Sanibel Captiva in March

[vardon]

Hi, I am coming down with my wife and two kids in late March and wanted to try and slip away for 2 -3 days of fishing. Does anyone have any recommendations. I am available to go south to Naples or north to ???. I was thinking of pine island, the reserve on Sanibel?, the lighthouse area on sanibel and others (it has been years so my memory is bad). Thanks.

[LeeG]

Check out Joe LeClaire's posts and site. I'm not sure of the distance involved but he'd be the guy I looked up if I were fishing the west coast. If nothing else he'll steer you in the right direction if he's too far or if he's booked.

[sagamoron]

Ding Darling is the preserve and you can rent kayaks there.
The Beaches are nice but if you want to fish them, Early morning is best, they get crowded in the afternoon.

Are you looking to hire a guide? If so, Joe Leclair is great choice, although he is not on the island. he is a bit north of you. Most guides will actually meet you on the mainland side of the bridge at the Punta Rassa Ramp.

[widdoes]

2nd (3rd) nod for Joe LeClaire- I've fished w/ him 3 years in a row. Last year the weather was so nasty that we drove all the way down to Goodland (Marco-10,000 islands area) to launch.
As for on island, I have done well off the causeway islands in the a.m.'s. There are parking lots on both sides- I usually try to fish the lee side, but there are folks who fish the windward side. My New England upbringing tells me to fish with the wind in my face, but it can be a lot of work. Clousers, decievers and crease flies all work. I've caught trout, ladyfish and baby snook, and I know that there are reds.
With the kids, I go to the Bait Box (on Periwinkle Rd.) and rent spinning rods, buy a couple dozen shrimp (they'll also rent a bait keeper) and go to the fishing pier (near the lighthouse). We've caught spanish macs, speepshead and ladyfish, but I've seen reds, big snook, trout and pompano caught off the pier. People are VERY friendly (go during the week), especially if you've got kids. There's a beach next to the pier for the Mrs. and kids if they get bored.
Have a blast- we can't go this year because of kid stuff. Really bummed!
-WJ
PS- haven't done yaking in DD yet, but it is at the top of my list. I met one of the Tarpon Bay guides last year and SHE promised to show me a GOOD TIME if I booked with her- sadly, I think she was talking about fishing.

[vardon]

We are back from our trip and had a great time. We ended up being there with lightning and high winds but I still managed to fish on the beaches twice. I did see a tarpon rolling and many other fish but caught nothing of great size. The fishing highlight of florida was a boat trip back into the canals of the everglades for bass. We ended up catching many bass and exotics too (chiclids and oscars - spelling bad). the kids loved it and an alligator even ended up with one bass while I still had it hooked. Thanks for all the great advice and next time I am already planning a dad's day alone so I can get some good fishing in.

Brian