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.
Snook
Snook Blog Post
July 2019
Right now, we'll fish early and be looking for rolling tarpon. We'll load out of Punta Gorda and spend our time in the deeper holes, around the bridges, and canal mouths of the upper harbor. The mouth of the Peace River also provides an excellent opportunity. A...
August 2019
Most likely, we'll continue hunting tarpon this month. It's hot and subsequently it'll limit the time we have on the water. Fishing early is key while it's both calm and cooler. The upper harbor is the place to be and we'll load out of either laishley Marina or Ponce...
September 2019
About this time of year, it’s not unusual to find yourself fishing some typical summer patterns while also looking at some new opportunities. For all practical purposes, even though we feel like fall is on the way; it’s still summer. Just like last month, tarpon are...
October 2019
Year in and year out, this is one of the better months to be on the water. Being fall, numerous species are in full transition. In addition, water temperatures are cooling a bit and the wind should still be moderate. To begin with, as they’re preparing for the spawn,...
November 2019
Things are about to change and this month marks that beginning. We’re about to enter what could be considered a winter pattern on the flats in and around the harbor. Intermittent northerly fronts combined with lower morning tides combine to bring this change. In...
December 2019
At this point, the beginning of winter, I find myself looking for windows of opportunity. By that, I mean waiting between fronts for calmer days where both the run and fishing are tolerable. And, even though the days are short, its nice not having to get out at the...
January 2020
As we enter the height or what could be considered this winter’s midlife, the conditions or elements we face won’t differ all that much from last month. That being wind and low tides. I will try to put an emphasis on fishing the incoming tide. More importantly, I’d...
February 2020
Even though it’s most likely we’ll see a couple cold fronts in March, we’re moving into what should be winter’s last blast. As with last month, negative morning tides dominate much of the calendar providing opportunities to fish the incoming as the sun warms the...
March 2020
At this point, options around our bays and sounds are beginning to open up. With water temperatures climbing out of the 60’s and bait beginning to move in from offshore the dynamics of our estuarine system are definitely in transition. After the slim pickings of...
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
