Fish, fish everywhere: Sanibel's bountiful waters

We had our first inkling of the popularity of fishing on and around Sanibel Island when travel agents began calling our vacation rental office for clients who had specified they were more interested in fishing than shell collecting. And, many of our renters were coming from other areas of Florida reknowned for fishing, but they were choosing to vacation on our little island in anticipation of the catches they would make.

The waters surrounding Sanibel Island are popular habitats for all kinds of fish and for all kinds of fisherman. The benefit of the bountiful waters for those of us who only like our fish cooked and served with a glass of white wine is that we can eat a wide variety of freshly caught and beautifully prepared fish in local restaurants. For great local freshly caught fish, try Timber's, Sweet Melissa's and the Santiva Lazy Flamingo where the grouper sandwiches will have you thanking all those fishermen out there working so hard to keep you happy and satisfied.

Speaking with these sportsmen and checking information on the www , I was impressed with the varieties of fish to be found and the claims made by fishing boat captains that great catches were guaranteed.

This is the kind of fishing and the kind of fish you can expect on and near the Island:

Saltwater Fishing



Whether you're fishing from the beach, piers or bridges, or by boat in the backcountry, inshore or offshore angling can bring in a bounty of fish. This area is known as a "fisherman's paradise." Saltwater fly fishing and light tackle fishing are the fastest-growing segments in the fishing industry, and Lee County is considered one of the greatest areas in Florida to pursue this type of angling. In fact, several world-record fish have been caught in these waters.



Inshore Fishing



Considered the Tarpon Capital of the Country, Lee County has fishing year 'round for tarpon, snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, sheepshead, jack crevalle, mangrove snapper and many other varieties of fish. These gamesters can be caught along the mangrove shorelines, over the open flats, around bridges, piers, docks or by wade fishing along the beaches or drifting the many passes and inlets that lead to the Gulf of Mexico.



Offshore Fishing



The waters around Sanibel abound in the best grouper in Florida and are filled with shark, bonito, barracuda, permit, black fin tuna, cobia and Spanish and king mackerel. Sight-casting for tripletail gathered around floating objects is fast becoming a favorite among anglers, as well as casting lines around the natural or the many artificial reefs offshore.



Freshwater Fishing



Freshwater fishing is accessible all year long. The species of fish most often targeted by anglers are bass, crappie, blue gill, shellcrackers, catfish and oscars. Commonly used tackle includes cane poles, plug-casting reels, spinning reels and fly rods, and baits range from live worms and shiners to plastic worms and crank baits. Popular freshwater fishing areas include the freshwater canals in Cape Coral, the Caloosahatchee River and lakes and ponds throughout Lee County. Some lakes and ponds are private property and permission is needed to fish them.



There just is no telling what kind of fish you will find and catch on Sanibel. If you are lucky, you may even capture a mermaid!