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.
Mid January observations
We’ve been going through what I’d consider an extended period of cool weather here in Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island but the fishing has not been bad. Typical for this time of year, We’ve been spending most of our time in the back country of Pine Island Sound. The...
Tide changes and points
As you are cruising the bays and sounds of Charlotte Harbor, have you ever wondered why it always seems there are boats anchored just off the corners or points of many mangrove island shorelines? In most cases, this is due to the fact that these island points can be...
A game of inches
Like many sports, it’s easy to look at the big picture when it comes to fishing. However, with the exception of the all important factor of finding the fish, more than not, many times it’s the little things that end up making the difference. I have to say that all my...
A few hours of Peace
It was not too long ago while bringing up the idea of looking for fish closer to home that I mentioned that one day I would like to put in some time exploring the Peace River. For me, because I live in Punta Gorda and not too far from Laishley Park, it provides lots...
Sight fishing-who see’s who
To this day, I still have vivid childhood memories of the crystal clear water between the mangroves in Key Largo loaded with snapper that would be more than happy to eat the shrimp we dropped below. In contrast, I also remember in those days walking out onto the...
January new moon observations
Well, it sure has cooled off and it looks like it's going to continue well into next week. In addition, the wind looks like it's going to settle down a bit throughout the same period. We'll keep our eye on the east side of the harbor between Ponce Park and Pirate...
Enjoy the hunt
There is no way that you can venture out into Charlotte Harbor or any of its surrounding bays, sounds, or tidal flats without realizing what a geographically large area it is to learn. Add in the complexities of tide, current, and wind and it can even be more...
Running from the fish
At first glance, Charlotte Harbor and all its bays and sounds seem like an awful lot of territory to learn and cover. However, I suppose like anywhere, the more time you spend exploring it, the more you begin to realize that in some respects, it’s really not all that...
Look for what stands out
It is pretty much common knowledge that there isn’t a lot of water out there right now. In the past, I have talked about using this time of year to scout some of our favorite areas in order to get a better idea of bottom contour that may not be so easy to sea when...
The tree shot
A week or so ago at our annual club casting clinic, I believe it was Rod who brought up the point that when fishing mangrove shorelines he liked to always throw flies that were tied with weed guards. The club is the Charlotte Harbor Fly Fishers. A casual group of good...
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
