Siesta Key, Clearwater, Sanibel, Manasota Key??

[Fishaholic]

Iam planning a trip to FL for the first week of April and I need some help from some of you that may be familiar with the area. I usually go to pensacola, destin, or apalachicola when I go to Florida. (I prefer Hawai but I only have a week at my disposal and Hawaii is a 10 hour flight that I dont like to make unless Iam staying for a few weeks). I want to do some fishing with a guide and on my own, not necessarily fly fishing. I only care about fishing but I will never hear the end of it if I take my GF somewhere that doesnt have a nice beach, restaraunts, and plenty of shopping so I must comprosmise...... yes, Iam pw'd. I have narrowed my possibilities down 4 - Siesta Key, Clearwater, Sanibel, Manasota Key. If anybody has any input that could help me out I would appreciate it!! - James

[Scott Swartz]

For the first week of April, the farther south you go the better the fishing will be. I live two miles across the bay from Sanibel and the bait is just starting to show back up in the last 4-5 days. The migratory fish are following the bait back up the coast and they are arriving too. I saw schools of spanish mackeral, blue fish and a couple of tarpon this week. Also the farther south the more snook and tarpon you will have a shot at...first week of April is just a "little" early for the big run but there will still be pleanty of fish making the come back. Last year it was Easter when I found hugh schools of tarpon returning.

[Fishaholic]

Thanks Scott, I figured that the best fishing would be farther south. How about crowding of the beaches?? I hate to go places where I cant make it from my condo to a restaraunt in less than 30 mins bc of traffic. Also, what about shopping? I know that there is plenty of shops near tampa and clearwater but what about Sanibel and Siesta Key?? thanks

[Scott Swartz]

Yes, all the beaches are busy this time of year. I know what you mean about the waiting in traffic...I live two miles from Sanibel by water on Pine Island. We are Floridas largest barrier island at 17 miles long and I think the best kept secret around. We have NO beaches, NO spring breakers, NO buildings allowed over 38 feet high, NO stoplights, only one stop sign and cattle grazing and tree farms are 1/3 of the island. It is very country here much like rural georgia yet a stones throw to everything including world class tarpon and back country flats fishing and the best beaches of Sanibel, Captiva and my favorite Cayo Costa which is a 7 mile long island state park you can only get to by ferry or your own boat.

I don't know about Siesta Key but close to Sanibel in Ft. Myers/Bonita Springs area there are three ENORMOUS shopping centers and two of them are brand new. Miromar Outlets would be hard to cover in a day and the two new ones are Gulf Coast Town Center (with a new Bass Pro) and Coconut Point Mall that is such a big project it has it's own housing and police station.

If you end up choosing Sanibel you can call me before you come and I will give you the low-down on whats biting.

[Fishaholic]

I believe I will go to Sanibel, everywhere else is almost entirely booked. As soon as my gf lets me know for sure the days she can get off Iam going to book a condo. I do plan on hiring a guide to take us out for a full day but I also want to do some fishing on my own. I would really appreciate some help with guide recommendations and some info on the area for my best shot at catching fish on my own. I usually only get to fish saltwater three or four times a year and it is usually for grouper, snapper, or trout so whatever I catch would be exiting to me. If you want to pm me your number I would definitely give you a call when my plans are finalized.

Thanks - James