Welcome to Pine Island and Matlacha, Florida, the ultimate saltwater fisherman’s paradise and one of the state’s best kept secrets. Located on the beautiful southwest Lee County coastline, Pine Island is one of those rare fishing hot spots still accessible and affordable for everyone.

All of the great Gulf Coast species are permanent residents of Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass. Redfish, sea trout, and snook can be caught year round on the mangrove shorelines and flats surrounding these islands using any tackle, especially fly rods and light spinning gear.

An added bonus on this part of the Southwest coast of Florida is excellent for tarpon fishing from the early spring and well into the fall. The world famous Boca Grande Pass is a fifteen minute run from the northern tip of Pine Island and the great silver kings can reach record size in this area. Sight casting with fly rods to these huge tarpon in clear water is as good as it gets.

My boat is a Beavertail B-2, one of the shallowest running skiffs ever made.  It is perfectly rigged for these waters with their miles of flats and oyster bars.  There is no better boat on the market for the style of sight fishing that we can do around Pine Island.  It will float in six inches of water which is about as shallow as any tailing redfish will ever swim.  I can pole it all day without getting exhausted and you’ll never have to worry about me quitting early because I’m tired or not wanting to run to a new spot to save myself some gas. 

I provide all the tackle you’ll need for both fly and spin fishing.  I use top of the line Sage rods and Tibor reels for fly anglers and Shimano gear for spin fishermen.  I hand tie all my own flies but welcome anyone to try out their own patterns.  We never know where the next killer tarpon fly might come from so feel free to bring some of your own innovations. 

I launch my tips from the beautiful Matlacha Park but can also meet my anglers at several different locations on or around Pine Island.  There are dozens of great waterfront hotels, guesthouses, and rental properties in this area and I’ll be happy to help with arrangements for any size group or anglers.  Pine Island is an easy forty-five minute drive from the Fort Myers International Airport. 

Along with our more famous neighbors of Sanibel and Captive, Matlacha and Pine Island are perfect family destinations.  If you’re looking for all of the best fishing opportunities that the Sunshine State has to offer, without the crowds or hustle of a place like Miami or the Keys, come check us out.  You won’t be disappointed and you’ll see why we are one of Florida’s best kept secrets. 

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