The Fly-N-Cigar is new to Pine Island
Marc Escobar and his dog Salmo came to Bokeelia because he wanted something different. He said he fell in love with Pine Island right away. Back in New York he was a fishing and hunting guide who loves a good cigar.
“There were two things I couldn’t get here,” said Escobar. “Premium cigars and fly fishing essentials.”
He wondered how many tourists came down with the same unfulfilled desires to fly fish and smoke a fine cigar. If there is a place where someone can get these things, it is his hope that people will gravitate toward it.
And the Fly-N-Cigar was born.
“I knew I could be anywhere I wanted to be in the world, but I loved the vibe here,” said Escobar. “The people are very nice. I felt welcome right away.”
Having connections to get premium cigars off the east coast of Florida made the move down to the island an easy one. If he hadn’t come down to start this business, he said he would have regretted it. Escobar’s vision is to have a cigar lounge where folks feel comfortable. He says, he wants to be, not just a local business, but also a destination.
“People want something to do when they come onto the island,” said Escobar. “Even if it’s out of their wheelhouse, they may want to come and check this out. Whether they want to watch a ball game or listen to live music, I want to give them a place to do that.”
In the future, Escobar says he’d like to have someone come in to give a cigar rolling demonstration, and offers fly tying to his customers as a way to pass the time.
“The more I get to know the people on the island, the more I hear about the renowned fly tiers, and renowned fly rod builders and I want to tap into that,” said Escobar. “My plan is to get to know all the different captains on the island.”
Escobar said he’d like to offer a discount to boat captains, firefighters, first responders and veterans. It’s his goal to become a thriving part of the island and get to know all the people and different organizations.
“I’m very community oriented,” said Escobar. “Salmo and I am looking forward to being a part of this place.”
The Fly-N-Cigar is at 5501 Pine Island Road, Bokeelia.