As I have said before, there are lots of Redfish out in the Harbor. We spent 3 hours fishing the east side, about 3/4 of a mile north of Pirate Harbor, and caught 6 Reds, 3 Snappers, a huge Bonnet Shark, and 3 Snook. Oh and a couple of Catfish and a Needlefish. They were small, but not a bad way to spend a few hours. We caught everything, except the Snook, on live shrimp either using a sinker or under a Poppin Cork. The Snook was caught on a Storm Twitch.
The Fishing is quite good right now and the weather is perfect. The water is very dark. The strange thing, and yes there is always something – a Pompano jumped out of the water, 15 feet in front of me just to tease me. I could almost hear that Pompano blowing raspberries at me.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbour) Snook season is open and reports of numerous catches of large and small ones on live baits as well as artificial presentations. Pilchards and large jumbo shrimps should be the baits of choice for live presentations. Artificial presentations should include soft-scented plastic, twitch baits and top water plugs. Both methods will work wonders around points and areas where there is good current flow.
Redfish are everywhere and they are getting bigger each day. Work the incoming tides along mangroves with oyster shells and oyster shell clusters on hard, sand or mud bottom. While gold spoons, soft-scented weed-less plastics or shrimp imitations on jig heads produce, I prefer to use cut Pin Fish and large jumbo shrimps under a cork or stationary on the bottom. Work any area for 10 minutes or so and keep moving until you find the fish.
Pictured here is Bob Johnston, Richard Shuttlesworth’s and John Hamilton all from the Plantation Fishing Club of Ft. Myers, Florida showing off their Redfish catches from areas around Pineland. These three men would rather fish than eat and they know how to catch the fish! Good job men! See you soon.
This month will continue to produce good Redfish numbers, so now is the time to get on the water and get your share. Hopefully the above information will assist in getting your Redfish or Snook ‘of a lifetime’.
This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone ‘tight lines’. Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or by emailing me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. See my website: www.fishfacecharters.com for more information including fishing articles, tips and reports.
REDFISH (‘Reds’) are everywhere. The Redfish numbers continue to grow and their sizes are getting bigger. The bull (big) ‘Reds’ will continue to migrate in from the gulf to eat and mate before heading back to the gulf in November to winter in deeper water. The FULL MOON will provide for higher and stronger tides, lots of oxygenation and the fish will become very aggressive when foraging for food.
The baits of choice have been jumbo shrimps, live or cut Pinfish/ Ladyfish, Pilchards, finger mullets, gold spoons, top water lures, and scented plastics (jigged or rigged weed-less). This week has produced most of the Redfish around the mangrove islands at the top of incoming tides, using presentations stated above.
Pictured here is Mr. Davis Hasson of Naples, Florida (Senior at Florida Gulf Coast University), holding a Redfish caught on a jumbo shrimp. Davis is an avid fisherman and scuba diver and is always a pleasure to be around. Unfortunately, we had to cut this trip short due to weather. I recently had the pleasure of catching Bonefish on the ‘fly’ with Davis while on a ‘cultural’ exchange, fishing and scuba diving in Cuba, of which I will write about in a later report.
Now through the first week of September should be good fishing as the full moon approaches and then takes a few days to subside. Remember to work the oyster clustered areas surrounding the mangrove islands. Look for ‘jumping’ mullet as they are a very important part when it comes to locating Redfish (Redfish follow them around). I prefer to fish the top half of incoming tides for Redfish, as they seem to provide better results.
SNOOK SEASON OPENS SEPTEMBER 1st!
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tighter’ lines! Other fishing reports, tips and charter information may be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Feel free to email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com or for immediate attention, call me direct at 239-357-6829.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) The Redfish are here in good numbers. The bigger Redfish are arriving daily as they come in from the Gulf of Mexico to fatten up for the winter months and to mate as well. I have had tremendous success with catching them with jumbo shrimp on a weighted jig head suspended under a cork either just on the sea bed or just above it. Other techniques have included a jig head or weight on the bottom with a jumbo shrimp to hold in places of current to keep the bait in the strike zone around the oyster beds or mangrove roots.
Pictured here are Stacey and Dean Church of Branson, Missouri each holding their recent catches. They hired me out by the hour on their vessel to show them fishing locations and techniques. I also provided instructions for chumming and cast netting pilchards on the flats. They have invested in a home here in Ft. Myers and are planning to move down in the not too distant future to live in this beautiful area. They come down to Florida about every two months. They are experienced anglers who were smart to obtain valuable information to insure safe boating and guarantee successful fishing adventures. Very nice people that I had the pleasure to meet and help.
