Yachting & Sportfishing Guide to Lee County 2023

OUR OCEAN UNIFIES OUR WORLD, the beauty and vastness of which is a captivating source of inspiration. The feelings of gliding alongside a sea turtle or coming face-to-face with a lionfish, are some of the amazing experiences I have while scuba diving and share through my paintings. It is that awesome sense of mystery and excitement, that I capture in my paintings.

For my ocean-inspired paintings, Lionfish are among my favorite subjects to paint. Their bold tiger-like stripes and long elegant spines are strikingly beautiful. But more importantly, I paint them to raise awareness about this local marine invader. Lionfish are invasive to Florida, and they were introduced to the Atlantic inadvertently and they currently have no known natural predators in the region.

As a stalking predator, lionfish use their large pectoral fins to propel themselves forward, extending their jaws to swallow their prey, up to twice their own length! With this indiscriminate, voracious appetite, lionfish have been compared to a vacuum cleaner. What’s more, they often kill off key species like the parrotfish, which clean algae off corals. Though the lionfish is a stunning fish, it is harmful to Florida’s delicate coral reef ecosystem. And to make matters even worse, a female lionfish is capable of laying 2 million eggs each year.

Amandaisanavidscubadiver,professorofbiologicalsciences, and professional artist who combines her art with her admiration of wildlife and the environment and an awareness of how each of us can do our part to live in harmony with the creatures we admire.

Bring the beauty and excitement of the ocean to your home with vibrant artwork, perfect for your living room, bedroom, den, or office. To see more one-of-a-kind artwork, visit: ZirzowGallery.com

The Spectrum-Infused Art of Amanda Zirzow

ISLAND HOPPING

“SOUTHWEST FLORIDA STYLE”

Surrounded by wading herons and egrets, watching the surface trails of tiny finger mullet interspersed with the occasional leap of giant tarpon glittering silver in the sunlight, the saltwater enthusiast has plenty of fine sensations to digest.

Welcome to the Southwest Florida coast, a veritable hodgepodge of mangrove lined islands full of nesting birds, feeding fishes and pods of dolphin cruising the shallows and passes for treats. For the angler, sailor and wildlife enthusiast, this coastline from the Everglades and the 10,000 Islands, heading north past Marco Island, Keewayin Island, Estero, Sanibel and Captiva all the way up to Boca Grande, offers renowned world class fishing for tarpon, redfish and snook, along with some of the most spectacular sunsets ever seen, on a nightly basis.

Beginning in late September, The Romp In The Swamp, hosted at The Port of the Islands Resort in Naples, offers prizes for redfish, trout and snook and benefits the Firefighters and Paramedics who serve the local citizens and visitors of Collier

County. This is followed up with the Southwest Fall Open hosted October 6th at the Tavern on the Bay in Naples. Prizes will be awarded for the top catch of snook and redfish from Boca Grande Pass all the way down to Chokoloskee. This benefits the Humane Society of Naples. For all ye’ sailors, the 56th Annual Summerset Regatta goes from October 6-8. This is run by the Caloosahatchee Marching and Chowder Society (CMCS). Today, sailors from Charlotte Harbor to Marco join in the fun of racing and cruising. Yachts race in Saturday’s buoy races and Sunday’s distance race(s) in the Gulf of Mexico near Fort Myers Beach.

With lots more tournaments and regattas coming up for the 2023 Holiday Season, and for 2024, lets all look forward to fun filled days, laid back evenings and spectacular sunsets “Southwest Florida Style”.

So, get your vessels ready for great times. Be safe and have lots and lots of fun out on the water. Cheers!

Latitude/Longitude: 26 459883, -81 953448

Fishing Tournaments

LCEC 27th Annual United Way Fishing Tournament Matlacha 2023

LCEC hosted Fishing Tournament, with all proceeds benefiting the local United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee counties. Supporting our mission to contribute to our local communities in philanthropic endeavors.

Mark your calendars!! September 9th the tide is right and we are going back to tradition!! We are still catching and releasing! Cash Prizes will be awarded. Silent Auction & Raffle!

