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.
County. This is followed up with the Southwest Fall Open hosted October 7th 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 58th Annual Summerset Regatta goes from October 3-5 based out of the South Seas Plantation. 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.
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
With lots more tournaments and regattas coming up for the 2024 Holiday Season, and for 2025, 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!
Fishing Tournaments
LCEC 29th
Annual United Way Fishing Tournament
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.
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 2025
SEPTEMBER 24th & 25th
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 2025
NOVEMBER 2025
http://swflfishingtournaments.com Phone: 239-349-1129 info@swflfishingtournaments.com
Anglers recieve 2 free drinks & appetizers. Awards Dinner opens at 530pm @Torched
ROMP IN THE SWAMP NAPLES 2025
SEPTEMBER 24th & 25th, 2023
Port of the Island Resort
25000 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34114
https://www.rompintheswampnaples.com/
7th Annual Southwest Fall Open
October 4th, 2025
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.
www.floridafishingenterprises.com • chris@reelfish.org
SWFAEP INAUGURAL FISHING TOURNAMENT FORT MYERS 2025
OCTOBER
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 2025
MARCH 22, 2025
The GWIC is just around the corner! Register by MARCH 21st 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/gwicentry-form
http://greenwaveinshore.com
We are a Full Restoration Company for your Fire, Smoke, Water & Soot Clean up. We have over 45 years restoring homes and businesses. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week!
Gulf Coast sailinG sChedule
January, 2025
New Years Cup • Fri, Jan 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM
New Years Cup • Sat, Jan 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM
New Years Cup • Sun, Jan 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Beer Can Racing • Sat, Jan 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM
February, 2025
Presidents Regatta • Fri, Feb 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Presidents Regatta • Sat, Feb 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Presidents Regatta • Sun, Feb 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM
March, 2025
Beer Can Racing • Sat, Mar 1, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Conquistador Cup • Fri, Mar 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Conquistador Cup • Sat, Mar 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Conquistador Cup • Sun, Mar 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM
April, 2025
Messmer Cup • Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Messmer Cup • Sat, Apr 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Messmer Cup • Sun, Apr 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM
May, 2025
Beer Can Racing • Sat, May 3, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Naples Classic • Fri, May 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Naples Classic • Sat, May 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Naples Classic • Sun, May 25, 2025 at 6:00 PM
June, 2025
Tequila Summer Racing • Sat, Jun 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM
July, 2025
Tequila Summer Racing • Sat, Jul 5, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Tequila Summer Racing • Sat, Jul 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM
August, 2025
Tequila Summer Racing • Sat, Aug 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Tequila Summer Racing • Sat, Aug 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Tequila Summer Racing • Sat, Aug 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM
September, 2025
Tequila Summer Racing • Sat, Sep 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Fiddler’s Creek
South Seas Eagle Cay Marco Beach
Crow’s Nest
Shipp’s Landing
www.mossmarina.com
www.cityftmyers.com
www.gulfharbourmarina.com
www.legacyharbourmarina.com
www.sanibelmarina.com
www.stcharlesyc.com
www.landingsygtc.com
www.capecoral.net
www.marinatown.net
www.paradisemarina.net
www.shmarinas.com
www.pinelandmarina.com (239)
www.tarponpoint.com (239) 549-4900
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 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.
REEF LOCATIONS
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.
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.
Southwest Florida Marine Technologies
Today’s technology is ever changing. You can trust Southwest Florida Marine Technologies as your trusted source for marine electronics. We are dealers for all major brands including Garmin, Raymarine, Simrad, Furuno.
We are one of only a few Master Marine Electronics Dealers in the country. This classification is awarded by the NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association).
The Master Dealer Program is a key component in NMEA’s pledge to the boating public that Master Dealers have the knowledge and expertise to deliver superior customer service. When boaters see the Master Dealer logo, they are getting the best service, equipment and advice in the marine electronics industry. SW Florida Marine technologies is the only Master Dealer in Southwest Florida.
Do you have old, outdated electronics? Our technicians have been in the industry since the 1980’s. Chances are we worked with those old units when they
were cutting edge. Give us a chance to go over your existing equipment and we will give you an honest opinion whether repair vs replacement is best.
Confused about all the latest transducers available today?
CHIRP, Traditional, Side Imaging, DownVision, 3D views... What is the best for your vessel and fishing style? Ask us and we will explain the differences.
SW Florida Marine is also ABYC Certified Electrical, give us a call to troubleshoot your AC or DC electrical systems. Or maybe a complete re-wire is needed.
With Southwest Florida being lightning capital, we are very familiar in dealing with vessels that have taken either a direct or indirect strike. We can work closely with your insurance company to ensure your vessel returns to its safe operational condition.
Give us a call to discuss your electronic needs.
239-541-2499
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.
