“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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com

Posted by Matt Galbraith 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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. More information may be obtained at www.fishfacecharters.com.

Posted by Matt Galbraith 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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. Looking forward to providing you with next week’s fishing report. Until then, be careful and be cautious of ‘foul’ weather!

Posted by Matt Galbraith 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 fishfacecharter@yahoo.com. Until next week: GOOD FISHING!

Posted by Matt Galbraith 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 Matt Galbraith 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 fishfacecharters@yahoo.com with any questions or requests.

Posted by Matt Galbraith 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 Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “So long as the weather remains good, so should the fishing.”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)Fishing continued to be good last week as nice weather and a full moon had the fish active. Cooperating winds allowed ‘fishing the flats’ with little trouble when the low tides prevented access to ‘back country’ locations. Redfish, Snook, Pompano and Seatrout have all been active over the past week with the promise for more activity over the Christmas week and into the New Year.

During the Thanksgiving week and just prior to my fishing and diving trip to the Maldives, in the Indian Ocean, I had the pleasure of spending time on the water with friends and clients. Shown here is Mr. Tom Moslander of Edwardsville, Illinois with a ‘slot’ Redfish caught under a cork using a cut Pinfish. His daughter, Maria Callis of Cape Coral’, is shown with her catch as well. Both fish were caught in the same location on a windy day in the areas of Punta Blanca Bay. Not to be ‘out-fished’, Mr. Terry Champion (Maria’s father-in-law), poses with his Pompano caught on another excursion a couple of days before. I have had the pleasure of fishing with all of them on previous charters and always look forward to our next adventures, in quest for the ‘fish of a lifetime’.

Tom's RedfishMaria's Better RedfishTerry Champion's Permit

It appears that our fishery is in great shape and so long as the weather remains good, so should the fishing. However, if and when a cold front approaches, I suggest getting out a day or two before it sets it and the fish should be feeding.

 

 

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays! More articles and charter information may be found at www.fishfacecharters.com. Call me at 239-357-6829 for immediate assistance or email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

The winds and recent ‘cold’ fronts have made it a little difficult” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) The Ft. Myers boat show was a huge success with lots of people interested in many aspects of the Marine Industry including boating and fishing. I enjoyed sharing fishing techniques and offering suggestions during my seminars on how to locate and catch Redfish, Snook and Seatrout on the ‘flats’ and in the ‘back waters’ of the bays. Since then, I have been extremely busy with requests from clients on how to navigate and fish the waters in the Ft. Myers, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Charlotte Harbor areas, ‘on board’ their vessels.

franks refish1Additionally, I have enjoyed taking new clients fishing on my vessel. Pictured here is Mr. Frank Miller of Floren, New Jersey with his 29” Redfish caught early last week on a Pilchard in the ‘back-country’ of Pine Island Sound. Unfortunately, the winds and recent ‘cold’ fronts have made it a little more difficult but the fish have still been fairly active and the next week or so should be good with the approach of a ‘new moon’.

In closing, I will be in the Maldives (Indian Ocean) to do some diving and fishing for myself. I am looking forward to sharing those experiences in some of my next articles. Charter requests may be made via email to fishfacecharters@yahoo.com or call 239-357-6829. Also, please check out my website www.fishfacecharters.com for more information and fishing reports. This is Captain Terry Fisher praying that you had a ‘Happy Thanksgiving’!

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “Approaching ‘full moon’ and hopefully moderate temperatures, fish should continue to be receptive”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week proved good fishing. The only inconvenience were the winds blowing 10-20 knots out of the North/Northeast restricting access to some of my favorite spots. Snook, Seatrout and Redfish have been my emphasis; especially since Snook season is in ‘full-swing’ and all species are here in good numbers up and down Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass. Grouper and other migratory species are closer to shore with winter months approaching.

Jonathan Downs SnookSteven and Jonathan CohenIn the ‘back country’, I had the opportunity to fish with Mr. Steve Cohen and his grandson Jonathan Downs of Lansdale, PA. (pictured on the way back to port from a day on the water).  I also took the time to capture Jonathan with his first Snook. It was only one of many fish he caught that day. He showed a lot of natural talent required to become a superior angler.  I am looking forward to taking them again next year.

Fishing will probably be ‘tough’ the balance of the week and into the weekend with the cold front and high winds. Nonetheless, with the approaching ‘full moon’ and hopefully moderate temperatures, fish should continue to be receptive to most presentations, especially live pilchards.

This weekend I will be at the Ft. Myers Boat Show (Downtown Convention Center), to meet and greet both past and new clients.  I am scheduled to do some seminars on ‘How to Locate and Catch Redfish, Snook and Seatrout’. STOP BY THE FISH FACE CHARTERS BOOTH AND SAY HI!

More information regarding charters may be found at www.fishfacecharters.com. I am easily reached via email at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com or via phone number 239-357-6829.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports