Captain Terry says “I expect good fishing all of this week during the ‘full moon’ cycle.”

(FT. MYERS BEACH TO CHARLOTTE HARBOR) Last week proved to be productive fishing in light of the cooler weather and good tides. Morning or midday seemed to make little difference so long as one had the right baits and was fishing tide movements. I attribute part of the success to reduced water ‘run-offs’ from Lake Okeechobee together with reduced amounts of rain. In the ‘back country’, Pilchards have been producing more strikes and harvest for both the preferred species of  Snook and Redfish, while live and cut baits, such as Pinfish and grunts, worked well in the passes and offshore for Grouper and Snapper. Artificial baits have been productive for Crevalle Jacks, Spanish and King Mackerel.

This week should be good with the ‘full moon’ cycle providing good tide movement; but it is time to ‘get out there’ while the opportunities exists to get into the shallower areas as winter approaches bringing lower tide levels and slower water movement.
Kenny PearsonNicole Pearson Seatrout

Recently, I had the opportunity to fish with the Kevin Pearson and his family from the Ft. Lauderdale area. Pictured here are his daughter and son; (Nicole) showing off a nice Seatrout caught just minutes before her brother (Kenny Pearson) landed his 25” Redfish on the flats of Punta Rassa. Nicole also caught a Redfish shortly afterwards in the vicinity of Galt Island. Nicole was the ‘winner’ of that outing and I am looking forward to the next trip with Kenny and his family.

James WardJames Ward-2In light of the nice weather, a number of clients have requested late afternoon and evening ‘Sunset’ cruises to enjoy ‘dolphin watching’, serenity and some ‘family time’ on our beautiful waters. Pictured here are James Ward with his lovely wife Amy enjoying the evening with Harold and Carol Moldenhauer (James mother and father-in-law) all from the Detroit, Michigan area. They spend time each season on North Captiva and are seasoned ‘regulars’ to our area. Very nice people and I hope that I have an opportunity to serve them again.

In closing, I expect good fishing all of this week during the ‘full moon’ cycle. Fish tide and current movements with the baits that I have mentioned above and one should find success. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more fishing forecasts, articles and charter information. I am easily reached by phone number 239-357-6829 or via email at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Captain Terry says “Great fishing for Snook, Redfish and other species alike.”

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) Last week was fantastic fishing for Redfish, Snook and Seatrout. I prefer fishing the northern half (Redfish Pass to Charlotte Harbor)  as well as the back waters of Matlacha Pass in light of the high tannin water influxes at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. The water is much clearer up there with plenty of Pilchards available to cast to. Pilchards have been the ‘bait of choice’ for me and most of the other captains that I have talked with. I have had lesser success with artificial, live shrimp and cut baits.

Pictured here is Kristen Mory of St. Petersburg, Fl. with a nice Snook she took on a live Pilchard after chumming up the area. Her friends, Emily and Cornelia of St. Petersburg are pictured here with their fish as well. Cornelia had to boat her Redfish by hand when the reel malfunctioned on the retrieve. These ladies were a pleasure to fish and I enjoyed watching all three prove their angling expertise on a number of occasions that day! Nice going ladies!
Christen's Snook UsseppaCornelia UseppaEmily's Snook Usseppa

Moreover, I had the pleasure of fishing a wedding party from Tarpon Lodge at Pineland last week. Ms. Sammi Willis (the bride), is pictured here with her Seatrout. Her brother (Brandon Willis together with father) is shown with his nice ‘slot’ Snook of 28 inches, while the ‘father of the bride’, Bill Willis, shows off a nice Redfish. Congratulations to Seth Wadas and his ‘Bride’, Sammi on their marriage.
Sammi Willis WeddingBill Willis Father of BrideSeth Wedding Party Tarpon Lodge

This week should continue to produce great fishing for Snook, Redfish and other species alike. Mackerel and Triple Tail along with grouper are all available and closer to shore. They are all active. I wake up every morning ready to go and capitalize on the October Redfish and Snook action that awaits most any angler. I am still available for charters during some of the October days for anyone that wants to get in on the action. Call me at 239-357-6829 or email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for complete information and more fishing reports.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Snook are still very active in the passes,” says Capt. Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) A lot of my clients have long awaited the opportunity to catch and harvest Snook since ‘opening day’ (September 1st). Although I would have preferred another year or so of closure, it does appear that the Snook population has rebounded since the freeze of several years ago based on sighting and my catch and release experiences of 2011-2013.

