(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week’s ‘full moon’ cycle produced some good fishing for most species. Notwithstanding that Snook season closed, many of my charter clients hooked and landed a number of them in our search for Redfish. Bait fish remained in the area and the Snook took advantage of several ‘free-line’ presentations. I am pictured with one of the Snook I caught on one of my ‘off’ days while in search of new locations. Needless to say, I found a good ‘spot’.
The Redfish ‘bite’ has been good on large shrimps and cut pinfish as well as soft artificial presentations for clients able to cast under the mangroves. Pictured here is Tom Moslander of Illinois and his daughter, Maria of Cape Coral. Both fish were caught in the ‘back country’ on a jig head loaded with large shrimp on an outgoing tide.
Fishing this week may slow a bit as the cool front arrives. My advice is to get out early in the week, work the tides with moving water (either incoming or outgoing). Cooler water should start producing bigger Seatrout on the ‘flats’ and bigger Sheepshead on structures.
Until next report, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone, ‘tight lines’. Charter information may be obtained by calling me at 239-357-6829 or email; [email protected]. Check out my website; www.fishfacecharters.com for more information, articles and fishing tips!
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Prior to, during and after the recent Ft. Myers Boat Show the fishing was and has been fantastic on both incoming and outgoing tides. The ‘white’ bait has been around the bridges and cast netters have been active catching all of the bait they need on one cast. These baits have provided premium Snook action on both incoming and outgoing tides. (especially outgoing). Pictured here is Mr. Doug Frasier of Minnesota holding one of many Snook’s he caught on ‘white’ bait. Over 20 Snook was landed during an outgoing tide on circle hooks. It was a first for Doug and he adjusted very well. Good job Doug!
Shrimps and Pinfish work for those seeking out Seatrout, Spanish Mackerels, Ladyfish and Redfish. Pictured with Redfish are Dr. Ulrich Jaeger and his brother-in-law, Jean-Marie Schmitz, both of Luxembourg. Both fish were caught on large live shrimp on a jig head on the bottom. These two anglers proved their ability time and time again landing over 15 Redfish and a number of small Seatrout. They had an awesome day!
Cold fronts are pushing down from the north and only time will tell how much longer we will be able to cast nets for the bait fishes. Additionally, if the weather deteriorates and the water temperatures get low too quick, the fish will begin to move to other spots. However, we should still have some good fishing throughout the next week or so on the back side of the recent front. My recommendation is to fish later in the day and give the flats and other areas time to warm up. The fishing will still be predicated on the tides and they will cooperate with later departures for the fishing grounds over the next week or so.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters thanking all ‘fishing family and friends’ that stopped by our both, in the convention center at the Ft. Myers Boat Show last week or attended one of my seminars. Vicki and I enjoyed seeing all of you again. Charter information may be obtain on line at www.fishfacecharters.com. Email me at [email protected] or call me at 239-357-6829 for immediate response.
Just finished one of those long weekends that you really wish would go on for several more days (or weeks!). My family had the good fortune of being invited to spend a few days with friends at their house on Blackwater Sound in Key Largo. What a spot!
Sitting with a cup of coffee on the dock in the early morning, before the heat of the day kicked in, and looking out over the quiet sound while most were still sleeping off the night before, was just spectacular. Herons working the shoreline, frigate birds circling overhead and a school of about eight tarpon rolling and literally swimming by under my feet. I’m too relaxed to even think of grabbing a nearby rod. Maybe as you get a little older your focus changes but I could not help but think that those still snoozing were missing the most beautiful time of day (until perhaps we get to the sunset!).
This was not planned as a hard core fishing weekend and it was a little too windy for a run offshore with kids and wives but the beauty of the area is that there are always plenty of other fishing options. Before long Aaron, our host, my son Kyle and I were headed across the sound and through a beautiful mangrove canal into Florida Bay. Still pretty windy and not the greatest fishing conditions but for someone who doesn’t get to enjoy these waters on a regular basis, just being out and polling in the shallows along magnificent mangroves made the fishing somewhat secondary.
