“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

“ 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

“Warm weather, decent wind forecasts and full moon on the way should allow access to lots of locations.” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) This week should be a good week for boaters and fishermen (ladies) alike. Warm weather, decent wind forecasts and full moon on the way should allow access to lots of locations. Last week was tough for offshore fishermen and captains as well as myself on the flats and in backcountry areas. Nonetheless, the Sheepshead bite was fantastic for those willing to brave the rain and wind. Larger Spanish Mackerel are showing up around Bokeelia. There are big Seatrout and nice Sheepshead on the flats and on the inside of the passes (respectively) on the northern end of Pine Island Sound. Pictured here is Mr. Ron Adkinson of Amherstburg, Ontario holding a huge Seatrout caught close to Cayo Costa under a cork with shrimp. His friend, Dieter Weimann of Fort Erie, Ontario holds one of many nice Sheepshead he caught inside North Captiva Pass.

Ron's-Huge-TroutDieter's-Sheepshead

The southern end of Pine Island Sound (around the Punta Rassa area) produced some really big Sheepshead as well. Pictured here are two other of my clients; Mr. La Vern Woltjer of Willmar, Minnesota and his son, Mr. Matt Woltjer of New Prague, MN. each holding one of their numerous Sheepshead caught during a recent afternoon charter.

La-Vern's-SheepsheadMatt-Woltjer-Sheeps

Snook, Redfish, Flounder and Jack Crevelle were among some of the other species caught for the week, but were not nearly as active as the Sheepshead. Blind and Redfish Passes are also holding fish.

This coming weekend (March 5, 6, 7 and Sunday March 8) will find my 1st Mate Vicki and I at our booth (FISH FACE CHARTERS), at Go Boating Florida’s; Bonita Springs Boat Show (in the parking lot of the Dog Track). This is a great venue so be sure to attend. I will be doing fishing seminars as well and we look forward to seeing everyone. Those that follow my articles, please stop by and introduce yourself as we look forward to meeting you.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tight lines’. Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or emailing [email protected]. The website address providing charter information and other fishing tips is www.fishfacecharters.com

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “Fishing for the Sheepshead should be good anytime during moving water”

Chad,-Joy,-Jim-and-Denise

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Even though last week brought on some brutal winds and a couple of unwanted cold fronts, fishing was a fantastic in the back country locations for those wanting to catch Sheepshead, Mangrove Snappers, Flounder and Redfish. The Redfish bite was good during a couple of days with strong southerly winds blowing in extra water providing access to remote locations. Live baits of choice for many guides and anglers have been shrimp and Pinfish. Fiddler Crabs for Sheepshead have been virtually extinct. Early morning ‘top water’, swim, twitch and soft plastics rounded out artificial presentations for species such as Jack Crevelle, Redfish, Snook, Mackerel and Seatrouts.

Chad's-SheepsheadJoy's-Sheepshead

The pictures are of my favorite corporate fishing clients and friends of the Buffalo Wild Wings Organization of Buffalo, Minnesota: They are Chad Wolney, Joy Wolney and Denise Riley all from the corporate office in Buffalo, MN. They were joined by Chad’s father, Jim of Sauk Rapids, MN. Each angler proudly displays their individual catches of big Sheepshead as well. Other species, such as Mangrove Snapper, Snook and Redfish were caught.

Denise's-SheepsheadJIm's-Sheepshead

The new moon cycle is upon us this week and if the temperatures warm a bit and the winds are reasonable for access to the flats up and down Pine Island Sound, the fishing for Spanish Mackerel and Seatrout should improve. Fishing for the Sheepshead should be good anytime during moving water, as they are the go to, tasty, winter species that test anglers abilities to hook!

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

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“This week’s cold front and windy days will undoubtedly cause the bite to slow down” Says Captain Terry

(February 09, 2015)
Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbour. Fishing during the past week was real good for Sheepshead in areas around the Mangroves as well as in Redfish and N. Captiva Passes along the docks. Larger Seatrouts and a few Spanish Mackerel are being caught, but not yet in big numbers or larger sizes. Some groupers are being caught in deep holes in Pine Island Sound and the back country areas when fishing for other species. Small Redfish are holding creek mouths and deeper pockets of water along current cuts. Black Drum are active around the bridges and dock areas of the passes.

Dan's-SheepsheadHaley's-Seatrout

Pictured here is Mr. Dan Wellacher, Haley Roth and Sarah Waldman all from Auburn, Ohio showing off some of their catch for the day. Their friend, Mr. Jack Carson of Bainbridge, Ohio took the prize with his large Sheepshead caught on a piece of shrimp in about 3ft. of water. The group was a blast to be with and I look forward to doing it again with them.

Sarah's-SheepsheadJack's-Big-Sheepshead

This week’s cold front and windy days will undoubtedly cause the bite to slow down on several species. However, the afternoon tide levels should allow anglers to fish when the sun heats things up. The direction and strengths of the winds will determine locations where one will chose to fish.

