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 a
list of kayak launches, check these websites:
www.scgov.net/beaches, www.scgov.net/parks
and www.floridastateparks.org/stumppass.
PHOTO BY PAIGE BAKHUS
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 snook, red
fish, mangrove and red snapper, sheepshead and
many more. 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.
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. 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.myfwc.com 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.myfwc.com.
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.
BIKING
PHOTO BY SUSAN SMITH
For the cycling enthusiasts there are some
great trails to enjoy. Don’t forget your helmet.
����CAPE HAZE PIONEER TRAIL PARK
1688 Gasparilla Road, Rotonda
941-681-3742
Over seven miles of paved multi-use trail
in Charlotte County. The best place to start is
at the trailhead, State Road 776 and County
26 IMAGES
/beaches
/parks
/stumppass
/www.myfwc.com
/www.myfwc.com
/recreation
/www.englewoodfishingclub.net
