Captain Terry says “I suggest going early morning for better chances”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Even though the New Year brought with it plenty of rain and gusty winds throughout our region, several ‘die hard’ anglers braved the elements in search of fish. I had the pleasure of fishing with many new clients shortly after the New Year and they were all successful in catching plenty of fish. Most impressive were youthful anglers determined to fish regardless of the conditions. Pictured here is ten (10) year old William Cawdrey of Cincinnati, Ohio proudly displaying just one of many Seatrout he caught over a two (2) day period of fishing the ‘flats’. His brother Timothy, only fourteen (14) and good friend Harrison Rodgers, only thirteen (13), proudly poses with Spanish Mackerel they caught. All three junior anglers showed exceptional abilities to handle whatever species decided to ‘take the bait’. They were all kept busy catching Crevalle Jacks, Ladyfish and lots of Seatrout on both charter days.

William-Cawdrey's-TroutTimothy-Cawdrey's-MackerelCawdrey-Charter-Harrison
Another exceptional junior angler is Matthew Izzo (13), of Downingtown, Pennslyvania. Matthew is shown with one of many big Seatrout he caught in Pine Island sound during a half day charter. His father, Chris Izzo is pictured alongside his son while holding a nice Seatrout he caught. The day made for a great experience for both father and son as they caught lots of big Seatrout and other species. I am looking forward to the opportunity to take all of them out next year in search of their ‘fish of a lifetime’.
Chris-Isso-TroutChris-and-Matthew-Izzo

Fishing should continue to be productive with the ‘full moon on the horizon’. However, the cool front will make some parts of the day less likely to produce. I suggest going early morning for the better chances of big Seatrout, as warmer parts of the day have recently proven ‘less’ productive. Snook and Redfish are still active but hard to find due to the ‘skinny’ waters. Proven locations will still produce so long as the tide levels provide sufficient depth for the fish to get close to and under the mangroves; otherwise the fish will be elsewhere. Sheepshead and Mangrove Snappers are active most any part of the day, but my pleasure is early morning. Small bait hooks, ‘tipped’ with a nice piece of shrimp should get one a meal.

This is Captain Terry Fisher offering these tips for better days on the water. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more fishing reports, articles and charter information. Email me at [email protected] or call me at 239-357-6829 with any questions or to book a charter.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports Uncategorized

“Canal and ‘up-river’ fishing should be good with the cooler weather” Says Captain Terry

Christoff Linder's SnookMaik's CrevalleFt. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Since my last report, we experienced some real shallow (‘skinny’) water in conjunction with a cold front and strong north/northeast winds. Fortunately, the fish remained active. Shown here is Maik Lindner of Frankfurt, Germany holding a nice size Crevalle Jack he caught in a Cape Coral canal on the way to the ‘flats’. His brother, Christoff is shown with his first Snook on an artificial presentation while trolling the canal. Both fish were caught the day before the last cold (cool) front. Once we were on the ‘flats’, both fishermen continued to enjoy angling Spanish Mackerel, Seatrout and other species.

Canal and ‘up-river’ fishing should be good with the cooler weather as Snook, Redfish and snapper populations relocate to ‘winter’ in warmer waters. The baits of choice for the canals will be artificial plugs such as, soft plastics, crank baits, twitch baits and top water presentations; otherwise expect to catch a lot of catfish.

On the ‘flats’, large Seatrouts and Spanish Mackerels will undoubtedly be the easier fish to locate and catch. Live shrimps will be the most effective baits. Look to find easy targets, such as Sheepshead and Mangrove Snappers around pilings, concrete and rock structures, using small ‘bait’ hooks, tipped with a piece of shrimp.

Until next week, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters hoping that my report will help you catch more fish. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more articles and charter information. I am also easily reached at 239-357-6829 for any questions one may have.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “So long as the weather remains good, so should the fishing.”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)Fishing continued to be good last week as nice weather and a full moon had the fish active. Cooperating winds allowed ‘fishing the flats’ with little trouble when the low tides prevented access to ‘back country’ locations. Redfish, Snook, Pompano and Seatrout have all been active over the past week with the promise for more activity over the Christmas week and into the New Year.

During the Thanksgiving week and just prior to my fishing and diving trip to the Maldives, in the Indian Ocean, I had the pleasure of spending time on the water with friends and clients. Shown here is Mr. Tom Moslander of Edwardsville, Illinois with a ‘slot’ Redfish caught under a cork using a cut Pinfish. His daughter, Maria Callis of Cape Coral’, is shown with her catch as well. Both fish were caught in the same location on a windy day in the areas of Punta Blanca Bay. Not to be ‘out-fished’, Mr. Terry Champion (Maria’s father-in-law), poses with his Pompano caught on another excursion a couple of days before. I have had the pleasure of fishing with all of them on previous charters and always look forward to our next adventures, in quest for the ‘fish of a lifetime’.

