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.
Early morning fishing (inshore and offshore) should be good over the next 10 days or so. We have a ‘New-Moon’ phase bringing in high water levels for the inshore anglers together with strong water currents that should enhance opportunities for offshore anglers as well.
Fishing is good in certain areas of Pine Island Sound northwest of the power lines of Cape Coral, Pine Island and Sanibel. The water in and around the mouth of the Caloosahatche River still has a ways to go to be acceptable due to the excessive water run-off from Lake Okeechobee. Because of this, most all of my charters fish the waters closer to Charlotte Harbor where the run-off has not had much effect.
The weather patterns have negatively impacted springtime fishing for game fish, such as Tarpon, Snook and Redfish. Seasonal migration and relocation patterns of these fish have been affected the lack of live Herring and Sardine baitfish. However, Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle and Pompano are around and have produced nice catches.
Pictured here is LRay Burns of Fostoria, Ohio holding a big Pompano. Nice job LRay! Other of his catches included Seatrout, Ladyfish and Spanish Mackerel. LRay’s family, including his mother Marlene Burns is pictured with him. We all had a wonderful time and our prayers go out for LRay’s recovery.
I recently had the pleasure of fishing with a retired Sea Captain, Mr. Jim Boyd of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jim is pictured with one of many nice Seatrout he caught. The charter was for his grandson, Ryan Jushka (10) of Port Washington, Wisconsin. Ryan had a great day with lots of fish caught, including the pictures of him holding his first Pompano and a big Seatrout. Most of Ryan’s fishing experience is up north on fresh water, but wants more saltwater experiences. Good job young man. I am looking forward to next year’s charter!
Fishing should be better for the Tarpon, Snook and Redfish throughout the coming days, as the Herring and Sardines are beginning to show up in better numbers. I have spotted more Tarpon of late and with the baitfish here, more will be coming.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters. 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 more reports and charter information. I am available as ‘Captain for Hire’ by the hour on your vessel for navigation, fishing locations and techniques, all designed for safe boating and ways to catch fish on every trip!
Check out my regional and local articles in Coastal Angler Magazine as well.
‘In-shore’ fishing in March has been good for a number of different species, but more specifically for Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, Ladyfish and occasionally a Pompano on the flats. Live shrimp have provided lots of bites and harvest when fished under a cork on a weighted jig head in about 3 to 6 foot of water, over grass beds. March was the transition month to spring, with rising and stabilizing water temperatures.
March proved to be the month for large Seatrout. Pictured here are Bill and Sally Catinella, of Traverse City, Michigan with some of their nice catches. Bill and I share the same birthday date(s) and our ventures have become a yearly ritual, celebrating the occasion, in search for a ‘fish of a lifetime’! I am looking forward to doing it again next year and I have already marked my calendar.
Look for Tarpon, Snook and Redfish to ‘join the party’ starting early April. The water temperatures are dictating the migration arrivals of offshore and inshore species; including big schools of Tarpon, Kingfish, Cobia, hungry Snook and Redfish to gorge on bait fish leading the migrations.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone safe boating and tight lines! Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for fishing charter and ‘Captain for Hire’ (by the hour) information. I provide navigation, fishing locations and techniques at your convenience and on your vessel. Contact me direct at 239-357-6829 for immediate assistance or email me at [email protected].
This past holiday season I received a phone call from Mr. Chris Kelly of St. Augustine, Florida requesting a charter (on a short notice) for his 10 year old daughter Chloe for either December 23rd or 24th. Like most local ‘Charter Captains’, I was fully booked through the New Year and the only day I had off was Christmas Day. I tried to find Chloe a ‘ride’ but to no avail. Her father told me how much Chloe loved to fish and had requested a charter for part of her Christmas present. Unfortunately, due to Chris’s work on the east coast, their time here was limited. After much consideration, I decided to take her for a half day run to some grass beds for Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle and whatever else would bite.
The weather was absolutely beautiful and since Vicki and I had no family members at the house, I saw no harm in spending quality time with an upcoming junior angler (Vicki was not totally for it, as she wanted me to spend Christmas Day with her and 2nd Mate (Moby), our new Chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy).
Chloe’s father was given my name by a captain from Ft. Myers, who was booked up as well, but who did not want to run on Christmas Day. I never thought that I would do a Christmas Day run, but ‘never say never’! I was glad I did. Pictured here is Chloe with mom and dad and some of their catches. Chloe is also pictured with a big Blue Fish and Spanish Mackerel, only two of many fish she caught that afternoon. Santa was good to her and she proved to be the avid fisher-lady that her father had indicated. Nice going Chloe!
Fishing over the holidays was great for every charter that I took out. The weather was warm and the fish were biting. More reports to come. Chris Kelly is the Dock Master at The Town of Marineland Marina, St. Augustine, Florida (www.marinelandmarina.com).
