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Best Bets: Learning Water Ways
By Chelle Koster Walton, member of the Society of American Travel Writers
By Chelle Koster Walton, member of the Society of American Travel Writers
Like your watersports with a side of self-improvement? On the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, it’s easy to find experienced guides, instructors and experts in the fields of fishing, paddling, sailing, power-boating, snorkeling and diving. They’re more than happy to share their wisdom and prowess with like-minded water lovers.
 Fishing for all ages |
Local parks give you the 411 on fishing skills. Lakes Regional Park in Fort Myers hosts an introduction to fishing course for kids ages seven to 12 the second and fourth Saturday of the month. At Lovers Key State Park in Fort Myers Beach, rangers lead fishing and castnetting programs for all ages. Call the number listed below for the current schedule.
 Join in a fishing demo at Bass Pro Shops |
The pros hold regular fishing demos and workshops at this new Fort Myers location – everything from the secrets of snagging snook to castnetting and flyfishing. For more information on Florida's fishing license requirements, or to purchase a license, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission web site.
 Whidden's Marina |
Check in with the local bait shop to learn what’s biting where and for information on seasonal and size restrictions. At Big Hickory Fishing Nook on Bonita Beach, they’ll hook you up with bait, fishing charters, a spot at dock – even marina-side lunch. The Bait Box on Sanibel Island hosts a Cast Net Rodeo for kids and adults every November. At historic Whidden’s Marina in Boca Grande, a maritime museum takes your fishing and boating education into the past tense. Other favorite bait shops: Shack Baits at the Sanibel Causeway and D&D Matlacha Bait & Tackle in Pine Island.
 Windsurfing off of the Sanibel Causeway |
Learn to skim across the waves or fly with the wind. Ace Performer rents out equipment and offers windsurfing and kiteboarding lessons next to the Sanibel Causeway. Instructors promise to have you windsurfing in one hour, kiteboarding in three.
 Snorkeling cruise |
If you can swim, you can snorkel. First-timers feel more comfortable, however, with a few pointers before they go down under. For fun and learning in the same excursion, book with Adventures in Paradise’s Shelling & Snorkeling cruise of the outer islands, departing from Port Sanibel Marina.
 Take an excursion to explore life under the sea |
Folks often travel to the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel for the express purpose of earning their scuba certifications. Underwater Explorers is THE name in Fort Myers for NAUI courses, which take about 20 days. (Students can sometimes begin classroom training at home to shorten the required time.)
 Offshore Sailing course |
Offshore Sailing operates schools out of South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island and Pink Shell Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach. From three-day US SAILING courses to advanced racing and coastal navigation, Offshore appeals to all levels of sailors. Florida Sailing & Cruising School in North Fort Myers conducts ASA yacht-sailing certification courses and yacht powerboat cruising classes. The latter teaches inshore and offshore handling skills aboard vessels 32 to 50 feet in length. For something less formal, gather your family or other group for customized private lessons with Capt. Mick Gurley of New Moon Sailing on Captiva Island. You pick the length and level of the instruction aboard 39-foot New Moon.
 Guided kayak tour |
Most kayak tour outfitters are geared to teaching beginners the simple basics of operating their vessels. Not only do the tour guides teach skills, often, they include intriguing lessons about the environment along the way. For Sanibel water tours and instruction, contact Tarpon Bay Explorers; for Captiva, Captiva Kayak; for Pine Island, Gulf Coast Kayak.
If you go...
Ace Performer, 239-489-3513, www.aceperformer.com
Adventures in Paradise, 239-472-8443, www.adventureinparadiseinc.com
The Bait Box, 239-472-1618, www.thebaitbox.com
Bass Pro Shops, 239-461-7800, www.basspro.com
Big Hickory Fishing Nook, 239-992-3945, www.bighickorygrille.com
Captiva Kayak, 877-395-2925, www.captivakayaks.com
D&D Matlacha Bait & Tackle, 239-282-9122
Florida Sailing & Cruising School, 239-656-1339 or 800-262-7939, www.flsailandcruiseschool.com
Gulf Coast Kayak, 239-283-1125, www.gulfcoastkayak.com
Lakes Regional Park, 239-432-2000, www.leeparks.org
Lovers Key State Park, 239-463-4588, www.floridastateparks.org/loverskey
New Moon Sailing, 239-395-1782 or 888-472-7245, www.newmoonsailing.com
Offshore Sailing, 239-454-1700 or 800-221-4326, www.offshore-sailing.com
Shack Baits, 239-489-0999
Tarpon Bay Explorers, 239-472-8900, www.tarponbayexplorers.com
Underwater Explorers, 239-481-4733, www.underwaterexplorers.net
Whidden’s Marina, 941-964-2878
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