Tom's RedfishMaria's Better RedfishTerry Champion's Permit

It appears that our fishery is in great shape and so long as the weather remains good, so should the fishing. However, if and when a cold front approaches, I suggest getting out a day or two before it sets it and the fish should be feeding.

 

 

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays! More articles and charter information may be found at www.fishfacecharters.com. Call me at 239-357-6829 for immediate assistance or email me at [email protected]

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Snook, Seatrout, Crevalle Jacks and Redfish were all on the line this week!

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) I just returned this week from an incredible experience in the Indian Ocean to ‘fish the flats’ on the Atolls in the Maldives. Needless to say, I was a little apprehensive doing my first charter since returning home, due to the fact that I had no reports of fish activity or passed weather patterns for almost two weeks.

Joe RossmanNonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised when my charter clients started catching Snook, Seatrout, Crevalle Jacks and Redfish from the same locations that had proven successful prior to my departure to the Maldives. They were not large fish (although a couple of large ones were lost during the retrieve). Joe Rossman of St. James City, Pine Island, Florida and Richard Lloyd, of Foster, R.I. are both shown here with small Redfish they caught during the 4 hour ‘orientation’ charter that departed around 8 AM aboard Joe’s 16’ Flats boat from his dock in St. James City. Both anglers caught several more fish including Snook.

Approximately ten (10) fish were caught in a short period of time. The objective of the charter was to show them locations where they could find fish on a regular basis using a variety of techniques. Both live and artificial presentations were used and proved successful. The locations were in and around the Punta Rassa area.Richard St.James

I am looking forward to my next few charters, as I suspect the fish to remain active so long as we have mild weather. To book a charter, please call 239-357-6829 or email Captain Terry Fisher at [email protected]. Check out my website; www.fishfacecharters.com for more information and fishing articles.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Fishin’ Frank says “Living in Paradise”

Every once in a while I think about the bait shops in the north. Last night I was talking to my elder daughter, who happens to live in north Wisconsin. I am sitting on the back porch T-shirt (no sleeves of course) and shorts, 77.6 degrees when she happens to mention it is 2 degrees with a wind chill of 10 below zero. I could not hold back a chuckle, I hear from her during storm season about how can I live here. Well they had tornados and now blizzard+ conditions 10 to 20 degrees below zero the snow plows clearing the roads keep filling the drive way so they have to clear it at least twice a day. What you ask does this have to do with my thoughts, well here in Southwest Florida, we are a year round store, this year August was better business wise than January. I have a much larger pay roll the bills are higher than ever, and the store keeps growing, while on the other hand my counter parts from the north are down here in full swing. Each year we get a bunch of regulars who come down for a fish in holiday, bait shop owners from all over the northern states. It is great catching up with them hearing about what happened over the year.

Image 3I think it must be kind of great to be able to just close down and take off. No one would notice, as they are huddled up around the fire place. Ahhh Wait, what, the heck am I thinking! It is going to be 80 degrees out today, I should have a great day at the store. Rouse me, and click the magic shoes and there’s no place like home.
Yes I am happy right here. I would just rather live in paradise.

Speaking of great fishin, the Spanish have moved all the way up to Marker #2 and the 41 bridges. Better with a maverick than a spoon, or a Storm twichin shad.

Good luck,

Frank

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Trout seem to be everywhere right about now,” says Fishin’ Frank

Trout. They seem to be everywhere right about now. We’re getting reports from Boca to the 41 bridges.

trout2Personally, I’ve been doing the best on trout on the east side of the harbor. If you’re looking for quality then head inside the bar from Two Tits (Cormorant Key) and work the trough against the mangroves. Moving out into the flats will bring on the little guys, but most of the big trout are hanging out in that trough.

If you’re looking for quantity then you really can’t beat Burnt Store channel. There are a kabillion little trout inside the channel. The nice thing is, if you stay at it, you will catch legal trout mixed in with them. You’re not going to shatter any records, but you will catch a nice dinner. I’ve been free-lining shrimp into the channel on the faster tides. On the slower tides, I’ve been putting a small split shot just above the shrimp and jigging it across the bottom. Another option is trolling small X-raps or Storm lipped lures through the channel. It took us almost 30 minutes to get into Burnt Store today because every time we threw a Storm into the channel it would get whacked.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

The winds and recent ‘cold’ fronts have made it a little difficult” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) The Ft. Myers boat show was a huge success with lots of people interested in many aspects of the Marine Industry including boating and fishing. I enjoyed sharing fishing techniques and offering suggestions during my seminars on how to locate and catch Redfish, Snook and Seatrout on the ‘flats’ and in the ‘back waters’ of the bays. Since then, I have been extremely busy with requests from clients on how to navigate and fish the waters in the Ft. Myers, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Charlotte Harbor areas, ‘on board’ their vessels.

franks refish1Additionally, I have enjoyed taking new clients fishing on my vessel. Pictured here is Mr. Frank Miller of Floren, New Jersey with his 29” Redfish caught early last week on a Pilchard in the ‘back-country’ of Pine Island Sound. Unfortunately, the winds and recent ‘cold’ fronts have made it a little more difficult but the fish have still been fairly active and the next week or so should be good with the approach of a ‘new moon’.

In closing, I will be in the Maldives (Indian Ocean) to do some diving and fishing for myself. I am looking forward to sharing those experiences in some of my next articles. Charter requests may be made via email to [email protected] or call 239-357-6829. Also, please check out my website www.fishfacecharters.com for more information and fishing reports. This is Captain Terry Fisher praying that you had a ‘Happy Thanksgiving’!

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “Approaching ‘full moon’ and hopefully moderate temperatures, fish should continue to be receptive”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week proved good fishing. The only inconvenience were the winds blowing 10-20 knots out of the North/Northeast restricting access to some of my favorite spots. Snook, Seatrout and Redfish have been my emphasis; especially since Snook season is in ‘full-swing’ and all species are here in good numbers up and down Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass. Grouper and other migratory species are closer to shore with winter months approaching.

Jonathan Downs SnookSteven and Jonathan CohenIn the ‘back country’, I had the opportunity to fish with Mr. Steve Cohen and his grandson Jonathan Downs of Lansdale, PA. (pictured on the way back to port from a day on the water).  I also took the time to capture Jonathan with his first Snook. It was only one of many fish he caught that day. He showed a lot of natural talent required to become a superior angler.  I am looking forward to taking them again next year.

Fishing will probably be ‘tough’ the balance of the week and into the weekend with the cold front and high winds. Nonetheless, with the approaching ‘full moon’ and hopefully moderate temperatures, fish should continue to be receptive to most presentations, especially live pilchards.

This weekend I will be at the Ft. Myers Boat Show (Downtown Convention Center), to meet and greet both past and new clients.  I am scheduled to do some seminars on ‘How to Locate and Catch Redfish, Snook and Seatrout’. STOP BY THE FISH FACE CHARTERS BOOTH AND SAY HI!

More information regarding charters may be found at www.fishfacecharters.com. I am easily reached via email at [email protected] or via phone number 239-357-6829.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “Fishing has been real good with Pilchards.”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Fishing has been real good so long as I have been able to cast net and load the ‘bait-well’ with Pilchards. Other techniques; such as artificial, live and cut Pinfish and shrimps will also produce at certain times, but while the ‘white bait’ is still around, that is what I prefer using. Pictured here is Mr. David Boyer (Command Sergeant Major U.S. Army, Ret.) of Cleveland, Ohio, holding one of many Redfish he caught using live Pilchards. He also got the opportunity to catch a number of good sized Snook.

Dave Boyer Redfish
Last Friday (the day before the cool front) I had the pleasure of taking a couple of established charter client’s out to ‘target’ Snook and Redfish. Between them they caught and released over 20 fish including 12 Snook in the 24-26 inch range and 4 ‘slot-sized’ Redfish before we called it a day. Shown here is my ‘Understudy’, Captain Mike Wilson of Cape Coral, holding just one of many Snook he landed on Pilchards. The other client, Mr. Calvin Wiegers (of Massachussetts) is pictured with one of his Redfish.

MIke Wilson's SnookCalvin Wieger's Redfish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fishing should continue to produce good action so long as the wind is not too strong. The tide movements are still good and the fish are fattening up for the winter months. More pictures, articles and charter information, may be obtained from my website, www.fishfacecharters.com. To contact me for a charter or any questions, call 239-357-6829 or email [email protected].

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

So long as the cold fronts stay away and winds allow, fishing could be good! Says Captain Terry

Mark's Good TroutMark SNOOK 10-13(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week proved ‘hard’ fishing because of the low morning, outgoing tides and north/northeast winds blowing out water from the ‘back country’, preventing access to a lot of good fishing spots. Nonetheless, my charters produced some nice fish in spite of the cold front that passed through. The fish ‘lay-low’ during the morning following the temperature drop, but by the end of that day, my afternoon charter client, Mr. Mark Ballard of Dyer, Indiana proved his angling abilities by landing a 31” Snook and a 24” Seatrout (both pictured here) on the river side around Shell Island.

Dads Redfish 10-13Later in the week, I fished the northern end of Pine Island Sound (Pineland) with my father-in-law (Bill Kern of Wentzville, Missouri) and found a few fish on the top of the outgoing tide, in and around the deeper mangrove cuts. The winds continued to plague the day but Bill was still successful catching several species, including the Redfish pictured here.

This week will ‘front’ a new moon, but those fishing the flats and backcountry during the day will have to work the lower of the two high tides. So long as the cold fronts stay away and the winds allow, fishing could be good for both inshore and offshore.

Check out my website www.fishfacecharters.com for more articles and charter information. Feel free to contact me by phone number 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected].

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports