Southwest Florida Fishing
Southwest Florida - lies beside some of the world's best game fishing waters. Angling in the vicinity of two of the artificial reefs - each a mile by a half mile in size -
built in 20 feet of water a mile offshore and in 30 feet of water about 5 miles out, has met with great success. Tarpon, Snook, grouper, Kingfish, Mackeral, Redfish, Sheepshead and Pompano are among the many different species of fish caught in these
waters.
Before you go fishing, Florida regulations require that you have a saltwater or fresh water fishing license, unless you are angling from a charter boat or vessel which already has the appropriate licenses.
Florida residents need a fishing license only if fishing from a boat other than a licensed charter boat. Exceptions: any resident over 65 or under 16. Licenses good for one year, are required for both salt and fresh water fishing.
Non-Florida residents 16 and over must obtain either a three-day, seven-day or one-year licenses. For more up to date information about licenses, contact the Collier County Tax Collector's offices, 1040 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island or call
239-394-6986. In Lee County, contact the Lee County Tax Collector, 2480 Thompson Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33901, or call 239-533-6000.
Boat Ramps
Fisherman and boaters alike who need to launch their boats will find several public access points to the 10,000 islands here in S.W. Florida.
Collier County's Caxambus Pass Park (909 Collier Court - open daily from 7 am to 6 pm) has probably the most popular boat ramp, but boat ramps and facilities open to the
public are also available at Calusa Island Marina on the edge of Goodland and Moran's Barge Marina at the base of the Goodland bridge. Launching from these spots may not be free, as it is from State Road 951 boat ramp near the Judge S.S. Jolley
Bridge, but on the other hand boaters cannot grab snacks or find restrooms at the 951 boat ramp.
Facilities at Caxambus Pass Park include restrooms and a small ship's store. Launch fee is $3. Facilities at Calusa Island Marina (open daily from 6 am to 8 pm) include restrooms, a large ships store and boat storage.
Launch fee is $5 and overnight parking is an additional $5. Moran's Barge Marina (open 6 am to 6 pm) have restrooms and a large ship's store, restaurant and even a hotel. Launch fee is $5.30 and the ramp is open after hours and visitors are on
their honor system to pay later.
The Imperial River Boat Ramp, located at US 41 at Imperial River, Bonita Springs, is open dawn to dusk. Parking $5. Call 239-229-0459.
| CHART LEGEND |
| GOOD MONTHS |
AVAILABLE |
GENERALLY NOT AVAILABLE |
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| FISH AVAILABILITY CHART
| SPECIES |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
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| Amberjack |
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| Barracuda |
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| Black Drum |
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| Black Grouper |
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| Cobia |
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| Flounder |
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| Gag Grouper |
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| Jack Crevalle |
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| Jewfish |
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| King Mackerel |
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| Ladyfish |
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| Lane Snapper |
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| Mangrove Snapper |
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| Mutton Snapper |
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| Permit |
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| Pompano |
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| Redfish |
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| Red Grouper |
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| Shark |
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| Sheepshead |
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| Snook |
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| Spanish Mackeral |
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| Spotted Seatrout |
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| Tarpon |
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| Trippletail |
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| Yellow Tail Snapper |
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Note: Variations may occur due to weather and season.