“ 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

“ The flats produced good Seatrout action early in the mornings and late in the evenings.” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week produced some super big fish including the 29″ Redfish caught by Mr. Jose Romanelli of Cape Coral, Florida on his birthday charter with his family (father, mother, sister and girlfriend). Jose is just turned 20 and is a junior at Edison University in Ft. Myers and is studying law as well as majoring in Marine Ecology. He is a friend of marine life and I consider him a good client and contact for future reports on studies concerning the health of our valuable estuary. Jose also caught a nice 23″ Snook. All members of his family caught Redfish as well as lots of Seatrout and other species before the day ended. Happy Birthday Jose!

Jose's--Big-Redfish

The new moon phase contributed to good tides and wind directions added additional bonuses by shoving water into areas holding the big Redfish and Snook species. I am pictured holding a 33″ Snook caught on an incoming tide in the backcountry. The flats produced good Seatrout action early in the mornings and late in the evenings. Both outgoing and incoming tides produced good bites in the deeper holes over the Turtle Grass flats.

Terry's-33-Snook

This week should continue to be good on both incoming and outgoing tides on the back side of the new moon phase. Baits such as Pilchards, Threadfins, Pinfish and Shrimp are plentiful and should produce lots of bites. Artificial presentations will generate catches as well. Soft baits such as; Berkley Gulp and other brands should be in one’s arsenal and utilized when the opportunity arises, as sometimes they will prompt a strike when live baits do not.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters. Charter information may be obtained by calling me direct at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“ Fish areas with good water movement…” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Tarpon are still in the area; off of the beaches, in the ‘passes’, in San Carlos Bay, Pine Island Sound and especially Charlotte Harbor. Their whereabouts depend on whether the tides are incoming or outgoing. Baits of choice are small Blue Crab, ‘Pass’ Crabs, Mullet and other bait fishes. However, the bite becomes slow after they get a look at a lot of presentations from the numerous boats; as they are surrounded like ‘wagon trains’ surrounding a campfire. My suggestion is to get out early and get on them before that happens.

Back-country fishing is good as tides are strong and high, offering daily access to less pressured areas for those adventurous enough to seek out Redfish, Snook, Seatrout and the numerous other species that occupy these locations. I recommend fishing early morning and get in before the weather becomes too hot, bringing strong storms and lightning to the area.

Offshore bottom fishing continues to be good as well. Live baits such as Squirrel fish, Pin fish, Crabs and Shrimp will all do the job.

Pictured here is six (6) year old Andy Lam of Cheyenne, Wyoming holding the biggest fish of the day on his family charter, showing his grandfather, Lloyd Wilder (‘Pop’) how it is done. Way to go Andy! Not to be outdone, Andy’s mother Carey is shown with her first Jack Crevalle. We all had a great time that day and I am looking forward to taking Andy out again on his next visit, as he is a fantastic junior angler, ahead of his years.

Andy-Lam's-and-'Pop'-with-SeatroutsCarey-Lam's-Jack-Crevalle

Next week should be productive since we are just coming off of the new moon. Fish areas with good water movement on the top half of either the incoming or outgoing tides for best results.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for charter rates and additional fishing tips. Feel free to call me at 239-357-6829 for immediate assistance or email me at [email protected]. Until next week; tight lines and happy boating!

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Fishing should improve over the next two weeks…” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Tarpon season is in full swing with tournaments from Ft. Myers Beach to Boca Grande Pass. Lee County Tarpon Hunters can be seen along the Inter-coastal water way and throughout Charlotte Harbor. Poor catching reports have run amok with the exception of last week in Charlotte Harbor as well as Boca Grande Pass. A couple of weeks ago I received nothing but dismal reports from members of the Cape Coral Tarpon Hunters Club fishing the areas south of Redfish Pass.

Based on better catch reports and numerous Tarpon sightings, I have been taking my Charter clients to the northern end of Pine Island sound and into the southwestern areas of Charlotte Harbor. I see a lot of Tarpon in the harbor and the fishing is fairly good. I look for it to get better with the new moon phase.

Terrys-Redfish3
Last week, Snook, Redfish and Seatrout catches proved to be less than that of the previous weeks, due mostly to the winds from the north and east. The winds of 15-20 knots kept the water levels low and prevented access to back country locations where I have been successful. Pictured here is a 31″ Redfish I caught on a charter around Foster Bayou on a high tide with strong southern winds providing sufficient water to get my 21 foot Cobia bay boat deep into a proven back country location.

Fishing should improve over the next two weeks as the new moon phase comes in, especially if the winds blow from the south. Moreover, Pilchards are showing up and that will help a great deal to entice bigger quarry out of the mangroves when the high tide peaks and the fish are deep into the growth, hampering an effective presentation.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone tight lines! Charter information may be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Feel free to contact me direct at 239-357-6829 for immediate assistance or email me at [email protected]

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 “ Tarpon (along with sharks) are continuing to move into the area…”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Fishing has been fantastic for most of my clients during the better part of March. Seatrout, Snook, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead and Redfish have all been active from the Sanibel Causeway to Jug Creek just off of Bokeelia, Pine Island. While the flats have produced more numbers of Seatrout, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, the shallows with ‘pot-holes’ in the ‘back-country’ locations have produced Redfish, Snook and larger Seatrouts. Pictured here is Jeff Konzak of Estes Park, Colorado holding a 25″, 6 pound Seatrout caught on a shrimp in Pine Island Sound. This fish required a lot of patience to swallow the bait before ‘setting the hook’. Also pictured here is a Redfish caught by Mr. Steve Weber of Cape Coral, Florida. Several of my clients have had good success with Redfish as well.

Steve-Weber's-RedfishJeff-Konvak'-Seatrout

In regards to other species: Tarpon (along with sharks) are continuing to move into the area with consistent average water temperatures around 70 degrees. Mangrove Snappers, Sheepshead, Ladyfish and Triple Tails are active and will be receptive live baits. Keep an ‘eye-out’ for Cobia. Fishing should get even better as more ‘Glass’ Minnows, Pilchards, Threadfin and other bait fishes move up from the south and ‘springtime’ temperatures continue to rise.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing you ‘tight-lines’. More information on ‘catches’, the techniques and charter information, may be obtained by calling me at 239-357-6829 or at my websites; www.fishfacecharters.com or www.captainterryfisher.com.  I am also easily reached via email at [email protected]. Looking forward to providing you with next week’s fishing report. Until then, be careful and be cautious of ‘foul’ weather!

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry Says “Work the tides and get to the back country.”

Jane-Henderson-SeatroutBob-Wunsch-SeatroutTodd-Schmidt's-SeatroutTodd-Schmidt's-wife-Seatrout(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) My fishing article in the January Issue of the Lee County monthly publication; The Nautical Mile, was titled ‘Seatrout Fishing 101’. If you are having or was having trouble catching Seatrout, may I suggest that you go on line to that publication or my website and read the article. Since the cold fronts have passed the trout fishing has been fantastic utilizing those basic techniques and strategies discussed therein. Pictured here are some of the Seatrout that was caught by my charter clients within the last week. They were found in ‘pockets’ surrounded by ‘Turtle Grass’ at depths of 3′ to 5′ deep. Jayne Henderson and Bob Wunsch of Kewaskum, Wisconsin are proudly displaying their catches of of 22 and 23 inch Seatrout. Their friends, Todd Schmidt and his wife Jo Ann of West Bend, Wisconsin are holding their prize catches as well.

Vince-Young's-SnookSnook, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead and other species have also been very active. Ten year old Vince Young of La Crosse, WI. (on the left) had a special birthday treat when he landed this nice 22 inch Snook in the canals of Cape Coral. His cousin, Jack Brooks of Milwaukee, Wisconsin (pictured with him) was along to witness the catch.

Fishing should continue to be good so long as one is working the tides and can get to the ‘back country’ locations. Unfortunetly, the next week will bring lower tides preventing some boaters access to these areas. Nonetheless, if the cold front(s) stay away the fish should remain fairly active. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for additional articles and charter information. I am also easily reached via cell phone at 239-357-6829 or email at [email protected]. Until next week: GOOD FISHING!

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Slow down the presentations and be patient.” says Captain Terry

Waldy's-(son)-SHANE(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Regardless of the full moon cycle, the cool fronts have definitely slowed down the fishing as well as the ‘bites’. I have worked the flats and back country ‘on and off’ all last week and have found most success working the mangroves, pilings and structures for Mangrove Snappers, Sheepshead and Snook. Spanish Mackerel, Pompano and Seatrout still roam the flats but have been difficult to find during the cold spells. ‘Off-shore’ fishing and reports have been far and few between, due to the sporadic high winds.

Fishing remained fairly good until the last two or three cold fronts but has deteriorated (slowed) as the water temperatures dropped. Shown here is a picture of Mr. Shane Waldy of Niagra Falls (Ontario), Canada with a nice size Seatrout he was able to land after a tough day trying to find fish of any size.

