NCsaltaire

Florida in February

February 11, 2009 at 12:11 pm Leave a comment

We traveled to the west coast of Florida this week for our annual trek to the sun shine state.  On Saturday we spent most of the day on Gasparilla Island.  This secluded area is on the northwest corner of the Charlotte Harbor and borders the Myakka River to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west.  Access is gained by either car or boat. The road leading to the island is lined with mangroves and lush wooded tracks.  Some older homes can be found marked with the history of storms and neglect.  Fishermen know this place well. In spite of the toll bridge and skinny two lane road, the traffic was smooth.  

Gasparilla Island boasts many exclusive homes and famous residents. There is a small business district with a few but quaint shops and restaurants.  Several beautiful parks and multiple walkways outline the town. But this area is most famous for its seclusion and proximity to outstanding beach access and fishing.  At the southern tip of the island, there is a lighthouse and museum that describes the long maritime history of the area.

The beach had been widened by over 150 yards over the past year.  The shore line now extends to the deep Boca Grande channel. This channel is known for its world class Tarpon fishing.  One hundred pound tarpon are the standard. Fishing Charters coming out of the Charlotte Harbor are motoring just yards from the surf.  Water can be twenty feet just off the beach.  Swimming is prohibited because of the swift tidal currents.

Dozens of fishermen lined the west shoreline. Many caught mullet and saltwater catfish, but one lucky angler found a hole and his cooler was full of pompano. These giant fish schooled in the channel adjacent to the beach within casting distance. It seemed that each cast brought the fight to his light tackle rig.

Entry filed under: Reel Job.