Bonita Springs Boat Show boats on display

Coming Soon: Bonita Springs Boat Show

With the best time of year for boating quickly approaching, the 32nd Annual Bonita Springs Boat Show is a great opportunity to set yourself up to enjoy our beautiful waterways. The show runs March 4-7 and features everything a boater could want. Visitors can explore hundreds of boats from the area’s top dealers, all kinds of gear and accessories, and marine service pros. Coastal Angler and Fish Face Charters will also be on hand to share great fishing tips during free seminars each day.
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2021 Boater Resolutions

A new year means new goals and, in some cases realizing you never quite met last year’s goals. No judgement! Thanks to Southwest Florida’s never-ending boating season, we’re far too busy enjoying the water to worry about the resolutions we made a few weeks ago. Good news: you have our permission to put down the label maker and pour that kale smoothie in a to-go cup because we have a few boat goals for you to tackle instead.
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2020 Holiday Gift Guide

Putting a boat gadget under the tree may feel like a cruel joke in the rest of the country, but here in Southwest Florida they make great gifts! Retailers are recommending you get a head start on your holiday shopping this year, so we’re putting out our 2020 boater’s wish list a little early! Our gift guide includes great ideas for all the captains (and Floridians) on your list.
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Redfish catch 3

RED OCTOBER

October 2020 did not disappoint as the Redfish bite was good. Moreover, it seemed that virtually every species that inhabit our SW Florida waterways are here in good numbers. They say the fish follow the bait. That being said, there is plenty of bait around for cast netting and purchasing. Crabs, Shrimp, Mullet, Pilchard, Glass Minnows and Threadfins galore! Birds are everywhere (inshore and offshore) diving ferociously to get their bellies full. Plenty of fish, such as Spanish Mackerel and Seatrout, lurking just below the surface for the opportunity to gorge themselves.
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Drone Photo of Fort Myers Boat Show marina layout

What to Expect at the 2020 Fort Myers Boat Show

Whether you’re shopping for your dream boat or just need a great excuse to get out of the house, the Fort Myers Boat Show is the place to go. The show runs November 13-15 and offers the largest display of boats, boating products, and services on our coast. The show features 600+ boats from 130+ manufacturers, plus accessory and equipment displays, so there’s a lot to see. Here’s some insider advice for making the most of this year’s show.
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Boat being launched at sunrise

BOAT TRAILERS: LESSONS FOR THE ROAD

One of the best perks of having a trailerable boat in Southwest Florida is being able to choose your own adventure. You can tow your boat to local launches for direct access to your favorite fishing spots, embark on a road trip along the Gulf Coast, or even haul it over to Route 1 and hit the Florida Keys. Being a responsible trailer boater goes beyond launching and loading, so check out our expert tips for making the journey safer—and less stressful—for everyone.
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Davis Hasson with his Redfish

SUMMER BOATING AND FISHING SW FLORIDA

Boating and Fishing this summer appear to be the preferred past time of Floridians to get out and about during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Outdoor activities offer freedom from confined, indoor activities that make Social Distancing very hard to manage. Nothing like being on the water enjoying our beautiful weather. I predict that the marine industry will continue to drive the economy long after the Corona Virus is gone.
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5 TIPS FOR BOATING ON BUSY WATERWAYS

5 TIPS FOR BOATING ON BUSY WATERWAYS

Have the channels seemed crowded lately? You’re not imagining things. People are flocking to boating for freedom and fun, filling our waterways with more experienced captains and more novice boaters. With this unprecedented level of traffic on the water, it’s up to each and every one of us to share the water in a responsible, safe manner. So, we put together a specially curated list of boating tips for navigating crowded waterways.
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Edison Sailing Center sailing at sunset

EDUCATING BOATERS & FOSTERING COMMUNITY

Here in Southwest Florida, boating isn’t just a lifestyle, it’s a passion that brings us together on and off the water. And whether boaters realize it or not, it takes a village to keep our boating community going! So, we’re taking a closer look at two local organizations that support boaters and make significant contributions to our area’s marine industry through education: Edison Sailing Center and Fort Myers Technical College.
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