A couple of days prior to that I had the pleasure of fishing with Mr. Aaron Hoffman of Lakeville, Minnesota, pictured with a really nice Pompano caught in Pine Island Sound, just off of Wulfert Keys. His sons, Eli (only 7) and brother Gavin (only 10) are pictured holding Seatrouts. They both proved to be really good ‘junior’ anglers each catching Snook in the ‘back country’.

Aaron-Hoffman's-PompanoGavin-&-Eli-Seatrout-2Gavin's-Good-Snook

It appears that the weather may improve over the weekend and into the middle of next week. I suspect that the fish will remain a little lethargic (with the exception of Sheepshead) with the cooler water temperatures of late. I have a number of charters scheduled over the next several days and look forward to reporting those results in my future fishing reports. Until then, slow down the presentations and be patient. This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing you the best. Additional articles and charter information will be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. I am easily reached via phone at 239-357-6829.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Shrimp, live and cut Pinfish are probably still one’s best bet” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Despite the cool fronts and variable winds the fish have remained active at certain times of the day. It has been difficult to determine as to when to schedule some of the charters, as the fish are sometimes more active early morning as opposed to letting the sun and temperature warm up the ‘flats’ at midday. However, the facts are that they must eat, but the questions remain; when, where and at what depths?

Recently, I had the opportunity to take out some of my ‘favorite’ clients; Chad and Joy Wolney of Buffalo, Minnesota. Joy is a member of the Buffalo Wild Wings corporate management team. Last year I had the pleasure to ‘captain’ a fishing charter with members of that elite group, including Joy and her husband, Chad. We all had a great time. Needless to say, I was honored when they called me a few weeks ago to schedule a family charter, which included Chad’s mother and father, Vicki and Jim Wolney of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota.

Buffalo-Wild-Wings-Family

Ironically, Vicki had never done much fishing, but before that day was over, we all concluded that she was not only the ‘most improved angler’, but probably caught more and bigger fish than all ‘onboard’ (including the ‘captain’)! Pictured here is the Wolney family with Seatrout caught that very ‘cool’ day. The bite was so strong that we had to return to dock to get more baits. Congratulations Vicki!

On the ‘cold’ days, I have been finding fish on the grass flats in five (5) to six (6) feet of water. The water temperature is now around 68 degrees (F), keeping the fish down. Snook, Redfish, Sheeps head, Spanish Mackerel are all active on a moving water. Triple Tails are beginning to show up along the buoys, offshore. Big Snook and Redfish are deeper. Snook will be found in the canals, around the deeper island ‘cuts’ and on hard bottom structure. The waters are clear, so stealth is the ‘order of the day’. Shrimp, live and cut Pinfish are probably still one’s best bet for any of the species. Angler’s presenting artificial baits might consider slowing down the presentations. Be patient, as it is ‘winter’. If and when fish are found, the bite could be good.

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing you a great day of fishing! Fishing reports and charter information may be found at www.fishfacecharters.com. I am easily reached at 239-357-6829 or via email at [email protected] with any questions or requests.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Canal and ‘up-river’ fishing should be good with the cooler weather” Says Captain Terry

Christoff Linder's SnookMaik's CrevalleFt. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Since my last report, we experienced some real shallow (‘skinny’) water in conjunction with a cold front and strong north/northeast winds. Fortunately, the fish remained active. Shown here is Maik Lindner of Frankfurt, Germany holding a nice size Crevalle Jack he caught in a Cape Coral canal on the way to the ‘flats’. His brother, Christoff is shown with his first Snook on an artificial presentation while trolling the canal. Both fish were caught the day before the last cold (cool) front. Once we were on the ‘flats’, both fishermen continued to enjoy angling Spanish Mackerel, Seatrout and other species.

Canal and ‘up-river’ fishing should be good with the cooler weather as Snook, Redfish and snapper populations relocate to ‘winter’ in warmer waters. The baits of choice for the canals will be artificial plugs such as, soft plastics, crank baits, twitch baits and top water presentations; otherwise expect to catch a lot of catfish.

On the ‘flats’, large Seatrouts and Spanish Mackerels will undoubtedly be the easier fish to locate and catch. Live shrimps will be the most effective baits. Look to find easy targets, such as Sheepshead and Mangrove Snappers around pilings, concrete and rock structures, using small ‘bait’ hooks, tipped with a piece of shrimp.

Until next week, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters hoping that my report will help you catch more fish. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more articles and charter information. I am also easily reached at 239-357-6829 for any questions one may have.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports