Flats Fish'r Charters

Florida Charter Fishing with Capt'n Blake Matherly

Fort Myers Beach Florida

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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.

Spotted Sea Trout
Spotted Sea Trout

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.

Redfish
Redfish

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 <*(((><

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Fort Myers, Sanibel Florida Charter Fishing Report

The Fort Myers, Sanibel flats fishing report this week is a mixed bag of Spotted Sea Trout, Snook, Redfish and Grouper. Charter Fishing Guides are working hard to please and work around the changing weather and water temperatures.

Major (Roll Tide)
Major (Roll Tide)

Our featured group is the Lee family from Montgomery Alabama. Shon (father) brought his two sons, Major (Sophomore at Alabama) and Marshal (High School Senior) in town for a day of back country fishing before moving on the Miami for the National Championship game Monday night with Alabama against Notre Dame.

The day started out like gang busters with Marshall catching his first Snook (pucker up for a kiss), followed by Major’s first Redfish and Marshall also catching a big Redfish. A Jack, Mangrove Snapper followed and the bite shut down. When I say shut down, I mean it was even hard for us to catch a bait out of our own bait well. We fished for the next few hours without even a tree limb caught!

Marshal
Marshal

We saw multiple fish but their lips were tighter that my Uncles clamp on his wallet! Finally we started getting some light bites and a few fish (thanks to the great fishermen on the boat). Slowly the bite improved and we started catching multiple Spotted Sea Trout with a mixed bag of Ladyfish.

Any day you see a dad and his sons together doing anything is a great day and especially fishing. They were all gentlemen, good fishermen, and fun to have on the boat. Safe travels and Go Alabama (Roll Tide)!

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

Capt. Blake <*(((><

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Manatee and Dolphin Watching in Southwest Florida

Humans seem to have a natural attraction to manatees and dolphins and if the behavior of these mammals is any indication, they also seem to be attracted to humans. The manatee and dolphin are not fish, but mammals which bear live young and breathe air. Manatee and dolphin watching charter trips are a great way to see two of the animals Southwest Florida is known for. A private charter gives you a chance to watch and interact with the dolphins and manatees from a safe distance.

Manatee Facts

: : Manatees
: : Manatees (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The manatee is protected by Federal law and is somewhat more elusive than the dolphin. Although with this protection their numbers are increasing, manatees still remain an endangered species. Manatees are migratory animals and have been known to migrate as far as North Carolina and Louisiana, though most stay near the Florida West coast. They tend to stay in the warm Florida waters during the winter which and migrate further north during the summer. The best manatee watching is near the Southwest Florida coastline near Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Capitiva Islands, and Pine Island Sound.

Manatees are herbivores and feed on the grasses and plants of the Gulf waters. Manatees can grow to be several feet long and have smooth gray skin. They have no visible ears, but are thought to have excellent hearing. Manatees make a squealing noise to communicate, or to show fear or excitement. They breathe through their noses and their lungs take up two thirds of their bodies. Their calves can be up to 70 pounds and the mother manatees nurse underwater. Manatees are gentle creatures and can be seen rolling and playing when not resting or feeding.

Dolphin Facts

The dolphin is one of the better known sea mammals residing in the Gulf waters. Florida’s Bottleneck dolphins are playful, intelligent, and seem to enjoy sharing the waters with humans. Adult dolphins can reach up to eight feet and weigh between 450 and 600 pounds. Females travel in groups of three or more, while males are usually found singly or in pairs. A group of dolphins is called a pod. Although the males and females may travel apart, they still come together to help raise the young and to mate. Baby dolphins are born alive and nursed by their mothers for up to two years. Calving season peaks in May, and the baby dolphins remain with the mothers for three to eight years.

Dolphins are carnivores and eat up to 30 pounds of seafood per day. The communicate with high pitched squeals from their blowholes. It is from their blowholes they breathe. A dolphin can create a sound so high that it can stun fish. Dolphins have keen eyesight and can distinguish between friend or foe easily. They hunt using natural sonar to locate their food.

Chartered Manatee and Dolphin Tours

The best way to observe manatees and dolphins is to charter a private tour. This gives sightseers a chance to see the animals in their natural habitats. Both manatees and dolphins are fascinating animals and can be seen playing and feeding off of the coast of Florida. Southwest Florida offers a unique venue to observe and interact with these aquatic mammals safely. A chartered tour offers a knowledgeable captain, private boat, and a chance to enjoy Southwest Florida’s natural attractions and wildlife.