This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone tighter lines! Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for charter information and more articles/fishing tips. I am also available as ‘Captain for Hire’ at 239-357-6829 or via email at [email protected].
The last couple of weeks produced lots of good fishing. The numbers of Redfish caught per charter was scarce, but nice size fish were boated. Pictured here is one of the bigger Redfish landed during November. It measured 33” and was caught by Rich Obser of New York. His wife Teri joined the party and is holding one of her catches. Both Redfish were caught on live shrimp. Rich and Teri had to go home to work the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade. Happy Thanksgiving to you both!
This week’s cold front did not suppress the bite too badly. The winds have been the biggest obstacle to overcome. Seatrout bite has been good on the grass flats using shrimp under a cork to suspend the bait. Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish and Jack Crevalle joined in on most every charter. Pictured with a nice Seatrout is Lili Bunch from Leawood, Kansas. She is also holding a nice Redfish she caught around the docks at North Captiva Pass. Lili is a fly-fisher lady as well. I was impressed with her ability at 12 years young and looking forward to taking her out again during the Christmas Holiday. Nice job Lili!
Snook bite was also good. I am pictured here with a big Snook caught while free-lining a Pilchard. They have been the most productive presentation for Snook. Lots of these bait fish around the bridges of Punta Rassa for cast netting. Chumming the flats will also produce live bait, including Pinfish.
Based on the current warm weather forecasts for the coming week, I am looking forward to a continuing bite.
This Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters, LLC hoping everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or by emailing [email protected]. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more reports, tips and articles.
(October 19, 2015) Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor – Fishing was good during the past week during the new moon phase, especially on the grass flats from Ft. Myers Beach all the way up to Charlotte Harbor. Areas holding Turtle Grass from 3 to 6 foot of water produced lots of action for those looking for Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle and Lady Fish. Incoming tides produced the best all around fishing times for the above mentioned species as well as Redfish and Snook in the back country areas. Offshore anglers reported lots of success when the winds allowed them to fish.
Pictured here are sisters, Lauren Binkley (14) and Jenna Binkley (13) of Ashland City, Tennessee, each holding one of many Seatrout caught under a cork on the flats, at Mile Marker 13 just off the Intracoastal Water Way. They also caught lots of Spanish Mackerel, Lady Fish and Jack Crevalle. These young ladies love the outdoors both for fishing and hunting. They will be back in Tennessee just in time for the opening day of ‘deer season’ on October 31st. Good hunting ladies!
Lots of Redfish are still in the area and large shrimps seem to be the bait of choice (at least for my charters). I am having such success using them, that I have not taken the time to try much else. Normally, cut Pinfish, Lady Fish hold the balance of my arsenal, but have not been as effective of late. The Redfish are everywhere, but with the dark, brackish, high water due to rain runoffs around Punta Rassa they have been much harder to locate. Nonetheless, James Binkley (Lauren and Jenna’s father) is pictured holding a nice Redfish he caught at the top of the tide beside a shallow, oyster flanked, mangrove island.
Areas at the ‘northern’ half of the Intracoastal Water Way (between the power lines and Charlotte Harbor) have been my most productive areas for Redfish. I work exclusively around the mangrove islands on incoming tides. Pictured here is long time client and friend, Mr. Leland Longstreth of Ft. Myers holding one of several Redfish he caught a couple of days ago on the back side of the new moon phase. Lee and I go after these ‘bruts’ and Snook at least four times a year it seems. His friend, Mr. Tom Richardson of Ft. Myers accompanies us on several of these adventures and is pictured with one of his Redfish. Nice job guys!
In closing, Snook season is still open and there are lots around. Redfish should stay plentiful at least through the month of October. Look for them to thin out however as mid November arrives. Now is the time to go fishing for Redfish and Snook!
This is Captain Terry Fisher and 1st Mate Vicki, wishing everyone ‘tighter lines’! We will be at our booth (FISH FACE CHARTERS) inside the convention center during the November `19-22′ Boat Show. I will be doing some fishing seminars as well. See you there. Contact me by phone at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected] with any questions. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com.
Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor – Fishing has been good even though we have been in between the full and new moon phases. This has been attributed mostly to good tides, good wind directions (southeast, southwest and westerly), warm weather bringing migrations of Tarpon, King Fish, Cobia, and Spanish Mackerel close to our shores. Other species such as Snook, Redfish, Seatrout and super size Jack Crevalle are providing plenty of action in virtually every area that one would expect them to be.
The balance of the month and the first week of May should produce lots of action on live, cut and artificial presentations. Snook season is open through April 30 and they are very active on live pilchards. Redfish are eating big shrimps. Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel, Lady Fish and jack Crevalle are plentiful, aggressive but are not particular about what they eat. Tarpon are everywhere, so don’t be surprised if one takes your light tackle presentation. Moving water is the key to catching any of these species. Fish the incoming and outgoing tides.
