takes a few days to subside. Remember to work the oyster clustered areas surrounding the mangrove islands. Look for ‘jumping’ mullet as they are a very important part when it comes to locating Redfish (Redfish follow them around). I prefer to fish the top half of incoming tides for Redfish, as they seem to provide better results.

SNOOK SEASON OPENS SEPTEMBER 1st!
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tighter’ lines! Other fishing reports, tips and charter information may be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Feel free to email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com or for immediate attention, call me direct at 239-357-6829.

August 28,2015

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“ Redfish are everywhere. This is the opportunity to get out and get one.” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) The Redfish are here in good numbers. The bigger Redfish are arriving daily as they come in from the Gulf of Mexico to fatten up for the winter months and to mate as well. I have had tremendous success with catching them with jumbo shrimp on a weighted jig head suspended under a cork either just on the sea bed or just above it. Other techniques have included a jig head or weight on the bottom with a jumbo shrimp to hold in places of current to keep the bait in the strike zone around the oyster beds or mangrove roots.

Pictured here are Stacey and Dean Church of Branson, Missouri each holding their recent catches. They hired me out by the hour on their vessel to show them fishing locations and techniques. I also provided instructions for chumming and cast netting pilchards on the flats. They have invested in a home here in Ft. Myers and are planning to move down in the not too distant future to live in this beautiful area. They come down to Florida about every two months. They are experienced anglers who were smart to obtain valuable information to insure safe boating and guarantee successful fishing adventures. Very nice people that I had the pleasure to meet and help.

 Dean-Church's-Redfish Stacie-Church's-Redfish

Also, I have pictures of two junior anglers with their recent catches. Ms. Neko Bade (7 yrs.) is holding her first Seatrout. Her brother, Luke Bade (10 yrs.) did a professional job of angling his first ever Redfish that he rightly and proudly displays. Their father, Richard Bade holds his catch as well. Their mother Jodi caught the most Seatrout that day and proved that she is a part of the fishing family from Austin, Texas. Good job fishing friends!

Nikko-Bade's-Seatrout Luke-Bade's-Redfish Richard-Bade's-Redfish

 

Redfish are everywhere. This is the opportunity to get out and get one. They should continue to be plentiful from now throughout the month of October. Over the coming weeks, I will keep everyone abreast as to their whereabouts and techniques to catch them. Anyone wanting me to go out on their vessel should contact me at 239-357-6829 or email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. My website: www.fishfacecharters.com will provide more information to those seeking articles, techniques and charter information.

August 17, 2015

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. Check out my website: www.fishfacecharters.com for more information and articles.

Posted by Matt Galbraith 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.

Eric-chumley's-Seatrout

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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. More articles, fishing tips, reports and charter services available may be found on my website: www.fishfacecharters.com

Posted by Matt Galbraith 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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. More fishing articles, tips and information will be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com.

Posted by Matt Galbraith 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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com or by calling direct at 239-357-6829.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“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 Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. More articles, tips and information is on my website; www.fishfacecharters.com

Posted by Matt Galbraith 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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. Check out my website: www.fishfacecharters for more information and articles.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com with questions or for charter bookings. Check out www.fishfacecharters.com for additional articles and fishing tips.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports