“ This month will continue to produce good Redfish numbers, so now is the time to get on the water and get your share.” Says Captain Terry

(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.

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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.

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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.

9/14/2015

Captain Terry says “REDFISH are everywhere.”

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.

 

Davis-Hasson-Redfish

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.

August 28,2015

Captain Terry says “ Snook are easier to catch on the outgoing tide because…”

(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.

Eric-chumley's-Seatrout

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

“The Snook bite is excellent, especially when using live Pilchards.” says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbour) Fishing was ‘OK’ the last few days as we struggled through the 1/4 moon phase approaching a ‘new moon’. However all of next week should produce good opportunities as tides become higher during daylight hours providing strong currents, with good oxygenation. Tarpon are in good numbers just off of Captiva Beach just south of Redfish Pass. One may find them anywhere from the swim buoys to a few yards out. They are in Boca Grande Pass as well. The baits of choice are Threadfins, Crabs, Pinfish and Mullet. I suggest getting the baits down with a weight once the schools are spotted and moving toward the boat.

The Snook bite is excellent, especially when using live Pilchards. The problem is finding the Pilchards. Redfish seem to prefer large shrimp and cut baits such as, Pinfish or Ladyfish. Fish both species on the incoming or outgoing tides.

Seatrout and Spanish Mackerel will both be taken on grass and sand flats. I prefer to use a weighted jig head under a cork in 5 to 6 foot of water. It is hot in the afternoon and these fish are looking to ‘beat the heat’! Mangrove Snappers are around the mangroves, as their name suggest. Use a circle hook under a small cork loaded with a small shrimp. Regardless of the species, always try to fish on a moving tide as ‘slack’ tides normally do not produce as good.

Kudlac-Family

Pictured here are two of my recent family charters featuring youthful, ‘junior’ anglers. Firstly, the Kudlac family; John, Lea, Natasha and Alexandra from Greenville, S. C. Natasha (12) is holding a small Jack Crevalle. Her sister Alexandra (8) is holding a big Spanish Mackerel she caught. Not to be outdone, Lea caught a beautiful Seatrout measuring over 20 inches.

Natasha's-Jack-Crevalle Alexander's-Mackerel Lea-Kudlac-Trout

Boethel-Family

The Boethel family; Carl, Christy, Colter and Owen of Belton, Texas. Colter (10), is holding one of many Seatrout he caught. His 8 year old brother, Owen is holding a 17 inch Seatrout he caught on a shrimp under a cork. Both boys had a good day of catching as did their mother, Christy who caught a 3 ft. shark! I am looking forward to taking both families out again next year!

Colter's-Seatrout Owen's-Seatrout

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone tight lines! Charter information may be obtained on my website: www.fishfacecharters.com. Charters may be booked via email at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com or by calling direct at 239-357-6829.

“Fishing is as good as it gets right now” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

Fishing and boating should be fantastic over the next week or so. High tides, good weather forecasts excite most anyone looking to enjoy a day of cruising, beaching, shelling, swimming and of course, fishing! Fishing is as good as it gets right now; especially on the ‘new’ moon phase. I suggest fishing early in the mornings and getting in before the heat kicks up accompanied by the threat of afternoon storms.

Last spring, I had the pleasure to do several trips with my fishing companion and friend, Mr. Leland Longstreth, of Ft. Myers, Florida. Lee caught several nice Snook free-lining pilchards under the mangroves on incoming and outgoing tides. He is pictured with one caught on the last outing. On a separate occasion, his grandson Ben Batchelder, of Carmel, Indiana, accompanied his grandfather and me on charter while vacationing here. Ben is a polite, fantastic junior angler who has caught his share of fish over the years. Unfortunately, the big Snook eluded him this year. None the less, Ben is committed to catching his Snook of a ‘lifetime’, just like grandfather did a couple of years back. Ben is pictured holding a Snook caught around the mangroves of Sanibel Island. Ben is on the wrestling team at Carmel Clay Middle School and recently placed 3rd in the 115 pound division in Marion County (Indianapolis, Indiana). Nice going Ben! See you next year.

Leland's-SnookBen's-Snook

Another junior angler that I have the yearly pleasure to fish with is 12 year old Connor Budach, of Owatonna, MN. Connor was accompanied by his mom and dad (Lee Anne and Mike Budach). Connor is pictured with a nice Spanish Mackerel. It is one of many fish he caught that day. Connor continues to improve his angling abilities and has requested a shark/Tarpon trip for next year! I am looking forward to taking him. I must warn the sharks and Tarpon that Connor is ready for them!

Connor-Budach-Mackerel

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone good, safe boating and tighter lines! Charter information and reservations may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or by emailing me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. More articles, tips and information is on my website; www.fishfacecharters.com

Captain Terry says “It is a ‘full’ moon and Tarpon are everywhere.”

(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!

Gino-and-TerryJenifer's-Snook

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’.

Martin-Smith's-Big-Snook

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.

“Warmer water temperatures are bringing in Tarpon and other species in full force.” Says Captain Terry

(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.

Seth-Leohr's-Mackerel

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.

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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 ‘go fishing’! 

Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829  or by emailing; fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. More articles and fishing information may be obtained at www.fishfacecharters.com.

“ The Snook bite is REALLY GOOD ” says Captain Terry

(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.

Kevin-Barrett's-Snook

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!

Steve's-SnookConnie's-Jack-Crevalle

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!

Zack's-Captain-Hat

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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com for charter bookings or questions. Check out our website: www.fishfacecharters.com for all information pertaining to charters, more articles and fishing tips.

“Warm weather, decent wind forecasts and full moon on the way should allow access to lots of locations.” Says Captain Terry

(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.

Ron's-Huge-TroutDieter's-Sheepshead

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.

La-Vern's-SheepsheadMatt-Woltjer-Sheeps

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

“THE SHEEPSHEAD BITE SHOULD BE HOT THIS WEEK!” Says Captain Terry

(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!

Larry's-Big-Sheepshead

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.

Tom's-SheepsheadTom,-Larry-and-LeRoy

All three anglers are pictured behind the console returning to port after a great day on the water.

Leslie,-Kelly-and-TraceyLeslie's-Seatrout

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.

Kelly's-SheepsheadTracey's-Seatrout

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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com Check out my website www.fishfacecharters.com for more articles and charters information.