Pine Island Sound

January 24, 2013 By Blake Matherly

Fort Myers, Sanibel Florida Charter Fishing Report

If fishing the flats in Florida is your gig, then come to Fort Myers or Sanibel and enjoy the weather and the fishing. Chris Weaver, from the DC area did just that.

Chris visited Fort Myers first to be in a baseball tournament (in which his team won) but quickly became a big fan of the great fishing we have to offer. To start off the weather was great! The fishing started off a little slow. The first number of fish never seemed real interested in the bait. Fish after fish were missed but we didn’t let that stop us.

Chris being a great caster really helped in getting the lures in the strike zone. Finally we started to get multiple fish to the boat. Redfish, trout and other species were on the list at the end of the day.

Special thanks to my new fishing friend from the North. I’m looking forward to seeing you again!

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

Capt. Blake <*(((><

December 31, 2012 By Blake Matherly

Fort Myers, Sanibel Island Florida Fishing Report

The flats fishing this past week on the Southwest Coast of Florida around Sanibel and Fort Myers has been like the roller coaster ride at Disney World. One day chicken, next day feathers, or in some cases like one charter this past week, Seagull feathers.

My new friends Jeff Oravec aka. Seagull man, Bass man from Atlanta and his brother in law Mark Smith from Cleveland experienced the roller coaster ride with yours truly.

The day started out cold, overcast and thoughts of a shutout were hard to keep from my mind. One spot nothing, two spots nada, three spots zilch. How many fishing spots do we have to go to till we can find fish. My answer, as many as it takes! Period!

Finally we find some fish but the bite is slow and hard to get the fish hooked that were biting. Finally, spotted sea trout bite turned on. First Jeff, then Mark and the tough day started to look like we made the right decision. Suddenly the toughest fight so far started but, yes, it was not the underwater version, but the giant, sought after by few, Seagull. That’s right Jeff, my man, had hooked a Kamikaze Seagull looking for a free handout for breakfast. Thank goodness these guys are “catch and release” kind of fishermen so we gently reeled him in and softly released him back to the sky from which he belongs. After a few more trout we decided to try another spot.

The next spot started out very tough just like the others but we started getting some nice bites but could not get the fish out of the structure. After probably 10 break offs, Mark finally coaxed the first Grouper to the boat. Following the lesson learned, Jeff started reeling multiple fish to the boat and the day was without question the right thing to do. Both anglers caught multiple fish and really were great fishermen to have on the boat.

Safe travels to my new friends!

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

Capt. Blake <*(((><

December 9, 2012 By Blake Matherly

Sanibel, Fort Myers Florida Fishing Report

Hello fishing nuts here in Southwest Florida. The weather is great and the waters are cool. That can only mean it’s time to get the shrimp and let’s go for some Sheepshead.

Many people love this fish to eat as to any other fish you can find. We’re getting lots of bites around pilings, bridges and mangroves. Just pick a spot and give it a try. Be wary though as Sheepshead are known for stealing your bait and leaving you with a clean shiny hook.

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

Tight lines,

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

November 2, 2012 By Blake Matherly

Florida Fishing Report, Trout Fly Fishing

The winds have finally died down in the coastal fishing areas of Southwest Florida around Pine Island Sound. The back country waters are in the mid 70’s so that means, let’s go Trout fishing.

The Spotted Sea Trout around Sanibel and Captiva in Pine Island Sound love almost anything you throw at them. I prefer Fly Fishing for them. Find the grass and you’ll find the Trout. If you’re not proficient with the fly rod, a light tackle spin outfit with DOA shrimp will do the job just fine.

We’re catching lots of Trout now on FlatsFish’r Charters and you’re invited to come along.

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

Captain Blake
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