For more information please call D & D Matlacha

Bait & Tackle (239) 282-9122

CALUSA SPORTSMAN INSHORE BENEFIT CAPE CORAL 2023

SEPTEMBER 9-23 (ALL DAY)

http://www.calusasportsmanfoundation.org/inshore-benefit Tarpon Point Marina

Phone: 239-549-4900

Website: http://www.tarponpoint.com

6179 Black Marlin Lane, Cape Coral, FL 33914

https://www.rompintheswampnaples.com/

TORCHED REDFISH RUNDOWN CAPE CORAL 2023

SEPTEMBER 9-23 (ALL DAY)

http://swflfishingtournaments.com

Phone: 239-349-1129

info@swflfishingtournaments.com

September 15 Captains Meeting 6pm @Torched

Anglers recieve 2 free drinks & appetizers

September 16 Tournament 7am – 4pm.

Awards Dinner opens at 530pm @Torched

ROMP IN THE SWAMP NAPLES 2023

SEPTEMBER 29-30, 2023

Port of the Island Resort

25000 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34114

https://www.rompintheswampnaples.com/

5th Annual Southwest Fall Open

October 7th, 2023

The Southwest Fall Open fishing tournament is hosted in Naples, FL at Tavern on the Bay. Boca Grande Pass to Chokoloskee. In support of the humane society naples, the tournament awards 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Top lady angler and Top junior angler. The combined length of 1 snook and 1 red fish for placement. Awesome raffle with great gear giveaways, Sea Tow membership, gift cards and more. A great time and a good cause.

561.400.8993

www.floridafishingenterprises.com • chris@reelfish.org

SWFAEP INAUGURAL FISHING TOURNAMENT FORT MYERS 2023

OCTOBER 14-15 (ALL DAY)

Open to the public: Land based fisherman, kayak/paddleboarders, & boaters

Target Species: Snook, Redfish, and Trout

Greatest combined length of all three species wins

Captain’s Dinner: October 13th

Lines in the Water: October 14th

Awards Dinner: October 15th

http://swfaep.org • swfaep@gmail.com

GREEN WAVE INSHORE CLASSIC FORT MYERS 2023

OCTOBER 14-23 (ALL DAY)

The GWIC is just around the corner! Register by OCT. 1st for Pre-Registration Team entry! Also, tickets for just the awards banquet, featuring a Ribeye dinner, Auction, Raffle is available for purchase: https://form.jotform.com/FMHS/gwic-entry-form

http://greenwaveinshore.com

Saturday, 2 / 11:00 AM

Gulf Coast Sailing Club!

SEPTEMBER, 2023

Tequila Summer Racing Starts off Gordon Pass at 11AM with finishes in the early afternoon.

Saturday, 16 / 11:00 AM

Tequila Summer Racing Starts off Gordon Pass at 11AM with finishes in the early afternoon.

OCTOBER, 2023

Friday, 6 Summerset Regatta CMCS Event.

Saturday, 7 / 11:00 AM

Tequila Summer Racing - End of Season Party - Place Saver. Party location to be determined.

Friday, 20 / 6:00 PM

Commodores Cup NSYC Event To be determined.

Sunday, 22 / 6:00 PM

Commodores Cup NSYC Event To be determined.

Saturday, 7 Summerset Regatta CMCS Event.

Sunday, 8 Summerset Regatta CMCS Event.

Saturday, 21 / 6:00 PM

Commodores Cup NSYC Event To be determined.

NOVEMBER, 2023

Saturday, 18 / 10:00 AM

Ladies Day Regatta Race Day Starts off Naples Pier

CMCS Sailing Club

September 19th, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

CMCS September Membership Meeting Location: Rusty's Bar and Grill Cape Coral

October 6th - October 8th, 2023

57th Annual Summerset Regatta ‘23

Ft. Myers Beach in the Gulf of Mexico

https://www.summersetregatta.com/

October 17th, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

CMCS October Membership Meeting

Location: Rusty's Bar and Grill Cape Coral

The definition of salvage is “saving property in peril at sea and reducing environmental damage.” Salvage is also “all the actions taken aboard and ashore to resolve a marine casualty and to save property in peril at sea.”

There are four items that must be present for any situation to be considered a salvage:

1. Peril

2. Voluntary (no pre-existing contractual relationship to provide the services)

3. Success (in part or in whole)

4. The object must be a recognized subject of salvage (i.e., have value) Most all of the on thewater services performed by Sea Tow involve vessels in some degree of peril and are therefore technically salvage. The difference is that many of these services are low peril, for example, covered ungroundings, jump starts and fuel drops, which are covered by your Sea Tow membership and are provided free of charge.

Lightning whelks and horse conch oh my!

