Kayak, kick back on the sand, take a history tour, and eat a huge slice of orange crunch cake
The handful of us native to the islands, beaches, and neighborhoods of Fort Myers like to say that we live where everyone else vacations. We say it to make folks envious, sure, but also to remind ourselves of the ever-present natural beauty and diverse history that surrounds us in Southwest Florida.
Explore ancient Calusa shell mounds, paddle through mangrove tunnels, fish for monster tarpon, and do it all while basking in the tropical climes that have drawn visitors here for more than a century. From the crystalline waters of Captiva to the retro wonders of Bonita Springs, I have the pleasure of living in one of the most beautiful corners of the state. For a few sun-soaked days, you can too.
Fishing Pine Island Sound, just off North Captiva Island, had yet to bring tarpon to any of the boats nearby. A big storm had rolled through, likely pushing the silver kings offshore for a couple of days. I took a bite of my sandwich and scanned the water as Capt. Josh Santangelo of Screaming Reels Charters readied the boat to try our luck in the mangroves in search of snook, part of the inshore Pine Island Sound Grand Slam that includes redfish and seatrout.
