Seminole, FL – Congressman David Jolly (FL-13) has introduced legislation that will lead to a more accurate count of Red Snapper and other reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. The bill, called the Gulf Red Snapper Data Improvement Act, will allow for third-party data collection of fish populations to be used for federal stock assessments, which could ultimately lead to longer Red Snapper fishing seasons for the recreational sectors.
“Many in the fishing community, from private anglers, to charter, to commercial, have questioned the government’s stock assessments. My bill will give each of them a seat at the table. Third-party data collection will expand the information available to the government, particularly Red Snapper, and improve the data used to determine fishing seasons,” Jolly said.
The Gulf Red Snapper Data Improvement Act designates $10 million annually for third-party data collection of Gulf Red Snapper and other Gulf reef species. The data collection program will be managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southeast Regional Office located in St. Petersburg, Florida.
“This will improve our knowledge of fisheries stocks and if the research shows a larger fish population than the government suggests, this will open the door for a longer fishing season for species like Red Snapper. And a longer Snapper season is an economic and quality of life win throughout our community, positively impacting everyone from local scientists committed to the protection of fish populations, to recreational anglers, to charter operators, to businesses that depend on fishing tourism like hotel and restaurant operators,” Jolly noted.
A member of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations, Jolly was able to secure similar language in the Fiscal Year 2016 House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Bill earlier this year.
For additional information regarding this legislation please contact Preston Rudie, Communications Dir. for Representative Jolly at (727) 418-7722. You may also click this link to visit Representative Jolly’s website.
In the area around Boca Pass and the straights right across to Burnt Store, schools of bait fish like Thread Fins and Glass Minnows are moving in with the tide, and then move back to the gulf as the tide heads out. Spanish Mackerel can be found under these schools of bait. Below that you can find Ladyfish & Jacks, and under those you will find Sharks. Yes there are layers of fish, and they can be found in the gulf near Trembley Reef or any of the closer ones, during the last half of the outgoing tide and the first third of the incoming tide.
Once the water starts moving in hard, the bait will follow the saltwater into the Harbor and will give you a shot at some reel fun fishing, with fast and steady bites. Light tackle and a small steel leader are a good idea to use. Once your bait gets below the regular fish, you’ll find the Black Nose and Black Tip Sharks. These are a ball on the light spinning tackle.
There are red fish near Burnt Store. Yes, the big red fish are schooling along the bar, and they have been moving from just north of Pirate Harbor down to Two Pines. The Z-man scented paddler, in either the Bad Shad or Root Beer gold colors are your best bet. I use a Z-man jig head but you may rig them with a weed less worm hook if you like. The method I use with the Z-man is sort of like casting with dead/cut bait. Watch for red fish movement, and waves that are moving a bit different from the other waves. Cast it out in front of the moving water and let it sit for a minute, then give it a good twitch and take up the slack and twitch and repeat.
If I do not see fish moving which is often the case, I stay half a cast away from the sand bar and try to cast over the bar to the other side, and then slowly twitch the Z-man across the top of the bar and back all the way to the boat.
For those that prefer to use cut bait, just cast and let it sit. This is dead stinky stuff. Hot dark water means I will not cast out reel in and cast. If I feel the need to move my bait, it will only be a couple of inches at a time. Let the stink of the bait do it’s job.
Here’s a little news for the weird fishin wise. The canals in Port Charlotte are starting to hold fish. Snook is a given. September is when snook fishing should start getting good. But flounder, sheep head, red fish and mangrove snappers, are all in the canals in what could be called fishable numbers.
With all of the rain and the water being so dark, to tell the truth, there should be almost no fish in the canals. The rivers are running at flood stages and the water is so very fresh, and there is even a little salt near the bottom. Why are these fish moving into the canals?
The answers to why the fish are here in the canals could be the temperature. The canal temps have been lower than normal for this time of year, because of the rain and cloud cover. The clouds keep the sun’s radiation from heating up the water, and the water being in the mid 80’s is where it has to be for the fish to move back into the canals. This is rare but not unheard of. With so much rain and clouds, the waters are being kept cool.
The fish have been eating live shrimp, which is their #1 choice, and live pin fish, which is their #2 choice. Cut bait fish or dead shrimp are both a close 3rd. Lures would be D.O.A. shrimp or buck tail jigs.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbour) Snook season is open and reports of numerous catches of large and small ones on live baits as well as artificial presentations. Pilchards and large jumbo shrimps should be the baits of choice for live presentations. Artificial presentations should include soft-scented plastic, twitch baits and top water plugs. Both methods will work wonders around points and areas where there is good current flow.
Redfish are everywhere and they are getting bigger each day. Work the incoming tides along mangroves with oyster shells and oyster shell clusters on hard, sand or mud bottom. While gold spoons, soft-scented weed-less plastics or shrimp imitations on jig heads produce, I prefer to use cut Pin Fish and large jumbo shrimps under a cork or stationary on the bottom. Work any area for 10 minutes or so and keep moving until you find the fish.
Pictured here is Bob Johnston, Richard Shuttlesworth’s and John Hamilton all from the Plantation Fishing Club of Ft. Myers, Florida showing off their Redfish catches from areas around Pineland. These three men would rather fish than eat and they know how to catch the fish! Good job men! See you soon.
This month will continue to produce good Redfish numbers, so now is the time to get on the water and get your share. Hopefully the above information will assist in getting your Redfish or Snook ‘of a lifetime’.
This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone ‘tight lines’. Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or by emailing me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. See my website: www.fishfacecharters.com for more information including fishing articles, tips and reports.
REDFISH (‘Reds’) are everywhere. The Redfish numbers continue to grow and their sizes are getting bigger. The bull (big) ‘Reds’ will continue to migrate in from the gulf to eat and mate before heading back to the gulf in November to winter in deeper water. The FULL MOON will provide for higher and stronger tides, lots of oxygenation and the fish will become very aggressive when foraging for food.
The baits of choice have been jumbo shrimps, live or cut Pinfish/ Ladyfish, Pilchards, finger mullets, gold spoons, top water lures, and scented plastics (jigged or rigged weed-less). This week has produced most of the Redfish around the mangrove islands at the top of incoming tides, using presentations stated above.
Pictured here is Mr. Davis Hasson of Naples, Florida (Senior at Florida Gulf Coast University), holding a Redfish caught on a jumbo shrimp. Davis is an avid fisherman and scuba diver and is always a pleasure to be around. Unfortunately, we had to cut this trip short due to weather. I recently had the pleasure of catching Bonefish on the ‘fly’ with Davis while on a ‘cultural’ exchange, fishing and scuba diving in Cuba, of which I will write about in a later report.
Now through the first week of September should be good fishing as the full moon approaches and then takes a few days to subside. Remember to work the oyster clustered areas surrounding the mangrove islands. Look for ‘jumping’ mullet as they are a very important part when it comes to locating Redfish (Redfish follow them around). I prefer to fish the top half of incoming tides for Redfish, as they seem to provide better results.
SNOOK SEASON OPENS SEPTEMBER 1st!
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tighter’ lines! Other fishing reports, tips and charter information may be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Feel free to email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com or for immediate attention, call me direct at 239-357-6829.
(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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. 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 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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com 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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. More articles, tips and information is on my website; www.fishfacecharters.com
