6. Keep a flashlight, first aid kit, drinking water, marine radio and sunscreen in watertight conditions on your boat. To learn more about boat safety education classes, call The Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission at 850-488-5600 or go to myfwc. com/boating/safety-education/courses/. Our local Coast Guard Auxiliary often offers classes on safe boating. To find out information on the classes call 941-855-0799 or visit www. coastguardenglewood.com. KAYAKING & PADDLEBOARDING Everywhere you look there are pristine waterways ready for any type of boating including skimming across the water on a kayak. Paddling is especially popular around Coral Creek and Lemon Bay. Check out our Beach and Parks section, page 15, to investigate sites to start your day of kayaking. If you are new to paddling or experienced in the art of kayaking, it is always advisable to check with local people who know the waters you are about to explore. You can also take advantage of the many kayaking tours available to explore our scenic coastal waterways. To get of list of kayak launches check these websites: www.scgov.net/beaches, www.scgov.net/parks www.charlottecountyfl.com/communityservices and www.floridastateparks.org/stumppass. FISHING Eventually you will go fishing but it’s up to you how you “tackle” this popular pastime. It seems like anywhere there is water, you’ll find somebody fishing. They’re out in canoes on a creek, dropping a line off the pier, surfcasting on the beach or miles out in the Gulf on a charter boat. And what are they finding? Far offshore swim grouper, cobia, blackfin tuna, and yes, sharks. In the warmer water closer to land, are the snook, mangrove and red snapper, and sheepshead. Lakes are home to several species of bass and Boca Grande is known as the Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World, attracting anglers from all over the world to try their luck at the Tarpon Tournaments. PHOTO BY SUSAN SMITH It’s important to know that just because you catch it, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to keep it. There are very specific regulations on which fish you can take home and which have to go back in the water. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) lists species as endangered, threatened and species of special concern. The list is available at www.floridafisheries.org. Of course, what you really want to know is “Where are the fishing hot spots in Englewood?” That depends on what you’re looking for, the time of year and especially who you ask. Many anglers keep their very favorite spots a secret – and remember, fish move around. Ask your friends who fish and the folks who work at the local marinas and bait shops what’s biting and always keep your fishing gear close by. Go to www.floridafisheries.org or call 1-888- 347-4356 for rules, regulations and license information as there are many instances where you do not need a license to fish in Florida. You can get an instant license online at www. MyFWC.com/recreation, from the Charlotte and Sarasota County tax offices, or from most tackle shops and hardware stores. For more information on fishing piers go to: www.charlottecountyfl.com/communityservices or www.scgov.net/parks. Insider Tip: To get the real deal on where to angle in Englewood, stop by the monthly meeting of The Englewood Fishing Club. Check out the calendar at www.englewoodfishingclub.net. 24 IMAGES
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