Punta Gorda Fly Fishing CharterS
1 (941) 628-7895
Listen To Michael’s Recent Interview
Driven by Passion
For me, it’s more than a sport, it’s a lifestyle and I live to saltwater fly fish specializing in working mangrove, grass flat, and oyster bar country. Sight fishing when possible. Shallow water hunting.
(941) 628-7895
Captain Michael Manis
I’ve lived in South Florida most of my life and there’s nowhere I feel more comfortable than around the mangroves and grass flats that comprise my office. I’m a skiff guide and would rather throw fly than anything else. I’ve been teaching the sport of fly and light tackle angling since 2002. I’m old fashioned and still believe fishing should be fun. Teaching is my passion and beginning salt water fly fishers are welcome. Learning to cast is a lot of fun and I can help build your confidence.
All in all, the trip belongs to my guests. A day on the water can vary greatly depending on weather, tides and the angler’s abilities. Each day I look over every variable to ensure you are given the best opportunity to catch fish. The most rewarding part of a day on the water for me is knowing my customers have enjoyed the experience.
For sure, fly fishing is one of the fastest growing segments of our sport. In fact, the bow of a skiff is a great spot to work a line. With plenty of room for a backcast combined with the casting platform’s elevated positioning, the teamwork that can be established between the poling platform and the bow makes for an enjoyable experience.
April Outlook
For the next two months, the combination of water temperature, bait migration, and tide schedules are promising. Now, we’re in full spring transition. First, as water temperatures climb into the 70’s prey species like the scaled sardine and threadfin herring will...
April 2021
For the next two months, the combination of water temperature, bait migration, and tide schedules are promising. Now, we’re in full spring transition. First, as water temperatures climb into the 70’s prey species like the scaled sardine and threadfin herring will...
March 2021
After the cool winds and low tides of last month, I’m looking forward to transitioning into spring. Although, it’ll still be windy and we’ll probably see at least one good cold front, both the air and water temperature should improve. As a result, our fish will get...
March Outlook
After the cool winds and low tides of last month, I’m looking forward to transitioning into spring. Although, it’ll still be windy and we’ll probably see at least one good cold front, both the air and water temperature should improve. As a result, our fish will get...
March from the bench
As we sat down at the fly tying bench for this month, March. Things have opened up a bit as the water temperature has warmed. As a result, pilchards or scaled sardines have moved back into the harbor from offshore and will soon be a staple for our favorite gamefish....
February from the bench
As we sat down at the fly tying bench for this month, February. We’re still in a winter pattern and our favorite gamefish are still not relying on the pilchard or scaled sardine that are so prevalent during the warmer months. They’re still foraging for smaller...
February Outlook
Typically, even though we do get some cold snaps in March, this should be our last cool month and our last shot at extreme low tides. I’ll spend most of my time targeting redfish and spotted sea trout. Both of these species adapt well to cooler conditions and spotted...
February 2021
Typically, even though we do get some cold snaps in March, this should be our last cool month and our last shot at extreme low tides. I’ll spend most of my time targeting redfish and spotted sea trout. Both of these species adapt well to cooler conditions and spotted...
Some final thoughts for January
We just finished an interesting week in Pine Island Sound where we saw some warmer weather and a good tide as a result of the full moon. It’s the first time this year we’ve seen water temperatures in the low 70’s in the backcountry. The trout bite was solid as usual...
January’s final week-some observations
Because of the quarter moon phase, we just finished a week with minimal tide movement. On the other hand, we were fortunate to have some of the mildest winds we've seen in a bit. Too, even though it was cool first thing in the morning, it warmed up nicely in the...
Our focus
Safety First
Safety is always first on Captain Mike’s boat. We have all the Coast Guard & First Aid equipment required. We are also First Aid certified
Limited Spots
We only fish 1-2 Anglers at a time. This gives us the ability to give you the attention you deserve to make your trip enjoyable.
Eco Friendly
We are stewards of the mangroves and grass flats that make up our estuary. Understanding a healthy habitat is vital, we work to protect and enhance our fishery through multiple conservation programs.
Catch & Release
Realizing our game fish are too valuable to catch only once. We practice catch and release. In addition, we also believe in “keeping them wet”. Keeping them out of the water as short as possible for a quick photo.
Rates
4 hours
6 hours
8 hours
