Gone Fishin’

Top spots to find all you need for a great day on the water

Before you cast your line, stop at these tackle shops for the latest gear, plus rental canoes and kayaks.

MASTER BAIT & TACKLE

It’s all in the name. No, really, it is for Master Bait and Tackle. They pride themselves in being masters of their craft and they love fishing so much, they want to make sure you do, too. “We take all the work out for people,” explains Jemel Maloney, store manager. “We break it down Barney-style so people know what to do.” Located right in the heart of Bonita Beach Road, Master Bait and Tackle gives you quick access to Estero Bay and the Pine Island Sound. These waters are known for some of the best “skinny water” fishing you can find, like trout, red fish and big snook. So you don’t have to worry about spending all day on the high seas and coming back empty-handed. But it doesn’t stop there. You can easily find tarpon and snapper near the shore waters and don’t forget about grouper and mackerel as you go deeper.

The great part about renting gear is you can literally grab it and go. Master Bait and Tackle rents poles that come with hooks, lines and sinkers—idiot-proof your fishing experience.

Fishing Gear: An array of rods and reels, plus merchandise bearing their namesake—T-shirts, bumper stickers and beer koozies • Frozen Bait: 12 different kinds of bait, including shrimp, mullet, ladyfish, sardines

and silversides • Live Bait: Shrimp, pinfish and crab Guided Charters: Private charters, meaning you get the captain to yourself • Bonus Services: Repair services for just about everything • Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily • For More Information:

239-992-2553, masterbaitonline.com

ESTERO RIVER OUTFITTERS

Since 1977, Estero River Outfitters has been serving Southwest Florida a whole lotta fishing fun. Not only is it a full fishing tackle shop, the company now sells and rents kayaks and canoes, guaranteeing you’ll enjoy every angle of your day on the water. It’s located right on the Estero River at U.S. Highway 41 near Corkscrew Road, so you have prime access to some of the best waters in the area. And you can rest assured that you’re dealing with pros. “We are a family-owned business and we have been living and breathing this. We’ve really grown up in the industry,” says owner, Paula Stuller.

Fishing Gear: Full line of fishing tackle, including Owner Hooks, Shimano, Triple Fish and others. Provides minimalist fishing solutions combined with a fishing kayak outfitting service. Equipment, new and slightly used, is available to rent and buy. • Frozen Bait: Shrimp, mullet, finger mullet and squid • Live Bait: Shrimp and freshwater shiners

Guided Charters: Service available upon request Bonus Services: Rental canoes, kayaks and stand-up

paddleboards, plus camping equipment for sale Hours of Operation: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily • For More Information: 239-992-4050, esteroriveroutfitters.com