fishing charters

April 12, 2013 By Blake Matherly

Sanibel Fort Myers Fishing Charter Report

“TGIF”! When you love to fish the back country or fishing the flats around Sanibel Island or Ft. Myers Florida that acronym takes on a lot of different versions. Thank God I’m Fishing, Thank God I’m in Florida, or in the life of Snook fishing, Thank God It’s Feeding”!

Today the Snook bite finally turned on! We’ve had a lot of very unusual weather and the Snook population has had a terrible case of the shivers (water temp has been below 70 degrees) but today marked the first great day of Snook fishing for Team FlatsFish’r.

Long time customer, Dan McConlogue brought his good buddy Dan Buckley, both from the Forest Country Club for a great day of fishing/catching. The day started with making sure that “Mama Rose” packed a generous supply of her famous sandwiches for the guys. With the cooler securely stored we set out for our journey.

Our first stop proved to be a great one with both Dan’s hooking and landing multiple Snook. It was great seeing the Snook enjoying the “snicker bars” tossed out and having multiple busts on the baits soon after landing in the water.

Next we headed up to big Jack country. With some hunting and chumming, we finally got Mr. Jack going. After a while Mr. Jack got both guys to cry uncle and waive the white surrender flags.

What a great day with a couple of great guys and feeding the Captain with some famous Mama Rose’s sandwiches will always get you to the best and most secret spots!

Get out on the water, take a kid fishing and always remember that “it’s great being us”!

Capt Blake <*(((><

February 14, 2013 By Blake Matherly

Sanibel and Fort Myers Florida Fishing Report

Well, we decided to go out and test the fishing around the islands of Sanibel and Fort Myers today for some saltwater back country Snook and Redfish.

Even though the winds were up, front coming through the area, we braved the 2-4 white caps to get to the back country fishing grounds and found some creeks that produced what we came for. Gary Barnett was my point man today on the bow and I was manning the push pole on the platform. Gary, his wife and son, is currently living in the Guangdong Province of China, but is looking to move back to the States (I think we got him hooked today in the back country to move to Southwest Florida).

The first fish was a very nice Spotted Sea Trout (released with no picture). Then the Redfish fell prey to the artificial lure. Next came the Jack Crevalle. Multiple fish were added to the count before we both became victims to the urge and need for food. The Green Flash won the vote and a nice lunch ended the day. A short bumpy ride back to the ramp had us both being glad we decided to make the trip today.

Thanks Gary for the great day fishing and the company!

Get out on the water, take a kid fishing and always remember that “it’s great being us”!

Capt Blake <*(((><

February 2, 2013 By Blake Matherly

Fort Myers, Sanibel Florida Fishing Report

The saltwater flats fishing around Fort Myers and Sanibel Florida are pretty good for those that work hard and get out often. The water temperature changes rapidly due to the longer nights and cooler nighttime temps. Redfish and Trout like the cooler water but Snook are like me (love it warm).

Randy Love took nephew Walter Elder (Kansas State student) out for a day on the flats aboard the 18’ Egret Flats Boat. Randy’s from Wichita Kansas and is spending the winter in Fort Myers renewing his relationship with his High School Prom date. How cool is that!

The day started with us fishing a creek in the mouth of the river. Walter started with his first Snook ever. What a great fight! Pucker up Walter! Later Randy, not to be shown up, started with the Redfish. By the end of the tide flow, we caught several Snook, several Redfish, a flounder and a jack. By the way, Randy caught all the reds and Walter caught all the Snook. Go figure.

We moved up the river to a couple of other creeks and the bite slowed dramatically. We fished the docks, the mangroves and the fish must have been taking a mid morning rest.

Together we came up with the next plan of attack and it was to move in some canals and look for some large jacks. Payday! After a few chummers and the right anglers at the front of the boat, we started to pull in one after another. Both guys caught many fish but Walter was the one on the last cast that came up with the big boy. A 12 pounder!

What a great day with some new friends. I really enjoyed the day with two gentlemen and great fishermen. Study hard Walter and come back to see your Uncle soon!

Get out on the water, take a kid fishing and always remember that “it’s great being us”!

Capt Blake <*(((><

November 16, 2012 By Blake Matherly

Florida Fishing Report, Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers Trout and Redfish

The waters are cooling and the fishing for Southwest Florida charter guides has shifted from Snook and Tarpon to cooler temperature fish like Trout and tailing Redfish.

We’re seeing, casting and catching tailing Redfish on the flats in all areas. I love fishing with artificial baits like the DOA shrimp for tailers. I rig the shrimp weedless so I can present the shrimp on the nose of the Red without hanging up in the grass. It’s a blast seeing the Redfish eat and take off in a foot or less of water.

We’re catching numbers of Trout all over Pine Island Sound using the same DOA Shrimp. Many of my Charters are catching 20, 30 and more Trout in a day of fishing.

Get out on the water, take a kid fishing and always remember that “it’s great being us”!

Tight lines,

Capt. Blake

September 9, 2012 By Blake Matherly

Fishing Florida using DOA Lures

When fishing the flats or back country around Sanibel and Captiva Islands in Florida, no matter what time of year, or how much you fish, you should always have a number of artificial baits (lures) that you have confidence in.

Bait fishing is a no brainer, but what happens when bait is hard to find. What about daybreak fishing. During the summer months in Florida you need to catch the early bite or you may be out of luck. If you’re spending hours catching bait, I will spool you on fish caught for the day, but if you fish using artificial baits you can start fishing as soon as you get your boat wet.

DOA Lures are my go to when it comes to artificial fishing. Between the Shrimp and the TerrorEyz I have caught every fish that can be caught in the Southwest waters of Florida. Shrimp can be fished on the grass flats or skipped under the mangroves. The TerrorEyz can be jigged in deep water in inlets or around bridges. You can use the smaller heads and fish shallower waters with less current.

Go out and give artificial baits a chance and you’ll gain confidence like I have.

Get out on the water, fish a little and always remember that, “it’s great being us”!

Tight lines
Capt. Blake