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.
April 2020
For the next two months, the combination of water temperature, bait migration, and tide schedules are promising. Now, we’re in full spring transition. First, as water temperatures climb into the 70’s and with negative tides diminishing prey species like the scaled...
May 2020
After what we’ve been through the last two months, hopefully we can all feel comfortable getting back out because without a doubt, this is one of the best months to be on the water. Bait, scaled sardines and threadfin herring, will be scattered throughout the area,...
June 2020
Typically, We'd spend most of this month on the beach like last month. This year, we're going to keep working the east side below Punta Gorda. Redfish and snook are prowling many shorelines and with the water temperature climbing we're anticipating the juvenile tarpon...
July 2020
As we approach the height of summer, the combination of midday heat and afternoon thunderstorms put an emphasis on getting out early. Hopefully, realizing that this period provides some of the lightest winds we’ll see all year helps ease some of the pain associated...
August 2020
As we enter the peak of summer heat and humidity it might seem like our options are limited. However, there are some decent opportunities as long as you’re prepared to get up early and be on the water before sunrise. Typically, the flat calm conditions make the boat...
September 2020
Even though it may still feel like summer, the harbor and surrounding bays are beginning to transition. For the most part, rain accumulation and somewhat cooler overnight temperatures will combine to drop water temperatures just enough to get the fish moving. However,...
October 2020
This is one of my favorite months. We are putting summer behind but are still a month or so away from the first front and signs of winter. Cooler water temperatures put fish on the move. Snook, redfish and even pelagic species like bonito and kingfish are entering...
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
