captiva island

February 15, 2015 By Blake Matherly

Sanibel and Fort Myers Florida Fishing Report

Sanibel and Fort Myers Florida Fishing report for last week in February is mixed with Snook, Redfish, Trout and Pompano. Even though we had a couple of cold fronts attack us from the north, we still managed to get some numbers in different species in the back country around the islands of Sanibel and Captiva in Pine Island Sound.

Clousers, EP Everglades Special, and Joe Mahler’s Strawboss were the best flies to target these fish while flyfishing. We use TFO Mangrove series 8 wt rods with Wulff Bermuda Shorts floating line to make the presentation right on target.

Dr. Collins from Winston Salem NC enjoyed some days on the flats catching Snapper, Snook and just missing some tailing Redfish on the grass flats. The weather was a bit windy but we still made the best out of the days we were out.

Lures included DOA Shrimp, and Berkley Gulp Jerk Shad worked best for getting the bait where the fish were holed up (mostly under the mangroves). Both the shrimp and the Shad are perfect for skipping the bait under the hanging limbs to set up the ambush.

For bait fishermen, live shrimp are the best bet for the cooler water temps. I like rigging the shrimp weedless so you can use on the open grass flats, around oyster bed or even under the mangroves.

Mike Gigliotti from New York and his father in law, Dan McConlogue from Fort Myers had a great day fishing mangroves, oyster beds and the grass flats using lures and live shrimp. Redfish, Snook, Snapper and Pompano were fooled by the masters.

Get out on the water, take a kid fishing and always remember that “it’s great being us”!
Capt Blake
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October 8, 2013 By Blake Matherly

Sanibel and Fort Myers Florida Charter Fishing Report

Now is the time for all fishermen who like to fish the back country waters of Sanibel, Captiva and Fort Myers area to hire a charter fishing guide and enjoy some nice fishing.

Even though the record rainfall has turned the water into a Starbucks coffee look, the fish can be found in waters that they are comfortable with and they are hungry. The Trout bite has increased but the Redfish bite is what I’m talking about.

I’ve seen more schools of Redfish this year than many years past. Some schools seem to like the incoming and some like the outgoing and we’ve even had good bites on slack tides in some areas. We’re using lures, DOA Air Head, DOA shrimp, top-water plugs, and spoons. Live bait always seems to work but sometimes the lures seem the best thing to use. We’ve been fishing these fish for about a month now and hope to fish them into November.

Give me a call, lets set up a day to go and give it a try!

Get out on the water, take a kid fishing and always remember that “it’s great being us”!
Capt Blake <*(((><

August 21, 2013 By Blake Matherly

Charter Fishing Guide Report for Sanibel and Fort Myers

Sanibel and Fort Myers back country waters are producing good fishing for any time you can get out on the water.

Personally as a fishing guide, I like the mornings or the late afternoons this time of year. Although you can catch fish anytime during the day. The only thing that’s a must is current. The tide must be moving.

My charters begin with questioning what my client want out of the day on the water. It varies dramatically from one client to another. We have so many different species to target. Some clients are specific on what they want, to catch a Snook, Tarpon, Redfish. While others just want to catch something and some just want to have a fun, safe day on the waters around the islands of Sanibel or Captiva. Go to a great waterfront restaurant for lunch.

We offer more than fishing (I’m always saying “it’s more than just fishing, it’s an adventure”) as we see Dolphins and Manatees, lots of birds and some beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

September and October is just around the corner and the fishing is usually some of the best of the year. Look at your calendar and give us a call to get your day booked before it’s too late.

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

Capt Blake
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May 16, 2013 By Blake Matherly

Fishing Fort Myers and Sanibel Island

Fishing in Fort Myers and Sanibel is warming up because it’s the time to really enjoy the back country flats of Southwest Florida. The Fishing around Sanibel Island is as hot as a Jalapeño sandwich.

I love to Snook fish and it’s no better time than May. Still catch and release (quite frankly I’d love for it to be catch and release year round) but man are they fighting! It seems like they’re stronger than ever. Every fish I’ve missed the size judging by the fight.

The back country Trout fishing has slowed because of the warming waters and the Redfish has calmed a little.

The big draw now is the Tarpon. We’ve seen some decent numbers and many fish caught. As the waters keep warming the fishing should get better and better. Book a trip and experience the thrill of a lifetime.

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

Capt Blake <*(((><

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 <*(((><