(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)
Opportunity for some good fishing should be in order for the weekend and the days following. The weather reports are favorable and tides will be high and with strong current even though we are approaching a mid-moon cycle.
Fishing has been good whether one is ‘fishing the flats’, ‘working the canals’ or ‘fishing the back areas’ around creek mouths, oyster bars and mangroves.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)
Last week proved to be exceptional fishing for a number of species including Seatrout, Snook and Redfish. Warm waters, good tides and lots of bait provided the opportunity to target virtually any species that swim our waters.
Tarpon are here in better numbers both from Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor, including Boca Grande Pass. My ‘Tarpon’ season will begin this week. Subject to the winds, I will focus off the beaches of the outer islands of Sanibel, Captiva and N. Captiva. My baits of choice will be crab, Pinfish, Mullet and Herring. However, I prefer to mix things up a bit, depending on the bite. I almost always suggest fishing for Snook and Redfish in the back-country to round out a day’s charter in the event the Tarpon are not cooperating. As of now, the reports are very early, morning bites.
Pictured here is Mr. Mike Herr of Kansas City, Missouri holding a nice Snook that he caught on a Herring in a canal, just off the mouth of the Caloosahatchee. Mike is no stranger to fishing for game fish when visiting SW Florida. Nice going Mike.
Dr. Rolando Rodriguez of Winter Haven, Florida displays a nice Snook and a Redfish that he caught during a charter with me just last week. Both species were caught while free-lining Pilchards into mangroves during a high tide. Rolando belongs to a fishing club in the Tampa area and displayed exceptional casting talents, which are second to none. Nice job Rolando! Looking forward to doing it again.
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Moreover, my good client and friend Martin Smith of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, was not to be ‘out-fished’, as evidenced here by his Redfish caught on a jig-head, loaded with a shrimp. It had been a long time since his last Redfish and he was looking forward to boating one. Martin and I will be fishing for Tarpon later this week!
Given some time, fishing should continue to be good after the cold front moves through the area and so long as the winds stay reasonable. Wind and water temperatures will dictate the bite. I am hoping for southerly, mild winds!
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone safe boating and good fishing! Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for charter information. Call me direct at 239-357-6829 or email [email protected]. I am available by the hour as a ‘Captain for Hire’ on your vessel as well. Look for more of my fishing tips in the Coastal Angler Magazine.
Taking people fishing and boating has to rank as one of the better jobs in the world (if one can call that a job). I enjoy the company of both residents and vacationers alike, whether as ‘Captain for Hire’ on their vessel or taking them out on mine. Anglers of all ages seem to enjoy the experience, regardless of wind speed or temperature, so long as they catch fish.
Most of my fishing expeditions this year have been north of the power lines linking Cape Coral to Pine Island and Sanibel. Due to the excessive releases from Lake Okeechobee, the waters remain tainted and are not as productive as the more northern sector of Pine Island Sound and northerly Matlacha Pass toward Charlotte Harbor.
Some of my more recent enjoyable moments with charter clients have been during the later part of March and early April. Pictured are a few of those clients and junior anglers that I had the pleasure to spend time with:
Junior anglers Michael Houser (12) of Westlake, Ohio with a Spanish Mackerel together with his cousin Preston Stallard (11) of Strongsville, Ohio showing off his Pompano. These boys caught lots of fish and have a lot of promising days ahead for Salt-water angling. Nice job guys!
Another outing produce some big Seatrout. Mr. Bill Flister, President of the Quarry Fishing Club of Bonita Springs landed his beautiful Seatrout after a long day of ribbing by his counter-parts. ‘It is never over till it’s over’, was his closing remark. Bill was the subject of playful ridicule by his buddies for not catching larger fish during the early part of the charter.
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Jeff and Gretchen Simeone of Plantation Estates of Ft. Myers are each pictured with Seatrouts representing many fish caught on a charter with their grandchildren, Sam Simeone (13) and Will Simeone (9) of Alpharetta, Georgia. Sam is holding a Seatrout, while Will is pictured with me holding his Bonnet Head Shark! I have strong expectations for both of these junior anglers. Good job, Sam and Will!