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing every angler ‘tight’ lines! Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or emailing me at [email protected]. More articles, reports and rates may be found on my website: www.fishfacecharters.com.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“THE SHEEPSHEAD BITE SHOULD BE HOT THIS WEEK!” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week continued to produce catches of numerous species including, Spanish Mackerel, Seatrouts, Mangrove Snappers, Snook, Redfish, Sheepshead and a few Flounder. On one hand; I am still disappointed with the size of Seatrout and low numbers of Spanish Mackerel on the flats, but feel confident they are coming. On the other hand; I am pleased that we have had a very mild winter thus far and the full moon cycle this week should only enhance the fishing. THE SHEEPSHEAD BITE SHOULD BE HOT THIS WEEK!

Larry's-Big-Sheepshead

Pictured here is Mr. Larry Davis of Quincy, Illinois holding a nice Sheepshead caught in Redfish Pass on a small piece of Shrimp. Not to be ‘out-fished’, his friend Tom Haire of Buckeye Lake, Ohio shows a bigger one shortly after Larry got his. Their friend, Leroy Schuelke of Minnesota also caught his share of fish.

Tom's-SheepsheadTom,-Larry-and-LeRoy

All three anglers are pictured behind the console returning to port after a great day on the water.

Leslie,-Kelly-and-TraceyLeslie's-Seatrout

Also, I had the opportunity to take out three ladies from Canada, whom had never fished the waters of SW Florida. Leslie O’Reilly of Burlington Ontario shows off her first Seatrout. She caught several more trout and a huge Lady Fish. Her life-long friends, Kelly Jordan of Burlington, Ontario and Tracey Mihalus (Kelly’s sister) of Ottawa, both caught their first back-country Seatrout as well. These ladies made my day. The fun we shared is expressed with the picture of all three of them together.

Kelly's-SheepsheadTracey's-Seatrout

In closing, I want to point out that lately the tide ‘predictions’ appear to be a little ‘off’. In other words, there is moving water where tide chart predictions say there are none. Conversley, there is no tide movement when and where there is suppose to be; so I recommend to consider going out an hour or so earlier and gauge it for yourselves based on the currents carrying your baits or look at the currents on the channel markers, then one will know for sure where to fish and when the bite should be better.

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone ‘tight-lines’! Call 239-357-6829 for immediate assistance regarding charters or email [email protected] Check out my website www.fishfacecharters.com for more articles and charters information.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Sheepshead should arrive in full force with bigger ones being caught for sport and harvest.” Says Captain Terry

Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor
(January 24-January 31, 2015)

Fishing this last week was fair to good. Unfortunately, the new moon phase provided the higher and stronger currents during night time hours when most of us were off the water. Furthermore, It appears that the weekend and the start of the week will bring cooler weather, making the fish a little lethargic. None-the-less, do not be discouraged, as the good news is; Sheepshead should arrive in full force with bigger ones being caught for sport and harvest. The best baits for Sheepshead, are Fiddler crabs and shrimp pieces. The Seatrout and Mangrove Snapper bite should be good on small shrimps.

Some Spanish Mackerel are being caught as they continue to migrate through the area. Hopefully, this week’s cool front from up north will move them south in bigger numbers and sizes.

Live pilchards are being netted around the Sanibel Causeway in fairly good numbers on either the early morning incoming or outgoing tides. This is the best live presentation available for Snook. Jack Crevalle are everywhere and love to eat them as well.

Aaron,-Gavin-and-Eli-Hoffman

Pictured here is Aaron, Gavin and Eli Hoffman of Lakeville, Minnesota on their annual fishing trip with Captain Terry. Aaron shows off his first Snook (22″) caught on a pilchard while free-ling. Gavin (11 yrs) is holding just one of his many Seatrout he caught that day. His brother Eli (9 yrs), is shown with his Seatrout as well as a nice Gag Grouper he caught. I enjoy taking these junior anglers out as they are two of the better fishermen that I have the pleasure to fish with! Nice job Gavin and Eli! Practice casting and you will get your Snook next year.

Aaron's snook

Galvin's Seatrout

Eli's Seatrout

Eli's Gag Grouper

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone tight lines. If I may be of assistance for a charter on your vessel or mine, call me at 239-357-6829. More articles and charter information will be on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com including charter rates on my vessel or your vessel. Email me or my 1st Mate Vicki at [email protected] with any requests or questions.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“ Right now, it is all about the tides. ” says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) So far we have had a mild winter and the bite continues to be consistent with few exceptions. A new moon is on the horizon and I suggest that anytime over the next week will provide good opportunity to get on the water and catch fish, even though the tide levels will be moderate. Early morning or late in the afternoon will likely be the most productive times. My long time friend, Mr. Rex Burlison of St. Louis, Missouri (pictured with his brother Ron), holding one of many Seatrout caught recently on the ‘flats’. Ron Burlison shows off his first Snook, caught under a dock while free-lining a pilchard on a circle hook during the ‘top’ of a moderate outgoing tide. Both anglers caught numerous other species, including Jack Crevalle, Bar Jacks and Sheepshead throughout the day.

Rex-and-Ron-Burlison's-SeatroutRon-Burlison's-Snook

Right now, it is all about the tides. Snook fishermen should concentrate on free lining baits along deeper tidal cuts around the passes, docks and other structures on outgoing tides. Sheepshead are biting good on small hooks with shrimp and crabs on the incoming tides. Redfish can be caught on the incoming tide as well, but in deeper holes around the mangroves with cut Pinfish and big Shrimps on the bottom. The Seatrout bite is good, but I am still looking for the bigger ones to start biting. Look for Spanish Mackerel just off the outer Islands of Sanibel Lighthouse, North Captiva, Cayo Costa and around Jug Creek shoal in Charlotte Harbor just off Bokelia. Fish for the ‘Spaniards’ with 40 lb monofilament leader with a weighted jig head and shrimp about 4ft. under a cork. No need to use wire leader or a ‘trailing’ hook.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tight’ lines! Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or emailing [email protected]. More articles and information may be obtained by visiting my website at www.fishfacecharters.com

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Seatrout and Sheepshead bites and sizes should continue to improve.” Says Captain Terry

Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Happy New Year to all Lee County boaters, fishermen and fisher ladies! Being my first report of the year, I want to report that fishing has remained good. Coming into the full moon over the last week attributed to the bite. The new cold front has just arrived today, but it will be short lived, with temperatures forecasts to heat back up by Friday and Saturday giving everyone a chance to get back on the water and enjoy the only warm weather in the lower 48 states, right here in SW Florida.

The little fish baits are still here, but I admit, they are getting smaller and are harder to find. They are around the bridge pilings. I get mine around the A and C spans of the Sanibel Causeway early in the mornings. Otherwise, use Pinfish or shrimps. Pictured here is Brian Nagy of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania holding a 31 inch Snook he caught on a pilchard, free lined on a circle hook on, along a mangrove line of a creek around Shell Point.

Brian-Nagy's-31-inch-Snook

Jack Crevalle, Mangrove Snappers, Sheepshead and other species, including bigger Seatrout are starting to become more active as winter sets in. Spanish Mackerel are coming into Charlotte Harbor and will provide good action off of Jug Creek Shoal around Bokelia. Fish them with a cork, 4 ft. of 40lb monofilament leader with a weighted jig head with live shrimps for good results (one does NOT need a wire line to catch them). Simply keep the line tight and only one in ten will bite it off. They should hold in about 7 to 8 foot of water just off the line on the outside of the shoal.

I look for the Mackerel bite to really heat up just before, during and after the new moon this month and continue through the month of January. Seatrout and Sheepshead bites and sizes should continue to improve. Remember, Sheepshead are ‘suckers’ for Fiddler Crabs, but will take shrimps as well.

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone a Happy New Year and ‘tighter’ lines! Contact me at [email protected] or call me at 239-357-6829 for charter information or assistance on your vessel. Find more articles and fishing tips on the links on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “The better fishing for the balance of December will probably be from Christmas Eve through the weekend…”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) The holidays are here and are in full swing on the water. Lots of residents/visitors and boats enjoying area activities as Santa prepares to come with love for everyone. Last week has been good fishing. The approaching cool front from the Northwest has provided southerly winds over the last couple of days allowing access to Redfish in the back country areas around Punta Rassa, Matlacha Pass and the Pine Island Sound locations, south of the power lines off Sanibel and Pine Islands. My friend and client, Mr. Joe Garbus of Gator Printing in Cape Coral, is holding one of his many Redfish. His brother Jeffrey of Detroit had a good Redfish day as well.

Joe-Garbus-RedfishJeff-Garbus-Redfish

The Snook bite is fantastic but is best on the outgoing tides with pilchards. The smaller Snook will bite on the incoming. The Garbus ‘boys’ caught a good number of them.

Seatrout sizes are still small but the bite is good. Spanish Mackerel and Pompano are here and taking shrimps under a cork all throughout the area. Watch for diving birds. Pictured here is a client/friend of mine, Ms. Shelly Briscoe of Wylie, Texas showing her last fish of the day; a POMPANO! Great Job Shelly. Shelly also had a good day catching a number of Seatrouts.

Sherry's-PompamoSherry's-Seatrout

The better fishing for the balance of December will probably be from Christmas Eve through the weekend, especially if the southerly winds continue to support higher and stronger tides. Otherwise, work the creeks and tidal cuts around the islands for best opportunities, especially for Snook.

This is Captain Terry Fisher and 1st Mate Vicki, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and ‘tight lines’! Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more articles and charter information. I may be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone 239-357-6829 for immediate assistance.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports