The Fisherman cover photo and article from March 2013

Article originally published in The Fisherman magazine, March 14, 2013
by Tom Schlichter
www.thefisherman.com 

Captain Rob Modys flashed a wide smile as Felicia Scocozza stuck the point to a solid redfish and struggled to keep it clear of the mangrove forest that reached out menacingly from the hidden shoreline. “Nice job!” he called out as Felicia first out-muscled the fish, then guided it away from an oyster encrusted stickup. Following a pair of solid runs, the six-pound copper delight eventually relented, posed cooperatively for a quick round of photos, and was gently released.

 “That’s exactly the kind of fish you can expect with the back country action here on Estero Bay,” said Modys, who runs SoulMate Charters (www.soulmatecharters.com) out of Fort Myers Beach, FL. “We’ve got plenty of these fish around and they give a great account of themselves, but there’s more to tangle with in this part of Florida than most visitors realize. You’ll find sea trout, snook, sheepshead, pompano, jacks, ladyfish, grouper and even tarpon within a short ride at some point in the season. All this variety is one of the reasons I love being out here day after day.”

Modys may have been enjoying both the fishing variety and warm breeze as he slid the lively red back into the green-hued waters, but I assure you no one was happier to be casting along Florida’s west coast than Felicia and I. Our plane had been scheduled to depart from New York’s LaGuardia Airport the morning following Nemo’s battering, and we had to shovel through two feet of snow, chain saw some trees, push a plow and negotiate a single open lane on the Long Island Expressway for over 30 miles to reach our south-bound flight. That we made it at all to the idyllic ‘Tween Waters Inn, on lovely Captiva Island, was no small miracle. Finding our hosts so welcoming and the local waters abundant with fishing opportunity simply sweetened the pot.

“Lee County – the Fort Myers area and Sanibel and Captiva islands – really has a lot to offer,” explained Lee Rose of the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau over dinner at ‘Tween’s elegant Old Captiva House after we had settled into our accommodations. “It’s a family oriented area with miles of white sand beaches and plenty of outdoors fun to sample. You can try shelling,  kayaking, biking, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, take a dolphin cruise, explore the remarkable J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, shop, dine, practice photography and even enjoy
hermit crab races. All this, and our fishing is first rate, too.”

Indeed, it’s all there, easily accessible, generally affordable and just waiting for you to make the first move. There’s no doubting that Sanibel and Captiva, especially, sport tourist-based economies, but they’ve managed to do so in a friendly, ecologically smart way that draws both snowbirds and other Floridians for vacation – true testimony this area is worth a look.

“One good thing about fishing these back waters should you come for a visit,” explained Modys, “is that you don’t have to go overboard with tackle. Live shrimp, new-penny colored Berkley Gulp! shrimp or pumpkinseed pattern Gulp! mullets impaled on a 1/8- to 1/2- ounce jighead will get the job done at the terminal end while a seven-foot spinning rod matches most back country fishing possibilities.”

Generally speaking, rods for this fishing should have fast-action tips for sure hooksets. Choose a medium heavy version so as to not be out-gunned if a big snook or 20-pound redfish grabs your offering. Local anglers favor 20-pound braided line with a three-foot length of 30-pound-test mono leader. If using a popper cork ahead of a live shrimp or jighead and soft plastic combo, keep the leader length below the cork short – 14 to 18 inches - when working tight to the mangroves for redfish. If working in channels or flats further off the shore, as is common when hunting sea trout, a three-foot leader beneath the cork works best.

I’ve got to say that I doubt we could have picked a better home base for our trip than ‘Tween Waters Inn on Captiva Island (www.tween-waters.com). To be sure, the service was great, the pool had a Tiki bar, there were two terrific restaurants on the premises – Old Captiva House for fine dining and the more casual Crow’s Nest - plus a tackle shop, marina, gift shop, bike/kayak/paddle board rentals and clean, comfortable efficiency rooms or small cottages from which to choose. Still, the closer proved  to be the location. Nestled ‘tween Pine Island Sound on the east side and the Gulf of Mexico on the west, the fishing possibilities within walking distance alone came close to making my head explode.

With limited time, I tried to stay focused on the back country possibilities, tempting snook and saltwater catfish from the marina dock with soft plastics whenever I had some down time, then taking a kayak fishing trip with Captain John Houston of Adventure Sea Kayak Wildlife Tours (www.kayak-captiva.com). “If you really want to have fun here,” advised Houston, “just paddle straight out and start casting a three to five inch brown curly-tailed grub on a 1/8-ounce jighead. You’ll catch plenty of sea trout out on the flats, especially in the channels. Work your lure with a sharp jigging motion and
you can’t help but connect.” Once you’ve had your fill of trout – if that’s possible – continue paddling across to Buck Key and work the mangrove edges, creek mouths and notches for redfish. For this, go with a live shrimp and popper set-up, or use a weedless spoon, curly tailed grub or live pinfish. Retrieve slowly using a soft lift-and-drop approach, and hesitate slightly on the strike to make sure you’ve felt a bite rather than a snag before sinking the barb. “If you just want action, the trout fishing and smaller reds can be amazingly cooperative once you get a feel for things,” noted Houston. “To cut the learning curve or target bigger fish, hire a guide for a day or two before trying it on your own.”

Both Houston and Modys noted that the best fishing in the area actually takes place in April, May and October, when catches of six to ten redfish per half-day trip are common and sea trout are both abundant and large. That April slot should be especially attractive as accommodations are readily available, it’s still pretty chilly here at home, and our local saltwater fishing isn’t quite up and running.

In any case, after a week spent in Lee County, I felt like I’d barely scratched the surface when it came to uncovering both the fishing and family fun possibilities. I would love to have spent additional time investigating the bridges of Sanibel and Captiva, where snook and sheepshead abound, poking in and out of the fishy creeks at the Ding Darling refuge by kayak, and exploring the surf options for jacks, pompano and more. The more I think about it, the more I realize additional research is in order. With the temperature outside still slipping into the 40s, sooner rather than later would certainly be my choice.


For more info on Lee County, Fort Myers or Sanibel and Captiva islands, contact the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau at 800-237-6444, or visit: fortmyers-sanibel.com.

Brutal March turns into beautiful April

It seems that most southwest Florida anglers are very happy that the month of March is in the rear-view mirror! Cold, blustery weather has given way to beautiful sunny days in April and the fish are feeding well in both the backwaters and Gulf of Mexico. It's time to get out there and wet a line!

The vastly improving weather over the past week has really made a big difference in the bite and the quality of the fish. Sea trout are on the flats and most are over 15 inches in length. Live shrimp under a popping cork works best and you'll also get a nice mix of pompano, ladyfish, jacks and small sharks.

The redfish are starting to feed again near the mangrove islands and shorelines. Shrimp on a jig tossed close to the mangrove overhangs is the ticket. On the highest part of the tide, give cut ladyfish a try. The smell will bring them out of the bushes and makes them easier to find and hook up with.

The nearshore reefs are loaded with spanish mackerel. Any shiny artificial will work, along with live shrimp on brightly colored jigs. Move your offering quickly for a strike. There are also grouper, snapper, flounder, trout and a mix of other fish on the bottom.

Note... The water is warming up fast and this is when I like to get out the topwater lures and go after sea trout, redfish and snook. Both the Heddon Zara Spook and the Rapala Skitterwalk are favorites of mine. I look for natural colors and stick to the old rule, light colors on sunny days and dark colors on overcast days. There's nothing like a topwater strike to get your blood going!

Fishing Report

Warm weather with the occasional cold front has been the rule this winter and it looks to continue.  The fish seem to like it and the bite has been good.  Remember, all grouper closes for season on February 1st.  That includes red, black and gag as well as the already protected goliath.  You can hook them, you just can’t keep them.  Snook season opens February 1st on the east coast in the Atlantic waters but remains closed on the Gulf coast until September.

The redfish bite moved up a notch over the past week.  They are gathering up around the mangrove islands on the higher tides and are feeding on live shrimp, either free lined or on a jig.  It may take several stops to find them, but once found there should be quite a few in the same area.

The sheepshead are getting bigger and bigger.  Most of the ones landed over the past week were in the 2 to 3 pound range with a few over 5.  Even the big ones are great bait stealers so if you start getting lots of hits with nothing to show for it, downsize your hooks and shrimp offerings and try again.   

Sea trout are back on the flats.  The rising water has been the best time to go after them using shrimp under a popping cork.  Set up a drift to find them and then anchor up when they start hitting.  They’ve been pocketed up so do your best to stay on them once found.  You’ll also find pompano along with quite a few ladyfish and jacks in the same area.

The nearshore reefs, rock piles and edges are giving up some good size sheepshead, sea trout and a few flounder on the bottom with a mix of spanish mackerel, bluefish and bonita on top.  Keep your eye out for cruising cobia and have a rod ready with a live shrimp or crab.  We are starting to see quite a few of them near the crab pot buoys.

Fishing Report

Tides will start to improve this coming week as we move toward the full moon.  That will put the fish on the feed and make for very productive fishing trips on Estero Bay and in the Gulf.  Mix in some sunshine and warmer temperatures and you have the makings for a great day on the water.

The overall bite was good this past week despite tides that were a bit slow.  If you could find the moving water, the fish would be close by.  The creeks and squeezes between mangrove islands were a good place to start and produced some good size sheepshead, mangrove snapper and black drum.  Live shrimp on jigs moved slowly across the bottom worked well.  The sheepshead are finally moving to their spawning locations and there are quite a few large ones in the mix.

Sea trout were on the flats but spread out over a wide area.  Drifting using popping cork rigs was the best way to find them.  Live shrimp was the bait of choice but they’d also go after artificials like Berkley Gulp Shrimp and soft plastics.  There were quite a few ladyfish and jacks in the same area, so action wasn’t a problem. 

The rock ledges and near shore reef bite is improving.  A mix of sheepshead, mangrove snapper, spanish mackerel and sea trout are all biting on live shrimp and cut bait.  The middle of the inbound or outbound tide worked best and don’t stay if you don’t get a bite.

Redfish are still biting well around oyster bars and mangrove islands.  Fish the top of the tide right through the change for the most action.  Live shrimp on jig heads got the most strikes and it wasn’t unusual to pick up a stray flounder.

Fishing Report Mid October

If you have the time for a little fishing this week, you really need to visit the nearshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  From the Sanibel Lighthouse flats to the beaches off of Naples, the fishing has been amazing.  There are schools of spanish mackerel, bonita, ladyfish and jacks chasing bait just about everywhere you look.  We’ve been using live shrimp under corks and artificial silver spoons for the best results.  Look for birds and you’ll find the fish.

If you make a stop on a rock pile, ledge or wreck, in less than 30 feet of water, you’ll be on grouper, snapper, pompano and a mix of reef fish.  Cut bait or live shrimp on circle hooks with a little weight is all it takes.

Stone crab season opened on October 15th and that means there are now rows of crab pot buoys in the Gulf.  That also means it’s time to keep an eye out for triple tail.  These hard fighting, delicious to eat fish like to ‘lay’ right next to the buoys, trying to imitate a bit of flotsam or seaweed.  An unsuspecting bait comes along and it’s goodbye bait.  The best method for this kind of fishing is run and gun.  Simply put the boat on step and move along the rows of buoys, keeping a sharp eye out for the fish laid up against them.  If you see one, turn around, set the boat up on the breeze and drift down to the target.  Live shrimp on a small jig or circle hook cast close to the target works well. 

Redfish are feeding around the mangrove islands but only seem happy to eat at the top of the tide.  That means you’re going to have to plan fishing for them very early in the day for the most success.  Live shrimp on jigs and cut ladyfish have been working along with artificial Gulp Shrimp and D.O.A. shrimp lures.  Dark colors work best.

The trout bite picked up mid-week and should continue to improve as the water temperatures come down.  What we really need is a strong cold front to push through to get them stirred up.  You can find them on the grass flats of Pine Island Sound, lower Matlacha Pass and the mid sections of Estero Bay.  Live shrimp under a popping cork will get their attention along with artificial poppers on top.

The Great Mini Golf Adventure

I'm not sure what possessed me to set out upon a mini golf expedition.  The idea sprang forth on a rather dismal day, which is rare in southwest Florida.  My daughter Miranda was visiting, and while she slept in, I plotted and planned what I thought would be a memorable daddy/daughter outing.  I decided we'd play five different mini golf courses in one day.  I did a search on the iPad for available courses and hours and then mapped out a circuit we could follow that would let us play them in order.  The plan was in place, time to get the teenager out of bed!

Congo River Golf

We started the morning in Bonita Springs at Congo River  Golf.  This is one of the newest courses in the Lee County area and is located on US 41. 

The first thing that caught our eye was the layout.  It's big and mountainous with a huge waterfall and lots of tropical plants.  You start at the bottom of the Congo River and you work your way up to the headwaters.  The holes are difficult!  On a 1-10 scale, it earns a solid 9.  We didn't score a single hole-in-one and I've got a feeling we aren't the only ones.  As a matter of fact, a great many of the holes are blind shots that end up on on different levels from the tees.

The holes are all in great shape and despite the rainy day, there was very little standing water to slow the balls down.  Rates were $12 per person for adults and $11 for children under 10.  They also offered second round discounts and there was a scavenger hunt for additional discounts on the back of the scorecard.

