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.
October 2021
This is one of my favorite months as southwest Florida transitions out of summer but is still a month or so away from the first front that suggests winter is approaching. Cooler water temperatures put game fish on the move. This combined with moderate breezes provides...
Snook on the move
With fall rapidly approaching, even though the afternoon temperatures don’t feel much different, it’s been cooling off late at night into the dawn hours. The snook have noticed and have begun making their way from the outside passes and deeper cuts of Cape Haze and...
Creek mouth schools
Already grouping up as their spawn progresses, redfish have been keying on local creek mouths taking advantage of the recent rain. Glass minnows that call these brackish nurseries home have been flushing out with the tide keeping redfish close by. Out of Ponce Park...
Top of the harbor mix
In late summer and fall, Black drum and small tarpon continue to hold in the brackish water at the mouth of the Peace River where it meets Charlotte Harbor. Now, as with the last six weeks, it’s best to get out before first light. In particular, the tarpon drop down...
September from the bench
As we sat down at the fly tying bench for this month, September. Our weather is still warm so we’ll continue working the outside bar systems adjacent to mangrove country looking for redfish, snook and juvenile tarpon. We’ll definitely keep an eye out for groups of...
September Outlook
With the heat still ever present, I’ll continue woking early and concentrate on outside shorelines that run adjacent to open water bar systems. In particular, shorelines that adjoin creek mouths and deeper cuts are my favorites. This type of habitat can hold snook,...
September 2021
With the heat still ever present, I’ll continue woking early and concentrate on outside shorelines that run adjacent to open water bar systems. In particular, shorelines that adjoin creek mouths and deeper cuts are my favorites. This type of habitat can hold snook,...
August from the bench
As we sat down at the fly tying bench for this month, August. It’s the height of summer and we’re working the outside bar systems as well as mangrove country for redfish, snook and juvenile tarpon. For the most part, we’re throwing baitfish flies to imitate the...
August Outlook
As we approach the height of summer, it might seem that while enduring the heat, humidity, and thunderstorms 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...
August 2021
As we approach the height of summer, it might seem that while enduring the heat, humidity, and thunderstorms 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...
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
