Lee County Fishing Report with Captain Terry

The warm weather and low winds provided a lot of opportunity to get out on the water to enjoy catching and releasing a number of different species both off-shore and back-bay areas. My 1st Mate Vicki and I had a couple of days of quality time off the eastern tip of Sanibel Island catching Spanish Mackerel on light spinning tackle with jigs and fly rods. I hooked up a big Ceros Mackerel only to have my hand burned with both line and reel when trying to slow down the ‘run’.  We ‘cruised’ the crab trap buoy lines with the sun to our backs and free-lined shrimp to Triple Tails and motored our bay boat to some close-by reef locations to catch a few Sheepshead, Snappers along with a variety of other species using Shrimp and Pinfish. If next week’s moderate wind forecasts are accurate, one may expect more of the same when ‘hunting’ the above species.

‘Back-bay’ charter trips are producing Spanish Mackerel on jigs with live shrimp as well as a couple of Pompano (the picture of my client Roy from Atlanta, Ga., planned on cooking this big Pompano for his wife ‘Jimmy’ for their 11th Anniversary dinner while vacationing on Sanibel Island). There are plenty of Mangrove Snappers and Flounder waiting to be fed and provide some ‘non-stop’ action. Unfortunately, I have had trouble finding schools of Seatrout over the last couple of days and I am somewhat puzzled as to why; especially with the warmer weather and water temperatures. Nonetheless, I am confident that the bite will pick up soon.

Until next week, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing you ‘happy times’ on the water. If you have any questions or want to book a charter, simply give me a call at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]. Check out my website www.fishfacecharters.com to review recent catches as well as weekly and monthly published articles.

 

 

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Charlotte County Fishing Report with Frank

The flats fishin requires a Lewis & Clark attitude.  Yes indeed boys & Girls if you are going to find fish on the east side, put on your explorer out-fit.  Right now those Red-Fish, Trout, Sheep head, Snapper are all tucked in between the islands.  This will require two people (one of you drawing straws seems to work out) for who drives the boat and who gets to stand on the bow.   Yup one of you gets to stand on the bow as you idle slowly, very slowly around the keys “Islands” of the east side.  You are looking for deeper water flowing between two islands.

When you find a place, it is not going to be good fishing yet, since you just ran your boat into, over, & through it.   Take a minute to look around.  Study where the hole/trough is and where you should anchor to get your best cast.  Get a game plan in your head, then go off to find the next spot.  By the time you find the next one, the first one you found should be ready to fish.  Head back to your first spot. come in using your Electric motor or push pole.  Use a stick-it pin/pole to anchor with not, not an anchor with a chain (this is a quiet area).  You have to be sneaky about this.   Once you are set, you should be able to start catching.  And, as we all know, that is just the “bonus”.  But it is really nice to be catching and not just fishin every once in a while.

Have fun & be safe out there.

Frank

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Lee County Fishing Report with Captain Terry

By Captain Terry Fisher, Fish Face Charters

(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.

Posted by Scott Q Fishing Reports