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.
Early January 2021 observations
Although the last couple days have been warm, there are some cool temperatures on the horizon next week. Last week, cool water temperatures in the 50's left our redfish a bit lethargic as many could be seen lying in the sun way off the shoreline trying to warm up. We...
January 2021
It’s midwinter and working on the water has a way of making you curse the wind. In a best case scenario, we’re all hoping to pick our spots between fronts while enjoying sleeping in a bit. However, if you’re willing to brave the elements there are good options. For...
Tides and time management
We have all been there, you're sitting on some fish along a mangrove shoreline or some close by potholes or you even happen to spot a school while just running to another spot. Subsequently, you come back at a later date even as soon as the next day only to discover...
Move like a heron
Last week, while spending a few days fishing for redfish in a smaller bay within Tampa bay it became quite clear just how sensitive or aware the fish were to the movement of anything that moved too quickly above the water such as a rod during something as simple as a...
Staying ahead of the fish
Did you ever notice how you seem to find certain fish when you are not really looking for them? For example, the elusive slot size snook is always a tough find. That is unless you are on the lookout for schooling redfish, and then it is uncanny how all of a sudden you...
Ladyfish and learning new skill sets
For the first time saltwater fly fisher or for even a total beginner there may be no better target than the fast moving wild and crazy ladyfish. Yes, the species that most consider a trash fish as well as the poor man’s tarpon. Just like the late Rodney Dangerfield,...
A few observations while working winter’s low tides
We’ve sure been having some low tides this past month. It can be intimidating what many refer to as puddle jumping but can also provide some good fishing as fish get locked up or stuck in the deeper depressions on the flats waiting on water to rise. Basically, when...
Late December conditions and bite
t's sure been breezy lately and it looks like the rest of December will also be challenging. However, when the conditions are right the bite has been pretty good. In particular, the spotted sea trout bite in the sand holes of the turtle grass flats in Pine Island...
To pole or troll
Due to the fact that I enjoy hunting down fish and exploring skinny water as deep in the backcountry as possible, and my preference for fishing artificials with light tackle, I generally use my push pole extensively. In addition, I am fly fishing more lately, and...
Setting up to pole
So, you have finally made the decision to get that push pole. Well, you are not alone. On a weekly basis, I see quite a few anglers shopping for push poles. Generally, they have lots of questions regarding what is available at what price. There are however several...
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
