“ 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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. More articles and information may be obtained by visiting my website at www.fishfacecharters.com

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Shrimp, live and cut Pinfish are probably still one’s best bet” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Despite the cool fronts and variable winds the fish have remained active at certain times of the day. It has been difficult to determine as to when to schedule some of the charters, as the fish are sometimes more active early morning as opposed to letting the sun and temperature warm up the ‘flats’ at midday. However, the facts are that they must eat, but the questions remain; when, where and at what depths?

Recently, I had the opportunity to take out some of my ‘favorite’ clients; Chad and Joy Wolney of Buffalo, Minnesota. Joy is a member of the Buffalo Wild Wings corporate management team. Last year I had the pleasure to ‘captain’ a fishing charter with members of that elite group, including Joy and her husband, Chad. We all had a great time. Needless to say, I was honored when they called me a few weeks ago to schedule a family charter, which included Chad’s mother and father, Vicki and Jim Wolney of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota.

Buffalo-Wild-Wings-Family

Ironically, Vicki had never done much fishing, but before that day was over, we all concluded that she was not only the ‘most improved angler’, but probably caught more and bigger fish than all ‘onboard’ (including the ‘captain’)! Pictured here is the Wolney family with Seatrout caught that very ‘cool’ day. The bite was so strong that we had to return to dock to get more baits. Congratulations Vicki!

On the ‘cold’ days, I have been finding fish on the grass flats in five (5) to six (6) feet of water. The water temperature is now around 68 degrees (F), keeping the fish down. Snook, Redfish, Sheeps head, Spanish Mackerel are all active on a moving water. Triple Tails are beginning to show up along the buoys, offshore. Big Snook and Redfish are deeper. Snook will be found in the canals, around the deeper island ‘cuts’ and on hard bottom structure. The waters are clear, so stealth is the ‘order of the day’. Shrimp, live and cut Pinfish are probably still one’s best bet for any of the species. Angler’s presenting artificial baits might consider slowing down the presentations. Be patient, as it is ‘winter’. If and when fish are found, the bite could be good.

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing you a great day of fishing! Fishing reports and charter information may be found at www.fishfacecharters.com. I am easily reached at 239-357-6829 or via email at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com with any questions or requests.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Canal and ‘up-river’ fishing should be good with the cooler weather” Says Captain Terry

Christoff Linder's SnookMaik's CrevalleFt. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Since my last report, we experienced some real shallow (‘skinny’) water in conjunction with a cold front and strong north/northeast winds. Fortunately, the fish remained active. Shown here is Maik Lindner of Frankfurt, Germany holding a nice size Crevalle Jack he caught in a Cape Coral canal on the way to the ‘flats’. His brother, Christoff is shown with his first Snook on an artificial presentation while trolling the canal. Both fish were caught the day before the last cold (cool) front. Once we were on the ‘flats’, both fishermen continued to enjoy angling Spanish Mackerel, Seatrout and other species.

Canal and ‘up-river’ fishing should be good with the cooler weather as Snook, Redfish and snapper populations relocate to ‘winter’ in warmer waters. The baits of choice for the canals will be artificial plugs such as, soft plastics, crank baits, twitch baits and top water presentations; otherwise expect to catch a lot of catfish.

On the ‘flats’, large Seatrouts and Spanish Mackerels will undoubtedly be the easier fish to locate and catch. Live shrimps will be the most effective baits. Look to find easy targets, such as Sheepshead and Mangrove Snappers around pilings, concrete and rock structures, using small ‘bait’ hooks, tipped with a piece of shrimp.

Until next week, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters hoping that my report will help you catch more fish. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more articles and charter information. I am also easily reached at 239-357-6829 for any questions one may have.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “So long as the weather remains good, so should the fishing.”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)Fishing continued to be good last week as nice weather and a full moon had the fish active. Cooperating winds allowed ‘fishing the flats’ with little trouble when the low tides prevented access to ‘back country’ locations. Redfish, Snook, Pompano and Seatrout have all been active over the past week with the promise for more activity over the Christmas week and into the New Year.

During the Thanksgiving week and just prior to my fishing and diving trip to the Maldives, in the Indian Ocean, I had the pleasure of spending time on the water with friends and clients. Shown here is Mr. Tom Moslander of Edwardsville, Illinois with a ‘slot’ Redfish caught under a cork using a cut Pinfish. His daughter, Maria Callis of Cape Coral’, is shown with her catch as well. Both fish were caught in the same location on a windy day in the areas of Punta Blanca Bay. Not to be ‘out-fished’, Mr. Terry Champion (Maria’s father-in-law), poses with his Pompano caught on another excursion a couple of days before. I have had the pleasure of fishing with all of them on previous charters and always look forward to our next adventures, in quest for the ‘fish of a lifetime’.

