Sheepshead and Pompano are biting in bay areas in SW FL

Image via WikipediaSheepshead and Pompano are biting beginning the cooler weather season for fishing.  The Outdoor report from The News-Press gives the fishing report each week on Friday's.   Here is this weeks fishing report. SW FL includes Cape Coral, Sanibel, Pine Island, Captiva and Fort Myers FL

Bokeelia Boat Ramp re-opens and Locating other Boat Ramps in SW FL

The recreational boat ramp located at the far North end of Pine Island called the Bokeelia Boat Ramp, has re opened and is now available launches.  It had been closed for repairs so Lee County Parks & Recreation could to add cement slabs to the end of the two-lane ramp to make it easier for boaters to launch during low tide.

The Bokeelia Boat Ramp is accessible by water from Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor by the Jug Creek Passage.  Here are two area maps and websites that can help you locate other boat ramps in the area of SWFL which includes Pine Island, Matlacha, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Alva and Sanibel.

Lee County Boater's Guide

Lee County Parks Guide for Public Boat Ramps

Parking is $10 daily; ramp hours are 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information, call 239-283-0015. The site, which is managed by Tropic Star of Pine Island Inc.  (Tropic Star runs a shuttle to Cabbage Key, one of our favorite spots for a Cheese burger in Paradise. ) 

This weeks Friday Oct 7th Fishing Report For SW Florida, Gulf Coast

Image via WikipediaThis week's fishing report looks good in spite to stiff breezes and first reports of Red tide.  Redfish, Spanish Mackeral and snook catches are reported alongshore between southern Sarasota County and northern Lee County, according to the latest analysis by the Florida Marine Research Institute.  

Bryon Stout editor for Outdoors of The News-Press gives a fishing report each week on catches in and around the Caloosahatchee River, Pine Island Sound and Sanibel Inshore and Offshore.  It is great to learn the different names to the different reefs and fishing spots each week.

Boating Dreams came true in Cape Coral

Image via Wikipedia

Boating Dreams came true in Cape Coral

The following was written by Joe Ward and published in May-June 2009 (but still hold true today) Issue of Simply the Best in Cape Coral Wet and Wild Guide
My dreams came true in 2002 when my wife and I sailed our 45’ Gulfstar through the Bahamas, around Key West, and up the Caloosahatchie River into the Cape Coral Yacht Club Marina.  Upon docking into our final destination, the harbor master greeted us with, “Welcome to Cape Coral. It’s Paradise”.  He explained the Yacht Club was owned by the City and not private a private club which might have ridiculous dockage fees.  Wow, what a water wonderland here for boaters and all us water babies turned 'aquanuts'.  We were impressed!  Most of our days are filled with fabulous Florida winds and weather, deep blue ocean sailing, great fishing, playing with the dolphins, finding manatee, snorkeling, Scuba diving, skinny-dipping, sunbathing and tons of fun.  Anchoring in a beautiful harbor before sunset, enjoying a tasty sea food dinner and drinks at the local bar with island music playing, while sharing the day’s adventures with other sailors, was pure bliss for this son of a sailorman.
This boating city of Cape Coral is unique in the world because of its location and development. Nestled between the Caloosahatchie River and Gulf of Mexico, our Cape is surrounded by world famous Sanibel, Captiva, Caya Costa, Gaspirella, Pine Island resorts, and also the Matlacha Aquatic Wildlife Preserve and Ft. Myers Beach.  All are a short drive or boat trip from the Cape; such a natural Paradise!  Being a boating community, instead of a beach community, sets us apart from the rest of Florida.  Truly a water, weather wonderland, it is laced with 400 miles of man-made navigable canals and about 31 miles of shoreline.  Beautiful, colorful Florida homes line both sides giving us more than 800 miles of waterfront homes with thousands of boats, docks, pools and toys in the back.  Beaches, marinas and waterfront restaurants are everywhere for fun boating destinations.  Every needed boating service is conveniently located and well equipped with knowledgeable staff, such as USA Bait & Tackle located on Cape Coral Pkwy.
Soon after my arrival, Cape Coral’s boating destinations improved greatly with the construction of Tarpon Point and Cape Harbour Marinas in the southwestern point of the city.  Both are high-end developments for boaters.  Tarpon Point is a private, gated community from land and water.  Cape Harbour is open to the public via both land and water, and is adorned with several restaurants, and quaint boutiques ranging from unique, clothing shops, jewelry, accessories, art gallery, candy store, day spa/salon, specialized gifts and The Bikini Company, all of which are independently owned and operated.
Almost everyone here is passionate about keeping this beautiful marine environment clean, safe and protected for our enjoyment.  An idle speed cruise through “the miserable mile” at the southern end of the Caloosahatchie is proof of this and a lesson in appreciation of safe boating and the protected Manatees.
Our abundant wildlife, beautiful weather, every water sport, fun relaxed lifestyle and friendly people are a way of life here in Cape Coral.  Some of the many reasons our water wonderland is Simple the Best.  Enjoy!