Links & Articles

Regulatory Sites

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Regulatory agency devoted to fish and wildlife conservation and research, hunting and game and marine fisheries management, and enforcement.

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Manages fishery resources to achieve the greatest harvest year after year while ensuring the health of fish stocks, ecosystems, and habitat.

Coast Guard Auxiliary
Provides vessel checks, boating classes, safety information and more.

Big Catch Florida
Awards for bigger fish in freshwater categories, including largemouth bass (8 # or 24”) and Mayan cichlid (1 # or 11”)…applicable to fish caught in Brooks ponds.

Fish Rules App
A free phone application for Android phones or iPhones that helps with identifying species, and keeping up with size and bag limits.

Tides, Weather, Red Tide & Calossahatchee Water Quality

Tide Times and Tide Chart for Estero
Provides detailed 7-day, 30-day, and live weather data.

Cape Weather
Provides SWFL Weather information.

SCCF Weekly Water Conditions Update
Weekly analysis of water quality in the Caloosahatchee.

NOAA Red Tide
Satellite Imagery tracking red tide in Southwest Florida

Conservation

Captains for Clean Water 
A local charitable organization, founded by 2 local fishing captains, focusing on improving water quality in local fishing waters.

Calusa Waterkeepers
A local charitable organization focused on research and testing to improving salt and freshwater conditions in the Gulf and its estuaries.

Florida Right to Clean Water 
A grassroots organization promoting a FL. constitutional amendment giving citizens the right to clean and healthy waters…Sign Petition.

FGCU Water School
The  FGCU academic department devoted to marine science, including improved water quality in SWFL…See especially the Water School brochure at: View Brochure

SeaTurtles.org
Devoted to reforming commercial fisheries; saving marine species; protecting critical habitat, including sea turtles.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Regarded as the outstanding local organization focusing on environmental conservation to protect our water, land, and wildlife.

Coastal Conservation Agency
Advises the public on conservation of marine resources to conserve, promote, and enhance the long term availability of coastal resource.

Florida Sea Grant Extension and Education Program
A marine and coastal outreach and education program focused on conserving coastal resources.

Local Media, Retail and Services Devoted to Local Fishing

ESPN SWFL Radio “Reel Talk”
Talk show devoted to local fishing, hosted by Estero’s Captain Debbie Hanson.

Sportsman’s Wholesale
Locally owned retailer in Bonita Springs devoted to hunting and fishing; carries low-cost selection of fishing gear with knowledgeable staff…ask for Matt.

239 Flies
Locally owned retailer in Bonita Springs devoted to saltwater fly fishing.

Master Bait and Tackle
Long time locally owned bait, tackle, and fishing apparel shop on Bonita Beach Rd., with friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Wyze Guyz Tackle
Locally owned retailer of fresh and saltwater lures recommended by local captains.

Estero River Outfitters
Locally owned retailer on the Estero River, specializing in kayaks and canoe rentals, guided fishing trips, bait, and related fishing equipment.

Bonita Boat Rentals
Locally owned pontoon rental business located on Estero Bay with long standing relationship with BFC.

Take a Veteran Fishing
An Estero fishing charter captain offering veterans a free half-day fishing trip on Estero Bay.

Take Me Fishing
Website devoted to fishing information with access to local information.

Knot Tying

NetKnots.com
Knot tying instructions in picture format.

Animated Knots
A website that animates the images of knot instructions.

Recipes

Recipes
See our collection of recipes from members and meeting speakers. 

Links & Articles

Taking Children on their First Fishing Trip Article

How to Choose the Best Kids Rod & Other Fishing Tips

Larry Winston’s Freshwater Fishing Clinic 2022

Florida Friendly Angler Certification Program
Interactive educational training program on Florida’s aquatic environments, fishing’s best practices and the inner workings of fisheries management.