| I started getting the idea that Sanibel must be a great | | | | considered one of the greatest areas in Florida to |
| place for fisherman to vacation when more and more | | | | pursue this type of angling. In fact, several world-record |
| of our vacation renters were inquiring of fishing in the | | | | fish have been caught in these waters. |
| area. Many of our renters were coming from other | | | | Inshore Fishing |
| areas of Florida renowned for fishing, but they were | | | | Considered the Tarpon Capital of the Country, Lee |
| choosing to vacation on our little island in anticipation of | | | | County has fishing year 'round for tarpon, snook, |
| the catches they would make. Not being a fisherman, I | | | | redfish, spotted seatrout, sheepshead, jack crevalle, |
| had no idea how popular the waters around Sanibel | | | | mangrove snapper and many other varieties of fish. |
| are. They are popular habitats for all kinds of fish and | | | | These gamesters can be caught along the mangrove |
| popular hunting grounds for all kinds of fisherman. | | | | shorelines, over the open flats, around bridges, piers, |
| The benefit of the bountiful waters for those of us | | | | docks or by wade fishing along the beaches or drifting |
| who only like our fish cooked and served with a glass | | | | the many passes and inlets that lead to the Gulf of |
| of white wine is that we can eat a wide variety of | | | | Mexico. |
| freshly caught and beautifully prepared fish in local | | | | Offshore Fishing |
| restaurants. For great local freshly caught fish, try | | | | The waters around Sanibel abound in the best grouper |
| Timber's, Sweet Melissa's and the Santiva Lazy | | | | in Florida and are filled with shark, bonito, barracuda, |
| Flamingo where the grouper sandwiches will have you | | | | permit, black fin tuna, cobia and Spanish and king |
| thanking all those fishermen out there working so hard | | | | mackerel. Sight-casting for tripletail gathered around |
| to keep you happy and satisfied. | | | | floating objects is fast becoming a favorite among |
| Speaking with these sportsmen and checking | | | | anglers, as well as casting lines around the natural or |
| information on the www , I was impressed with the | | | | the many artificial reefs offshore. |
| varieties of fish to be found and the claims made by | | | | Freshwater Fishing |
| fishing boat captains that great catches were | | | | Freshwater fishing is accessible all year long. The |
| guaranteed. | | | | species of fish most often targeted by anglers are |
| This is the kind of fishing and the kind of fish you can | | | | bass, crappie, blue gill, shellcrackers, catfish and oscars. |
| expect on and near the Island: | | | | Commonly used tackle includes cane poles, |
| Saltwater Fishing | | | | plug-casting reels, spinning reels and fly rods, and baits |
| Whether you're fishing from the beach, piers or | | | | range from live worms and shiners to plastic worms |
| bridges, or by boat in the backcountry, inshore or | | | | and crank baits. Popular freshwater fishing areas |
| offshore angling can bring in a bounty of fish. This area | | | | include the freshwater canals in Cape Coral, the |
| is known as a "fisherman's paradise." Saltwater fly | | | | Caloosahatchee River and lakes and ponds throughout |
| fishing and light tackle fishing are the fastest-growing | | | | Lee County. Some lakes and ponds are private |
| segments in the fishing industry, and Lee County is | | | | property and permission is needed to fish them. |