Perhaps you have seen these large shells as you have traveled along our South West Florida waterways? The Lightning Whelk can be found along the western shores of the Gulf of Mexico. They are unique because they spiral in a counter-clockwise direction with an average length of 8 inches. The Lightning Whelk is the State Shell of Texas. Can you guess what the state shell of Florida is? Yes, it’s the Horse Conch.

beautiful Lee County Dog Beach and paddle among the quiet mangrove islands of Lover’s Key.

If you have enjoyed the waters surrounding Fort Myers Beach and Lover's Key then you have been in the Estero Bay Preserve State Park! The estuary serves as a filter for non-point source pollution from the surrounding region, thereby protecting the bay’s water quality. and provides critical habitat to a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic plant and animal species including bald eagles, gopher tortoises, fiddler crabs, live oaks, slash pine, and red, white and black mangroves. There

Both of these snails eat clams and oysters. The Horse Conch adds the Lightning Whelk and Tulip Shells to its favorite foods list! The Horse Conch can grow to be 24 inches long and is the largest Gastropod in American Waters. The bright orange color makes them easy to spot. I enjoy showing these wonderful live shells to my paddle boarding guests as we paddle the inner waterways of the Estero Bay Water Preserve and the Great Calusa Blueway. You may gently pick up live shells for a closer look and then place them safely back on the sand. It is illegal to take shells with a creature living in them; only empty shells can become your keepsake treasure. As a paddle boarding instructor guide and owner of a local Fort Myers Beach company, Sea Dog Eco Tours, we often launch from the

is a beautiful map of the preserve on the Florida State Parks website. The Estero Bay Preserve State Park serves as a land buffer Estero Bay became Florida’s first aquatic preserve in 1966 and is one of the most productive estuaries in Florida.

Learn More Read More on the Florida State Park website at https://www. floridastateparks.org/

Find a paddle map of the Great Calusa Blue Way https://www.visitfortmyers. com/calusablueway

Sheree Lincoln, is a World Paddle Association Certified Paddle Board Instructor, PaddleFit Pro Coach and Owner of Sea Dog Eco Tours. Learn more at www.seadogeocotours.com

IGFA RELEASE RECOMMENDATIONS

Modifying the types of hooks you use can significantly affect a fish’s chances for survival after it is released. When fishing with natural bait (dead or alive), IGFA strongly encourages the use of non-offset circle hooks. Extensive research on species from salmon to sailfish has demonstrated that circle hooks gut hook significantly fewer fish without sacrificing catch rates. Lures that have treble hooks should have the barbs bent down or removed to facilitate easier hook removal.

Interested in the science behind circle hooks? Read Circle hooks, 'J' hooks and drop-back time: a hook performance study of the south Florida recreational live-bait fishery for sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus published in Fisheries Management and Ecology in 2007.

If you’re not going to photograph your fish or document it for record purposes, the best method is to not remove the fish from the water. In-water releases can be aided by the use of de-hooking devices that eliminate the need to boat the fish and keep hands safe distances away from the fish. If the fish has swallowed the hook, it is much better for the angler to cut the leader as close to the fish as possible, rather than trying to forcibly remove the hook.

If a fish needs to be removed from the water to remove the hook and/or document it for record purposes, anglers should use either their hands or knotless, rubberized landing net. Most small to moderately large sized fish can be landed by hand. Ideally, this should be done with wet hands or soft, wet gloves to minimize slime and scale loss. Lip gripping devices may be used to help subdue fish. However, they should not be used to hoist fish vertically out of the water, as this can cause damage to jaw muscle and bone as well as to internal organs. The best method for removing fish from the water is to grip the fish or the lower jaw and support the fish’s underside. Again, the point is always to hold fish horizontally and not vertically.

Reef Building News

Chris Koepfer’s ARC

‘The Mount’ is located at 26° 24.721’N -82° 24.747’W and consists of more than 1,000 tons of concrete structures that were stacked to achieve relief of approximately 17’. The reef was funded by The Sport Fish Restoration Program and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission utilizing funds that come from purchasing a saltwater fishing license. Materials were generously donated by The City of Cape Coral, Haskins Inc., and Coastal Precast of Florida.

In case you missed it.

Lee County has created 3 other artificial reefs recently. Two at Dean Hicks; East Patch (26° 22.045’N -82° 17.121’W) and West Patch (26° 22.043’N -82° 17.464’W) and our newest site, Phoenix has its first deployment (26° 45.582’N -82° 28.443’W) thanks to the Coastal Conservation Association.

You can find GPS coordinates to Lee County and other Florida artificial reef sites at myfwc.com.