Also, I have pictures of two junior anglers with their recent catches. Ms. Neko Bade (7 yrs.) is holding her first Seatrout. Her brother, Luke Bade (10 yrs.) did a professional job of angling his first ever Redfish that he rightly and proudly displays. Their father, Richard Bade holds his catch as well. Their mother Jodi caught the most Seatrout that day and proved that she is a part of the fishing family from Austin, Texas. Good job fishing friends!
Redfish are everywhere. This is the opportunity to get out and get one. They should continue to be plentiful from now throughout the month of October. Over the coming weeks, I will keep everyone abreast as to their whereabouts and techniques to catch them. Anyone wanting me to go out on their vessel should contact me at 239-357-6829 or email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. My website: www.fishfacecharters.com will provide more information to those seeking articles, techniques and charter information.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) This week offers us great fishing with a ‘full’ moon and higher tide levels which will allow access for many anglers to the remote areas. The stronger currents will provide more oxygen to the water and will improve the bite as well.
The Redfish bite has been strong and plentiful! I suggest getting to the mangroves and working the incoming before the tides ‘max’ out for your best chances. Redfish are not as easy to find once they leave the mangroves and oyster beds. The baits of choice have been large handpicked shrimps, cut pinfish and crabs. As the summer temperatures ‘heat up’ I’ve noticed the big bull Redfish are coming in from the gulf sooner than expected.
Captain Terry had a ‘special treat’ a few weeks ago and was able to fish the freshwater lakes and ponds with three of his grandchildren that are pictured here. Landon (8) is pictured with his large Catfish, Addison (7) is pictured with her Bluegill and Avery (4) is pictured with her Crappie!
This is First Mate Vicki and Captain Terry Fisher of FISH FACE CHARTER’S wishing everyone safe boating and tighter lines! Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-‐357-‐6829 or emailing me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. Check out my website: www.fishfacecharters.com for more information and articles.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Fishing has been good on high incoming tides for most species such as Seatrout, Mangrove Snappers, Redfish and Snook. The outgoing will also produce (especially for Snook). Snook are easier to catch on the outgoing tide because their locations are much more predictable. Work the current cuts around the creek mouths and spoil islands for them. Redfish on the other hand, are not as easy to find once they leave the mangroves and oyster beds. Small Sharks are everywhere on the flats. Cut pinfish (bleeding) should produce some fun action. They will also take shrimp while catching Seatrouts, Ladyfish and Spanish Mackerel suspended under a cork.
Picture here is a group of young baseball players from Tennessee, with their fathers. They took some time between tournament games in Ft. Myers to fish. Eric and Ben Chumley are together in a picture holding one of two sharks caught by Ben, while father Eric proudly ‘displays’ a big Seatrout. Their friends, Jason Martin and his son Ty Martin are pictured with a small ‘Black Tip’ shark of their own. Not to be out done, Jason’s other son, Eli Martin caught a shark as well.
Lots of fun memories were made that day, as was on another father and son outing, featuring Mr. Dave Placher and his son Luke from Blue Ridge, Georgia holding a small ‘Black Tip’ shark. Luke also displays his large ‘yellow mouth’ (Seatrout) caught on a shrimp. Lots of fish were caught that afternoon, the day before they headed home from a nice visit with mom and grandmother in Cape Coral. Good job Luke!
In closing the new moon is on the horizon with good tides providing access to a lot of areas. Pilchards, Threadfins are around for the netting. Crabs and decent shrimps still available for live baiters. This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tight lines’. Charter information on my vessel or yours may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or emailing fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. More articles, fishing tips, reports and charter services available may be found on my website: www.fishfacecharters.com
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Summer is here and the fishing has been fair. This week brings forward a ‘full’ moon phase offering high tide levels and access to remote areas not accessible to many anglers during ‘mid-moon’ phases. Hopefully, the currents will provide more oxygen and improve the ‘bite’. Threadfin’s are fairly plentiful and are best for Snook and Tarpon. Unfortunately, ‘white’ bait fishes have been scarce.
Therefore, the baits of choice for Redfish, other than artificial presentations, will be big shrimps, cut Pinfish and crabs. Redfish are showing up more and more and with the early hot temperatures, I expect the big bull Redfish to come in from the gulf sooner than later this year. Seatrout have been hard to find with any size to them. Look for them to hold up in deeper holes during the hot days of the week and use small shrimps to insure lots of action from the species. Tarpon are still in the area, mostly off the beaches and in Boca Grande Pass. Crabs seem to be the most effective bait.
Offshore should be good so long as the weather permits. Be safe and try to get in early to mid-afternoon ahead of the storms. Inshore boaters and anglers should be cautious as well.
Over the last few months I have had great pleasure to take out several ‘Junior’ anglers. Pictured here from Lakeville, MN. is Aidan Andre (9) holding just one of many fish he caught while fishing Pine Island Sound. Great going Aidan!
