Capt. Terry says Boca Grande Pass isn’t for the “faint of heart”

(FT. MYERS BEACH TO CHARLOTTE HARBOR) Fishing remains good for a number of species. Tarpon are in good numbers off Ft. Myers Beach as well as in Pine Island Sound. I have not had much success off of Sanibel or Captiva, but Boca Grande Pass has been loaded with fish. Tarpon seem to prefer big Threadfins, dollar size Blue Crab and Pass Crabs. Mackerel has performed well and jigging has found success in the pass at Boca Grande. However, fishing Boca Grande Pass is not for the ‘faint of heart’ and if one has never experienced it with a professional guide and/or does not know or understand the ‘rules and procedures’ (etiquette); I would not do it until after you have hired someone to take you and ‘teach you the ropes’

DSCN1189Triple Tail may still be found off of the channel markers and some of the remaining crab buoys. I am pictured here with a large one I caught on the way out to bottom fish with my 1st Mate, Vicki last Sunday. She is pictured holding this nice grouper for a ‘photo-op’ caught midday in about 30ft. of water on a live Pinfish before going to Boca Grande Pass to fish Tarpon on an outgoing tide that evening.

Redfish have been fairly active on the outgoing tides off of shoal and creek cuts about anywhere you can stage your presentations. Snook are off of the beaches, in the passes, and all around the mangrove cuts on moving water. They like Pilchards, Threadfins and shrimp as well as artificial baits. ‘By-catches’ include; Spanish Mackerel, Seatrout, Pompano, Flounder and shark. The 3 foot Shovelhead Shark (pictured here) was taken on the flats on a live, Blue Crab (under a cork), by Mr. Richard Reed of Hannibal, Missouri using light tackle while vacationing with his family; Tammy, Rhet and Tara Reed in Cape Coral.

Summer time is now and the fishing should continue to provide wonderful opportunities. Stay alert as to weather conditions, fish the tides (moving water) and you too should have good success catching fish.

In closing, if you have any questions feel free to contact me at 239-357-6829 or email me at [email protected]. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for articles and complete charter information.

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Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Charlotte County Fishing Report with Frank

Robert & I were talking this morning about the Cobia & Triple tail reports.  Every day more and more people talking about them, and today is going to be glass calm out there.  We think the Cobia have been pretty thick here for the last month but the water is just now getting clear enough where you can see them.

The one trait in common with Cobia & Triple Tail is you hunt for them.  Get your boat on plane, then back off until you are on plane but just barely, and start looking (Big brim hat & good polarized Sunglasses). This is your basic equipment.   My trick is, during the morning I look on the west side sand bars, and then switch to the east side. You cannot see into the sun.   By starting on the west side the sun is at your back. The Cobia like to cruise the sand bars.

When do you look for the triple tail?  When you are crossing the harbor, look for anything floating, a crab trap buoy, a bag, Palm frond.  I caught a 12 pound Triple tail who was “hiding” under a small silver and blue potato chip bag (not the big family bag, a 99 cent size bag).  So keep a sharp eye out, When you go by the Crab trap buoys keep the sun behind you look at the ball.  You are looking for is something which looks like a dirty rag tied to the line.  Believe it or not, that is what a triple tail looks like.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Charlotte County Fishing Report with Frank

Trout stories are being told about Tippy Canoe Bay, Muddy Bay, Cape Haze, and the east side bar, so I think I am going to say the Trout have moved in.

Pompano and Triple tail, are mystery guests here in the harbor, with a few reports coming in steady, but the exact where about remain a mystery.

Small jigs, banana type white or pink, is the color everyone is talking, but a guy told me he caught his pompano on a pink jig.  Had the picture of the fish and the jig in the pompano’s mouth was green chartreuse.  I am beginning  to think some fisherman might lie a little!

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports