Capt. Frank Ciurca has been a charterboat and fishing guide since 1980. He has been fishing since a boy in the 1950s in the Chesapeake Bay, however, has great experience fly fishing in SW Florida and the Florida Keys. Capt Frank started fishing the Florida Keys in 1971, becoming an Ocean City Md. Charterboat Captain, 1980 to 1995, eventually moving his guide service to the Port Charlotte and Charlotte Harbor area of SW Florida. Charlotte Harbor, is one of the largest and most fragile estuaries in Florida. This unique shallow water fishery is home to many crab and baitfish species migrating into the Harbor during certain times of the year. The Harbor is also home to many species of gamefish such as Redfish, Snook,  Speckled Seatrout as well as Tarpon, and Ladyfish. There is usually something biting in the Harbor or along the Gulf, even during the winter months.  If you are a freshwater fisherman, bass trips are also available in the nearby lakes and rivers.

 

Your light tackle and fly fishing experience will be much more then searching for fish. You'll be treated to a nature adventure navigating thru the mangroves and oyster bars, learning about the environment that makes up the Harbor's eco system. Capt. Frank bring's a unique perspective to the fishing experience having worked 30 years for Maryland's Environmental Water Quality Enforcement Program. He holds a Master and PhD degree from the University of Baltimore and LaSalle University, and has written numerous articles for several national Saltwater Flyfishing magazines.  Along with his wife Audrey, they have developed several nationally known flies which have helped anglers catch many species of saltwater fish, including Striped Bass, Bluefish, speckled Seatrout, Snook, Redfish, Ladyfish, and Tarpon. The AC Pearl and Diamond flies, as well as the AC Button Crab Fly can be purchased at our Fly Store.

 

To help make your fishing experience memorable, Capt. Frank will be able to offer trips in one of two boats. The first boat is a 22 ft Shearwater, capable of taking 2 anglers out into the Harbor or along the Gulf. Boat two is a 16 ft Gheenoe, which can float in several inches of water, and can carry one passenger for a real shallow water adventure. Wading trips are also available.
 

Capt. Frank is an accomplished fly fisherman, and photographer, winning the 2005 CCA big striper fly fishing Tournament in Maryland using the AC Diamond fly.  He promises some great photos of your adventure.