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Full moon on the horizon and I am gearing up for Snook, Redfish, Trout and Tarpon. Tides are on the rise, bait- fish are here and ‘spring fever’ is in the air. This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters. Call me at 239-357-6829 for immediate response to charter request or email me at [email protected]. Check out the archives on Go Boating Florida as well as recent publications of Coastal Angler Magazines for more articles and fishing tips. My website is www.fishfacecharters.com.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) October is when the big ‘bull’ Redfish migration is in full swing from the open Gulf waters to the flats of the bays and backwaters of Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass to eat, fatten up and spawn before returning back to deeper waters in the Gulf to ‘winter’. These fish are here in schools and are big. Catches of Redfish over 36” have been reported with schools of hundreds being spotted on the flats and in the shallows. Those who have the opportunity to fish during October should experience catching lots of Redfish before mid to late November. Pictured below is my 1st Mate Vicki, showing a Redfish she caught on live shrimp while we were exploring the waters, looking for locations to take charter clients.
Snook fishing should continue to be good. Mr. Claudio Foresta of Thunder Bay, Canada (pictured above) shows off just one of several Snook caught on artificial bait in a canal in Cape Coral. It was his first time fishing our waters and he is looking forward to the next trip.
Both inshore fishing and offshore has been good. Looking to cooler weather the grouper are being caught closer to the outer islands as well as in the passes. Tripletails are back and ‘hanging’ around buoys and channel markers. Bigger Seatrout are being taken along with nice size Flounder, Spanish Mackerel and small Tarpon.
Last week I had the opportunity to vacation with my grandchildren in St. Louis, Missouri. Shown here is Landon Ingram (7) with his fresh water Bluegill and his sister Addison (5), helping her little sister Avery (2), hold a Bluegill she caught all by herself. All three grandchildren caught several fish that rainy afternoon and have lots of stories to tell their friends. I worked harder on that fishing expedition (keeping their hooks baited and lines straight) than I normally do on a charter, but it was well worth it. If anyone has the opportunity: ‘take a kid fishing’! They love it.
Although I miss my grandchildren, I am happy to be home fishing the bountiful waters of SW Florida. Notwithstanding the high, tannin waters, fishing has been good and the tide predictions are strong and workable for all of next week. I am easily reached by phone at 239-357-6829 or via email at [email protected] with any questions or requests. Check out my website for fishing tips and charter information at www.fishfacecharters.com. This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing you ‘tight lines’!
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) A lot of my clients have long awaited the opportunity to catch and harvest Snook since ‘opening day’ (September 1st). Although I would have preferred another year or so of closure, it does appear that the Snook population has rebounded since the freeze of several years ago based on sighting and my catch and release experiences of 2011-2013.
Notwithstanding that Snook are basically thought of as a nocturnal, opportunistic species laying in ambush for weak prey; they will also feed throughout the day on incoming and outgoing tides. They are very aggressive at times and have the reputation of being one of the most ferocious fighting fish to hook up. They are also considered one of the better tasting species for harvesting.
This time of year the Snook are still very active in the passes and are easy targets on the stronger parts of incoming or outgoing tides. Only lack of water clarity will prevent one from spotting these primitive looking fish laying in ambush, sunning themselves or swimming to reposition on bottom indentations, hard structure like rocks and stumps. Like the other backcountry species, they also hold up in the flats and will move in and out of the mangroves with water movement.
I prefer working the deeper cuts around mangroves in the backcountry in the early morning hours on incoming tides. The outgoing may work just as well, but I feel early morning hours are more essential than the direction of the tide flow.
On the ‘opening day’, my 1st Mate Vicki and I had the opportunity to take David and Lynne Mc Gowan from Jacksonville, Florida to experience catching Snook (Jacksonville weather is too cold to be a good Snook fishery). Lynne is pictured here with her 28” Snook caught early morning around the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. We caught several Snook that morning as well as lost a couple of big ones. Congratulations Lynne!
Fishing for Snook should continue to be good throughout the month. A picture of a Snook recently taken out of a ‘pass’ on the incoming tide by Daniel Whiteley from Sheffield, England, was only one of several caught by him and his friend, Mr. Edward Pike of Cape Coral, Florida. Congratulations Daniel as that was a great job landing the Snook under the circumstances.
In closing, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters. Feel free to call me at 239-357-6829 or email [email protected] for all of your fishing questions or charter needs in Lee County (Gulf Coast). Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more tips and articles.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week I had the opportunity to spend some time in the beautiful clear waters of the Keys (Islamorada, Fl). My 1st Mate and I spent time searching out destinations and locations to promote future fishing charters to that area with a few of our clients from our home base in Cape Coral. It was a real ‘treat’ to go back there again and spend some serious research time for fish habitats and utilizing different tackle, baits and techniques to target the Atlantic species, such as Dolphin, Wahoo, King Fish, Sail Fish, Bonefish and Permit.
Nonetheless, it is good to be back on the ‘Gulf Coast’, chasing a variety of species in the ‘back country’, even though the tannin waters of the Punta Rassa Bay and Pine Island Sound make it difficult to find the fish. While the ‘run-off’ water from Lake Okeechobee is definitely a hindrance to charter captains, fishermen and fisher-ladies alike, do not be too discouraged, as one suggestion is to go very early in the morning regardless of tide status. This should prove to be the best chance of catching fish, especially under ‘dismal’ circumstances. Moreover, pick a location south of Ft. Myers Beach or the northern end of Pine Island Sound (including Charlotte Harbor) for some relief of the dark waters that surround us.
A while back, I had the privilege to charter the Lobell family of Cape Coral and New Jersey, pictured here.
I took them north into the Charlotte Harbor area as suggested above. Alexia Cedrone (10 yrs old), of Cape Coral is shown here with a nice Redfish.
Alexia caught Snook, Snapper and Seatrout as well. GREAT GOING ALEXIA! Three of the family members are fly fishermen and good one’s at that. Working with Eric Lobell was a pleasure, as I do not get many clients that are able to handle fly equipment in a ‘salt-water’ venue. I am looking forward to getting them out again soon.
Offshore continues to offer good fishing opportunities for Groupers, Snappers, Permit and Porgy’s alike. Sharks are plentiful and the surface action on a calm day is enough to get anyone excited. Have lures and jigs ready to cast and you may be pleasantly surprised. The best part about fishing offshore; is one never knows what they might catch!
Feel free to contact me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected] with any questions on a particular species, where to find them, how to catch them or charter information. Check out my website www.fishfacecharters.com for all information relating to charters and fishing in general.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Inshore: the fishing has been fairly good given the tannin water that we have had, due to the rain and releases from Lake Okeechobee. I have had most success fishing the northern end of Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass where the water is less affected. Pictured here are two of my favorite Junior Anglers, Lauren Mila (5yrs old) and Ashley Mila (7yrs old) of Miami Florida (daughters of Mike and Jennifer).
Both of these little ‘mermaids’ caught their own fish, which was really impressive and gave me a lot of satisfaction just seeing the joy of accomplishments on their faces. I am looking forward to taking them again next season.
Most species was and should continue to be very active around this new moon phase. Last week, my 1st Mate Vicki and I had the pleasure of fishing with Dr. Len Feaster and his wife Caroline, of St. Petersburg, Florida (pictured here).
Caroline is also pictured with one of her many catches of the day. They both were looking forward to enjoying the wonderful fillets that large Seatrout are famous for. Fishing should improve with other species throughout the back bays as the water clarity improves.
Offshore: The fishing has been good, as evidenced by this Red Grouper caught and pictured here with my 1st Mate Vicki.
Gag Grouper and Red Grouper alike are plentiful in about 70 ft of water on structure using Pinfish, squid and other natural baits. The gulf waters from the outer islands of Sanibel and Capitva are alive with Yellowtail Snapper, Porgys, other bottom feeders, Blackfin Tuna, and Mackerel.