Notwithstanding that Snook are basically thought of as a nocturnal, opportunistic species laying in ambush for weak prey; they will also feed throughout the day on incoming and outgoing tides. They are very aggressive at times and have the reputation of being one of the most ferocious fighting fish to hook up. They are also considered one of the better tasting species for harvesting.

This time of year the Snook are still very active in the passes and are easy targets on the stronger parts of incoming or outgoing tides. Only lack of water clarity will prevent one from spotting these primitive looking fish laying in ambush, sunning themselves or swimming to reposition on bottom indentations, hard structure like rocks and stumps. Like the other backcountry species, they also hold up in the flats and will move in and out of the mangroves with water movement.

I prefer working the deeper cuts around mangroves in the backcountry in the early morning hours on incoming tides. The outgoing may work just as well, but I feel early morning hours are more essential than the direction of the tide flow.

THE McGowan Snook copy

On the ‘opening day’, my 1st Mate Vicki and I had the opportunity to take David and Lynne Mc Gowan from Jacksonville, Florida to experience catching Snook (Jacksonville weather is too cold to be a good Snook fishery). Lynne is pictured here with her 28” Snook caught early morning around the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. We caught several Snook that morning as well as lost a couple of big ones. Congratulations Lynne!

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Fishing for Snook should continue to be good throughout the month. A picture of a Snook recently taken out of a ‘pass’ on the incoming tide by Daniel Whiteley from Sheffield, England, was only one of several caught by him and his friend, Mr. Edward Pike of Cape Coral, Florida. Congratulations Daniel as that was a great job landing the Snook under the circumstances.

In closing, this is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters. Feel free to call me at 239-357-6829 or email fishfacecharters@yahoo.com for all of your fishing questions or charter needs in Lee County (Gulf Coast). Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for more tips and articles.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Fishing was fantastic on the front side of the ‘SUPER MOON’”, says Capt. Terry

Fishing was fantastic on the front side of the ‘SUPER MOON’ and should be on the back side; especially the last 3 days after the passing. So get out there NOW as the Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Seatrout, Cobia and the offshore fish are eating! I have been catching all of the above species and more on charters as well as on my ‘off-time’ while looking for new ‘haunts’.

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I am posting 4 pictures with this article. One of my lovely 1st Mate (Vicki), who took matters into her own hands while transporting the boat through the canals of Cape Coral to meet up with me for a charter. She enticed and landed this nice, juvenile Tarpon on a Rapala ‘crank’ bait.

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Two Pictures of the Chase family from the Chicago area, Wade and Collette with Fin (5 yrs old) and Ella (9 yrs old). Ella is holding a nice Redfish that she caught. Both junior anglers caught their own Redfish by using circle hooks under corks with live shrimp.

Garys Redfish1

Also, a picture of my brother Gary Fisher, vacationing from Hannibal, Missouri, is holding one of about twenty Redfish caught on a high tide last Sunday (the day after the ‘Super Moon’).

The rain and higher tides are offering up some of the best fishing I have experienced all year. Now is the time to go. Remember, normally the better times to fish is 3 days before a full or new moon and 3 days after.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing you a ‘fishing experience of a lifetime’. If I may be of assistance, please contact me at 239-357-6829 or email fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. Additional charter information and past articles may be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Capt. Terry says Redfish and big Snook are now more active

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)  Notwithstanding the inclement weather of Tropical Storm Andrea, the fishing has been fantastic for Snook, Redfish, Seatrout, Mackerel and other species, including Flounder. Since then, I have had beautiful days on the water with valued clients looking for Tarpon. Tarpon (large ones) are abundant in Charlotte Harbor. I had the opportunity to fish successfully in Boca Grande Pass as well as the southern end of Charlotte Harbor (just off the ‘Intercoastal’) around channel markers 67 and 69 in about 9 ft. of water. Tarpon are also south of the power lines that service SanibeI from the mainland. Naturally, they are in numerous areas of Pine Island Sound, but I have seen the biggest schools in the areas mentioned above. I recommend having big Threadfins or ‘Pass’ crabs for best results. Keep a line rigged and ready for Cobia, as they are all around the schools of Tarpon and Loggerhead Turtles. Be prepared to see huge Bull and Hammerheads ready to take your trophy.

