History
Pine island is a 17 mile long island, off Florida’s coast with vibrant history and rich natural treasures.
Calusa Indians were the first known inhabitant from 300 AD to 1513. The Calusas enjoyed the wealth of seafood from the pearly green waters surrounding the area through fishing. This way of living came to an end when Spanish conquistador Ponce De Leon arrived on the West side of the island in 1513. The conflict between Spanish invaders and Calusa Indians resulted to Calusas death and eventually wiped them out by the 1700s.
The island remained unpopulated until 1873 when flock of immigrants moved to the area. Those settlers cultivated the lands for tropical fruits farming and fishing; the island’s main industries before and up to this day.
Matlacha, Pine Island Center, Bokeelia, Pineland and St. James City comprise Pine Island, each features unique characteristics adding to the little island’s charm.
Getting There
Pine Island can be reached by plane or car.
Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers is the closest airport to reach Pine island. Two other airports that you can fly into are Sarasota Airport, a one hour and half drive to Pine island or the Tampa Airport, two and half hour drive.
To get to Pine Island by car take I-75 southwards to Exit #161, Jones Loop Road. Cross US 41 and you will be on Burnt Store road. Follow Burnt Store road to SR 78. Turn left on SR 78 until you reach the village of Matlacha, cross the drawbridge until you reach Pine Island.
Weather
Pine Island enjoys a year-round sub tropical climate with an 244 sunny days in a year.
Warmer temperature and humidity are experienced during summer (wet season). July is the warmest month of the year with temperatures reaching around 90s degree Fahrenheit. During this period, late afternoon rains occur, but quickly disappears. January is the coolest month of the year with average lows around 40s degree Fahrenheit.
Pine island has an annual average precipitation of 51.56 Inches and July is the wettest month of the year.
What to Wear
The island’s easy going lifestyle allows you to wear informal attire like shorts and sandals. Strolls to restaurant, local shops, retail establishments or cafes` require no formal wear.
During summer season, men can wear casual pieces including shorts, polo shirts, t-shirts and sandals. For women to look good while out under summer heat, it is recommended to wear sundress or skirts or shorts and flip flops. Other must haves include hat, sunglasses, swimwear.
Spending your holiday in Pine Island during winter requires you to wear light jacket or sweatshirt, slacks or long pants.
Fishing
Calusa Indians, who first inhabit Pine Island discovered the wealthiness of water life surrounding the area; fishing the abundant waters became their main source of living. Fishing in Pine Island has been an integral part of their heritage serving generations of families. Today, fishing remained a major attraction in the area be it commercial fishing, sports fishing or leisure fishing.
Pine Island’s topography and warm weather provide non stop fishing activity throughout the year. In addition, the unspoiled waters and aquatic preserves surrounding the area produce diverse fishery for every angling skills. Fishing the waters in and surrounding the Pine Island including flats, holes, back bays and gulf waters allow you to catch snook, trout, grouper, snapper, cobia, redfish, sheepshead, tarpon and more.
There are different types of fishing and methods applied in Pine Island depending what type of fish to catch and water condition. Likewise, baits of different kind are used to best work with a particular fish species; lures, live bait or flies.
Pine Island types of fishing:
• Live bait fishing
• Light tackle fishing
• Sight fishing
• Sound fishing
• Backcountry fishing
• Flats fishing
BEST MONTHS TO FISH
The calendar below indicates the best months to catch a specific fish type in Pine Island.
January to February – Amberjack, Grouper, King Mackerel
March to April – Cobia
March to August – Jack Crevalle
March to October – Snook
April to July – Tarpon
April to September – Barracuda
April to October – Jewfish & Redfish
May to August – Permit
May to October – Shark
October to November – Jack Crevalle
October to December – Amberjack, King Mackerel, Cobia, Grouper
WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR WHEN FISHING
• Hat
• Polarized sunglasses
• Proper clothing (depending on the local weather)
• Non marking boat shoes
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant
• Food and Drinks
• Camera
Attractions and Activities
Pine island is the largest island in Southwest Florida with easy going environment ideal for vacationers who want experience tranquil life. This tiny and simple island has no beaches, but surrounded by lush wildlife and calm waters. Even without beaches, there are many things to do and see in Pine Island to keep you active and entertained.
