Fish

August 2, 2014 By Blake Matherly

Sanibel Captiva Fort Myers Charter Guide Fishing Report

Flats Fishing around the islands of Sanibel and Pine Island Sound was pretty good this week. The weather was great as long as you got out early or fished the late afternoon. Tides were flowing nicely and the Snook were spawning in the passes so hopefully the stock will continue to improve.

Keep an eye out for diving birds. Off the beaches it would mean ladyfish, bonita, spanish mackerel or tarpon. We did have multiple hook ups this pass week while tarpon fishing so they’re here and hungry. We also had some nice snook catches along the beaches of the islands.

When in the back country, fishing the birds diving on bait, produces ladyfish, jacks, trout and tarpon. Even though we didn’t hook any tarpon in the back country this week we did see plenty.

Deep jigging the passes got some nice bites of mangrove snapper and small grouper which are fun to catch and we did get broken off with some nicer one.

All in all this week had some nice days of weather and also strong bites.

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

Capt Blake Matherly,

www.flatsfishr.com

239-671-5646

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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 <*(((><

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