If you have questions about fishing in general or charter information, please feel free to contact me via phone at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]. Additional fishing articles and other information is on my website www.fishfacecharters.com. Until next week, GOOD FISHING!
(FT. MYERS BEACH TO CHARLOTTE HARBOR) Under normal circumstances, last week and this week should have proven excellent fishing since we approached and will be coming off of the full moon that provided some of the highest and stronger tides of the year. However, with all of the rain and the water releases from Lake Okeechobee, the fishing has been and will probably prove tough over the next week or so. Captains are all reporting hard times since the water has turned dark. I too, have had my share of hard times trying to locate the fish.
Nonetheless, I have had my days of success as well, such as this 29” Redfish shown here with Tim Blackman and his father Dan, from Maryland. It was Tim’s first fishing experience and before the day was done he caught two of them (GREAT GOING TIM!). They are definitely around, but with all of the dark water they are very difficult to locate.
The tannin water makes it virtually impossible to see the bait fish. I have to purchase them or take my chances chumming and cast netting in the ‘blind’, but they can be had. Unfortunately, the summer shrimps are so small and their outer skin cover (‘shell’) so weak (from frequent molting), that they are virtually impossible to keep on a hook. My bait of preference, have been cut Pinfish on incoming and outgoing tides. Those wanting to use artificial, I suggest bright colored top water plugs early in the morning. The Snook, Seatrout, Crevalle Jacks, and Mackerel are plentiful but have proven to be fickle during the day. Tarpon are probably the most active fish during the day and will hit a Pinfish under a cork when working the ‘flats’ or deep holes in the ‘back country’.
‘Off-shore’; reports of Red Grouper in 45 ft. of water with Gags being caught at around 90 to 110 ft., but the weather determines whether or not the trip is worth the effort. Permit can be found at about 35 ft. on structure. Schools of Mackerel are about with some Kingfish in the mix.
In closing, I have been telling my clients that ‘flats’ and ‘back- country’ fishing should be better as soon as the water starts clearing up. This nice 23” Seatrout, was caught by George Hammon Jr. of Cape Coral, a day or so before the water turned dark. If anyone has any questions, I am easily reached by phone at 239-357-6829 or via email at [email protected]. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for additional articles and charter information.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Tarpon are still around but not in the numbers of a couple of weeks ago. A few are still in Boca Grande Pass and the best opportunity to catch them is on the outgoing tide. There are some small schools of them just off of the beaches of N. Captiva, Cayo Costa as well as in Pine Island Sound. Pictured here is a large Tarpon ‘in-fight’, caught by a client on light tackle (10lb braided line with a 30lb Flurocarbon leader under a cork, using a live Pinfish).
Larger Redfish are becoming more plentiful (or easier to locate) in the waters of Punta Rassa, Matlacha Pass as well as isolated areas of the back country. Back country anglers should find better success setting up on an incoming tide, before the water has a chance to infiltrate the Mangrove roots allowing the fish to move into isolated ponds and the ‘back holes’ of water preventing effective presentations. The same goes for the Snook. These big, ferocious fighting fish will take cover on the high summer tides, making it virtually impossible to get a presentation in close enough to draw a strike. Likewise, wait until the tide turns and hope to get them on their way out, but the heat can be brutal.
Fishing should be fairly good the remainder of the week considering the high tides for good water movement providing better oxygen while just off of a new moon. Grouper season is open and they are active so long as the weather and winds allow for a day ‘off-shore’. Sharks are everywhere for those hoping to hook up and adolescent or a big one with appropriate gear. The biggest challenge to catching fish this week and the rest of the summer, will be to find the bait. The fish we ‘hunt’, follows the ‘bait’: ‘NO BAIT; NO FISH! It is that simple. If one can find where the bait is surviving the heat, coupled with all of the fresh rain water; THAT’S A WINNER’!
Additional information regarding, articles and charters may be found on my website; www.fishfacecharters.com or email me at [email protected]. I am easily reached at phone number 239-357-6829 for any questions.