Greetings to all,

     This forum is dedicated to all of us who know a little secret.  The SW Florida inland backwaters offers the best fishing in the World.  So if your from Lee, Collier, or Hendry counties and you love this water as much as I do.....step up and share your wisdom and experiences with every fish that frequents these waters.  Snook, SeaTrout, Redfish, Sheepshead, Mullet, Carvelle Jack, Spanish Mackeral, King Mackeral, Perch, Grouper, Flounder, Stingrays, Shark, a Gator now and then, PinFish, Tarpon, etc.

   Hope some will come along on this journey and we can help each other.

Tom (snookman47)......    www.TheFishermansCatch.com  

Hey snookman47, I live in Cape Coral and love to fish Pine Island Sound, Matlacha, Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor, and the barrier islands.  Where are you located? 

     Give me a PM if you are close and want to talk about a possible outing.

Rick.

Hi Rick,

    I spent my grade school years back in the 50's on Ft. Myers Beach, and then moved back to Washington State.  I visited numerous times,  and between the two have been all over Estero Bay.  I like fishing the mangroves for snook.

    Next year my lady friend and I are planning on getting a 15' Boston Whaler, if things work out financially.  Right now I'm all offshore and rental.  I have noticed a strange thing though.  I've been about the only one spin fishing,  I like artificial lures and an occasional taste of shrimp or pinfish attached.

   I live in Bonita Springs at the moment,  but injured myself on some rocks and am out of action.  My wrist is where it hurts the most. 

   I used to fish Big Carlos,  before the bridge came along.  We had to park our car about a quarter mile away and hike to the end of the island (Ft. Myers Beach)  Great snook fishing there at the time anyway.  Sounds like you fish farther north then I have.

   My fishing is contained to the inland back bay (Estero) and occasionally come around front with my binoculars hunting seaguls harassing bait balls.  Usually find the ladyfish or spanish mackeral in a feeding frenzy.  Cannot get your line in the water fast enough.

    I moved back down here last October 1st......and I'm here to stay!

Tom (snookman47)      www.TheFishermansCatch.com    

Hi, 

   Just wanted to let everyone know that I have worked dilegently to put togother a terrific website that is complete with so much about fishing.  All over the country coverage, and books, videos, magazines, accessories and equipment.

   If you get a chance, check it out:  www.TheFishermansCatch.com

   I have been laid up lately with a small injury so I had to do something to fill my time.  Should be back fishing in the water by end of July.

   Don't forget that in Florida waters there will be a new licence in effect August 1, 2009.........Fishing from the shoreline is going to be licensed now at a cost of $9.00.  So don't be caught on a pier or bridge without that $9.00 license on you start the 1st of August.

    My recommendation would be to spend the $8.00 more and get the shoreline and boat license for $17.00........this just applies to Florida waters.

Tom (snookman47)  Check out the picture attachment.........little undersized)  

Hello,

    Best times to fish:  Two hours before the highest tide of the day,  and one hour after.  Also, rainy days are good,  overcast days.  And lets not forget that night fishing just before dusk,  and also early mornings.

   I do not find the hot steamy afternoons to be particularly fruitful.  But I see people lined up on the bridge and shores,  and I seldon see anything productive in their catch.

   Don't forget: August 1st (in Florida)  a $9.00 fishing from shore and bridge license will be required!  Spend the $8.00 more and get the shore and boat license for $17.00....then you're covered.

Tom (snookman47)     www.TheFishermansCatch.com   

Just became a Lifetime Member.  How do I put an Avatar up,  and how do I put up a Picture?

How do I get the picture on the left without the little box with the red "X"?  I try all the conentional ways and no luck?

TOM   www.TheFishermansCatch.com   (We sell Books, Tackle, Clothing, Guides, Accessories)

Hi all,

I am going to be in Englewood this weekend and am looking for a good charter service to do some fishing.  It will be for me and my father.

I'm interested in the inland and backwater fishing more so than the offshore/deep water stuff.  I'm used to fishing Maine fresh water, so I figure jumping up to some bigger fish will be fun.

I appreciate any advice you all have.

thanks!