Tom's RedfishMaria's Better RedfishTerry Champion's Permit

It appears that our fishery is in great shape and so long as the weather remains good, so should the fishing. However, if and when a cold front approaches, I suggest getting out a day or two before it sets it and the fish should be feeding.

 

 

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays! More articles and charter information may be found at www.fishfacecharters.com. Call me at 239-357-6829 for immediate assistance or email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Last week was fantastic for the ‘back country’ charters!” Capt. Terry

CAPTAIN TERRY FISHER’S WEEKLY FISHING FORECAST

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

Last week was fantastic for the ‘back country’ charters for those able to handle spin cast equipment as well as a few who wanted to learn. My charters boated two 30+ inch Snook while working the Mangroves on both incoming and outgoing tides. Lots of other fish action was captured on camera and video while anglers caught their share of Seatrout, Crevalle Jacks, Lady Fish, Shark and Redfish in the mix. Herewith are pictures of clients; Mr. Dan Damon of Battle Creek, Michigan and Mississippi River Boat Captain, Don Mc Daniel with Holly Jett from Edwardsville, Illinois proudly displaying their ‘Snooks of a lifetime’.  Great going and congratulations to both of those anglers who prevailed over my constant instructions (‘suggestions’) while fighting and landing their first Snooks!

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Spring is here and the fish are very active both inshore and offshore. Lots of big Seatrout are being caught in the clean, clear flats where there is good water movement. The Redfish are here and are being caught early morning on top water plugs, jigs and spoons and more so, on live bait in the afternoon. The Tarpon are beginning to show up in numbers making it worth-while to start planning a trip so long as the weather permits. Look for Cobia close to shore and out on the structures in most any depth. They are curious and will hit anything from a shrimp to artificial.  King Mackerel are being caught on live pilchards, pinfish and artificial lures in about 30 to 65 feet of water on the same structure as one will find most reef species.

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If you want to book a charter or have any questions, I will be honored to take your call at 239-357-6829 or email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Lee County Fishing Report with Captain Terry

CAPTAIN TERRY FISHER’S WEEKLY FISHING REPORT

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

The ‘back country’ fishing is alive and good as spring has arrived. I am attaching a picture of a 35” Snook caught by one of my better anglers, Mr. Gino Mascarins of Canada. Gino and I have a lot in common. We like to go after a variety of species for lots of action and we are always prepared when the ‘fish of a lifetime’ takes the presentation. Gino was calm and collective from start to finish insuring landing this exciting game fish. Pictured with him is his lady friend Jennifer, a proven angler in her own right.

The water temperature is rapidly rising and the Tarpon have been reported about 6 miles off of the outer islands. Winds and weather permitting will allow Shark/Tarpon charters to begin soon.

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Additionally, the Redfish are showing up and I have been on some really nice size Seatrout in upper Pine Island Sound. The Spanish Mackerel have been on a big feed and I have taken as many as 25 fish on half day charters. My ‘Dream Team’ pictured from Michigan (Mike, Lea, Joseph and Jordan), completed a half day charter this week catching more than 75 fish, including Spanish Mackerel, Seatrout, Lady Fish and Pompano. They take  ‘top’ honors so far this year landing more fish than any other group. Congratulations to them.

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The fishing will continue to be good with the higher and stronger tides. Give me a call at 239-357-6829 or email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com to set up a charter. Be sure and check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for monthly and weekly reports.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Lee County Fishing Report with Captain Terry

I did not take time to write my weekly fishing report last week as I was busy between charters and working the Lee County Spring Boat Show at the Convention Center (my apologies to my weekly readers). Getting out this month has been fairly tough to schedule due to the previous two cold fronts and high winds that recently passed though the area. It appears that we have a few windy days ahead, but with warmer weather.

130.3.12 sheepsheadNonetheless, many of my charter clients have continued to enjoy my ‘back country’, ‘flats’ and mangrove island  locations  hooking, catching and yes, ‘losing’ some fish. I am attaching one of my favorite pictures of Mr. Dick Sharrer and his grandsons, Josh and Luke (from Pennsylvania). Luke (9 years old) caught this ‘winter’ Sheepshead on a fiddler crab. I am confident his late ‘great’ grandfather is proud. Nice going guys!

‘Spring is in the air’ and as the water temps continue to climb and stabilize, most all species will become more active and aggressive. In fact, I am hopeful of being able to do some successful Shark/Tarpon charters off of the islands of Sanibel and Captiva by the end of the month. Fishing should be good next week so long as the winds do not conflict.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing every fishing success. If you have any questions or need additional information please read my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. To book a charter, feel free to contact me at 239-357-6829 or email fishfacecharters@yahoo.com

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports