“If you have a small boat or kayak, the Allapatchee Shores Park ramp located in Punta Gorda, is a great place for…” Says Fishin’ Frank

What to do? For starters, hide from the wind and rain. If you do venture out, there is some good fishing that can happen where it isn’t windy.

If you have a small boat or kayak, the Allapatchee Shores Park ramp located in Punta Gorda, is a great place for most boats under 20 feet with a shallow draft (flats boats). In order to be effective here, an electric trolling motor is key. Just put in at the ramp, and start working down stream towards the trestle. More information on this location and directions to the trestle can be found by visiting the following links:

http://www.fishinfranks.com/ramp_allapatchee.htm
http://www.fishinfranks.com/ali_tres.htm

There are Snook, and small Tarpon, that can be found here. The DOA TerrorEyz are good to use here – the small ones for the Tarpon and the larger ones for the Snook. A few other good lures that can be used are the Rat-L-Traps and Spoons.

This is a great getaway place that has some very shallow spots, but is definitely fun to explore. It is a salt water fishing area, that being said I have caught a few Bass here, which come down over the dam above this on Taylor Rd., so be ready for almost anything. I hope you enjoy this spot!

If you are a live bait person, shrimp will work fine here. Fresh water shiners can also be used, and are great bait for the Snook here. With Florida being the way that it is, in order to use fresh water shiners you might want to have a fresh water license. Even though you are fishing in salt water, it is part of the international zones. Why you ask? I don’t know, I’m just the messenger, not the law maker or the enforcer. A way to use the shiners and be ok is to make sure that if you are asked if you are doing, make sure that you say snook fishing. Do not just say ‘fishing’! There are bass in the area which would require that you have both a salt and fresh water license, so just make sure to say snook fishing to be safe.

Good luck and if this confuses you, Welcome to Florida!
Fishin Frank

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Fishin’ Frank says “ There are however a lot of Sheepshead in Alligator Creek and at El-Jo.”

Screen Shot 2014-11-24 at 11.03.08 AM

The weather is not what had been predicted, so chasing the Kings may not happen for a little while.

There are however a lot of Sheepshead in Alligator Creek and at El-Jo. Shrimp is the bait of choice right now for the Sheepshead. The larger shrimp should attract the larger fish. Many of the Sheepshead are close to the 20 inch mark. While fishing at El-Jo you should also be able to get your keeper Snook. Snook is better to catch on lures like the Storm 4 inch Shad. Also walking it is better than casting it.

On the flats it is again a shrimp bite right now, from Snook and Sheepshead to Trout. The Trout seem be be looking for the float rigs. If you are interested in using fake bait, a DOA deadly combo is the ticket.

Good luck and catch you again!
Fishin Frank

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “However, we should still have some good fishing throughout the next week or so…”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Prior to, during and after the recent Ft. Myers Boat Show the fishing was and has been fantastic on both incoming and outgoing tides. The ‘white’ bait has been around the bridges and cast netters have been active catching all of the bait they need on one cast. These baits have provided premium Snook action on both incoming and outgoing tides. (especially outgoing). Pictured here is Mr. Doug Frasier of Minnesota holding one of many Snook’s he caught on ‘white’ bait. Over 20 Snook was landed during an outgoing tide on circle hooks. It was a first for Doug and he adjusted very well. Good job Doug!

Dougs-Snook

Shrimps and Pinfish work for those seeking out Seatrout, Spanish Mackerels, Ladyfish and Redfish. Pictured with Redfish are Dr. Ulrich Jaeger and his brother-in-law, Jean-Marie Schmitz, both of Luxembourg. Both fish were caught on large live shrimp on a jig head on the bottom. These two anglers proved their ability time and time again landing over 15 Redfish and a number of small Seatrout. They had an awesome day!

Dr.-Ulrich-Redfish Jean-Marie-Schmitz-Redfish

Cold fronts are pushing down from the north and only time will tell how much longer we will be able to cast nets for the bait fishes. Additionally, if the weather deteriorates and the water temperatures get low too quick, the fish will begin to move to other spots. However, we should still have some good fishing throughout the next week or so on the back side of the recent front. My recommendation is to fish later in the day and give the flats and other areas time to warm up. The fishing will still be predicated on the tides and they will cooperate with later departures for the fishing grounds over the next week or so.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters thanking all ‘fishing family and friends’ that stopped by our both, in the convention center at the Ft. Myers Boat Show last week or attended one of my seminars. Vicki and I enjoyed seeing all of you again. Charter information may be obtain on line at www.fishfacecharters.com. Email me at [email protected] or call me at 239-357-6829 for immediate response.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “ Live, dead, cut baits will be one’s best bet …”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Fishing has remained good during the month of October for most species. I had the opportunity to take a Martin Smith of Cape Coral out with his grandson’s ( Isaac and Ethan) from Churubusco, Indiana to do some ‘serious’ fishing and ‘catching’.. We left around noon to target some Seatrout on the flats (as the tides were better later in the day for Redfish and Snook). I was elated and surprised to find out that both Isaac and his 7 year old brother, Ethan were very experienced and proved it over and over again throughout the afternoon by catching Seatrout, Snook and Redfish in good numbers. Pictured here is Ethan, being helped by his father to hold a 23″ Redfish that he fought and landed late in the day. He also hooked and landed his first Snook. Not to be outdone, Isaac caught his first Redfish as well. Great job guys!

Ean's-Redfish

Ean's-Snook

 

Isaac-Martin-Redfish

Snook, Permit, Seatrout, Redfish and Mangrove Snappers are very active and it should only get better as the full moon cycle approaches and the daytime higher tide levels provide opportunity to backcountry venues. Live, dead, cut baits will be one’s best bet and it appears that the weather patterns will be favorable as forecasted.

Finally, I am pictured with a couple of my favorite client friends, Jade Tilford and Elizabeth Goodin of Kevil, Kentucky who I have the pleasure of spending a day each year with to do shelling, site seeing, lunch and yes, a little fishing as well. See you next year ladies.

Jade-Tilford-and-friend

This is Captain Terry wishing everyone ‘tight lines’ and good boating. Charter information may be obtained by going to my website at www.fishfacecharters.com or email me at [email protected] or call me at 239-357-6829.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Full moon on the horizon.

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) October is ‘Redfish Month’. Those anglers seeking their dream of hooking, fighting and landing a big Redfish should make arrangements to target this species now; especially with a ‘full moon on the horizon’! Notwithstanding that we are still a week away, both of the daily high tide cycles should provide plenty of water to seek out the fish in a number of areas around Punta Rassa Bay, Buck Key as well as other areas on the immediate east side of Sanibel, Captiva and North Captiva Island locations. Areas of Pineland, Matlacha and Two Pines will have lower water levels than I desire, making them less productive for many anglers.

There are plenty of bait options, ‘white’ baits off virtually every sandbar as well as big Threadfin’s off the beaches. Big shrimps and cut Pinfish are both good options. Recently, I had the pleasure of taking Frank Petrick and his son Jonah, of Lehigh Acres, Florida on a charter. Pictured here is Mr. Frank holding a beautiful Redfish he caught on a cut Pinfish under a mangrove. His son Jonah proved his angling abilities as well by catching a variety of fish, including a large Snook.

Frank-(Pineland)-Redfish

On a subsequent charter, I had the pleasure to fish with Mr. Tom Ryle, his wife Shirley and son Wes of Covington, Kentucky. Tom and Shirley now spend considerable time on Sanibel enjoying our beautiful weather. Within minutes of making a shrimp presentation along an oyster laden spoil island, Shirley landed the 29 inch Redfish pictured here. Unfortunately, it was over the maximum ‘slot’ size of 27″.

Shirley-Ryle's-Redfish

Nonetheless, Tom caught a 24 inch Red for dinner. They all caught a variety of species that afternoon as the tides moved into the back country areas around Punta Rassa and Tropical Home Site areas. Nice job Tom and Shirley! Let’s do it again!

Tom-Ryle-and-son-Wes

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone ‘tight lines’. Charter information may be obtained by calling me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]. Check out my website: www.fishfacecharters.com for more articles and fishing tips.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“ Some of the year’s best Redfish action will be in October! ” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) My 1st Mate (Vicki) and I recently returned from a trip to Italy to experience some fly fishing on the Lima River close to Lucca, Italy. We had a wonderful time with one of the guides based out of Florence, but are happy to be back in beautiful SW Florida in time for some Redfish and Snook action.

It did not take long for me to get back on the water. Pictured here is Mr. Brady Johnson of Johnston, Iowa holding a Redfish he caught on an incoming tide in the back country of Punta Rassa. His lady friend, Ms. Jordyn Kapsch, caught a variety of species, including Seatrout, Crevalle Jacks, Snook and the Redfish she is holding.

Brady-Johnson's-RedfishBrady's-Girlfriend,-Jordyn

The Snook bite was good all week. One of my regular clients, Mr. Frank Miller of Roebling, N.J., showed off his angling ability when he hooked and landed the 28 inch Snook pictured here.

Frank-Miller-Snook

Fishing should continue to be good, especially if the winds blow from the south and south west. Otherwise; one needs to fish the higher of the two incoming tides to have enough water to provide access to more locations. Some of the year’s best Redfish action will be in October! Artificial presentations as well as live and cut baits should work. Fish moving water for best results.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone tight lines! Check out my website; www.fishfacecharters.com for more fishing reports, articles and information. I am easily reached by phone at 239-357-6829 or via email at [email protected] for charter bookings.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “This time of the month should produce great action as the full moon cycle takes its course.”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) This time of the month should produce great action as the full moon cycle takes its course. Migratory species, such as King Fish and Spanish Mackerel will only add to the grouper and snapper action for off-shore anglers. Inshore should produce plenty of Snook, Redfish, Seatrouts and Mangrove Snappers to round out the flats and back country opportunities. Pictured here is Mr. Werner Baumgartner of Germany holding a 28″ Redfish that he caught in the back water areas of Punta Rassa Bay. Prior to that he landed a nice 17″ Permit on a shrimp under a cork in Pine Island Sound.

Baumgartner-RedfishBaumgartner-Permit

During this month, my 1st Mate and I are headed to Europe to fly-fish the Italian rivers of Tuscany and experience salt water fishing on the northern Mediterranean Sea around southern France. We are hoping to catch trout and Grayling in the rivers and salt water game fish in France. I am looking forward to writing about these experiences to share with our fishing friends so as to compare those experiences with our own back here in beautiful SW Florida.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters saying Bon Voyage and ‘tight lines’ to all of my weekly readers. Additional articles and charter information may be obtained by checking out my website; www.fishfacecharters.com or by emailing me at [email protected].

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “ Snook season is open. Early morning or late evenings are good times to target these nocturnal feeders.”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week’s southerly winds, good weather and high tides provided ‘prime-time’ for catching numerous species for off-shore and in-shore fishing alike. Reports of Spanish Mackerels, Triple Tails, Cobia, Snapper and Grouper catches were good. Inshore provided some of the best action of the summer as we came off the backside of a new moon.

One of my better and most experience Junior Anglers, Jack Robert of Blaine, Minnesota, is pictured with his first Redfish. Jack has a natural ability to catch almost any fish that takes his presentation. Watching this 9 year old handle a fish is quite impressive. Every year, Jack’s grandparents, Vicki and Charlie Lundgren of Minnesota, go all out to make sure Jack gets the opportunity to nurture his youthful skills, since he loves to fish. Jack has fished with me now for over two years and I was thrilled when he proved that he was ready to fish with the adults in the back country by landing the 23″ Redfish mentioned above. I have also included a picture of Jack and I together as he proudly displays another of the day’s fine catches, a 23″ Seatrout.

