(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.
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!
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 [email protected]. My website: www.fishfacecharters.com will provide more information to those seeking articles, techniques and charter information.
(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!
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.
Last September my 1st Mate Vicki and I took off on a ‘whirl-wind’ of a vacation to explore, compare and write about our experiences and adventures fishing and boating the waters of Italy. We started in Venice where other than the ‘shoe leather’ express, the only way to get around is by boat. To my knowledge, Venice is the only place on earth where unique modes of water transportation play out in day to day living for residents, workers and visitors alike. Everyone and everything; (residents/tourists/workers and clothing/wines/foods) to mention a hand-full, are brought to the market, businesses, pensions, hotels, homes, apartments and cathedrals by a vessel of some sort and Vicki and I were no exception.
The Adriatic Sea plays ‘host’ to yachts, cruisers, fishing and pleasure boats. Unfortunately, the huge cruise ships have been allowed to frequent Venice over the past few years and they have ‘flooded’ the islands piazzas, gallerias, sites, shops, caffes and eateries with countless tourists, taking some toll on the serenity of the place. The Riva de Biasio (The Grand Canal), Venice’s main thoroughfare is busy with all kinds of boats; taxis, police, garbage, ambulances, construction cranes all sharing the canal in relative peace, somewhat reminding me of a busy weekend at the ‘Miserable’ mile on the Caloosahatche River.
Venetian (Italian) merchants, business owners, workers, (including gondoliers) and tourists alike, basically will utilize any of the following types of water transports to and from Venice and while on the island:
1) Water Taxis (expensive, high speed boats);
2) Vaporettos (moderately priced private/public system water buses);
3) Traghettos (basic Gondolas used for crossing canals);
4) Gondolas (expensive, ‘up-fitted’ Gondolas used for romantic or private intimate water tours).
The Water Taxis and Vaporettos also service the ‘outer’ islands, of eastern Italy, such as Murano, Burano and Torcello; not dissimilar to Island Girl Charters from Pineland Marina servicing N. Captiva, the Tropic Star out of Bokelia to Cayo Costa, the Banana Tour Boat out of Tarpon Point, Lady Chatwick of Captiva providing a service to merchants, workers and tourists. The Adriatic Sea islands of Venice, Murano, Burano and Torcello (to name only a few), remind me somewhat of the islands and flats around here.
There is only one main ‘Farmer’s’ Market on the island of Venice. It supplies all of the ‘outer’ islands as well. It is an extensive meat, poultry, vegetable and seafood market offering a delightful assortment of foods from many areas of Italy and beyond. Unlike our area land and sea markets, this is the ‘only’ shop around, with crustaceans and fishes from the Adriatic Sea as well as from fresh waters and lakes of the Dolomites and Italian Alps.
‘Tuscany’ (Central Italy), was our second stop. We ‘enjoyed’ touring the wine country in a vintage Fiat 500 prior to hiring a fly-fishing guide, Gianlucca Orselli, of Florence, Italy. Gianlucca is one of four terrific guides of a Fly Fishing Shop located in Florence. He grew up fishing the Arno River (which runs through the middle of Florence). He suggested that we fish the Lima River, close to the towns of Lucca and Pisa. He agreed to pick us up early one morning at a location close to our pension. Along the way we saw the old castle walls surrounding Lucca as well as other historical sites, making the ride worthwhile. Once in the mountains, the views were as picturesque as those of Northeastern Georgia. The river and its feeder creek views were comparable to places we’ve fished in Colorado and other western states as well. There is not nearly as much demand for fly-fishing guide services in Italy as there are here in the United States, but after spending the day with the guide and experiencing the time on the river, I believe that there are lots of growth possibility.
On the way up the mountain we made a brief stop for a breakfast Panini at a quaint roadside ‘caffe’ before moving on. We were getting excited by now and could not wait to get to the stream. About a half hour (1/2hr) later the guide stopped at a ‘post office’ like building, beside a bridge to purchase licenses for Vicki and I. Shortly thereafter, we put on waders and began the uncomfortable trek down the banks of the Lima River. There were two (2) other rivers that I had considered to fish, but this river was within an hour and half of Florence (where we were staying). It offered more moderate runs and required less stamina, allowing Vicki the opportunity to fish with more ease and take in the beauty of the scenery that surrounded us. This river has the reputation whereby most all beginning and intermediate ‘Italian’ anglers learn the basics of fly-fishing.
