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.
(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.
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.
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
(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!
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.
All three anglers are pictured behind the console returning to port after a great day on the water.
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.
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.
(FT. Myers to Charlotte Harbor) Back Country/Flats fishing has really picked up in Lee County in the areas from Ft. Myers Beach to Bokelia on Pine Island, including Matlacha Pass. I have had good success with Snook, Sea Trout, Crevalle Jacks, Sheepshead, Mangrove Snappers, Flounder and a couple of Permit. I am finding the Snook on the beaches, in the passes and in or at the mangroves on the high incoming tides. This should continue to be the pattern for coming months in regards to Snook.
Many of my recent charter customers have been enjoying what I call ‘Sport Flats Fishing’; catching Sea Trout, Crevalle Jacks and Redfish on only artificial baits. I am having most success as the last half of the tide rises over very shallow (2ft.) sand/grass flats surrounded by spoil islands and mangroves (doesn’t hurt to have an oyster bar or two around). All one has to do is lay a top water plug (Heddon Spook Jr., Bomber or other brand), jig a Gulp Shrimp in white or penny across the bottom and if you’re not hooking one every 5 casts or so, then change your method of retrieve or relocate the boat and repeat the process. One should be able to spot fish feeding on the surface. This is the time of the year to try the top water artificial baits. They will draw vicious strikes from virtually every game fish on the flats.
In regards to the Snappers and Flounder; fish the deeper cuts under mangroves as well as heavy structure areas with a mixed bottom. Work from the shoreline and mangroves out to about 4ft of water. The Mangrove Snapper and Flounder will both take a jig as mentioned above but prefer a small 2/0 circle hook with a small live ‘summer’ shrimp weighted just enough to get it down.
The last week of July should produce more good fishing. If I may be of assistance to offer advice or charter services, I am easily contacted at 239-357-6829, via email at [email protected] or check out my websites at www.fishfacecharters.com or www.captainterryfisher.com.
