Cool off this summer with fun on the water
Many of my fondest memories etched in my mind like they happened yesterday were days of fishing and boating with my family and friends when I was a kid. I was fortunate to grow up right here on Pine Island where most things to do back then revolved around water activities. We could not wait for school to get out and summer to begin so we could spend every day fishing or swimming. Now, many years later I get to witness children and families build their own memories in our backyard on the beautiful waters that surround this area. A lot has changed in the area over the years but when you get on the water, it’s easy to turn back time to what Southwest Florida was really like.
For good quality family time it is hard to beat a day on the water. There is some truth to the adage “the family that plays together stays together.” No television, computers or electronic games, you can even turn off the cell phone and text messaging and just experience all that nature has to offer. Of course when we mention this area and water, the first thing that comes to mind is fishing, and for good reason, we have plenty of it to offer. Southwest Florida holds some of if not the best fishing in all of the state.
If it’s a family fishing trip, make it simple and enjoyable. Often we try to make fishing too complicated and difficult thus turning it into an non-memorable experience. I believe the ladies have figured this out. I can almost guarantee every time I have a lady angler on my boat, she will catch the most and largest fish. I have come to the conclusion that this happens because she just relaxes and takes what comes, not taking fishing too seriously as is all too common with the male angler. Just go out and have fun!
With kids, they really do not care what kind of fish they are catching, they just want to catch fish and lots of them. It’s always better to go for quantity over quality. Use light tackle so even the small fish gives a good fight, and educate the young ones on the types of fish and how to properly handle them so they can be released to grow bigger. A friend who has a boat load of children of his own told me the other day that the little ones have more fun catching small pinfish for bait than they ever have fishing for larger fish. It’s fast action they can all participate in and they would rather stay busy loading the well with baitfish only to release them later.
If you are fishing by boat, your options are nearly endless. One sure-fire way to catch fish is go to the bait shop and get a bucket full of shrimp. There aren’t many fish in these waters that will not eat them. Fish, both big and small, love shrimp and remember we are just looking for action.
If you are new to the game, when you go buy bait ask them at the store to give you a direction or suggestions on where to fish. I guarantee if you get into a bunch of little snapper in the canals or ladyfish on the grass flats, the kids will be smiling from ear to ear.
If you do not have the option of fishing by boat, there are still plenty of choices. Public piers and beaches offer some good fishing. I would also mention bridges, but the combination of children and fast moving traffic just isn’t a good combination.
I find that when fishing with children, the younger they are the quicker they lose interest, even if they are catching fish. If you are going by boat, break up the day and make it an adventure. Put the family on alert to watch for dolphins, manatees, eagles and other things that might interest them. As we are getting into the hot season, you might be better to fish a few hours then take a lunch break, hit the beach or do both. You can either pack a picnic lunch and go to one of our pristine beaches or stop by one of the many restaurants that are boat accessible. Several of these restaurants have a family of resident otters that provide entertainment you just can’t buy. As soon as a boat is tied to the dock and everyone unloaded here come the otters, they attempt to open every hatch and cooler. If you have food, bait or fish (large or small) you can kiss it goodbye if they can get to it. It’s fun to watch – as long as it’s not your boat.
After lunch, take a swim on the gulf beaches or do a little shelling. This often gives mom a chance to walk the beach shelling while the little ones play in the water. We are blessed when it comes to beaches as Sanibel, Captiva and Cayo Costa islands offer some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A summer tradition in my family dating back to my early years is to load everyone up in the boat and spend the day on Cayo Costa, swimming, playing and acting like kids. And by the way, there are several boats on Pine Island that shuttle people back and forth to Cayo Costa and other outer Islands for a nominal fee. Cayo Costa is a state park sandwiched between Captiva and Gasparilla islands and it is only assessable by boat.
A few important tips before you go, take plenty of sunscreen and refreshments, preferably water. Sunglasses, hats and protective clothing will help reduce damage from the sun. Make sure every body drinks water often; it’s easy to get dehydrated in the sun without realizing it. We are getting into the time of year for afternoon thunderstorms so keep a watch on the horizon and do not get caught in open water in a storm. That is not only dangerous, it could ruin what would have been a great day.
Make sure you are up on current fishing and boating rules and regulations. You can go to www.myfwc.com for information. And teach your family about conservation – how to help take care of our natural resources so it will be here for their children. Don’t forget the camera so you can preserve the memories forever.
If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to start creating those memories. Load up the family and take them on an adventure. Our lives often become too complicated and busy and we tend to overlook the important things. Somehow by spending time on the water, especially with children and family, you get everything back into perspective and best of all, for a little while you begin to view things through the little ones’ eyes and become a child again yourself, at least for a little while.
If you have a fishing story or photo that you would like to share or for charter information, contact us at (239)283-7960 or visit us at www.fishpineisland.com. Have a safe week and good fishin’.