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.
Charlotte Harbor fishing report
In the mangrove backcountry, adjacent flats and around the outside bars fishing early is still key. Snook fishing, catch and release, has been consistent along many of these mangrove edges. Moreover, there are good numbers of small snook around which holds lots of...
Weekly on the fly
A week goes by quick and there have been no real weather changes so we're still fishing the same pattern and working the top of Charlotte Harbor between the Peace and Myakka Rivers and south along the many available mangrove shorelines. It has been raining a little...
August from the bench
As we sat down at the fly tying bench for this month, August. We’re in full summer mode and tying baitfish style flies to resemble the scaled sardines or pilchards that are so prevalent and a favorite of our local gamefish. Too, as our rain totals increase providing...
August outlook
While enduring the current heat and humidity it might seem that our options are limited. However, there are some unique opportunities if you’re ready to get up early and be on the water before sunrise. The flat calm conditions make the boat ride worthwhile and it’s a...
Weekly on the fly
This week we're still loading out of Ponce or Laishley park and working mangrove shorelines towards the top of the harbor. We're focusing on juvenile tarpon and they've been a bit shy and hit and miss. We are picking up a few snook along the way with island points...
Boca Grande fishing report
The fishing around Boca Grande has been pretty good so far this summer. With it’s proximity to the Gulf passes, Boca Grande and Little Gasparilla, the more oxygenated water flowing in from the outside really helps. Working shorelines anywhere around the intracoastal...
Charlotte Harbor fishing report
We’re in our summer pattern on Charlotte Harbor and it’s best to fish early. The snook and redfish bite has been consistent as the closed seasons allowing only catch and release have helped immensely. It helps to hunt on the lower tides as they’ll gravitate to and...
Weekly on the fly
Summer's here and we’ve turned our attention towards the top of the harbor and hunting down our resident juvenile tarpon. Right now, we’re working the outside edge of the mangroves along shorelines between and south of the Myakka and Punta Gorda bridges. We’re fishing...
July from the bench
As we sat down at the fly tying bench for this month, July. We’re in full summer mode and tying baitfish style flies to resemble the scaled sardines or pilchards that are so prevalent and a favorite of our local gamefish. Too, as our rain totals increase providing...
July outlook
After waiting for like what seemed forever for our water temperatures to reach the upper 70’s anticipating tarpon season, it may or may not be hard to believe that May and June have past. Now, the wind should lie down and the air and water temperature will rise. There...
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