My favorite ‘Cowboy’, Wyatt Day (12) of Cheyenne, Wyoming spent the better part of a day with me catching his share of fish. He is pictured here with just one of his many fish he caught during his annual visit to Sanibel. I have the opportunity to fish with Wyatt at least once a year and it is a real joy for me. Wyatt participates in the Rodeo circuit during his time in Wyoming. He wins his ‘junior’ division just about every time he competes and has the trophies to back it. Wyatt is fast becoming a ‘top’ junior angler as well. He is very knowledgeable and good at catching a variety of species when the opportunity presents itself.
This is a great time for recreational boaters and beginning anglers to get out the fishing gear. The ‘bite is on’! Anyone wanting assistance on how to navigate, where to fish and how to fish, should not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to offer advice and suggestions to make your boating and fishing desires/experiences fun and productive.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tight lines’! Contact me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected] with questions or for charter bookings. Check out www.fishfacecharters.com for additional articles and fishing tips.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Warmer weather and higher tides complimented by the new moon should provide excellent fishing over the next few days. My clients have had their share of fun with warm weather and mild winds over the past few weeks. Family charters have prevailed over spring break with many ‘junior’ anglers enjoying time on the water catching a variety of fish. Nine (9) yr old Seth Leohr from Indianapolis, Indiana is pictured with a huge Spanish Mackerel he caught while on a charter with his father Andrew. Both Andrew and Seth had a good day of fishing catching Spanish Mackerel, Seatrouts, Jack Crevalle and other species.
Another of my other favorite ‘junior’ anglers, Jack Gagliano (9) of Winnetka, Illinois is shown on the left, seated with Captain Terry. Jack’s cousin, Paul (9) of Ft. Myers, Fl. is seated on the right. Both boys enjoyed a day catching many Seatrout and other species. Not to be ‘out-fished’, Jack’s father, Steve Gagliano is shown with a nice Snook he caught.
Fishing should get even better over the next number of days. It appears the cold fronts are gone and the warmer water temperatures are bringing in Tarpon and other species in full force. Bait fishes, shrimps and artificial patterns are all working well. Now is the time to ‘gofishing’!
Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or by emailing; [email protected]. More articles and fishing information may be obtained at www.fishfacecharters.com.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) I want to thank everyone who attended the Bonita Boat Show last weekend. It was a great show with lots of vendors and opportunities to learn about boating and fishing the waters of Lee and Collier Counties. The fishing seminars were a great success and my 1st Mate, Vicki and I enjoyed the opportunity to welcome all new ‘charter’ clients ‘on board’!
The full moon cycle last week help to produce some great catches. The warmer weather, moderate winds and decent tides afforded opportunities for clients and friends to take advantage of the recently opened Snook Season. Pictured here is one of my fishing friends, Mr. Steve Morrison of Cape Coral holding a nice Snook caught while ‘free-lining’ a Threadfin around the creeks of Iona Shores. This 24″ beauty was a little short for harvesting, but provided plenty of action on light tackle.
A few days later, Mr. Kevin Barrett of Crivitz, Wisconsin, landed his ‘Snook of a lifetime’, while ‘free-lining’ a large Threadfin close to the mouth of a creek in the same area. He is pictured here proudly displaying his ‘trophy’ (38 inches/18 lbs.) before returning to the water. Also, pictured, is Kevin’s friend Connie Chamber of Crivitz, holding one of many large Jack Crevalle she caught, using the same bait and technique as mentioned above. Unfortunately, Connie lost a ‘slot’ Snook (28″-33″) due to the Captain’s instructions during the landing! Sorry Connie; hopefully I will make amends on next year!
Finally, I had the opportunity to finish last week’s segment with a young ‘junior’ angler, (‘1st Mate for the Day), Mr. Zach Hager (10yrs old) from Otsego, Minn. shown here holding one of many Seatrout he caught during a charter with his ‘Great’ Uncle Don Redman of Medford, Minnesota; his father Marlin, Uncle Mark and cousin Tracy Hager (16), both of Ramsey, MN.. Zach and Tracy put on a fine display of what we may expect from the younger anglers of tomorrow by ‘out’ fishing everyone on the vessel (with maybe the exception of ‘Great Uncle’ Don!) Great job guys!
In closing, the bait fishes are back, the Spanish Mackerel’s are back, the Seatrout bite is better, the SNOOK BITE IS REALLY GOOD, the tides are stronger and even though we are coming into the ‘mid-moon’ phase, the fishing should be good. Until next week, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters, wishing everyone; ‘tighter lines’! Contact me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected] for charter bookings or questions. Check out our website: www.fishfacecharters.com for all information pertaining to charters, more articles and fishing tips.