Aaron avoided beating us up heading home across the bay by a little longer run through a different mangrove canal, then across Long Sound and Little Blackwater Sound. If you are familiar with the 18 mile stretch of U.S. 1 from Florida City to Key Largo, these are the bodies of water you first see on your right as you approach the bridge at Jewfish Creek. From there we ran into Blackwater Sound, past Jewfish Creek (no we did not stop at Gilberts!) and back to the dock. Just in time for lunch and a cold beer.
Then we pile the whole gang into two boats and head back across the Sound to a great shallow anchorage and beach. Ladies, kids, dogs, cold beers, “boat” drinks and serious relaxation. As busy as that area of Key Largo can be, we were completely alone. Can it get any better than this?
Yes, it can!! Back at the dock, just hangin’ out when Aaron comes out with a block of chum and a bucket of live shrimp. Another 5 minute run across the sound to his “can’t miss” mangrove snapper hole. The wind was still getting in the way but the kids had a great time catching a load of little mangroves and we had enough keepers to chow down a little later on Aaron’s Key Largo smoked fish dip.
And just to close out the perfect boating day, how about fresh fish dip, the perfect rum drink, and as magnificent a sunset as you will ever see. I know it can’t get any better than that!
It really was a great day. Spending time with family and close friends is special no matter where you are. But as I write this I realize just how incredibly lucky we are to have these kinds of water so available to boaters in Southwest Florida. Yes, it was great to be in Key Largo, but the reality is, this kind of day, these kinds of waters, and that beautiful sunset can be found anywhere from Tampa Bay, through Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples and the Keys.
Inshore, Offshore, Islands, Mangroves, Flats, Beaches. Big boats, little boats, new boats, old boats. Doesn’t matter. As long as it floats and can get me from here to there, count me in. Can’t wait ‘till that next perfect day on the water!
(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.
Sharp nose, Black tips, Nurse, Lemons, Spinners, and Bulls & Bonnets, which to be fair are here all year. But we do see increased numbers as the water warms up. each year as the water hits 75 degrees Cobia, Tarpon and shark move up from where ever they are during sown bird season, Crazy but each year as the Snow bird leave the big fish show up, How crazy is that, but just like their human counter parts the go south during the colder months and return as the waters warm.
Shark fishing is like sailing hours of boredom punctuated by moments of shear excitement or terror.
Simple procedure – anchor your boat or cast your line out from the dock better if you chum and wait for the rush of a screaming reel.
This is just a long winded way of saying the Sharks are back n the Harbor and the numbers are growing, the numbers of Sharks will peak out in May the prime month for Sharks, But you may want to consider Catch & release during may as that is when the Sharks are going to give birth. By June they are done “Pupping” and dinner time may resume,
Yes I eat Sharks it is some of the best tasting meat and very healthy for you. Why buy fish oil tablets, ok some one else kills the fish for you, but when you do it your self no waste is the key. and I never take one while I still have meat from the first one.
Any way good luck out the have fun, and watch where you put your finger, It is Shark fishin after all.
Frank
UPDATE – 4.15 at 5pm
Shark are moving into the harbor, So it is time to start bending the points of the barbs on your hooks down, barb-less does not work, really bad idea, but bending the barb down so the bait & the fish stay on but are very easy to release is the key to a healthy shark population, Circle hook are too hard to get out and dangerous on the fingers, So use a J hook and flatten the barb.
The big mistake most people make is too big a hook, for black tip or Sharp nose go to a 4/0 with a chunk of bait 2 fingers wide. Good luck
Cobia, Mackerel & Redfish galore. This is what has happened over the week while I have been under the weather. I try to update at least weekly. Not sure if I got sick or just ran out of get up and go, but either way the fishin has been smokin out in the Harbor and near gulf.
Cobia are doing the spawn thing and have been thick near Hog Island & marker 1. Schools of Cobia about a mile off the beaches. Jigs with a bass worm tip or Rat-L-Trap 3/4 once
seem to be the lures of choice.
