Despite recent hurricanes, Florida’s Fort Myers continues to offer Canadian anglers a tropical winter escape

The next time I spoke to Bill, it was by text just a week after Hurricane Helene made her nasty landfall on September 26 of last year, smashing into the Florida coast 500 kilometres north of Fort Myers with sustained winds of 225 km/h. That was also a Category 4 storm, a follow-up punch to Category 1 Hurricane Debby on August 5, which made landfall in the same vicinity. After I first asked whether Bill and his family were safe and sound—they were—we got around to talking about the fishing. Was he up and running, and ready for visiting anglers? I asked.

“We are, and the fishing is on fire,” he quickly replied. “Lots of redfish and snook being caught.”

Well, that’s a relief, I thought, but hardly surprising. During the short time I’d spent with Bill, his passion for the fishery and local coastal culture was clearly evident. If anyone was going to bounce back from Mother Nature’s onslaught and keep on fishing, it was him.

Then, almost improbably, along came Milton, the third hurricane to batter Florida’s Gulf Coast in as many months. It made landfall on October 9 as a Category 3 storm, with sustained winds of 195 km/h. That was 200 kilometres north of Fort Myers, but nonetheless, the area still took a blow, yet again knocking back the local recovery efforts. In by then almost ritualistic fashion, I again reached out to Bill, asking after his family’s well-being and the status of his charter operation.

His family was just fine, he told me, but business was, not surprisingly, at a virtual standstill—hurricanes aren’t the best drawing cards for tourism. Five weeks later, I circled back for an update on how things were going. Enough bookings were coming in to at least run one boat in his fleet, Bill said, but with occupancy at area hotels and resort running at only 32 per or so, business was slow. “Hopefully,” he said, “things will get better here soon.”

And when they do, there’s one thing Bill and his fellow charter captains remain completely sure of—visiting anglers will not be disappointed.

For the latest updates on fishing charters, accommodations, dining, sightseeing and more in the Fort Myers area, go to www.visitfortmyers.com.

SHORE THINGS

By Jacqueline Kovacs

Fishing may be the big lure for anglers, but southwest Florida’s Fort Myers area has much more to offer beyond the boat. Here are five great ways to sample the local coastal culture when you’re not otherwise wetting a line.

#1 HIT THE BEACHES

If you love all things sand and surf, you’re sure to be impressed, starting with coast-hugging Estero Island’s 11-kilometre-long Fort Myers Beach, which boasts 29 public-access areas. Be sure to check out the iconic beachside Times Square area in the like-named town of Fort Myers Beach, now on the mend from the recent spate of hurricanes. And beachcombers won’t want to miss the world’s best shelling (yes, it’s a verb here). Boat over to the wild shores of Cayo Costa or North Captiva, and bring along your beach bag to collect nauticas, baby’s ears and maybe even that rare treasure, the brown-speckled junonia.

#2 GO SIGHTSEEING

Need a break from the sun? Step into some inventive history at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in the City of Fort Myers on the Caloosahatchee River. Tour Thomas Edison’s 1886 home, nestled alongside Henry Ford’s retreat on 14 acres of riverfront, where you can also marvel at the display of Ford’s first vehicles, dating back to 1914, and more phonographs than you can throw an LP at. If you’re in the mood for more history, stroll the art deco-era streets of Fort Myers in all of their pastel-coloured glory. For a look at some of the area’s more natural marvels, meanwhile, head over to Sanibel Island and visit the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Birders will want to keep an eye out for the mangrove wetland’s herons, ospreys, ibises and prized roseate spoonbills, among other feathered wonders.

#3 DINE OUT

If taking in the sights has given you an appetite, you’re in luck: the Fort Myers area offers dining options for all tastes and budgets. From casual seafood-a-plenty offerings at Pinchers in Cape Coral, to the low-key elegance of waterfront dining at Captiva’s The Green Flash (try their chilled take on key lime pie), it’s easy to satisfy your tastebuds. For a dining experience that delivers on both food and a cool slice of island life, it’s hard to beat Cabbage Key, said to be the inspiration behind the Jimmy Buffet song “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” There you can find a wide variety of fresh seafood fare and more (and yes, cheeseburgers). Complete the experience by adding a dollar bill to the countless others that guests have plastered to the historic inn’s walls and ceiling. And on your way to Cabbage Key, be sure to swing by the historic fishing shacks in the middle of Pine Island Sound, still standing despite the recent hurricanes.

#4 INDULGE YOURSELF

The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village provides have-it-all convenience and quick access to surrounding attractions, whether by road or sea. The waterfront setting of this timeshare-turned-resort boasts 308 rooms, including 180 suites with fully-equipped kitchens and laundry rooms. If you don’t feel like cooking, dine at the resort’s two restaurants, or check out the nearby promenade where five other venues await, including Pinchers. For some serious me-time, Esterra Spa & Salon, the property’s onsite spa, offers a suite of wellness services to leave you feeling properly pampered.

#5 KICK BACK

For accommodations with a beachier, laidback vibe, consider Captiva Island’s South Seas resort. Though badly damaged by Hurricane Ian, then hit by Milton, this historic property is building back better along its four kilometres of stunning white sand beaches. Enjoy golfing, charter a boat, relax in a beach chair by the shore or indulge in a poolside cabana experience for up to six people, all just a golf cart ride away from your ocean-view suite. Finally, cap off your day with sundowners and a spectacular sunset—the view from Captiva is worth the price of admission.