“For most of my clients, it's more important to
learn how to fish our waters in Southwest Florida
than catch them when they are out with me,” he
said. “They feel confident that they can go back out
on the water by themselves and have success
catching fish.”
In Boca Grande he commonly meets clients at
the 19th street Calusa Blueway launch site
located just east of Gasparilla Road on the island.
He’ll also launch near the marinas just off-island,
depending on the interests of the clients.
He brings all the necessary gear – the kayaks,
paddles, fishing poles and the bait – and launches
the vessels after some brief instructions.
A flotation device is provided for each
person who fishes, along with a bucket of live
bait, usually shrimp.
A brief presentation is given on how to
properly apply the bait to the hook. If you need
help doing so, don’t be afraid to ask – whether
it’s baiting or de-hooking – during the
experience.
After paddling for 20 or so minutes anglers
will find themselves in about five feet of water,
where the instructor suggests they drop a line.
On a calm day you can see various species
of fish swimming around your kayak, but as Bob
says, you never know what to expect.
Angler Pat Bigness pulls in and examines a small trout he caught.
Kayak fishing
is one of the most
environmentally
friendly
ways to hunt
in the water