Spanish are moving in, I have heard a lot this year about how thin the fish were and it occurred to me that maybe the barrier of Red tide across the passes this year had a lot to do with so few fish like Trout. Since the Red tide has backed off the fish are pouring into the harbor.
Maverick lures are the trolling lure of choice for Spanish, just hold the rod and keep the boat moving about 2 to 3 miles per hour,
Red fish are feeding back around the Mangroves, crabs or I should say the baby blue crabs and spider crabs are what they are feeding on. So when the tide is higher a 1.3 or better cast under the branches or shrimp or crabs if you can catch them. Hang onto the rod. When that red hits it is a hit.
Good luck, have fun and be safe
Frank
If anyone one out there has Mahi-Mahi on their mind, and you don’t have time for a keys trip, they are here, sort of. 40 miles out into the gulf. Here’s a weird thought, if I were in the keys it would be nothing to go out 40 miles looking for dolphin. I wonder why here it is like the forbidden zone: too scary to think about?
Anyway they are out there. Small dolphin getters are trolling with some sardines or other fish cut into small chunks, about one inch pieces. Keep these in a bowl or something with a lid, freeze them before you leave. If you catch them fresh and cut them, make sure it is into a bucket. When you see or hook up a Mahi, start tossing the pieces of fish out in a fan pattern, get them eating the chunks. Then cast a slightly bigger piece out with a hook in it. Keep the first one in the water as it fights the line it make the other Mahi think it is feeding and brings them close.
Billy baits in smaller sizes are the best lures to troll as they have dissimilar metals which create a magnetic field in the water attracting fish to them. But small spoons or jig work well also.
As you are heading out, start looking for weed lines when you reach 30 miles. That is as close as I have heard about.
(FT. MYERS BEACH TO CHARLOTTE HARBOR) The moon phase is coming to ‘full circle’ this week and the ‘Marine Forecasts’ look good so far with temperatures topping out around 90 degrees (F), fairly light winds through the weekend with only few chances of thundershowers. The tidal phases for most of the area allow for early morning departures and arrival at your favorite destination in time for the incoming high tides around midday. This fall weather provides for comfortable days on the water. The water is very clear so I recommend using lighter leader material and more stealth when approaching your fishing location.
Don’t forget to send me pictures, comments or reports of your outings to my website www.fishfacecharters.com. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call me at 239-357-6829. Until next week’s report—GOOD FISHING!
Well there is good news for all you big game people, The Tarpon are holding good in the Harbor, and it is easy you can use any lure you wish as long as it is a D.O.A. , Bait-buster or Swimming Mullet. This is a crazy year for Tarpon, live bait, cut bait, all is good to use but the hook-ups keep coming on The D.O.A.
OK here is what you do, Start early at the Gilchrist bridges or as we call them the 41 bridges, Start casting the pilings then keep an eye open for the rolling fish, they do not like outboard engines too much, so you will need an electric motor to keep up with the Tarpon. Sometime about 8:am or so they will show up along the southern shore line to fisherman’s Village, where they will hang out on the west side. By 10:am they are on the move again. The most common destination is the mouth of the Myakka River, after that it is on the holes of the Harbor,
When moving from the bridge to Fisherman’s Village to the Myakka you will have to use your out board or it would take you forever to get there. Just remember to shut down before you get to the Tarpon, and get back on the electric,
It is just a matter of casting, casting. Several retrieves are working but check your depth finder. If you are in 10 feet of water, cast the lure, then count to 10 before you close the bail on your reel. If you close the bail, the line will come tight and often the lure will come back to you. Better if it just sinks, once you have done your count start a slow up wards jigging motion, hard upward pulls then let it sink, take up the slack repeat, I can tell the guys who are hookin up lots of Tarpon. Their hands are swollen from casting. 75 casts per hook up is better that a fish-less day. There are many other types of retrieves you can use to get these Tarpon to hit but try the one I suggested it has worked before.
