Florida vacation....Naples

[in_the_water]

I am looking forward to a warm vacation and to leave all the snow of winter up here in New Hampshire. I am heading to Naples on a vacation for the week the last week of February and was wondering if anyone has any advice for fishing in the area. This is a family vacation but dad will have to find time to wet a line. This will be the first time in the area for me. Any thoughts would be great!

I have spent some time in Key Largo years ago prior to having an obsession with fishing. During that time i had a few tarpon on the hook but they shook me off. I would love to land one of those beasts.

Thanks

[bonefishwhisper]

its all good around there...I fish there myself quite a bit on the canals by the hwy...lots of snook and some tarpon...maybe rent a kayak and chase redfish and trout also...check out Everglades City on goggle or something but all of Tamiami Trail is good all areas up around Marco Island, Naples, Chokoloskee and surrounding area will keep you busy

[saltydancindave]

Search Reel-Time for Naples, Fl fishing or fly fishing topics & try http://www.naplesfishingclub.com/ for more links.:cool:

[lemaymiami]

If you're in a DIY mode, get a map of the area and look for Tigertail Beach... It's a wild beach that you can walk and fish (think Clouser's, small minnow patterns fished at a 45 degree angle to the sand...). It's the kind of fishing that you'll want a small backpack for since you'll be walking in and staying where you'll have to bring your own water, etc. Heading toward the west all of the canals in that area hold fish, from the coast all the way over to S.R. 29, the road that crosses US 41 and leads to Everglades City/Chokoloskee. The canal systems are tidal and hold lots of small tarpon and some not so small snook, anywhere there's a junction or little bridge that allows a water flow from north to south will be worth a look (here it's small flies, little popping bugs, Dahlbergs, maribou patterns). You'll have to be very careful about passing cars and trucks... fly gear isn't suited for that kind of action. The last DIY stuff is to fish at night if you have access to any docks with lights and a bit of current. If there's a docklight you'll see the fish...

If you're thinking of hiring a guide, don't wait, book the one you want now... Although there are many great guides in that area, there aren't a lot of fly guides....

[collard green]

If you want a nice day trip--head up Captiva and Sanibel Islands---busy this time of year but not much more than any place else in South Florida. Lots of things for the family to do if you want to sneak away to the beach for a bit of casting in the surf.

The best place is Ding Darling park on Sanibel---I believe it is a national wild life refuge---no motor zone. There is a scenic paved drive through the park--tons of spots to pull off and fish or you can launch a kayak or canoe. Loaded with wildlife--birds, gators, fish, horshoe crabs. Lots of Caloosa Indian mounds as well--very cool place to take the family and get some fishing in.

Sanibel is world famous for its shelling on Bowman's beach and the light house--there are tons of great places to eat----Mucky Duck and Bubble Room on Captiva are the best known---once you cross the bridge on to Sanibel you can drive to Captiva via blind pass---blind pass is also a great snook spot.

Night fishing is great on the docks of South Seas Plantation---rig for big stuff with a chunk of mullet and cast out into Redfish Pass. Guides are available for fishing Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor.

Hope this helps some--enjoy the trip--Collard