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.
Winter’s spotted sea trout bite
Right now, we’ve just experienced three good cold fronts and the wind is blowing strong from the north. The spotted sea trout like the cooler weather and will feed aggressively. Moreover, our seasonally low tides are even more pronounced by the strong north winds....
Tarpon on fly
Tarpon are probably the most sought after gamefish on fly. It’s not easy, but once you get a taste it’s hard to let go. To be sure, to be on the bow of a skiff and see a school of triple digit fish coming your way in clear gulf water or to watch groups of smaller fish...
The family fish
I’d like to think of trout as the family fish. Because they group up and aren’t as technical as our other gamefish. It’s always been a great fish to target with the kids. They are abundant and cooperative and willing to snatch most offerings anglers provide. They’re...
Bull dog of the backcountry
Redfish prowl the same shorelines as snook but can also be found out on open grass flats. In fact, they tend to group up in areas of clear water with lots of turtle grass. They’re a great fish to sight fish on low winter tides. They’re a great fighter that bull dogs...
Welcome to snook country
Welcome to snook country. Fishing for snook is like close quarter combat. They're a street fighter in tight cover. They hit hard, can pull, and jump and will do it all within the confines of a complex mangrove creek system. In fact, one of the my favorite parts of...
December 2020
At this point, with the combination of weather changes and the holiday season, I’d have my gear ready and waiting for those few short openings. By that, I mean waiting between the fronts for those perfect days that make living in southwest Florida special. And even...
November 2020
Towards the end of last month, first thing in the morning, it was noticeably breezy and cooler. This began the transition from late summer and fall into what could be considered a winter pattern. It’s not the winter we’ll see in the next three months, but it’s a...
Tarpon
Tarpon Blog Post
Spotted Sea Trout
Spotted Sea Trout Blog Post
Redfish
Redfish blog post
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