The placid waters surrounding the area is ideal for boating and kayaking. Boat and kayaks are available for rentals for inexperienced paddlers. Explore the island’s serene waterways, seagrass flats and mangrove islands through guided tours. Exploring these waterways, you will likely spot dolphins, sea turtles, manatees and birds while enjoying the sun.
There is no such thing as bad fishing in Pine island. The mangrove islands and shallow waters offer bountiful catch of redfish, grouper and other species for a rewarding fishing journey. First time fishers or new to the area sportsmen can hire fishing charters that will guide you to different fishing locations in the area.
A good way to enjoy the island’s uncongested environment is through galleries and museums visit, a laid-back activity at the same time educational. This allows you to get to “see” what used to be the life of the island’s early settlers. Don’t forget to check the downtown district for local shops for rare finds ranging from art pieces, jewelry, antiques and much more.
Area attractions:
• Museum of the Islands
• Randell Research Center
• Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve State Park
• Great Calusa Blueway
• Cayo Costa State Park
Where to Stay
Check the list of Pine Island accommodation with services and amenities that suit your needs whether you’re on business or leisure.
Bridge Water Inn
Address: 4331 Pine Island Road • Matlacha, FL 33993
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.bridgewaterinn.com/
Bayfront Cottage Inn & Boatel
Address: 4244 Pine Island Road N.W. Matlacha, FL 33993
For more information, visit their website:
http://thebayfrontcottage.com/blog.html
Matlacha Island Cottages
Address: 4756 Pine Island Road Matlacha, FL 33993-9783
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.islandcottages.com/
Tarpon Lodge Hotel
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.tarponlodge.com/home/
Two Fish Inn
Address: 2960 Oleander St., St. James City, Florida 33956
For more information, visit their website:
Bayview Bed and Breakfast
Address: 12251 Shoreview Drive Cape Coral, Pine Island Florida 33993-0035
For more information, visit their website:
http://webbwiz.com/bayviewbb/
Useppa Island Club
Address: Bokeelia, FL 33922
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.useppa.com/indexb.html
Jug Creek Cottages
Address: 6498 Tortuga St. • Bokeelia, FL 33922
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.tropicstarcruises.com/
Angler’s Inn
Address: 11282 Matlacha Avenue Matlacha, FL 33993
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.anglersinnatmatlacha.com/
Beachouse Lodge
Address: 7702 Bocilla Lane Bokeelia, FL 33922
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.beachousefl.com/
Where to Eat
Local and International specialties are served in different Pine Island restaurants in casual or waterfront setting, for that distinct island dining experience.
Sandy Hook
Address: 4875 Pine Island Rd. NW Matlacha, FL 33990
For more information, visit their website:
Waterfront Restaurant and Marina
Address: 2131 Oleander St. St. James City, Fl. 33956
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.waterfrontrestaurant.com/
Red’s Seafood House and Tavern
Address: 10880 Stringfellow Bokeelia, FL 33922
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.redsfreshseafoodhouse.com/
Woody’s Waterside
Address: 3051 Stringfellow Road., St. James City
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.woodyswaterside.com/
Lazy Flamingo 3
Address: 16501 Stringfellow Road Bokeelia, FL 33922
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.lazyflamingo.com/
Little Lilly’s Island Deli
Address: 10700 Stringfellow Road Bokeelia, FL 33922
For more information, visit their website:
http://littlelillysislanddeli.com/
Bert’s Bar and Grill Waterfront Restaurant
Address: 4271 Pine Island Road Matlacha, FL 33993
For more information, visit their website:
http://bertsbar.us/
Miceli’s Italian
Address: 3930 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL
For more information, visit their website:
Moretti’s Seafood Restaurant
Address: 4200 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.morettisseafoodrestaurant.com/agents/74612/index.asp
Hogfish Grill
Address: 3135 Stringfellow Rd., St. James City, FL 33956
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.thehogfishgrill.com/
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