The sporting life is main attraction on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

CONTACTS:
Jackie MacKay, (407) 814-0014 or (407) 496-1770
Lee Rose, (239) 338-3500

LEE COUNTY, FL -- As one can imagine, there is no shortage of sports activity in the Sunshine State, so travel agents seeking options for clients who are sports enthusiasts can take a look at The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Here, choices include world-class fishing, golfing, baseball and hockey, to name a few; and agents may be surprised at just how much there is to do in the world of sports on this tropical island getaway.

FISHING

The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida offers myriad inshore and offshore fishing opportunities, from shorelines, bridges and piers to deep sea casting and backcountry boating. In fact, the destination is considered one of the greatest areas in Florida for saltwater fly-fishing and light tackle fishing, the fastest growing segments in the industry. The area has earned its reputation as a "fisherman's paradise," with many world-record fish catches in its waters.

Inshore fishing
Inshore fishing supplies great year-round opportunities to catch snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, sheepshead, jack crevalle, mangrove snapper and other species. Inshore fishing areas include mangrove shorelines, beaches, open flats, bridges, piers, docks and the many passes and inlets to the Gulf of Mexico.

For non-residents over the age of 16, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel requires a saltwater license to fish from a pier, bridge, dock or beach. Florida residents fishing from land or a structure fixed to land do not need a license.

Offshore fishing
Offshore fishing continues as an excellent way to find shark, grouper, bonito, barracuda, permit, black fin tuna, cobia, and Spanish and king mackerel. These can be caught above the many natural and artificial reefs offshore. Southwest Florida is reputed to have some of the best grouper grounds in the state. Sight casting to tripletails gathered around floating objects is fast becoming a favorite fishing method.

Tarpon fishing
Sports-fishing for tarpon has a long history as a favorite for area visitors. Fighting tarpon are one of the world's most sought-after fish for good reason. One of the largest tarpon migrations in the world takes place annually off the shores of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Thousands of these mighty fish migrate through Boca Grande Pass and the reefs off Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach during April, May and June. Some even reside here year-round, but migration season is the best time to ensure success at this sport.

Anglers seek tarpon different ways. In Boca Grande Pass (known as the "Tarpon Capital of the World"), they use a controlled drift-fishing technique with heavy tackle and live bait from 20- to 30-foot boats. Along the beaches of Sanibel & Captiva islands, Boca Grande, and the outer island of Cayo Costa, as well as in backcountry waters, anglers pursue tarpon in smaller boats and flat skiffs.

Freshwater fishing
Freshwater fishing in the Fort Myers and Sanibel area runs all year long. Inland waters abound with eating fish like bass, crappie, blue gill and catfish as well as shellcrackers and oscars. Anglers use cane poles, plug casting outfits, spinning reels or fly rods. Baits of choice include plastic worms, wild shiners, artificial lures, crickets (in the spring) and fly-fishing flies.

Freshwater sources virtually surround land areas, with the Caloosahatchee River leading off hundreds of miles of canals and both natural and manmade lakes and ponds throughout the area. Anglers may go it alone or hire a guide. Knowledgeable captains can be contacted through local tackle shops. Bass clubs also are excellent sources of information, welcoming visitors to participate in meetings and tournaments.

Boat fishing
One of the best choices for agents' clients are the offshore commercial party boats. There is no age limit; they do not require a fishing license; and they supply all tackle. Boats range from 60 to 100 feet, have onboard restrooms and typically provide a small galley. Fees for half-day and all-day trips are affordable. Anglers usually return to shore with strings of grunts, grouper, lane and mangrove snapper or Spanish and king mackerel.

Most boats for hire are found on Fort Myers Beach. Sportsmen and women with any degree of fishing expertise also can charter a boat with a fishing guide for a half day or full day. No fishing license is required. Spin, plug or fly tackle is furnished, but guests can bring their own gear. Target fish vary through the year. Charters cost from a couple of hundred to several hundred dollars for the day.

