Tarpon season has gotten off to a slow start this year.  Typically they're moving up the coast in pods late March, early April but they've only recently started to show up in large enough numbers to target.  This past week was really windy but they didn't seem to mind and we got the fish to eat.  Below are two charters that got on the poon.  #fortmyersfishingcharters #fortmyerstarponfishing
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Take a look at these beauties.  It's just a few of the fish we've caught this week while on our charters.  Pretty nice catch for some back bay, shallow water fishing.  These Black drum were among some nice size Cobia and Snook that we've been catching.  If this weather holds up, it looks like March is going to be a great month to be on the water.  #fortmyersfishingcharters#fortmyersfishingguides
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It's paradise and I'm just lucky to be living in it.  Our snow is sand.  It's messy but i'll take it any day over the cold, snowy weather that our northern friends have to face.  We didn't get sandy this week but I did come home smelling fishy from all the Cobia we caught on our charters.  I even got pulled over for a random safety check by an fwc officer during a trip which btw, is extremely annoying; Clients still kept fishing and caught the Cobia pictured bottom left.  Not an ideal situation but we made the best of it and they went home with dinner.  

March availability is getting slim.  Book your charter soon so your not "fishing" for a last minute trip!

Today was a beautiful day spent catching fish.  A lot of fish.  Redfish to be specific.  This is such a welcomed site considering the fish kill from the red tide that plagued our coast this past summer.  The past few days of fishing have been good to us.  Proof that our fishery is headed in the right direction.

Book your Spring break fishing charters soon.  Spots are filling up quick.

*Snook and Redfish are catch and release through May 2019. 

The past week of fishing in Fort Myers has been all about the sheepshead bite.  We've had a great week of weather and flat water which has allowed for us to get to some nearby wrecks.  Although the bites been good in general, the Sheepsheads have been the most productive.  I's safe to say there's been a lot of fish put on the dinner table.  Within the next few weeks some of the best fishing of the year will begin, just in time for our spring break visitors.  Book your charter soon.  Spots are filling up quick.

After a summer riddled with the worst red tide I've ever seen, we are pleased to announce that our local red tide samples have been clear for the past two weeks.  

We're looking forward to the cooler weather that will hopefully make its way down fairly soon as well as the fall redfish spawn.  Trout, Snook, Redfish and Triple Tail have all been biting well.  The fish have been on the smaller side but we're catching a lot of fish.

Here's a few of our trips from this past week with their catches.  

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The dates listed below, according to the Farmers Almanac are considered to be some of the best fishing days in 2018.  I'm not sure how accurate this is but I'll have to experiment and see how well the fishing is here in Fort Myers on these particular days.  I'll keep you updated!
 
BEST FISHING DAYS 2018

• January 1, 16–31
• February 15 – March 1
• March 17–31
• April 15–29
• May 15–29
• June 13–28
• July 12–27
• August 11–26
• September 9–24
• October 8–24
• November 7–23
• December 7–22

​One of the most extreme forms of fishing in the inshore waters of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island is shark fishing. This type of fishing can be challenging and unpredictable which is why it's become a popular charter for those thrill seekers out there.

Prime time for shark fishing is June through September when the water is the warmest.  Once the Sun starts to fade into the horizon, through the morning hours is the best time of day to catch this predator.

We will throw out a chum bag and then rig our poles with any fresh, bloody bait.  Sharks prefer fresh over anything that's been frozen.

The best shark bait is a stingray if you have the patience to snag a few.  Just debarb them when you snag them before you drop them into the live well. Rig it and cut into the side of one of the fins and then cast it out.  You'll catch the large boys with this technique.  If you prefer the easier method of using cut bait, we tend to use ladyfish, mullet or jacks with the hooks rigged through the gills.

Tackle of Choice : 

-Canyon Reels and St Croix Rods, size 6'-7'ft.

-Spool these reels with 60 to 80 lbs test braid or 40 to 80 lb mono. 

-First, always use cable, not single strand wire. Sharks will kink and pop single strand in a matter of seconds.  If you can find coated cable it's even better because it dampens the electrical signal your wire will give off that the shark could pick up.

-Get a fighting belt, even if it is not very expensive.

-10 o/-18 o/ size hooks.  
​fort myers beach fishing charters
Fort Myers fishing guides

Now that we are out of our peak tourist season, I have the opportunity to sit down and let you know a little bit about how the fishing's been.  

This has seemed to be one of the worst springs we've had for lack of rain, abundance of wind and forest fires.  The windy conditions and drought have contributed to a slower bite.  I believe that is past us now.  The forecast for the next couple of weeks shows great weather and calmer wind speeds.  We've also been blessed with that much needed rain we've been needing for months. With that being said, I've still had some great trips and caught quality fish while enjoying the company of great clients.  

These fish were all caught using live white bait or live shrimp.  I've been fishing with both to make sure I have what the fish are eating because every day's been different.  ​