Things to do
Fishing and boating
Cast from the bridge, paddle the mangroves, or let a local captain take you to the hidden hot spots.
Matlacha is a fisherman’s paradise! Home to “the fishingest bridge in the world,” this low-level drawbridge (about 9 feet of clearance when closed) carries County Road 78, Pine Island Road, and has drawn fishermen and visitors for nearly a century. Nestled in the heart of Southwest Florida, this island paradise is an angler’s dream.
Whether you’re an avid angler or casting for your first snook or redfish, the strong tidal currents through Matlacha Pass make an ideal estuary. Fresh water meets salt water, bait fish gather around the pilings, and game fish follow.
Popular species
- Common snook, a top target year-round, especially around structure and at night
- Redfish (red drum)
- Mangrove snapper
- Sheepshead, excellent in cooler months. Check out those teeth!
- Spotted seatrout
- Occasional black drum, jacks, and even juvenile tarpon
Fishing the bridge
Anglers fish right from the bridge sidewalks and approaches. Live shrimp, pinfish, pilchards, or cut bait work well. Focus on the tide changes, because moving water is key, and fish the shadows and edges of the pilings. Early mornings, evenings, and nights often produce the best action.
Charters
Charter fishing is available for full and half days. For newcomers, a charter is highly recommended. The captains are the experts: they supply everything you need and take you to the hidden hot spots. Most have lived here their entire lives and know how to navigate these local waters.
Local businesses
Members of the association get a link to their website. Run a business here? Join us.
- Bobbers Bait and Tackle
- Captain Cathy Boat Tours
- D&D Marina
- Matlacha Boat Club
- Matlacha Charters
- Matlacha Outfitters
- Nautical Tiki Cruises
- Salty Dog Charters
- Wildfly Charters
Love it here? So do we.
Visitors who keep coming back are members too. $15 a year.