Fishing regulations
Fishing licenses can be obtained from the Lee County Tax Collector at six county locations (call {239} 339-6000), most sporting goods stores, tackle shops and marinas. Prices vary from $13.50 to $31.50 per year, depending on the type of license purchased. Information on fishing regulations and closed seasons for specific types of fish can be acquired from the same locations and through the Florida Marine Patrol at (239) 332-6966.

GOLF

In addition to booking great fishing vacations for their clients on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, travel agents also consider the destination when seeking a great golf vacation for them. With more than 95 golf courses, the area provides a wealth of opportunity for any client looking to enjoy a day on the links. Combine an abundance of municipal, daily fee and private courses with ideal weather (an average annual temperature of 73.3 degrees), and it's easy to see why agents regard southwest Florida as a veritable golf heaven.

"It's a great place to be whether you're a golfer or not," says Rich Lamb, director of golf at Eastwood Golf Course and the Fort Myers Country Club, both in Fort Myers. "Pricewise, it's outstanding. Whatever you can afford, you'll find something in that range. The climate is ideal, and golfers have many courses from which to choose."

Choices include challenging courses like the 6,400-yard, par-72 Eastwood course, ranked among the Top 50 public courses in the nation by "Golf Digest" with a four-star rating. Of the many public courses, less-experienced golfers as well as senior players have their pick of several executive courses.

Eastwood, a Devlin/Von Haage design masterpiece, is one of three municipal courses in the Fort Myers and Sanibel area. The second is the 6,100-yard, par-71 Fort Myers Country Club, an 89-year-old course designed for walkers. The third is the 6,623-yard, par-72 Coral Oaks Golf Course in Cape Coral, rated among the Top 50 courses in the state by Florida "Golf Reporter" magazine. Other courses that welcome the public include the 6,896-yard, par-72 River's Edge Country Club on the scenic Caloosahatchee River and the nine-hole Terraverde Country Club's executive course.

One of the newest area courses open to the public, Raptor Bay Golf Club in Bonita Springs, has golfers talking. This 18-hole course, designed by golf legend Raymond Floyd, debuted in 2001 as the first resort course in U.S. history to receive Audubon International's Gold Certification. Designed in harmony with its lush natural surroundings, the 6,702-yard, par-71 course is adjacent to a 144-acre nature preserve where lucky golfers might spot an eagle or gopher tortoise.

The 7,000-yard, par-72 Lochmoor Country Club, a well-manicured semi-private facility, presents one of many options in North Fort Myers. The scenic Riverbend executive course and El Rio Country Club are public; Del Tura Country Club, called the finest executive course in southwest Florida, is semi-private. The Alden Pines Country Club on peaceful Pine Island wins approval with a gorgeous 5,800-yard course, par-71.

Semi-private courses in Fort Myers include the executive course at Golfview Golf & Racquet Club, the beautiful 18-hole, 71-par San Carlos Golf Course and the 18-hole, par-72 Gateway Golf and Country Club.

Lehigh Acres gives golfers another view of paradise. Its 6,308, par-72 Admiral Lehigh Golf Resort and Spa and 7,043-yard Mirror Lakes Golf Club both offer well designed, mature courses. The challenging Cypress Pines Country Club sponsors a lushly landscaped 18-hole, par-72 championship course. Yet another choice, the 6,280-yard, par-72 Westminster Golf Club lures golfers to Lehigh Acres year after year.

Sanibel Island has made room among its treed roadways and nature preserves for courses at the Dunes Golf & Tennis Club, a 5,600-yard, par-70 challenge, and the Beach View Club's 18-holes. Adjacent Captiva Island, connected to Sanibel by a bridge, has nine holes that hotel guests play twice for par-72 on the Gulf of Mexico at South Seas Island Resort. According to South Seas' PGA pro Mark Haluska, "South Seas offers just the right blend of good course, design, weather, and atmosphere."

