Must Do Fort Myers Visitor Guide Summer/Fall 2017

ELIZABETH BARNETT
Southwest Florida is a
True Fisherman’s Paradise
Florida is a hotspot for fishing, and no wonder!
Along with saltwater fishing in the warm Gulf
waters, it also offers canals, rivers, lakes, and
excellent backwater fishing. For the uninitiated,
backwater fishing refers to fishing in the network
of tidal creeks, bays, and mangroves that this
coast is riddled with.
West Coast fishing calls for smaller, lighter rods
than other areas of Florida. Experts recommend
a rod length of 6.5 to 7.5 feet and lures from 1/8
to 1/2 an ounce for successful fishing in the area.
Fish tend to hang out wherever there are
structures, rocks, and oyster bars. The area
has many such places along with artificial reefs
guaranteeing some nice catches.
Southwest Florida’s coastline has hundreds of islands and thousands of miles of shoreline providing rich seagrass beds
that attract all manner of saltwater fish. Thousands of acres of wetlands are under the protection of state or federal
law, particularly around Charlotte Harbor, which is one of Florida’s largest estuaries. Clean unpolluted waters support stands
of mangroves whose roots provide a natural nursery for young fish stock. Other coastal areas are designated aquatic
preserves with strict regulations controlling these pristine waters and ecosystems to support marine life.
The area offers ample fishing opportunities from fishing piers, bridges, canal banks, and even right off the beach.
Freshwater fishing is plentiful in the many retention lakes and rock pits which are stocked with bass, panfish, and catfish.
Better still, join a local fishing charter and enjoy
a memorable day’s fishing with a knowledgeable
expert. Tackle, bait, and refreshments are usually
included in the price along with some tall fishing
tales and an unrivaled sense of camaraderie.
Catching Gamefish in
Southwest Florida
The big attraction for fishing enthusiasts is the
diversity of gamefish that call these warm Gulf
waters home. Some of the most sought-after
gamefish are tarpon, spotted sea trout, snook,
and redfish. Such is the profusion of certain
species, the waters around Boca Grande have
earned it the nickname “Tarpon Capital of the
World”.
Many avid resident anglers and visitors aim for
the “Grand Slam -- hooking one of each of the
“Big Four” game fish listed above in the same
day.
MARY CAROL FITZGERALD
Fishing Around
Fort Myers
and Sanibel
Options abound around Fort Myers,
Captiva and Sanibel Islands for all
types of fishing. Tarpon, grouper, and
other game fish love these sheltered
temperate waters and catches of
snapper and redfish are common.
Many fishing charters operate from
Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island
with easy access to the Gulf of Mexico.
Sport fishing, night fishing, and family
fishing trips can be organized to suit
all ages and levels of experience.
Offshore fishing in this area provides
excellent catches of grouper along
with cobia, shark, barracuda, bonita,
and king mackerel.
However, you don’t need to get out on the water to enjoy some excellent angling. Pine Island Sound is a well-kept local secret
where the tidal flows provide excellent fishing for tarpon, sheephead, snook, jacks, and other species. Fishing jetties and
piers in the area provide good catches,
particularly in the early morning. Incoming
tides bring new fishing opportunities to
the many creeks, inlets, and passages
so you’ll want to check the local tide
chart before heading out.
The cooler months are the high
season for flat fishing and this is when
the nearshore waterways around
Fort Myers and Sanibel come into
their own. Snook, large trout, cobia,
Spanish mackerel, and amberjack are
prolific in the freshwater canals in the
area as well as inhabiting the broad
Caloosahatchee River.
Whether you are a first-time visitor
or are lucky enough to reside in
beautiful Southwest Florida, you will
find some rewarding fishing in the
area. Offshore, inshore, freshwater,
saltwater, and lake fishing are all found
here in abundance. In an area already
known for its beaches and golf, fishing
adds another dimension to this area’s
fun outdoor amenities.
STOCK PHOTO
22 SUMMER | FALL 2017 MustDo.com