The little lady and I just returned from a week of fishing the backwaters around Marco Island and Naples. The snook and redfish are plentiful and agressive, but the real kick were the baby tarpon taking up residence in the mangroves. On 10 lb. spinning gear, they are a too much fun.

Glad to hear it. The coastal reports was a new topic I thought would take off. iwth as many of us around viciting the coast I believe it will fly.

cal920,
Would the area be fairly easy to navigate for someone who has not been there? What I mean is, if I just took off down there, got a hotel room, would I be able to find local boat ramps and access to the canels and backwaters pretty easy? Thinking of a spur of the moment trip.
Thanks, Paul

Finding ramps and hotels are not the hard part. Finding enough water to navigate in is tough. We were with a guide and without his knowledge of the local waters, we never could have found these areas. We are talking the Everglades, and the water around the mangroves is very shallow at high tide. At low tide, you may not even be able to get back out.

i know one thing dont go into the everglades unless you know the tides and time .i spent 1 night there by myself .the weardest noises you hear will make you not want to close your eyes