Fort Myers Beach on Estero Island boasts the 3,091-yard, par-60 Bay Beach Golf Club. In addition, golf enthusiasts can take advantage of exceptional opportunities to attend prominent tournaments headlined by some of the sport's greatest names.

BASEBALL, HOCKEY & MORE

There's more to southwest Florida sports than spring training. The Fort Myers and Sanibel area touts two of the 18 major league teams in the Florida Grapefruit League and a Florida State League team. However, baseball isn't the only hit in southwest Florida. Ice hockey has taken residents and vacationers by storm. In 1998 the Florida Everblades made their permanent home here. The Florida Firecats arena football team soon followed.

Baseball has a long and grand tradition on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. In 1925, the Philadelphia Athletics became the first major league club to train in Fort Myers. The Athletics played for 12 years at Terry Park. From 1939 to 1940, the Cleveland Indians made Fort Myers their spring training headquarters. Fourteen years later, in 1995, the Pittsburgh Pirates arrived, welcomed by a renovated Terry Park stadium. The Kansas City Royals came in 1968 and stayed for 20 years. Each team went on to win the World Series!

The Lee County Sports Complex, anchored by the 7,500 seat William H. Hammond Stadium in south Fort Myers, serves as spring training headquarters for the Minnesota Twins and summer home for the Fort Myers Miracle, the Class A team affiliated with the Twins. In addition to Hammond Stadium, the complex includes four regulation major league practice fields, two half-fields, four softball practice fields, 10 indoor batting cages (four in the main stadium) and 30 practice pitching areas with mounds. The stadium is handicapped accessible and located at 14100 Six Mile Cypress, south of Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers, FL 33912. For information, call (239) 768-4210.

The Class A Fort Myers Miracle became affiliated with the Minnesota Twins in 1993, following its first season in southwest Florida. Actor Bill Murray and singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett, part owners of the Miracle Baseball club, have been seen incognito during the season. For information and tickets, call (239) 768-4210.

The City of Palms Park, in downtown Fort Myers, is the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox. This 6,990-seat stadium, built in 1992, includes a stadium field, a practice field, five minor league fields, 12 indoor hitting tunnels, expansive clubhouses and dugouts as well as conditioning, hydrotherapy, training and locker rooms.

"The architectural style of City of Palms Park is reminiscent of traditional stadiums like Wrigley Field and Fenway Park," said Jim Humphrey, mayor of Fort Myers. "The stadium was designed with baseball fans in mind. It allows a closeness and an access to the players that only occurs at spring training camps."

With the City of Fort Myers known as the City of Palms, it's fitting that swaying palm trees surround the stadium at 2201 Edison Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33905. For information, call (239) 334-4700.

Ice hockey in paradise? That's right. Ice hockey has found a new market of excited fans on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. The area has the ECHL Florida Everblades. The 'blades compete with 30 franchises from across the country. Since the team's inception, fans have filled an average of 90 percent of game seats at Germain Arena. Games run October through April.

In addition to the main arena, the complex features two other NHL regulation-sized ice rinks, a year-round restaurant with 27 televisions, a lounge, a private club and luxury suites. Germain Arena's recreational rinks provide children and adults practice time for ice hockey and figure skating as well as classes in both sports. Agents' clients can catch a game at 11000 Everblades Pkwy. in Estero, FL 33928. For a schedule of events, call (239) 948-7825.

Another cool favorite is the ice rink at the Fort Myers Skatium. The Skatium, a 71,000-square-foot "skate-of-the-art" facility, features an NHL regulation ice rink, laser fun, arcade and bumper cars, a pro shop and off-ice practice and warm-up areas.

To get more ideas about how sports on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel can be part of a client's next vacation, visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com. The Web site includes a Travel Agent Help Desk for customized assistance in helping clients.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel include: Sanibel & Captiva islands, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs & Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & Outer islands, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres. Images are available upon request.