DSCN1242  Mr and Mrs.

The Redfish are more active now as are the big Snook. Keep a close watch for the thunderstorms and be safe. My ‘newlywed’ clients (pictured here), Nick and Jessica Caudell of Ohio, had a great day on the water catching lots of fish including the Redfish (pictured here). His wife Jessica, also experienced the fierce fight and power of a 42 inch Snook on very light tackle for about 10 minutes until the huge fish ‘broke’ the hook off the lure just before landing it.  If you have any questions or would like additional information, feel free to contact me at fishfacecharter@yahoo.com or call me direct at 239-357-6829. My website www.fishfacecharters.com will provide you with additional articles and fishing updates.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

River Snook and Snapper Snafu!

snookie

Lots of reports about the river, “Peace River” that is. It’s funny that when it gets too rough to be on the Harbor that river fishing is “rediscovered”. Try a full sized glitter Zara spook and hold on tight – the Snook are pulling the hooks straight! Cast close to the shore and try to find deeper

bends. When you cast let it sit still for about 20 seconds, then start walkin’ it back. Yes, the big ole Snook are thick in both rivers!

 

On the subject of harbor snappers . . . well, there are NO dog snappers in Charlotte Harbor, only Lane, Mangrove/Grey, and once in a blue moon some Yellow Tail, Mutton, or Bee liners (small vermilion snappers). So the whole Dog snapper thing is a myth / mistake/ wrong. As I have maintained for years, if you caught a small fish that looks kind of like a smallmouth bass with teeth like an ally cat, it’s a Mangrove Snapper. These are a tricky snapper with a red belly and dark back . . .  how could they possibly be called a Grey Snapper? Well if you catch them out in the gulf they are completely Grey with no other color. You will not know that it is a mangrove Snapper until you put it in the ice chest and all the colors come out. This does stand to reason as a dark color fish would stand out in the clear waters of the gulf of Mexico, and would be eaten by larger fish. So, the snappers change colors to match the water they are in. Clear water they turn grey, dark waters reds, browns and black. So anyway, what I wrote before was wrong, and now I am eating Crow. I should never type anything until I check into it first. But then why should typing be different than talking? I am usually somewhat surprised by what I say, most of the time!

Fishin Frank

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Capt. Terry’s charter produced a number of small sharks for lots of ‘reel’ excitement!

DSCN1173SFW (Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) The last couple of weeks have been really good for all of the ‘back country’ species (Redfish, Snook, Seatrout, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Shark, Mangroves Snappers). The Tarpon have been a little scarce this year (compared to last year) off of the outer side of Sanibel with reports of more activity and catches outside of Cayo Costa. Reports of large numbers of Tarpon are now in Boca Grande Pass and Charlotte Harbor, to which I am heading this week to practice for some Memorial Day Weekend charters.

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Nonetheless, while on a ‘Combo/Shark’ charter, I had the opportunity to check out the crab buoys and spotted the nice Tripletail (pictured here).  Another ‘Combo Shark/Tarpon Charter’ produced a number of small sharks for lots of ‘reel’ excitement. Mr. David Nycz II from Detroit, Michigan, is pictured holding his first small Sand Shark on light tackle.  David’s fiancée, Lisa caught her own 4 ft. shark on very light tackle, showing off her angling abilities as well. Between David and Lisa, 9 sharks were caught and released, including a 6 foot Hammerhead.

