This holiday season, Redfish can be found in three prime locations. The first is around the southern half of the west wall south of the towers. Pirate Harbour a half mile to the north around the islands has also been a successful spot. Lastly, the sandbars at the mouth of Turtle Bay across to the Eagles cut rounds out the top three places to find Redfish this time of year.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)
October finished strong for most inshore species, including Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper and decent size Seatrout joining the ‘party’. Pictured here is Dave Anderson of Lake St. Louis, Missouri holding a nice Flounder he caught around Cabbage Key while ‘free-lining’ a shrimp under a cork along mangrove trees. I was ‘Captain for Hire’ on Dave’s new 24ft. Boston Whaler Bay Boat. Dave and his wife Barbara learned some fishing locations, strategies and techniques that yielded each of them a Redfish along with a number of other species, including Snook.
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(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)
October 24th, 2016
Fishing has been very good north of the power lines in Pine Island Sound (‘Sound’) for species such as Snook, Redfish, Seatrout and Mangrove Snappers. South of them, the water is ‘coffee’ color due to the excess releases by the Corps of Engineers from Lake O. Red Tide seems to linger in specific areas from time to time. The Punta Rassa launch ramp is slow with few charters going out as of last week, due mostly to that. I run most of my charters out of Pineland Marina and Matlacha when possible, even though water levels are higher at the southern end of the Sound’, allowing good access to more remote areas.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)
Hurricane Matthew is finally gone so we can all go back to doing what we love to do; fishing and boating! The water temperatures and wind conditions should allow most anyone good opportunity over the next week to fish both offshore and inshore. Naturally, the winds will mostly dictate offshore activities. Offshore bottom fishing should produce good numbers of Grouper, Snapper, Porgies, Cobia and an occasional Triple Tail. Baits of choice include, Pinfish, Threadfins, Finger Mullet, squid and shrimp. Use circle hooks when fishing for reef species. Know the species by sight or compare to a ‘fish species’ color chart. Know size requirements and harvest restrictions.
Read more “Captain Terry says “Hurricane Matthew is finally gone”!”
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)
Last week produced good fishing offshore as well as inshore. Red Grouper, Lane Snapper, Permit, Gray Snappers and a few Cobia were caught on live Pinfish, shrimp, squid and crabs. Many fisherman and guides enjoyed a good bite anywhere from 3 to 30 miles offshore.
Read more “Captain Terry Fisher’s SW Florida Fishing Report for September 26, 2016”
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)
Last week provided great weather with light winds. Tides were good and bait available. The full moon phase should continue to provide great opportunity to catch fish throughout the remainder of the week.
Read more “Captain Terry says “last week provided great weather with light winds””
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)
August 17, 2016
Fishing remains good inshore, especially early mornings on high incoming or outgoing tides for Seatrout on the flats. Troll for Spanish Mackerel around Sanibel Lighthouse, in Redfish, N. Captiva and Boca Grande Passes, using spoons with swivels and 40lb monofilament leaders. Fish for large, Mangrove Snappers in the passes using small circle hooks, 3oz. lead weights with shrimps or small Pinfish for bait.
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The last 10 days brought about a mix of good and not so good catches. Water levels were high enough, but due to the ‘on-slot’ of rain, muddy waters moved the fish from locations that I was expecting them to be. However, on the brighter side and with the exception of our normal afternoon showers, the waters should clear up a bit as summer temperatures return to the 90s. I am looking forward to some good fishing during the early morning hours and well into early afternoon in most areas, as water levels should remain high. Fish the tides when possible, as good water movement will enhance the bite.
Read more “Captain Terry says “waters should clear up as summer temperatures return to the 90s””
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)
My positive report of July 4th – July 11th was predicated on high tide levels with strong currents due to a new moon phase. Unfortunately, the tide predictions were wrong and we experienced lower water levels, weaker currents and less fish activity. Nonetheless, Pilchards are arriving in bigger numbers and that is a good sign for those wanting live bait. They are small (hatchlings), but are growing and should provide good sizes by the end of the month, just in time for the full moon tides. I recommend a ¼ mess net.
Read more “Captain Terry says “Pilchards are arriving in bigger numbers””
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)
Father’s Day weekend proved to be fantastic fishing. The moon was full and the tides were high providing good opportunity all week long. I had better results in areas north of the Sanibel power lines. The release of water from Lake O continues to muddy the water up around the mouth of the river and continues to have a negative impact on the fishing. Water north of the power lines is much cleaner and continues to produce Sea Trout, Redfish, Tarpon, Snook and other species. It seems that the further one goes north up the Inter-Coastal, the better the fishing is.