Punta Gorda Fly Fishing CharterS

(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.

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Charlotte Harbor fishing report

Charlotte Harbor fishing report

As we make our way through February, it's worked out to be the typical pattern of getting out between fronts. By contrast, this year has been cooler, wetter and more cloudy than most. Similar to past years, the bite has been best around the moons and best tides. The...

Charlotte Harbor fishing report

Charlotte Harbor fishing report

It's beginning to feel like Fall and both our air and water temperatures are now starting to cool down. As a result, our fish are getting more active. Of course, they've chewed best on the bigger tides around both the full and new moons. For now, I've been sticking...

Snook country post Ian

Snook country post Ian

For the most part, snook have always been my favorite species to hunt on fly. And, yes i say hunt because much of the allure of pursuing snook comes having to spend time in the beautiful places they live. In the Charlotte Harbor backcountry, prime snook country...

Charlotte Harbor fishing report

Charlotte Harbor fishing report

Needless to say, it has been really hot. As a result, I've been working close to home and fishing early. In fact, it's not a bad idea to be off the water by 10:00 a.m.  At first light, it's not unusual to find rolling tarpon and some days they can be more cooperative...

Charlotte Harbor fishing report

Charlotte Harbor fishing report

As we approach months end, limited rainfall has kept the upper harbor relatively clear allowing good visibility and sight fishing opportunities. Both the east and west sides are holding snook, redfish, and spotted sea trout. Also, with the wind starting to lay down...

Charlotte Harbor fishing report

Charlotte Harbor fishing report

The water clarity and visibility in the upper harbor remains clear as we're still in a dry pattern with very minimal rainfall. On the east side, depending on the tide we're moving back and forth between the outside bar system and the mangrove island backcountry. It's...

Charlotte Harbor fishing report

Charlotte Harbor fishing report

The dry conditions and lack of rain have combined to keep the water in the upper harbor clear with decent visibility. Just yesterday the county to our south, Lee, lifted their red tide alerts from multiple beach locations. That's encouraging to see. However, there is...

Working the edge

Sandra Carpenter
Sandra Carpenter
2022-07-29
We booked Mike for a day. He knows the area and we caught fish all day long. His boat and gear are immaculate- we even had people commenting on that at the dock. He was helpful with tips on improving my cast and accuracy. We have plans to book him again and I highly recommend.
Punta Gorda fly fishing With Capt. Michael Manis
Punta Gorda fly fishing With Capt. Michael Manis
2022-07-29
My goal is to give my clients a fun and knowledgable day. I'll give a long day with 100% effort. My hope is that my clients appreciate the effort and it can't always be measured in shots or eats. I want to catch fish as much as they do and am most gratified when teaming up to set up a shot. Essentially, the fish decide. 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.
David Peterson
David Peterson
2022-03-01
I strongly recommend Capt. Mike Manis for your next inshore fly fishing trip! I fish with him whenever I can. He knows the flats and backcountry of Pine Island Sound like the back of his hand and always finds fish. Mike is a steward of the resource, practicing catch and release and proper fish handling. He maximizes your skills by always positioning his boat to maximize your casting. Most importantly, you’ll have a fun fishing with him- he truly loves the sport! Dave Peterson Chairman of the Board Fly Fishers International
Brent Stauffer
Brent Stauffer
2022-01-28
Captain Mike is truly passionate about what he does, he enjoys sharing his knowledge of the fishery. Captain Mike put my wife and I on fish all day. We had a blast! It was so wonderful to get out fishing with a guide that took care of everything, and was so very patient. I will fish with captain Mike again one day.
Rick Downs
Rick Downs
2021-12-30
Captain Mike is the most passionate guide we have been with. He loves the fishery and environment and would be there every day because of his love for the area. We were blessed to fish with him on this trip to Florida & will be long time clients. You can do no better than Captain Mike. Thank you!! Rick and Sheryl
Nicholas Mike
Nicholas Mike
2021-12-10
The best guide you’ll find. Why? 1. He knows exactly where the fish are. 2. He responsibly releases and honors the ecosystem. If you are going for meat he’s probably not for you 3. To notch flats equipment from boat to rods to his own hand tied flies. Fly fishing we did a triple header reds, snook and trout. Can’t go wrong with Mike
Jake Winn
Jake Winn
2021-12-09
Mike is a great guide. He knows the water and fish intimately and makes you feel comfortable whatever your skill level. I had a wonderful experience fishing with him.
Glenn Habak
Glenn Habak
2021-06-16
Had a great day out with Capt. Mike. He made it a great experience all around. Not only did we catch a lot, Mike’s boat positioning made casting easy and his great knowledge of both the environment and history of the area was an added bonus.
Lindsay Trojanowski
Lindsay Trojanowski
2021-03-14
I booked Mike for a surprise trip for my husband and step father. They were both blown away at how amazing Mike was to them. I was told he is a great guy that is very down to earth and set them up on beautiful fish all day long. Mike went 1000 times above and beyond what we paid him for. He gave my husband memories that he will carry with him for a lifetime. My husband fly fishes left handed, which is rather unusual, this was nothing to Mike, he had everything perfectly set up for him. My stepdad ran a spin reel and Mike kept up perfectly with both them. I would recommend him to anyone who enjoys good company and a great day of fishing.
drew wing
drew wing
2021-03-14
Mike- showed us a great day on the water targeting trout and reds on the fly and light tackle. We had multiple opportunities sight fishing some big reds and got tight several times- the trout were endless. Mike’s boat and gear were meticulous, he was a forgiving guide generous with his knowledge and time on the water. Thanks for a memorable day with my son.

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.

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