Golf Safari

Our second stop was Golf Safari also in Bonita Springs.  Located on Bonita Beach Road this was the oldest of the five courses we played.

It shows it's age but we loved the fact that it gave up quite a few holes-in-one if you made good shots.  You could at least see WHERE the pin was located!  This is also a great course for small children because the openings on the pins are larger than a standard golf hole.  On the difficulty scale, we gave it a 4.

It plays mostly on a single level with some climbing near the end.  Nothing too difficult, but fun.  The putting surfaces are a bit worn and held some water but that added to the challenge.

The rates are $10.50 for adults and $9.50 for children 12 and under.  They also offer mystery hole-in-one specials and you can play free additional rounds.  Just show your initial receipt at the check-in counter.

Jungle Golf

Our third stop was Jungle Golf located on San Carlos Blvd. near Fort Myers Beach.  This is a good old fashion putt-putt course with challenging holes but doable hole-in-ones, if you're good. 

The most unusual feature is the small to large boulders located in the middle of most of the holes.  If you are a pool player you can use them to bank your shots.  This one rates a 6 on the difficulty meter.

I liked the scenery.  It was open and the climbs to the top weren't that challenging.  It did offer quite a few blind shots but nothing too out of the ordinary.

The rates are $10.50 for adults and $8.50 for children 12 and under.  They also offered special all-day rates and little golfers under 4 are free.

Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf

Course number 4, Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, is located right next door to Jungle Golf.  If it weren't for the difficult terrain, you could walk to it. 

The pirate motif is a winner and we both loved the waterfalls and mysterious caves.  There's lots of climbing so be prepared.  There are also plenty of blind holes that require walking ahead just to see what you are shooting for.  They even have bells to ring once you've played the hole to let the folks behind you know it's OK to putt!  Smugglers Cove earns a 7 on the difficulty scale.

The rates are $12 for adults and $11 for children 12 and under.  You can play additional rounds for $1.99.  Want to feed alligators?  You can at this venue.  They have a gator pit chock full of them!  And get this... you don't just toss the food to them, you put it on a small bamboo fishing pole and lure them to you from an elevated dock.  Pretty wild!

Castle Golf

The last mini golf course on our list was Castle Golf located on Gladiolus Drive in Fort Myers.  This one is tougher than it looks.  We gave it a difficulty rating of 8.

The putting surface was good but held a lot of water due to the recent rains.  It was also quite colorful.  The putting "greens" ran the gamut from bright pinks and orange to pastel blues and purple.

There is a lot of moving water on this course and it was the only location that charges for lost balls.  There are ball vending machines strategically located and it will cost you 50 cents a pop if you get sloppy.

Bring bug spray if you are playing during the rainy season.  Castle Golf not only backs up to a mangrove swamp area, several of the holes are on boardwalks just above the water.  We got attacked and played "speed" golf for a couple of holes!

The rates are $11 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.  They also over specials and you can play additional rounds for $1.95.

All in all the adventure was fun.  We enjoyed a great many laughs and some amazing golf shots.  The final overall score after 90 holes of mini golf was Dad, 3 rounds to Miranda, 2 rounds.  Would we do it again?  You bet!
 

Fishing Report August 11th

Art, releasing a tarpon at boatside.

It’s hard to believe it’s back to school time in southwest Florida.  If you like fishing and you have some spare time, our local waters will be suddenly free of a lot of boat traffic during the week.  The fishing pressure goes way down and you suddenly have lots of space to fish in.  Time to plan a trip and enjoy the quiet before the peak season arrives.

The bite has been nice and steady in the backcountry waters of Estero Bay.  The breeze has been pleasant in the morning so we’ve been taking advantage of the slightly cooler  weather.  Working the mangrove shorelines for redfish has been the go-to.  They move out a bit to feed just after sunrise and will go after shrimp on jigs or cut ladyfish on circle hooks.  Once the sun comes up, make your cast a little closer to the mangroves.  You’ll also find some snapper, the occasional sheepshead and a few snook in the same area. 

The bays are giving up some good sized trout.  Shrimp under a popping cork works best in about 3 feet of water.  Small sharks and some decent size pompano are feeding there as well.  We’ve also jumped a few small tarpon along the oyster bar cuts.

The nearshore waters are still loaded with spanish mackerel.  Head out a mile or so and look for the schooling threadfin herrings.  You’ll see “puddles” of this large bait just about everywhere.  The macs will be close by.  If you set baits on the bottom you’ll find snapper, grouper, trout and flounder.  Keep an eye out while near the bait pods.  We’ve seen tarpon rolling in them and landed an estimated 75 pounder a few days ago.