Before You Cast
Vessel Safety Check, VesselSafetyCheck. org
U. S. Power Squadron AmericasBoatingCourse. com,( 866) 262-8222
Be sure to pick up or download a guide that shows fish species that you may catch, their legal size and catch-number limits, and when each is in season.
The collecting of live shells is prohibited: In Lee County, which includes Cape Coral,
Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Beach, Sanibel and Captiva, collecting or keeping shells with live animals in them, such as conchs or whelks, is strictly prohibited. For details: MyFWC. com
BoatU. S., BoatUS. org
Recreational boating seminars Cape Coral Yacht Club 574-0806
Before You Cast
Few places in North America offer such a wide variety of fishing options as Cape Coral and surrounding Lee County— from boat or shore and in fresh or saltwater. But there are several things you need to know before you make your first cast.
A license is required for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Exceptions are for people younger than 16; Florida residents older than 65 or disabled; fishing from a for-hire vessel or a licensed pier; or a Florida resident in the U. S. armed services. Additional exemptions and information are at MyFWC. com.
A license is required for most people saltwater fishing from the shore— free for Florida residents except for a processing fee. Don’ t make the mistake of fishing from a boat( that’ s not a professionally operated fishing vessel) without a license; authorities could impound the craft and levy a fine.
Licenses, issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission( FWC), are available at:
The Canals: What You Need to Know
Before you launch your boat— or buy waterfront property— you’ ll want to consider these points about the Cape’ s canals:
“ Direct access” canals are those that boaters use to reach the Caloosahatchee River and Gulf of Mexico without having to go through a lock or lift. However, bridges that are too low for certain boats to pass may obstruct them. Be aware, too, that it takes longer to reach the river and the Gulf of Mexico from some canal locations than others.
“ Sailboat access” canals provide direct access to the river and the Gulf of Mexico. Bridges, power lines or other obstacles do not hinder sailboats.
Freshwater canals are part of an extensive system of freshwater lakes and waterways in the Cape that do not access the Caloosahatchee or the Gulf of Mexico.
• Lee County Tax Collector offices. Cape Coral location: 1039 S. E. 9 th Place, Room 102;( 533-6000)
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission: MyFWC. com / license or( 888) FISH- FLORIDA( 347-4356)
• Select bait and tackle shops
• Retailers including Wal-Mart and Sports Authority
Nonresident freshwater or saltwater licenses are available for three days, seven days or a year. Fees are $ 17, $ 30 or $ 47, respectively. Residents pay $ 17 for an annual license or $ 32.50 for a saltwater / freshwater combo. Additional fees are charged for permits to catch and keep snook, lobster or tarpon. capecoralchamber. com 65