Fishing in SW
Florida
Tarpon,
Snook, Redfish, Big Jacks
Catch
and release fishing only
Trips for more than one angler can be arranged but small boats are designed
for one angler and the guide. Experienced fishermen welcome to bring their
favorite gear, I provide appropriate tackle.
Fish from first light (negotiable). No long boat rides.
All inclusive: guide, boat, licenses, soft drinks. Insured. Fishing from a
Hewes Bayfisher
No smoking on board.
Photographs taken. Bring your camera.
Wildlife - otters, alligators, raccoons, manatees. Great birding - herons,
eagles, ibis, egrets, storks, and many others.
Photo courtesy of SFWMD
Trips usually start from Sweetwater Landings off SR 31. You can click on the map above for driving instructions.
For an aerial view check out the TerraServer
site.
Bird Island
The Fishing
The waters of southwest Florida have their origins deep in the heart of the state. Fresh water from rain and springs feeds numerous creeks and streams which flow into the Caloosahatchee River. Water is also released from Lake Okeechobee into the ICW through a system of locks to the Caloosahatchee's vast estuary. The river then flows into Pine Island Sound and the Gulf of Mexico.
It is the tidal area, east of Fort Myers and some 15 miles from the Gulf that I hunt fish. Though miles wide at places, the many islands and creeks almost always provide shelter from the wind. It is this rich estuary that many fish winter and many more spawn in the spring.
The estuary is the life blood of our fishery. Giant snook winter there, 100 pound plus tarpon frequent the deep pools and channels while schools of reds, jacks, ladyfish, and other species feed in the shallow bays and creeks that teem with bait. The area has extensive mangrove shorelines, grass flats, sheltered bays and structure, structure, structure. It's great fishin'.