My ‘First Mate’ (Vicki) and I had a wonderful day of both shark/Tarpon and ‘back-country’ fishing with these dedicated anglers (pictured together). Tarpon fishing should be good in numerous areas of the Caloosahatche River, Pine Island Sound, the passes and especially; Charlotte Harbor. All other species, both ‘in and offshore’, should be no exception and I suggest one works the incoming or outgoing tides for best results, as ‘slack tide’ is usually less productive.

If you have any questions or want help with make your fishing trips more productive, contact me at 239-357-6829 or email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. Check out my monthly and weekly saltwater sports articles at www.fishfacecharters.com. DSCN1178SFW

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Fishin’ Frank wonders whether the magic will remain?

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Well the TV says that we are in for a week of thunderstorms each day, not all day but possible storms each day, which leaves us 1 of 2 possibilities.

1- The first is that a front moves across the Harbor and the fish move and quit feeding, or we get a couple inches of rain, and it lower the salt level of the Harbor, which would move many of the fish back into the gulf. Not good at all as we have been in the magic zone, every thing from Black fin tuna, Bonita, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Shark, Cobia, Tarpon, Snook, red fish, & more all biting. What can I say but WOW what a week.

2- The second possible out come, is that these afternoon rains and cloud cover will hold the water temperature steady, providing we get less than an inch of rain so the salt level remain constant in the Harbor, and if the clouds keep the water from heating up, this magic week could turn into a magic month. & HOW cool would that be!!

So here hoping for door number 2 and the magic remains

Fishin’ Frank

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

“Last week was fantastic for the ‘back country’ charters!” Capt. Terry

CAPTAIN TERRY FISHER’S WEEKLY FISHING FORECAST

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor)

Last week was fantastic for the ‘back country’ charters for those able to handle spin cast equipment as well as a few who wanted to learn. My charters boated two 30+ inch Snook while working the Mangroves on both incoming and outgoing tides. Lots of other fish action was captured on camera and video while anglers caught their share of Seatrout, Crevalle Jacks, Lady Fish, Shark and Redfish in the mix. Herewith are pictures of clients; Mr. Dan Damon of Battle Creek, Michigan and Mississippi River Boat Captain, Don Mc Daniel with Holly Jett from Edwardsville, Illinois proudly displaying their ‘Snooks of a lifetime’.  Great going and congratulations to both of those anglers who prevailed over my constant instructions (‘suggestions’) while fighting and landing their first Snooks!

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Spring is here and the fish are very active both inshore and offshore. Lots of big Seatrout are being caught in the clean, clear flats where there is good water movement. The Redfish are here and are being caught early morning on top water plugs, jigs and spoons and more so, on live bait in the afternoon. The Tarpon are beginning to show up in numbers making it worth-while to start planning a trip so long as the weather permits. Look for Cobia close to shore and out on the structures in most any depth. They are curious and will hit anything from a shrimp to artificial.  King Mackerel are being caught on live pilchards, pinfish and artificial lures in about 30 to 65 feet of water on the same structure as one will find most reef species.

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If you want to book a charter or have any questions, I will be honored to take your call at 239-357-6829 or email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Charlotte County Fishing Report with Frank

SMALL CRAFT EXERCISE CAUTION TODAY

SOUTH WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 4 FEET. BAY AND INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP TO CHOPPY. A SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS…MAINLY LATE IN THE AFTERNOON.

With these words of Ahh dang it! Take hope fellow fisher people. There is always the rivers and canals to explore. These are shinning examples of safe fishing. Lets start on the Peace River. On the northern shore of the Peace River, there is a deep channel which right now has whiting, Silver Trout, and Snook in it. Best way to fish is to drift, head into the wind and then cast out a shrimp on a hook with a #5 slit shot. It’s just enough weight to keep the shrimp in the water but not on the bottom.

It you’re on the canals look for a bridge, I would think they would not be hard to find. This method of fishing bridges has been working great – idle your boat under the bridge with your depth finder on. See how deep the water is, then go up current and anchor. Don’t block other boats from getting through. Now put a bobber stop on the line so your bait is about a foot off of the bottom. Cast towards the piling and let the tide take it.

Posted by Matt Galbraith Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports