“The Spanish Mackerel and Pompano bites are picking up.” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week’s fishing continued to produce some decent back-country fishing for all of my clients. Some bait fish remained in the area allowing me to throw the cast net for baits to feed the Snook and Redfish. Pictured here is Mr. Blaine Duncan of Saskatoon, SK. (Canada) holding his first Redfish catch here in SW Florida.

Blaine's-Redfish

The Seatrout bite is good, but I am still looking for some bigger ones which become more plentiful on the flats during the winter months. Mr. David Whitaker of Tennessee is pictured holding a nice Seatrout caught under a cork with live shrimp while here at a corporate sponsored ‘outing’ with the Vantacore group, based in Philadelphia.

Dave's-Seatrout

The Spanish Mackerel and Pompano bites are picking up. Mr. Barry Fink of Pittsburgh, PA is pictured holding his first Spanish Mackerel. His friend Jason Jumonville, of Baton Rouge, LA., is holding a large Pompano that he had the pleasure to fight and land on light tackle. Both Barry and Jason were with the Vantacore group as well.

Barry's-Spanish-MackerelJason's-Pompano

Sheepshead, Flounder and Mangrove Snappers will round out the balance of the back-country species. Recent, cooler water temps will attract the bigger Sheepshead and small pieces of shrimps or fiddler crabs will be the key to catching these fighting, tasty morsels, sometimes referred to as ‘poor man(s) lobster’.

Offshore, the King Mackerel bite is on as well as good bottom fishing for grouper and Snappers. Grouper should begin coming into the back- country pot holes, since the water temperature is rapidly dropping due to the early cold fronts this year.

Warmer forecasts for the coming week should provide lots of opportunity to get on the water and fish. Fishing should remain good for the species mentioned above. Until the next report this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tight lines’! Charter information may be obtained on line at www.fishfacecharters.com or by calling or emailing me directly at 239-357-6829 or [email protected]. Those wanting boating and/or fishing instructions, feel free to inquire as to ‘special’ hourly rates on your vessel. This will help you to have more relaxed and confidence when boating or fishing.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“ More fish are being caught deeper into back country locations…” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Recently I heard lots of complaints from many local Captains regarding catches over the last couple of weeks. However, I have found that with the current moon phase, favorable wind directions resulting in higher tides, that more fish are being caught deeper into back country locations and around some of the small islands off the main channel of Pine Island Sound. These locations include; Patricio and Mondago islands up north, big Panther Key and Demere Keys midway down, Mackeever Keys, McIntyre Creek and Punta Blanca Bay on the southern end.

Tarpon have joined the other species and one will see many boats along the InterCoastal Waterway anchored up waiting for the opportunity to hook and land one. Big Pompano, Snook and Redfish are also among the collection of species being caught. Pictured here are Mack McGinnes and Phil Renkes of St. James City (Pine Island) holding a 32″ Redfish.

Mack-and-PhilAmy-Miron

Amy Miron of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin proudly displays her Pompano caught under a cork using live shrimps. Her family, Jake, Kaylee (9), Olivia (11) and Samantha (5) are pictured together after a wonderful day on the water with memories that should last a lifetime. Everyone was in on the action.
The next few days should continue to produce similar fishing opportunities so long as the tide levels and southern winds allow access to the key locations mentioned above. Use Shrimp, Pinfish, Pichards, Threadfins or artificial presentations to target your quarries.
Miron-Family

Until the next fishing report, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone, tight lines! Information and charter bookings may be obtained by calling me at 239-357-6829 or by emailing [email protected]. More information may be obtained at www.fishfacecharters.com.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “ Be on the lookout for Tarpon, Cobia, King Mackerel…”

Wyatt-Day's-Pompano(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)The first part of last week proved to be very challenging finding and catching fish, with the exception of small Sheepshead and Mangrove Snappers. Nonetheless, three to four days after the cool front, the bite came back on, with reports of more fish being caught. The species included large Redfish, Snook, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, King Mackerel, Cobia, Shark and Seatrout. Pictured here is one on my  best junior anglers of 2014, Wyatt Day (11yrs young), holding his 16 inch Pompano he caught on a shrimp (under a cork) on the flats in Pine Island Sound. Wyatt caught lots of other fish. He is a Junior Rodeo Champion from Cheyenne, Wyoming, with three Belt Buckles to his credit. Other pictures are with his mother and father, Lorie and David Day and a picture of a nice Spanish Mackerel that Lorie caught. It was a beautiful day on the water. Uncle Marshall, from Boca Raton, Florida was on board to witness their angling abilities.

Lorie-Day's-Spanish-MackerelWyatt,-Lorie-&-David-Day
The fishing should continue to produce decent numbers as the water is very warm for this time of year as tide levels become higher and stronger. Be on the lookout for Tarpon, Cobia, King Mackerel offshore as well as in Pine Island Sound, as I have seen them all.

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing you tight lines! Stay tuned for more reports on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Charter and other information may be obtained by calling 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]

 

Posted by Scott Q 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 [email protected]

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Even in tannin waters, fish must still eat!” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week I wrote that the best opportunity to catch fish in our tannin waters (inshore and back country) is in the early morning hours or late evening hours, regardless of the tide flow. Naturally the times mentioned above, coupled with moving water will most always prove the best scenario. At this time, with all the rain and large amounts of water releases from Lake Okeechobee, I still believe the ‘outgoing’ tides will provide anglers with the most success. The excessive amount of water is giving the fish extra protection and more hiding places deep into the mangroves and into some shoreline structures not normally accessible by boat or wading. Other than water holding in deep pockets in ‘back country’ locations, the ‘outgoing’ tides force fish to move out and off of many structures to relocate on or just off of the flats until the tide turns. This strategy has proven effective on my most recent charters.Danielle's Pompano

Last week, I had the pleasure of fishing with Ms. Danielle O’Banion, ladies basketball coach at Kent State in Ohio (Go GOLDEN FLASHES!). Danielle was taking a last minute vacation prior getting back to school to help prepare her team for the upcoming season and chose southwest Florida as her destination. We departed around 7:30 A.M. in time to fish during the majority of the outgoing tide. Our first stop was in Pine Island Sound (‘Sound’), on the flats, beside a creek mouth in about 5 feet of water. We used live shrimp under a cork and caught numerous fish including; Seatrout, Mangrove Snapper, a Redfish and Pompano.

The second stop around Galt Island proved non-productive, as the outgoing tide had all but subsided. We decided to relocate to a spot on the east side of Sanibel where the bottom half of the outgoing tide was still moving the fish out of the mangroves toward the flats to hold in about 3 feet or more of water. Since Danielle is a seasoned angler, I decided to change angling strategies by giving her an opportunity to cast artificial lures and scented soft baits toward the mangroves. Danielle proved herself as the best lady angler I have had the pleasure to fish with (other than my 1st Mate Vicki; of course).

Danielle's RedfishThe 26” Redfish pictured here was caught on a Gulp Penny color shrimp on light tackle and is only one of many fish and species we caught that morning. We finished the charter chasing some resident Tarpon on slack tide in the back waters. We had a brief encounter with one, but were not able to get a good ‘hook-set’, which may have ‘topped off’ the charter with a ‘SUPER SLAM’ (SEATROUT, POMPANO, REDFISH, SNOOK AND TARPON), all within about 6 hours.

EVEN IN TANNIN WATERS, FISH MUST STILL EAT! THE ‘KEY’ TO A PRODUCTIVE CATCH IS TO BE WHERE THE FISH ARE MOVING AND HOLDING!

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing you the best. Charter inquires or additional fishing articles may be obtained at my website www.fishfacecharters.com. Feel free to email me at [email protected] with any questions or call me at 239-357-6829.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Capt. Terry’s charter produced a number of small sharks for lots of ‘reel’ excitement!

DSCN1173SFW (Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) The last couple of weeks have been really good for all of the ‘back country’ species (Redfish, Snook, Seatrout, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Shark, Mangroves Snappers). The Tarpon have been a little scarce this year (compared to last year) off of the outer side of Sanibel with reports of more activity and catches outside of Cayo Costa. Reports of large numbers of Tarpon are now in Boca Grande Pass and Charlotte Harbor, to which I am heading this week to practice for some Memorial Day Weekend charters.

DSCN1188SFW

Nonetheless, while on a ‘Combo/Shark’ charter, I had the opportunity to check out the crab buoys and spotted the nice Tripletail (pictured here).  Another ‘Combo Shark/Tarpon Charter’ produced a number of small sharks for lots of ‘reel’ excitement. Mr. David Nycz II from Detroit, Michigan, is pictured holding his first small Sand Shark on light tackle.  David’s fiancée, Lisa caught her own 4 ft. shark on very light tackle, showing off her angling abilities as well. Between David and Lisa, 9 sharks were caught and released, including a 6 foot Hammerhead.