Respect OuR Reefs

Angler Tips

Do not spill or dump gasoline, oil or other pollutants into the water. Never dump trash into the water, including line, hooks and bait. Report environmental damage and pollution to the relevant authorities. When anchoring in the reef environment, take care to avoid damaging sensitive areas. Prevent the introduction of exotic plants and animals into the reef area. Never use as live bait fish that do not normally reside in the reef waters. Make a reasonable effort to maintain a distance of 300 feet from vessels displaying dive flags.

Diver Tips

Display a divers-down flag. In addition, display a rigid Letter “A” flag when mobilty is restricted due to diving activity. Make a reasonable effort to stay within 200 feet on all open water. Avoid contact with the reef and marine life; do not disrupt feeding or mating. Don’t rest or stand on coral; this may damage delicate reef animals. Return to the boat to fix any equipment problems. Don’t use gloves or kneepads in the reef environment. Don’t allow your equipment to touch any part of the reef system. Maintain a comfortable distance from the reef and avoid shallow areas. Do not collect marine life as “souvenirs” of the reef.

For more information, please visit coralreef.noaa.gov. Boaters, please follow all Navigation Rules, which establish a consistent way to navigate safely. To learn more, visit the U.S. Coast Guard web site.

REEF LOCATIONS

TheBillfish

FOUNDATION works worldwide to advance the conservation of billfish and associated species to improve the health of oceans and economies. Considering the context of a planet with over seven billion human inhabitants, conservation strategies must be forward-looking and adaptive. By accounting for the roles of billfish within the marine environment as well as in relation to their interactions with humanity, TBF’s conservation campaigns maintain the flexibility to adapt to emergent threats as well as those which have historically confronted resource managers. TBF employs a multi-tiered, proactive suite of initiatives involving research— both biological and socioeconomic–education, and advocacy projects. As billfish and other highly migratory species are not confined to the territorial waters of any one nation, these strategies must also take into account the differences in culture and law inherent to the international arena. Empowered by an internationally diverse constituent network, The Billfish Foundation is uniquely equipped to do just this.

Established in 1990, The Billfish Foundation’s Tag and Release Program is the largest private billfish tagging database in the world and the cornerstone of TBF’s conservation and advocacy efforts. With more than 220,000 tag and release reports, TBF receives over 15,000 tag and release records annually from across the globe and provides vital information for billfish conservation.

The success of TBF’s Tag and Release program is contributed to the dedicated anglers and captains around the globe that voluntarily tag, release, and report their billfish catches. The deployment of traditional tags and the data gathered from recaptured billfish provides valuable scientific data to further understand growth rates, migratory patterns, habitat utilization, and postrelease survival rates. Tag and release data also provides valuable information for stock assessments that are instrumental in a time when industrial longlines represent the largest source of marlin mortality. This valuable data, much of it impossible to measure without the use of traditional tagging, provides the groundwork for conservation minded policy, scientific advancement, and gives insight into the demographics and socio-economic benefits generated from billfishing.

As tagging provides The Billfish Foundation with substance for its conservation efforts, TBF recognizes those anglers and captains that tag and release the most billfish each year at an awards ceremony at the Miami International Boat Show. The annual International Tag & Release Competition

recognizes members who tag and release the most billfish by species in each of the world’s oceans. TBF award winners are the ‘who’s who of the billfishing world’ and are those that do not just catch and release a great number of fish, but embody and share a common conservation ethic. As captains and anglers on the water represent the first line in billfish conservation, recognition of their efforts provides a means to illustrate the direct link between catch and release fishing and marine conservation. To recognize the efforts of all of its members, TBF also provides release certificates for those that report billfish tags and releases.

PROPER TAGGING TECHNIQUES

AFTER THE FISH IS LEADERED: Bring the billfish alongside the boat.

Idle the boat forward and maintain this position to allow the billfish to calm down and allow for easier tagging. Never attempt to tag a jumping or thrashing fish. This can be not only dangerous for the health of the billfish but for you too!

NEVER remove the fish from the water. This can result in fatal damage to the fish for two reasons. Excess rubbing and drying can result in the loss of the protective slime coat found on the surface of the fish. Without this protective covering, the fish becomes susceptible to bacterial infections and parasites. Additionally, the skeleton of a billfish is designed for the buoyant conditions of the ocean. Removing the fish from the water, even onto the gunnel, causes the skeleton to come under the full strain of gravity, which can damage the skeleton and internal organs.

It is vitally important that the tag be placed in the proper area: in the dorsal muscle well behind the head and gill plates, above the lateral line and away from all vital organs (see Figure 1). It is not necessary to use a great deal of force to insert the tag. A firm, well-aimed stroke is best. Place the applicator against the fish’s flank and push, inserting the tag until the stopper assembly is pressed against the fish. Improper tag placement or tagging too hard can result in serious injury or death to the fish. Speed tagging often results in injury.

(800) 438-8247 • (954) 938-0150

5100 N. Federal Hwy, Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Dolphin Research Pod Project

www.ostegobay.org/Dolphin-Research

Project Pod

Established in 1995, has three research objectives based on the hypothesis that there exists a resident bottlenose dolphin population in Estero Bay:

•To investigate the population of bottlenose dolphins in Estero Bay.

•To catalogue this population. The same animals are consistently being seen within the eight mile search radius of the Project, suggesting that they do indeed reside within these waters rather than just passing through. How large the population is - is still in the process of being determined. At present, thirty-six individual animals have been identified.

•To record and document the sonar emissions of this population and relate these sounds to specific activity.

Dolphin Vocalizations

Dolphin vocalizations are recorded through a pair of hydrophones. Both sonar and whistling vocalizations can be heard in real-time and, during mating, ‘squawks’, ‘barks’ and a variety of other sounds have been heard. A dolphin’s vocal repertoire includes a large number of sounds which are thought to be associated with particular behaviors.

Whistles

Communicate position and social info

Clicks

Used for navigation and to locate prey

Pops

Associated with feelings

Quacks

Associated with socializing

Buzzes

Associated with traveling

Search Area

The search area of this study extends from Bowditch Point at the north end of Estero Island to Big Carlos Pass at the south end, approximately 7.5 miles of bay waters. Tursiops truncatus, the Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin, are usually found in shallow coastal estuarine and river systems. Some migrant dolphins move in pods to the southern coastal area of southern Florida waters as temperature declines in the North. Calving usually occurs in the spring with March being the peak month but, for coastal Floridian dolphins, calving may range from May through August, particularly in southwest Florida. Dolphins have a highly organized social structure and exhibit coordinated movement patterns. These movements suggest communication between individuals that is thought to occur primarily by means of vocalization.

Each dolphin has a signature whistle. Any other dolphin in the pod can “call” another dolphin by calling his ‘name’. A dolphin can also identify himself to the pod by using his whistle.

South Florida is one of the most vulnerable areas on the United States coast for a hurricane. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew, the most powerful storm in Miami-Dade County, registering as a Category V, and the third strongest in U.S. history with sustained winds in excess of 155 mph, came ashore and destroyed many marinas in south Miami-Dade County. Hurricanes that exceed 110 mph can be expected to occur in south Florida about once every 10 years. The population of Miami-Dade County continues to increase, bringing many boaters with little hurricane experience.

The wind will be the biggest enemy. There are several things to do to help minimize its overwhelming affects. Knowing how to secure your boat and where to keep your boat are the two primary concerns. The most important thing to remember is DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE! Being prepared in advance by having a plan and practicing your plan will help to protect your life and property.

Public Boating Classes

All Public Boating Classes offered by the Fort Myers Power Squadron meet state specific and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) requirements for certification. Plus completion of the course is accepted by most insurance companies.

The Fort Myers Power Squadron offers the following courses to the public:

America’s Boating Course 3rd edition / USPS Seminars

America’s Boating Course 3rd edition is a course that can be taken any of three ways: in a classroom setting, on the internet, or via home study. Regardless of which method is used to take the course, a proctored exam is required. The course covers the fundamentals of safe boat handling and operation, and optionally basic piloting in one comprehensive classroom course. During the course, you will learn the basics of what you need to safely and comfortably go on the water with your boat. The comprehensive course includes lessons on boat types, family boating basics, federal boating law, state boating law, boat safety equipment, safe boating, fueling, docking, rules of the road, navigation aids, regulations, adverse conditions, marine VHF radio, knots, trailering and introductory piloting.

All courses are taught by qualified and experienced instructors as a civic service. The Power Squadron® does not charge for instruction. The only costs are for the materials and overhead costs.

USPS Seminars include GPS, Chart Reading, Anchoring, Basic Coastal Navigation, Hurricanes and Boats, Onboard Weather Forecasting, and other seminars developed by USPS. The Seminars are taught during one 2 hour session.

All classes are held at our clubhouse. You must attend all sessions to get credit for the course® See calendar for class schedules.

https://www.usps.org/localusps/fortmyers/main.shtml