Jan
16
Sanibel Island Vacation Fisherman’s Paradise
Filed Under fishing, recreation | 2 Comments
The unspoiled waters surrounding Sanibel and Captiva Islands provide excellent opportunities for fishermen of all skill levels. This region has some of the best back county fishing in the state with miles of mangrove shoreline countless oyster bars and acres of sea grass beds that attract an abundance of saltwater species. Among these species are redfish, snook, trout and Tarpon.
Just north of Sanibel Island is world-renowned Boca Grand Pass. During the months of April through July Tarpon participate in their annual spawning migration. Here you can see Ten Thousand Tarpon swimming through the pass waiting for that unsuspecting crab or mullet that will disappear down the silver kings throat. Sanibel professional fishing guides will stalk schools of Tarpon swimming up and down the beach throwing live pass crabs or anchor and fish dead hearing off the bottom. While fishing for Tarpon it is not uncommon to run across a big Hammerhead or Bull shark waiting for a hooked Tarpon for easy prey. In May of 2006 Bucky Dennis caught a World Record 14 ½ ft 1,280-pound hammerhead shark in Boca Grand Pass.
For light tackle and fly fisherman, you cant beat throwing to a tailing red in crystal clear water and watching it take your offering and darting away once it realizes it has been hooked. Snook can be found at the mouths of the creeks in the winter waiting for an offering or cruising on the oyster beds and beaches during the summer. Trout have made a tremendous come back since the red tide of 2003. You can find large “GATOR” trout at ambush points such as mangrove creek mouths or potholes all through out this region. It’s no wonder so many fishermen come to Sanibel and Captiva Islands to obtain a West Coast Grand Slam (1 snook, 1 redfish and 1 trout in 1 day).
If you don’t have a boat don’t worry you can visit JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge Here you can fish Tarpon Bay, Memorial Wildlife Drive or Hardworking Bayou by either wading or from a kayak. There are over 2,800 acres of Wilderness area that is a non-motorized zone. This allows the grass flats to remain undisturbed from prop scars and heavy boat traffic.Although there are no coral reefs Lee County has over 19 artificial reefs such as Pace’s Place, Belton Johnson, Blandas, or the ARC to name a few (Artificial Reefs). Here you can find some of the best grouper fishing in the state – black grouper (gag) and red grouper mixed in with other reef habitants such as tripletail, tarpon, cobia, spanish mackerel, king mackerel, barracuda, jack crevalle, amberjack, permit and numerous kinds of snapper.
Once you have experienced the heart throbbing feeling of stalking Tarpon down the beach or holding your breath in anticipation of the monster red about to take your bait you will never want to leave the area of Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
Written by , Sean Cooley
Jan
12
Shelling on Your Sanibel Island Vacation
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Sanibel and Captive Islands are notably among the best in the world for shelling due to the abundance and variety of shells that are always available on both islands. The Islands are actually made out of shells. Shells that are fully intact are frequently found all over the islands. The reason shells are so plentiful is over the course of thousands of years, Mother Nature and her tidal currents have created a natural scoop stretching out into the Gulf of Mexico entrapping seashells imported from the Caribbean and other southern seas. An abundance of both varieties are available on the islands.
Gastropods and Bivalves are the two major varieties of seashells. Soft-tissued animals called mollusks occupy them and grow within the shell creating the variety of sizes within each type. The Gastropod is singled shelled and includes species such as conchs and whelks. Bivalves, are two-hinged shells such as clams, cockles and scallops. The mollusks that occupy these shells build their shells by secreting a liquid that hardens around them. Before the liquid hardens, special glands in the mollusk create color pigments in the liquid producing the striking variety of color within the shell as it hardens. This process re-occurs as the animal grows.
People come from all over the world to shell on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. They parade along the shores doubled over with buckets and shovels in hand in a stance dubbed as the Sanibel Stoop. One of our favorite places to shell on the Islands is the pass that divides Sanibel from Captiva on Sanibel-Captiva Road. Located on both the Sanibel and Captiva side of the Blind Pass Bridge, this beach is popular with both shellers and fishermen. It’s a beautiful pass with strong currents so shells are always plentiful. Caution is the order of the day though, especially with little ones, as signs posted warn against swimming because of the swift currents that flow through the pass.
There are a variety of resources available on the islands regarding shelling and where to go, but we have found that the best resources are the locals that live on the islands. They can direct you to small out of the way, lesser known areas that offer peace and serenity for those seeking tranquility and serenity.
As you plan your Sanibel Island vacation, be sure to include your pail and shovel, beach shoes and suntan lotion, to find some of the most beautiful shells in the world. And remember, shells that are still occupied by the amazing creatures that dwell within are strictly off limits.
Jan
12
Sanibel and Captiva Islands have enchanted people from all over the world and the dinning is no less captivating.
The Islands are a melting pot of exquisite culinary delights and delicacies reflective of the international spirit of the people who frequent this exhilaratingly relaxing tropical paradise. Chefs from all over the world have added their own creative influences to the plethora of eclectic and quirky eateries, bistros, cafés, and upscale fine dinning restaurants.
No matter what your pallet desires, you will find delights to match every possible appetite, reflective of the tropical paradise surrounding you on your Sanibel Island vacation.
A few of our favorite places to dine include the Mucky Duck, famous for its cold beer and seafood unparalleled in both presentation and preparation; the Bubble Room, most notable for its atmosphere, steaks, and most of all fun for everyone. Both are located on tranquil Captiva Island, and boast beautiful sunsets and breezes. Another favorite is the Jacaranda, not only distinguished for great international, ethnic, and seafood cuisine; it is also a trendy nightspot located right on Sanibel Islands Periwinkle Way.
So whether you are planning your first Sanibel Island Vacation, or you are a repeat visitor to the Islands, be sure to make some room in your plans to dine on some of the most delightfully inventive cuisine you’ll discover anywhere.
Jan
9
Welcome to Sanibel Island Vacation Info We provide all the information you will need to make your Sanibel Island vacation complete. Whether you’re looking for accommodations, restaurants, weather, or beaches you will find all the Sanibel Island vacation Info you need in one stop.
Sanibel Island is an island located on the Gulf coast of Florida, just offshore of Fort Myers. Located within Lee County, Sanibel is a barrier island – a collection of sand on the leeward side of the Gulf Stream from the more solid coral-rock of Pine Island.
The city of Sanibel incorporates the entire island, with most of the town proper at the east end of the island.
World renown for its beaches, a Sanibel Island vacation makes the perfect vacation for families, a romantic getaway, or just a weekend of fun. A Sanibel Island Vacation offers a place to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.