HOOK, LINE AND SINKER
Generations of fishermen from the famous to the first- timers have been wetting their lines in the waters of Southwest Florida for centuries. The huge variety of species and angling styles here has helped make this area one of the world’s most popular fishing destinations. Well- deserved monikers like “Tarpon Capital of the World” ( Boca Grande Pass) and “The World’s Most Fishingest Bridge” ( Matlacha Bridge) just go to show why those who love the thrill of backcountry fishing come here to cast with abandon.
Our region’s huge network of rivers, back bays, inlets, creeks, mangrove islands and estuaries creates almost endless opportunities for catching fish. And the different species of fish found here are as varied as the environments in which they live. The waters of Southwest Florida provide the perfect spots for anglers of all skill levels to try their hand at reeling in the catch of the day, whether they’re hoping to land the elusive snook or a giant tarpon.
Nestled between the western shoreline of Pine Island and the coastal islands of Sanibel, Captiva and Cayo Costa is Pine Island Sound, a true anglers’ paradise. This enchanting estuary is home to hundreds of tiny mangrove islands, channels and fishing holes teeming with some of the area’s most sought- after game fish. Snook, redfish, spotted trout, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, bluefish and even sharks can be caught here.
Whether you’re in the secluded waters of the back bay or near the open passes to the Gulf of Mexico, the area generally dictates what type of fish you’ll find. The higher salinity found in the shallows of the sound brings anglers more success with fish like reds and snook. The mouths of the sound, which are less salty due to freshwater infusions from Lake Okeechobee, are better spots to watch for gar fish, groupers, tarpon and sharks.
To better understand the huge variety of species found within our local waters, read some of the local fishing guides’ accounts of what’s biting and where. A quick sampling will tell you that snook fishing is best along the beaches, where there are plenty of baitfish, and mangrove snappers are everywhere in Charlotte Harbor, with shrimp and live sardines working best as bait.
The snook is one of our area’s most sought- after prizes, and there are actually five different species found in local waters. But be sure to study up on the laws regarding these game fish. You’re only allowed to bag one snook per fisherman per day during open harvest seasons; they need to be between 28 and 33 inches in size. You’re not allowed to use multiple hooks or catch them with a spear.
And for those visiting or unfamiliar with local legends found just below the surface, be careful when talking about snook fishing in these parts, especially around a Florida “Cracker,” the nickname for a native- born Floridian with deep family roots in the Sunshine State. The more common pronunciation rhymes with “cook,” but many seasoned fishermen refer to them using more of a “Luke” sound, claiming that’s the real and only way to say it.