Fishing Information
Pelican Home:
This is fresh water. You will catch fresh water fish, so use WORMS, small pieces of hotdogs, crickets and fresh water lures. Use a small hook.
Island Cove Condo:
This is brackish (salt water). Because of it’s location up river from the Gulf of Mexico, you may not be successful fishing in this area. Fishing from the private boat docks is not allowed. The condo association policy on fishing from the walk varies from time to time. Check with the office the current ruless.
BAIT
Need, Bait? Google “Bait Shop Cape Coral”. Bait shops come and go. Call ahead. They can help you with bait selection, finding a charter, and the best fishing spots.
FISHING LICENSE
All fishing in Florida requires a fishing license, but some seniors may be exempt. They can be purchased online instantly at http://www.myfwc.com/license . You can also get an instant license at Walmart on Del Prado. Keep this in mind -the Florida Department of Natural Resources are not patrolling the neighborhoods of Cape Coral, so occasional fishing from the dock behind your home is a low risk activity.
There are lots of places to fish in Cape Coral. This link will get you a list of them all.
http://www.capecoral.net/department/parks_and_recreationhome/eco_tourism_recreation/fishing.php
You can get off the tourist path and try Matlacha bridge on the way to Pine Island. Matlacha, Pine Island and Bokeelia are areas with great fishing, very low key, and not too much tourism and could be Public.
You can also take a small charter which will certainly get you some fish. I have personally used Captain Dave Hoke on many occasions. His rates are reasonable and you will definitely get fish. I have personally caught hundreds of 18”-24” redfish, sea trout, snooks, and other great eating fish. He will filet them for you so all you have to do is take them back to the house, fire up the grill and feast on fresh fish. Here is his website, if your are interested, mention I sent you. www.anglersadvantageguideservice.com. The pictures you see are real. I’ve done it myself many times. The marina is 20 minutes from the houses.
Another captain we have had great luck with is Captain Billy Williams, of Maxed Out Charters.
He will put you on the fish fast and you will get plenty. You can reach him at 1-239-462-7321 direct you can get more info at http://www.maxedoutcharters.com/, or you can book him at https://fishingbooker.com/
Also if a bigger boat is to your liking, you can go to GetAway Marina where you can take a 1/2 day charter. Also sometimes called "Party Boats". The fishing is deeper salt water and you can get lucky and get some nice fish with little effort. The ride is comfortable for the non-fishermen as well. Keep in mind this is more of a boat ride than a fishing trip.
Remember that the law says you will need a fishing license (included free with any charter- but not with a boat rental). This may is true especially if you are fishing in a very public area. As far as behind the houses- don't worry too much about getting one unless you are drawing attention to yourself. If you are fishing on a charter, the license is included. You can get one online, or at most tackle shops and charter locations. Walmart will get you on on-the-spot. I never have heard of anyone fishing behind a residence who was ticketed for a lack a fishing license, but you decide- you could be the first.