• Brackish
• Its salinity changes due to the dumping of fresh water into the river from Lake Okeechobee. In ideal circumstances, dumping is meant to cease at the start of November until the rainy season in July and theoretically the water should be a lot “cleaner” from November until July.
• The river is tidal and therefore is subject to up to two high and two tides per day.
• Weather patterns can change in a heartbeat and both warm and cold fronts also occur very quickly. During the cold fronts which are often accompanied by strong winds in excess of 20 mph, fish become dormant, lethargic and definitely off their grub.
• Subject to speed restrictions

The best times to fish

Weather

We have found that the best fishing conditions are when the weather is stable and warm. That is--when there is an absence of strong winds and only a small differential in night and day temperatures.

Looking at the weather forecast on a local TV station such as WINK or on the back page of the Local and State section of the daily News-Press will give you quite accurate forecasts. We have also used the Weather Channel on the Internet for extended forecasts.

We have found that the best time to fish is a couple of hours before and after a high tide. This basically means the time between a rising and a falling tide. We have observed that there is often a time between tides when there is little activity and during this period fish are generally very inactive and then, suddenly, as the tide turns, there is a feeding frenzy.

The tides are generally bigger during the full moon lunar period and when, therefore, water flow is greater and more colored.

Tide information for Fort Myers can be found at www.saltwatertides.com or you can obtain a copy of Seatow’s monthly Tide Tables which is available from most tackle shops.  In order to calculate the times of the tide at the Edison Bridge, add on another +2Hr.30 Min.

Breakdown

Don’t ever think that your boat will never break down.  It will.  For example, Dan and I have broken down twice in as many hours. Seatow is one of the companies that offer free towing for members at a reasonable rate. Membership also includes free jump starts, free fuel drops and prop disentanglements. Further details are available on (239) 945-4820 or on the Seatow website at http://www.seatow.com/

We suggest that you keep a small first aid kit on board. Only last year, Dan was spiked in the stomach by a catfish’s horn, and I was stabbed in the hand by a stingray’s stinger.

Legal Matters

Licenses

If you are a full-time Florida resident, the license fee is about half the cost of that for a non-Florida resident. You are classified as a full-time resident if you live in Florida for more than 6 months.

If you are fishing in the river, you will need a Saltwater fishing license. In addition,you will need to buy special tags, if snook or tarpon are the target species. Note special restrictions for 2010.

Florida residents, 65 years of age or older who have in their possession proof of age and residency, or a Resident Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate are exempt.

Licenses can be obtained from a variety of outlets such as the local Tax Office and Walmart or they can be purchased on the Internet for an extra fee.
More details on fees and regulations can be found at http://www.MyFWC.com.

There are four basic signs which legally you have to obey. We suggest that you learn them and take extra care to understand the  November 15 - March 31 Rule. The Fort Myers’ Police Department has a full time uniformed, vigilant boating police officer whose high-speed, twin engine (2 x 225 HP) patrol boat is permanently moored on the river at the City Dock.
Boating citations for speeding result in a summons for a fine of $70.00 and are even issued on Christmas Day!

The information below was supplied by FWCC and is subject to change. Updates can be obtained by phoning 239-332-6971 or for current rules, you can download a more detailed chart at: http://myfwc.com/marine/Docs/July2008RegsChart.pdf

*= To the fork of the tail