Gasparilla fishing opportunities growing; Sport, industry expanding

By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Gasparilla Gazette 9/3/09

Though Boca Grande is the tarpon fishing capital of the world, and the 2009 tarpon season is still open but falling into its late stages, the ever-expanding nature and publicity of the sport has anglers reeling in a growing variety of breeds in the surrounding waterways, experts say.

With snook season having opened Tuesday, fishing charters are seeing customers aiming to snag a bite from a variety of fish including snook, redfish, sea trout, snapper and others.

"The emphasis has kind of changed," said Ralph Allen, a charter captain with

King Fisher Fleet in Punta Gorda. "If you came here because of fishing 25 years ago, more than likely you were coming to go tarpon fishing. In the last 20 years or so, the inshore shallow-water fishing for other things has started to get a lot more notoriety, a lot more publicity."

King Fisher Fleet, located at 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, offers cruises and deep sea and back bay fishing trips in the Gulf of Mexico and Charlotte Harbor.

Allen said the tarpon fishery remains a strong in the area, but other fisheries have gained in popularity as well.

"Part of it is the advancement of the sport," Allen said. "The shallow-water
angler has more equipment to make his life easier."

Advancements in shallow draft boats, outboard motors, rods, reels, lines and
even technical clothing represent a bigger change in fishing, he said.

Despite the good fishing, the amount of customers dwindles in the off-season as the children of visitors return to school and the snowbirds won't show up until later in the year.

"It's not very busy, but that's not a reflection of the quality of the fishing,
it's a reflection of the season," Allen said.

Charter Capt. Charlene Brown, who also works with Boca Boats, Cruises, Charters and Rentals, said snapper fishing has been popular among her customers.

Brown lived in the Florida Keys prior to moving to Southwest Florida several years ago.

"The pass has been real productive," Brown said. "Mangrove snapper here has been better than it's been in the Keys, which is unusual. You can easily catch your limit."

With snook officially in season, Brown said the fish is going to be a large target of the fishing community, but snapper remains a favorite to catch and cook for a family dinner.

Also popular are red grouper, barracuda and mackerel, among others, Brown said.

"The fishery is expanding beyond just the tarpon, which is great since it's just for a short season," Brown said. "It can keep us busy throughout the year versus the small window of spring and winter. I'm at least getting out on the water once or twice a week."

Capt. Mark Becton called current fishing opportunities "phenomenal," citing average catches of 100 fish a day.

According to Jennifer Huber, tourism public relations manager for the Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau, those fishing for redfish and snook have generated tourism in surrounding coastal areas.

"It's a variety of fish that folks are interested in," she said. "It's the opportunity for them to get out on the water and try different lures and different techniques."

Charlotte County saw an estimated $320,000 in direct spending as a result of the 2009 Redfish Cup & Festival, which was held April 30 through May 3, according to a release from the Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau. The event has generated $1.4 million in direct spending since it began in 2006.

The Snook Foundation will hold its inaugural Florida Oktoberfest Inshore Slam

Challenge Oct. 23-25 in the Charlotte Harbor and Gulf islands. Cash and other prizes will be awarded to winners of the different categories, including charter and non-charter anglers. Laishley Park Municipal Marina will serve as a base point for the tournament.

For reservations, e-mail Linda@snookfoundation.com. For more information about the Snook Foundation visit: www.snookfoundation.org.