My ‘First Mate’ (Vicki) and I had a wonderful day of both shark/Tarpon and ‘back-country’ fishing with these dedicated anglers (pictured together). Tarpon fishing should be good in numerous areas of the Caloosahatche River, Pine Island Sound, the passes and especially; Charlotte Harbor. All other species, both ‘in and offshore’, should be no exception and I suggest one works the incoming or outgoing tides for best results, as ‘slack tide’ is usually less productive.

If you have any questions or want help with make your fishing trips more productive, contact me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]. Check out my monthly and weekly saltwater sports articles at www.fishfacecharters.com. DSCN1178SFW

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry’s Weekly Fishing Report

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) The good spring weather together with stronger and higher tides should prove to be the biggest asset to any fishing trip. The location that one chooses to fish should depend on the height, strength and time of tide movements for best results; especially when they work together with the early morning hours. Most all species should be very active and receptive to a variety of live or cut baits, both ‘in’ and ‘off’ shore. They are all here and virtually all of my charters have been successful finding and catching the ‘target’ species when working during good tide movement, be it ‘flood’ or ‘ebb’. The only exception to this has been the lack of a lot of Tarpon action.

P1050233Nonetheless, reports of Tarpon catches around Mile Marker 4 (off of ‘C’ Span by Sanibel) and other areas up and down Pine Island Sound are becoming more common. A few Tarpon are being taken off of the ‘Outer’ Islands as well. If one belongs to an organization such as; Cape Coral Tarpon Hunters Club, access to catches, locations, techniques and baits are easily obtained on a daily basis. Mackerel, Catfish, Mullet, big Greenbacks and Pinfish should do the trick for those looking for these fighting game fish.

There are lots of Seatrout in the grass and ‘potholes’ from James City all the way to Cayo Costa. I am finding that some ‘schools’ are producing numbers of big trout over 20” on a regular basis, but one needs to move around to find them (I am having most of my success for bigger fish in the northern corridor of Pine Island Sound, above Redfish Pass).

In the ‘back country’, big Snook and Redfish are both up and down Pine Island Sound on both the east and west sides. Other species, such as Crevalle Jacks, Bar Jacks, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, may be found anywhere along the above corridor on the flats with the Seatrout.

The gulf is loaded with species such as; Kings, Snapper, Permit, Grouper and Cobia. Keep a lookout and a ‘rig’ loaded for Cobia. I keep a lead head with an 8”-12” eel ready to cast. The fish have been very active and I forecast more of the same over the next week with the added benefit of more Tarpon opportunity.

P1050235In closing, I want to acknowledge the casting and catching abilities of 15 year old Andy Batchelder of Carmel, Indiana (grandson of Lee Longstretch of Indianapolis). He is pictured here with two of the fish caught during his first ‘back country’ excursion using only artificial lures. I am looking forward to our next ‘outing’ together for more and bigger fish. Great going Andy! Practice your casting liked we discussed before next year and you may catch your ‘fish of a lifetime’!

If anyone has any questions or would like more information on your favorite type of fishing, feel free to contact me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]. Check out my websites and my article ‘links’ at www.fishfacecharters.com or www.captainterryfisher.com

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Lee County Fishing Report with Captain Terry

Last week’s forecast was pretty much ‘on target’ with fish starting to be more active than previously. I expect more of the same this week, especially with the extended warm water temperatures. My clients and I had more than our share of larger Spanish Mackerels, a couple of Pompano together with a whole lot of Seatrout. I am attaching a picture of my friend (Mr. Du Wayne Traut with a nice Sea-‘trout’ recently taken in Matlacha Pass on the top half of an incoming tide using a live shrimp on the bottom.

DSCN0996

In addition to the mild cold front predicted later this week (together with the warmer water temperatures mentioned above), the ‘bite’ should pick up prior to this coming Thursday (Feb. 14) in time for Valentine’s Day! So I recommend if you have the time, plan on going fishing now!

Until next week, this is Captain Terry Fisher inviting you to call me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected] to request a charter. Check out my fishing articles at my website; www.fishfacecharters.com.