Six (6) year old, Kinley Gillihan of Kansas City, Missouri is pictured with a nice Seatrout she caught. Kinley also caught a shark all by herself. She is a terrific future ‘lady’ angler!
The Jacobs Family from St. Charles, Missouri (once my home town area), accompanied me on a charter. Lee (11) is holding a Jack Crevalle he caught. His brother Austin (9), is pictured with a nice Seatrout. Both boys caught their share of fish and are destined to be ‘big time’ anglers! The family (Karen, Todd, Lee and Austin) are pictured together after a wonderful afternoon on the water. Thank you Karen and Todd. I enjoyed the time we had together!
Until the next ‘report’; this is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone tight lines and safe boating. Charter information may be obtained by calling me at 239-357-6829 or emailing me at fishfacecharters.com. More articles and information may be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Looking back on the last few weeks brings good memories of a large number of Snook caught. My favorite Canadian client; Mr. Gino Mascarin (with Captain Terry) and his friend Jennifer Wintermans, both of Thunder Bay, Ontario are pictured here with a couple of nice Snook they caught during their annual visit to Cape Coral. Gino is a world class fisherman whose ranking is annually threatened by Jenifer who is on the verge of ‘out-doing’ him. She is relative new to salt water angling, but continues to become more involved and successful with each expedition. Gino capitalizes on his ability each time a big game fish takes the presentation. His catch percentage is second to none. Nice Job Gino and Jenifer!
Not to be outdone, Mr. Martin Smith of Cape Coral closed the spring Snook season out with an impressive Snook that pushed 38 inches. Moreover, due to light tackle, a couple of other large ones that took presentations, got deep into the mangroves before he was able to get them turned. The good news is: catching Snook is a year round ordeal! Plenty of them out there to give everyone the opportunity for a ‘Snook of a lifetime’.
It is a ‘full’ moon and Tarpon are everywhere. They are taking crabs, Pinfish, Threadfins Lady Fish, Mullet, Catfish fillets and Mackerel fillets ‘free-lined’ or cut . Hopefully, the winds will subside over the next few days and offer more opportunities to work the passes and the west side of the outer islands.
Redfish making appearances. Get to the mangroves before the tides ‘max’ out for the best chances. They are biting cut baits and live Shrimp presentations on a regular basis. Seatrout in good numbers and decent sizes. Lots of Jack Crevalle as well.
Offshore; Cobia, Permit, Grouper, Triple Tail, Porgy’s, King Fish, Spanish Mackerel and Tarpon are all here and are providing plenty of action.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish face Charters wishing everyone safe boating, ‘tighter lines’ and Cinco de Mayo! Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or emailing me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. Check out my website: www.fishfacecharters for more information and articles.
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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com with questions or for charter bookings. Check out www.fishfacecharters.com for additional articles and fishing tips.
(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) This week should be a good week for boaters and fishermen (ladies) alike. Warm weather, decent wind forecasts and full moon on the way should allow access to lots of locations. Last week was tough for offshore fishermen and captains as well as myself on the flats and in backcountry areas. Nonetheless, the Sheepshead bite was fantastic for those willing to brave the rain and wind. Larger Spanish Mackerel are showing up around Bokeelia. There are big Seatrout and nice Sheepshead on the flats and on the inside of the passes (respectively) on the northern end of Pine Island Sound. Pictured here is Mr. Ron Adkinson of Amherstburg, Ontario holding a huge Seatrout caught close to Cayo Costa under a cork with shrimp. His friend, Dieter Weimann of Fort Erie, Ontario holds one of many nice Sheepshead he caught inside North Captiva Pass.
The southern end of Pine Island Sound (around the Punta Rassa area) produced some really big Sheepshead as well. Pictured here are two other of my clients; Mr. La Vern Woltjer of Willmar, Minnesota and his son, Mr. Matt Woltjer of New Prague, MN. each holding one of their numerous Sheepshead caught during a recent afternoon charter.
Snook, Redfish, Flounder and Jack Crevelle were among some of the other species caught for the week, but were not nearly as active as the Sheepshead. Blind and Redfish Passes are also holding fish.
This coming weekend (March 5, 6, 7 and Sunday March 8) will find my 1st Mate Vicki and I at our booth (FISH FACE CHARTERS), at Go Boating Florida’s; Bonita Springs Boat Show (in the parking lot of the Dog Track). This is a great venue so be sure to attend. I will be doing fishing seminars as well and we look forward to seeing everyone. Those that follow my articles, please stop by and introduce yourself as we look forward to meeting you.
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. The website address providing charter information and other fishing tips is www.fishfacecharters.com
