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