trout

January 18, 2016 By Blake Matherly

Bamboo Fly Rods, Sanibel Island Fishing

When fishermen get fishing opportunities, they usually take them. Birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, doesn’t matter, they usually take the back seat to a fisherman’s wants or dreams.

Such is the case on Sunday, December 20, 2015, on Sanibel at Norm Zieglars Fly Shop.

That day presented itself with an opportunity to cast a bit of history. Ernie “Woody” Wood, son-in-law of the late John Voelker a.k.a. Robert Travers (author of “Trout Magic,” “Trout Madness” and “Anatomy of a Fisherman”, Anatomy of A Murder”), broke out some of his vast collection of bamboo fly rods for us to cast. Many of the rods belonged to Voelker himself, all crafted from legendary rod makers.

A small but dedicated group of casting geeks got together to cast the rods and learn of their history from Woody. We even got some casting lessons from Joe Mahler, the person responsible for making this afternoon possible.

Thanks Joe and a special thanks to Woody for sharing some interesting history!

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

Capt Blake
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January 3, 2016 By Blake Matherly

Fly Fishing Sanibel and Fort Myers Florida

Out with the old (2015) and in with the new (2016). It’s hard to believe that the new year is upon us fishermen. What a end to the 2015 year of Fly Fishing and Back Country fishing around the islands of Sanibel and Captiva! Tarpon fishing was tremendous all the way to the end of December. Maybe the Tarpon decided to retire in Southwest Florida. Hopefully they will soon outnumber the Minnesotans that decided the humidity is better than below 0 temps.

Along with the Tarpon fishing, Snook fishing was great during December. As was the Mackerel, both Spanish and Kings, Bonita, Redfish, Spotted Sea Trout and many other species. Sanibel and Captiva is loading up with wintertime fishermen ready to head out on the flats to get them some of this action.

Multiple fishing trips also provided the unique opportunity for photographs. Not only fish, but birds, dolphins and manatees all wanted to be famous.

FlatsFish’r Charters also does photography tours along with instructions on lighting, gear and how to get the perfect shot.

2015 was a great year, and I’m very thankful for all my models (human, fish and animal) for being so supportive!

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

Capt Blake
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December 19, 2015 By Blake Matherly

Sanibel and Fort Myers Fishing Report

What a year it’s been for Snook, Tarpon, Redfish and other species in the Southwest Florida region. I have been blessed with one of the best years I can remember. Lots of days on the water, lots of wonderful clients and mostly cooperative fish. Lately, our fishing has been off the charts. Warmer fall water temps, have kept the fish active and abundant.

We’ve been catching Tarpon as lately as a few days ago. Snook numbers are high. Just two days ago we had as many as 30 snook caught on one charter with at least 10 over 30″. Nice Redfish and we’re seeing more and larger Trout making their way into the back country.

Get ready for things to change though as the colder fronts are coming in and the water temps are going to move the fish into different areas. This will prompt different ways of fishing and using different bait.

Get out on the water, take a kid fishing and always remember that “it’s great being us”!
Capt Blake
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September 22, 2014 By Blake Matherly

Fort Myers and Sanibel Fishing Charter Report

Flats fishing report for the Sanibel and Fort Myers area continues to get better and better. Large schools of bait are everywhere. Off the beaches and also in the backcountry of Pine Island Sound. We all know what happens when bait comes in, yes it’s like the all you can eat seafood buffet at Red Lobster, except its CATCHING!

Bird / Fish Crashing Bait — Birds / Fish Crashing Bait

Easy fishing off the beaches. Just find the birds diving and start casting. I like using lures, DOA Baitbusters, DOA Shrimp or DOA Terror Eyz. Sebile plugs or spoons work also. We’ve been getting Mackerel, Ladyfish, Jacks and Bonita in these bait pods.

In the backcountry we fish the diving birds and get pretty much the same species as off the beach except for the Bonita. Still some Tarpon around and I love casting DOA Baitbusters to them.

Redfish fishing continues to be good and gets better every day. We’ve fished and have seen some very large schools but they’re not as consistent as I’d like them to be. We’ve had some days with double digit catches out of the schools only to get 0’d out the next day. Go figure!

Anyway, I love the summer fishing, get out early, have lunch, nice nap, and get back out for the late afternoon evening bite. It doesn’t get any better than that!

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

Capt Blake
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April 8, 2014 By Blake Matherly

Fishing charter in Sanibel and Fort Myers Florida

Snook fishing around the Fort Myers and the islands of Sanibel and Captiva is picking up. Yesterday the water temps were in the uppers 70’s. That’s what they like. Unfortunately it was blowing 20 MPH +, so everyone that was brave enough were looking for places to hide. It was apparent that the Snook were also looking for places to hide.

Luckily, I had friend/author Ben Shelfer with me. He’s easy going and whatever works for him. We struggled in the beginning, bait was scarce, protective cover was even scarcer. Thanks to my trusty Egret, best flats boat in the world, we were able to move where and when we wanted.

Bens love to catch snook, especially nice ones. The bite was on for a while, until a 6-7 foot bull shark decided to join in the fun.

Great day Ben!

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

Capt Blake

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