Fort Myers & Sanibel/Lee County Traveler's Guide 2008 - (Page 50) ®® BEST BETS FOR FISHING s outhwest Florida – and in FA N TA S T I C particular the waters around Lee County – have been named one of the best places to angle in the United States. Here, find a few ways to get out on the water and hooked up with the fish. Information on fishing charters can be found for fishing on pages 96 and 97, and lots more fishing information is at www.fortmyers-sanibel.com. ® Top Fish What are the most sought-after fish in Lee County? Offshore fishermen seek grouper and snapper; backcountry fishermen want to hook tarpon, redfish and sea trout. And the fish that tops all others in terms of desire is snook, another backcountry species. Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island hosts the Backwater Fishing School ® School of Fish Learn to fish at the Ultimate Backwater Fishing School, held for three-day sessions six times a year and based at the Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island. Classroom and on-the-water instruction includes tackle selection and preparation, live bait and artificial techniques, fish versus angler habits and conservation information. ® Fish or Cut Bait Bait shops are as varied and interesting as their locations and owners. Some notables are: The Bait Box on Sanibel Island, owned by Sanibel native Ralph Woodring, a master at cast netting; Shack Baits (a.k.a. the Sugar Shack) on the Punta Rassa side of the Sanibel Causeway; and D&D Bait & Tackle in Matlacha, said to have the widest selection of bait in the area. In addition to shrimp, this shop carries pinfish and pilchards, among others. ® Seasons Fishing is excellent year ’round, but May and October have the fish biting more than ever because they are transitional months – temperatures start to climb in May and drop in October. October is especially good for redfish. [] fishing licenses Recreational licenses and permits are available at the county tax collector’s office. They are also available at sporting goods stores and outfitters. Call 888-347-4356 to order ahead of a trip, or go online for a temporary permit at www.myfwc.com. Permanent licenses are mailed. For more information about fishing, visit www.fortmyers-sanibel.com. PAGE 50 The Bait Box http://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com http://www.myfwc.com http://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com
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