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.
A few facts about Charlotte Harbor you may not know
Harbor Size: 701 square miles; 448,640 acres. 365 miles of canals; 190 miles of saltwater and 175 miles of freshwater. Charlotte Harbor, is formed by the blending of saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico with freshwater from the Peace and Myakka rivers. Tarpon, snook,...
More December 2020 observations
This is definitely the time of year cold fronts consistently work their way into southwest Florida affecting Charlotte Harbor as well as the rest of the coast. While these winds may seem unmanageable, the cooler water temperatures help produce some good fishing. In...
The new moon and winter solstice
As we approach the winter solstice and after just working the new moon tides this week, several observations come to mind. Water quality was better than we expected to the south south in Pine Island Sound and a mixed bag north along the east side of the harbor between...
More thoughts on the underrated family fish
For the most part, in and around the Charlotte Harbor area, the spotted sea trout doesn’t get a whole lot of respect. I guess when you take into consideration the snook, redfish, and tarpon fisheries that we are so fortunate to have; the trout are definitely a bit...
The intermediate sink tip
With the exception of low light conditions, it’s typical to rig a conventional spinning rod with a weighted jig head. Whether soft plastic or feathered, they’re very popular as well as practical because for the most part fish feed beneath more than on the surface. ...
Lay of the land
Located in southwest Florida on Charlotte Harbor ,the states second largest open water estuary, Punta Gorda provides direct access to what is a pristine estuary of national significance. In fact, 1/5 of penninsular Florida drains into Charlotte Harbor. An estuary is a...
Winter snook fishing
Summer is prime time for snook. They’re like me, they like it when it’s 96 in the shade. They can be fished for in the winter, we just have to treat them with a little more respect. First and foremost, it is important to handle them with care. They like water...
Mid December 2020 observations
Well, now that it's cooled off, the reality of working with the wind has set in. That, and the extreme low tides, have definitely changed the landscape. At least hurricane season is over. So now, we find ourselves looking for those windows of opportunity between the...
The clouser style fly-the fleeing prey
After putting together my thoughts on the advantages of throwing an intermediate sink tip line, I figured it would be worthwhile to discuss how I basically accomplish a similar end result throwing a more manageable floating line. Moreover, in an estuarine environment...
Redfish and the shrimp fly
This time of year, we focus on mainly redfish and spotted sea trout. Truth is, our snook are truly a subtropical species and do not like cold weather. In fact, if the water temperature gets down in the 60's they struggle. So, we try and leave them alone. Especially...
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