 

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Lee County Fishing Report with Captain Terry

Winter time on the waters in SW Florida may be ‘the right place, the right time’ for anglers to realize their dream of a ‘trophy’ fish. ‘Winter- fishing’ is only more difficult because we must deal with the elements such as wind, cooler temperatures. Additionally, the lower tides discourage or prevent many from navigating through ‘skinny’ waters to get to the ‘holding’ and ‘feeding’ areas of the fish. The fish are still out there, one ‘simply’ has to locate them and then ‘slow down’ the presentation, be it artificial, live or cut baits.

Winter time on SW Florida waters does not reduce the opportunities for ‘flats’ or ‘back country’ anglers. I will argue that there is more opportunity when considering the migratory patterns of Pompano, Spanish, King, Ceros Mackerels, Cobia and Grouper and other species as they relocate into shallower domains (I caught a couple of nice groupers off the backside of Chino Island a few weeks ago in about 12 ft. of water). These fish would not normally be found there during the warmer months. It is true however, that the huge Redfish have moved ‘off-shore’ (up to about 20 miles or so) but there are still plenty up to about 34 inches when you find them.

Additionally, species such as big Seatrout, Flounder and Sheepshead are more accessible and provide more opportunity this time of year. The Crevalle Jacks always provide a lot of excitement and like Snook are always found in the canals. I am including a picture of a nice Crevalle Jack caught by my friend’s son, Matt Volski of Cape Coral while home from college on Christmas break. Unfortunately, I did not take a picture of the 26 inch Snook caught by his friend on the same outing who was on leave from the Navy and currently stationed at Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida. As a ‘Jar Head’, I thank him for his service to our country.

Recently on a beautiful ‘winter’ day, my 1st Mate Vicki and I took to the Sanibel Lighthouse and a little offshore to spin cast and fly fish for Spanish Mackerel. The birds showed us the way, just as they will all up and down Pine Island Sound. We could not get them released fast enough to satisfy our ‘hunger’. During the ‘chaos’, Vicki (using a spin-cast) mentioned seeing and feeling a big ‘King Mackerel’ slap her ‘jig’ with terrific force. Unfortunately a few minutes later when my guard was down, one ‘slammed’ my ‘Clauser’ fly with unexpected force. My fingers burned when trying to slow the run. I dropped my hand to slow the spool, but without gloves the burning friction forced me to try and stop the reel only to have the handle bruise my hand. I lost that battle, as I was not thinking of such a ‘giant’ taking such a small presentation (I should have known better).

The coming week could provide some opportunities mentioned above. If the wind forecasts are accurate, there should be plenty of opportunity to get out there and give it a go. If you have any questions or want to book a charter, give me a call at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]. This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing you a great time on the water. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for additional information.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Lee County Fishing Report with Captain Terry

The cold fronts with the winds have created some havoc for fishing but this is winter time and is to be expected. Just be sure and layer up to withstand the morning and evening temperatures. I have had quite a lot of success catching Spanish Mackerel and Pompano off of the lighthouse of Sanibel Island, Redfish and North Captiva Passes when the weather permits. These fish are easy to spot when the ‘feed is on’, as the birds of prey target the bait fish being pushed to the surface by the migratory game fish.

 

Just off the Intercoastal, big Specks are on the flats in about 3 ½ ft. to 6 ft. of water. Patience is the key to catching these nice fish once you have found their holding area (see photo of 23” ‘Speck’ caught by one of my clients). However, impatient fishermen or ‘fisher-ladies’ should try trolling the flats with shallow running lures to locate the fish before anchoring or drifting. Like trout, the Redfish are also holding in the deeper pot holes and are more active with the sun being out to warm the waters. Snook are receptive to white baits and artificial baits along the cuts of the islands together with some current. Flounder are on sand/hard bottoms in good sizes. There are some Sheepshead and Gray Snapper around bridge structures and docks all along Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass, but I think the best is still yet to come these next few weeks.

Off shore, the Triple Tail, Mackerel, Snappers, Groupers and kings are awaiting a presentation. The winds will dictate any chance of a nice fishing trip.

In closing, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing you a Happy New Year! Be sure and contact me at [email protected] or via phone 239-357-6829 to schedule a successful fishing trip or to answer any questions that you may have. My website should provide most of the answers at www.fishfacecharters.com

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports