We live in a waterfront playground, so it’s no surprise most Southwest Floridians either own a boat or get to tag along with friends and neighbors from time to time. We’re also lucky to have plenty of rental boats available along our coast. For full-time residents and seasonal visitors alike, taking a loaner for a spin is a great way to enjoy our waterways without the long-term commitment of boat ownership.
December has proven to be another fantastic year for catching fish. Not withstanding some of the nuances that we deal with from time to time, SW Florida estuaries have risen above all others in the lower 48 states to continue to be the place to ‘catch a fish of a lifetime’.
Read more “2019 HOLIDAY FISHING”
The latter part of November proved to be good for boaters and fishermen/ladies alike. We had a great 2019 Boat Show in Ft. Myers on the waterfront with lots of vendors displaying and selling the latest in marine related products. Myself, 1stMate Vicki, Nadeen and Phil of Coastal Angler Magazine enjoyed meeting a number of attendees along with clients at the Fishing Village during the event. We are now looking forward to the Bonita Boat Show scheduled for March 5, 6, 7 and 8 at the Race Track Fairgrounds on Bonita Beach Road.
Whether you’re hoping to score a boat show special, want to trade fishing secrets with local pros, or just enjoy spending the day playing with the latest marine gadgets, having a plan of attack pays off. The Fort Myers Boat Show is just over a week away and with so much to see and do, we gathered our favorite boat show survival tips to help you make the most of your experience.
From navigation to entertainment, the marine electronics landscape moves fast. And while there are endless product reviews online, have you wondered what the pros here in Southwest Florida think? We asked some local experts to weigh in on which marine electronics you should never hit the water without and how you can avoid making common DIY mistakes.
Read more “MARINE ELECTRONICS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW”
The fishing has been fantastic over the past month. This years October catches have been better than some previous seasons over the last several years. Only a few reports regarding Algae Blooms and Red Tide exists compared to a year ago. SW Florida waters are clean. The inshore and offshore waters of SW Florida are full of hungry fish again, with lots of different species for anglers to target.
by Bruce Longman
Pam & Armond Sikes’ objective this year was perfect weather, calm seas and no major boat problems. 9 boats arrived safely to enjoy the beautiful Naples Boat Club on Naples Bay September 17 – 20. The trip down bound from Sanibel was glass calm.
I always love fishing the flats and backwaters of Punta Rassa, Pine Island Sound, Charlotte Harbor and Matlacha Pass; particularly this time of year. The tides are accommodating and the fishing is good. Lots of nice baits available at the bait shops as well as in the water for those wanting to try their skills with cast nets.
Most boat owners will tell you that it’s far cheaper to keep your vessel in good condition than to fix things when they break. But what are the most common problems that strike boaters in our area? We asked the experts at MarineMax and The Boat House what boat repair or service issues they see most often here in Southwest Florida. They identified five common culprits and, even more importantly, what you can do to avoid costly repairs.
Read more “EXPERT ADVICE: HOW TO AVOID 5 COMMON BOAT REPAIRS”
A cleaner hull, immediate access to the water, no more towing or boat ramp drama, safety from fluctuating water levels. There are a lot of reasons why so many boaters in Southwest Florida choose to keep their vessels above the water using a number of boat lift options available. As with anything in boating, tips from industry experts can help make sure you get it right.