Our guide was friendly, very personable, brought us lunch and wine as we relocated to another area upstream. We worked hard to catching ‘Rainbows’ and ‘Browns’. Vicki is pictured in a beautiful ‘mountain’ river setting, as am I, with guide Gianlucca. The fishing was not as productive as we had hoped, but we would not consider trading the experience of being together on the ‘Italian riva’, in such a beautiful and exotic setting. We returned late that evening with memories of a lifetime, hoping to do it again someday.
Our third stop, the ‘Italian Riviera’, is where Vicki and I left part of our hearts in exchange for a ‘place in time’. The Cinque Terre is part of an Italian National Forrest located in the northwestern part of Italy on the Liqurian Sea. The rugged coastline is treacherous, fascinating and incredibly beautiful. The water is beautiful and as deep as the steep mountain declines indicate. Five (Cinque) towns (villages) make up the area as known above. The beaches are not of pure sand like we know it here in SW Florida, but more like small pebbles, dark and earthy but it works. The towns are built on mountain ledges with steps up to each mountain side dwelling. Facilities for fishing and boating are ‘old world’, existing basically for local fishermen that make their livelihoods on the sea, together with some water taxis and small site-seeing boats. Only a limited number of recreational fishermen on private vessels were seen close to shore. Salted Sea Bass, fresh Anchovies, saltwater shellfish (mussels, and clams) along with fresh pesto, pasta, basil and pizza made up our diets. Naturally, wine became the drink of afternoons, evenings and nights.
We chose the quaint ‘town’ of Vernazza, Italy as a ‘base’ and stayed at the harbor for three (3) nights, rented a 20 ft. boat (only one of two offered along that stretch of coastline as the other was in use as a shuttle by the owners) for two (2) days to explore the waters along the coastline. Fishermen with small hooks on long ‘Sabinki’ like lines fished the waters of the five (5) villages of; Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia,Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare.
There were reports of Yellow Fin Tuna swimming along the rocks as close as 300 yards from shore. Unfortunately all we could do was wish for adequate equipment and bait to troll (next time I will take my own ‘breakdown rods’ and reels). Facilities such as repair, gas, oil, dockage, and moorings are limited. The distances to ports of calls are much farther away, requiring more preparation and caution. Assistance from the Italian Coastguard, Marine Policia are scarce. In case of emergency; count on yourself!
‘Ports of call’ may vary as to who may enter by vessel, where to enter and where one may moor or ‘tie’ up and anchor (we simply imposed). Vessels must be anchored from both bow and stern due to currents, wind and limited space. There are no signs with instructions, just local knowledge. For example, we were warned by the owner of the boat we rented, that only ‘locals’ were allowed to enter the harbor at the ‘town’ of Manarola or face a big fine from the Policia! Pulling up to a gas pump or restaurant on the water is non-existent with few exceptions of a long boat ride to the ports of call of Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino to the west or La Spezia to the east and south in waters that may turn nasty with little notice. The safety and modern conveniences that we enjoy are no doubt the reason we get so many European tourists and property owners here in SW Florida.
We concluded our Italian ‘holiday’ with a moderate shopping spree at Santa Margherita Ligure followed with lunch at a harbor side restaurant in Portofino to experience ‘lifestyles’ of the ‘rich and famous’. We took pictures of fishermen prior to departing for France, via Monaco that evening, with memories we will cherish for a lifetime. We found that government regulations, types of tackle and equipment for fly-fishing and salt water fishing at these European destinations share a lot of commonality with us here in Florida. There are numerous exceptions however. Anyone interested in traveling the areas may feel free to contact me at www.fishfacecharters.com and I will be happy to share suggestions for boating, fishing, tackle, accommodations, eateries and sightseeing. This is Captain Terry Fisher and 1st Mate Vicki saying Bon Voyage as we head to Turkey, Greece (which just opened recreational fishing in the Aegean Sea to foreigners this year) and the southeastern seaboard of Italia this September to continue our fishing and boating adventures!
(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.
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
(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.
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.
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!
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.
(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!
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!
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!
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
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.
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!
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
(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!
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’.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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 ‘gofishing’!
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.