Jack's-RedfishJack'-Seatrout

A full moon is ‘on the horizon’ and subject to weather should bring with it strong tides and more opportunity. Snook season is open. Early morning or late evenings are good times to target these nocturnal feeders. However, during tide movements, they will prey on live or cut baits properly placed along or into the mangroves. Redfish, Seatrouts, Spanish Mackerels and Mangrove Snappers are all too eager to eat as well.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone great success and ‘tight lines’! Charter information may be obtained by emailing me at [email protected] or via the website www.fishfacecharters.com or call me at 239-357-6829.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “ I am forecasting great backcountry opportunities over the next week, especially in…”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week was fantastic fishing with the full moon and southern breezes providing plenty of current and water from the Gulf of Mexico. Pictured here is one of my favorite junior anglers, Wyatt Day (11yrs young) of Cheyenne, Wyoming together with his cousins, Cameron Marrs (13yrs) and Christian Marrs (only 7) each holding one of the many fish that they caught on a 6 hour charter early this week. Cameron, is shown with a nice Redfish he caught while in the backcountry. Wyatt had his share of Redfish and Snook action as well. The lads did well when changing over from fishing for Seatrout in an effort to look for the big, backcountry game fishes. These junior anglers are good fishermen and are looking forward to a shot at Redfish and Snook again next year!

Wyatt,-Cameron-&-ChristianCameron's-Redfish

Fishing was good all week from the Punta Rassa area to Charlotte Harbor for most species, especially, Redfish, Snook and Seatrouts. My1st Mate, Vicki is pictured here with a huge Super Snook that she masterfully handled out of the deep mangroves at the top of an incoming tide around Punta Rassa Bay. I am forecasting great backcountry opportunities over the next week, especially in the southern end of Pine Island Sound (‘Sound’), around the Punta Rassa Bay areas, as the tides will continue to be higher and the currents stronger over the northern half of the ‘Sound’.

V's-Super-Snook

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters, wishing everyone ‘tight lines’! Information regarding charters may be obtained by calling me at 239-357-6829 or email [email protected]. Check out our website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more articles and fishing tips.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“ Rains are swelling creeks and rivers so be sure and get into the backcountry locations two hours ahead of high tide…” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week I had the pleasure to meet new clients as well as take some repeat clients to catch Snook, Redfish, Seatrout and Mangrove Snappers. The tides were good allowing me to get into the backcountry on the incoming tides. Pictured here is Mr. Ben Shepard of Toledo, Ohio proudly displaying his 33″ Snook caught on a weighted jig head using a cut Pinfish on the bottom, close to some Mangroves. I could tell that Ben has done a lot of fishing as he ‘angled’ her like a pro. Ben was spending a week with his immediate family on Sanibel. Several of them joined Ben that day and agreed to take some time early in the charter to get him on the Snook (since it was his ‘birthday’), prior to everyone fishing the flats for Seatrout. Ben got his Snook of a lifetime! Nice going Benjamin.

Ben-and-Family-with-Snook

Previous clients and friends (Mr. Dan Blackman and family from Abingdon, MD.) joined me on a separate charter to do a repeat performance from last year; to catch some Redfish. Dan’s lovely wife Tracie, proudly displays her first Redfish, as son Tim and his lady friend Jordan Levush, caught theirs as well. Snook, Seatrout and Mangrove Snappers rounded out the day for all of them. Looking forward to doing it again next year. Dan is retired Army and now works for the Dept. of Defense. Thank you Dan for your service to this country! Always a pleasure to see you guys.

Tacie's-RedfishTim's-Redfish

Weather permitting and with the full moon phase just days away, fishing should be fantastic. Rains are swelling creeks and rivers so be sure and get into the backcountry locations two hours ahead of high tide or it will be too late to get the fish before they find refuge in the Mangroves. During low tides, look for Seatrout holding in deeper holes and fish a cork above the grasses. White baits are all around for those with nets. Otherwise, live shrimps, pinfish and artificial baits will produce. The bite offshore has been good for Snappers, Grouper and other species on grunts, Pinfish, shrimps and cut baits like squid.

Jordan's-Redfish

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone ‘tight lines’! Charter information may obtained by calling me @239-357-6829 or email [email protected]

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports