Well, here we are. The dog days of late summer and September are here and another fishing and boating season is quickly approaching down here in southwest Florida and Sanibel Island. The most frequent question I continue to be asked as time marches on is, “Captain Peter, how goes it on Sanibel and Captiva since the Hurricane Ian?” I instantly think, wow, yes, it’s been almost two years since all hell broke loose — September 28, 2022, to be exact.

Today, the aforementioned question is still as relevant as ever. Here are more specific Q’s and A’s to go with them.

Question: How are the islands doing in general?

Answer: The first thing I say is if one is not overly familiar with Sanibel and Captiva, then appearance-wise they would probably not even notice there was a hurricane that ravaged the area. Granted, if one is a “local” or comes here often, then there are some signs of remnants from the storm. A few shops and other buildings are in disrepair or gone. And vegetation is a little thin here and there. However, overall, the islands look great and very lush.

Question: What’s the situation with the Causeway to get onto the islands?

Answer:  The Causeway renovation is basically complete. Judging from communication being relayed to the public and what we have witnessed firsthand, it’s been an impressive undertaking. My guess is that Hell will freeze over well before another hurricane regardless of magnitude could wash it out again.

The next step in the Causeway restoration is a beautification initiative that we’re being told could take up to two years to complete. Actually, this task was being undertaken even before the hurricane took its toll (no pun intended). The new plans call for planting a variety of vegetation and to have improved parking and light kayak/windsurfing launches on each of the two islands that make up the bulk of the Causeway itself. There also will be improved restrooms and outdoor shower/wash-off facilities.

One issue that has been raised and has yet to be determined is whether or not Pay-for-Parking will be put in place. Personally, it’s hoped that this will not be the case so many people from all walks of life can come and enjoy the beaches and waters. The last thing Lee County, who controls the Causeway, needs to do is further gouge the public.

Question: When is the Punta Rasa Boat Ramp going to be open to the public?

Answer: A lot of people ask about this because, they meet Guides like me from offisland. Further, for those among us who are less mobile, boarding from the Punta Rassa main docks is easier because of ladders placed along them. Right now, FEMA has leased all of this area through the Fall of 2025 to do the Causeway restoration work. We’re being told the docks will be available in December. However, we’re not holding our breaths that this is going to happen by then. We’ll keep you advised.

Question:  Are there any places to stay on the islands?

Answer: The short answer is YES! And more are reopening each week. Hotels of various sizes are operating as are condo complexes and rental properties through vacation rental groups. By planning ahead, there should be no issue finding a great place to stay. This being stated, make sure you start early in your searches for Thanksgiving Week, Christmas through New Year’s and Spring Break (Roughly March 1 - April 15.) Even pre-hurricane Ian, rooms during these time periods are always at absolute peak season and go fast.

Question: What about places to eat and get food as well as other supplies?

Answer: There are a number of well-known restaurants that have reopened and are better than ever. For example, up at Tween Waters Inn on Captiva, they now have three great restaurants. Down on Sanibel, some of the favorite haunts such as Trader’s, IL Cielo, and Doc Ford’s are going strong. Some places such as Cheeburger-Cheeburger have gone through major remodeling and are better than ever. Equally great are new eateries like Wickies, BRGR and The Shack that are serving-up great offerings.

Need a grocery, liquor and/or drug store? Jerry’s supermarket has been open since the hurricane and continues to upgrade their store. Huxter’s on Periwinkle is available for grab-and-go items and also has as great deli for take-out foods and beverages of all types. Island Pharmacy is open as is the CVS on Palm Ridge. The Post Office, Ace Hardware and several banks are ready and raring to go take care of customers. Finally, there is one fully operational gas station that is located on the midpoint of Sanibel.

Question:  On to the good stuff. HOW ARE THE WATERS AND FISHING DOING?

Answer: The waters surrounding Sanibel and Captiva are better than ever. Hurricane Ian temporarily dirtied things up but that’s history. Also, there continues to be mounting efforts and action to slow the flow of harmful algae infested waters from Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River down to Sanibel and the Gulf of Mexico. Through better cooperation among various governmental agencies and organizations like Captains for Clean Water, everyone is getting on the same page to really make our waters pristine for the future.  

As far as fishing is concerned, it’s top notch. Hurricane Ian had little effect on the bite. Granted, in some areas that were decimated more than others, the action slowed for a bit of time but quickly came back. Regulations established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) to ensure the future of angling enjoyment for all, continues to be positive. For example, up until a couple of years ago, 4 Spotted Sea Trout per person could be kept if they hit the minimum size of 15” and only one over 19.” Now, it’s 3 per person and more catch and release action. For our prized Redfish, only 1 per person can be kept and 2 total per boat. That’s a big change from a few years ago.

Last but certainly not least, the fact that there have been fewer anglers in our waters the last couple of years, there has been far less pressure put on the fish population. The bites have been consistent regardless of the time of the year.

Combine all the above together, and it translates to the fishing is as solid as the days are blue.

Question:  What about the rest of Nature, like the foliage and birds?

Answer:  As mentioned earlier, the foliage on Sanibel and Captiva is as thick as ever. In Pine Island Sound and the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, there are sections of the mangrove forests that have grayed areas due lack of leaves and dead branches. While certainly not severe, it may take years for these areas and some of the islands in the Sound to fully grow back.

It’s been a while but the bird population is back in full flock on the Islands. Just one trip to the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge will show you how true this is.

Hopefully, as we prepare for the 20024-2025 season, you now should have a much better idea of what’s going down in terms of the big picture on Sanibel and Captiva. Equally notable, and as mentioned in my previous write-ups, more than ever, the next few years on these two islands will be an incredible place to escape with friends and family members. They kind of remind me of the ’70’s and ’80’s when there were far fewer people around. It made the concept of A Remote Getaway a truism. The question you should ask yourself going forward is “Why Not Sanibel?” And the answer should be “Let’s Make It Happen!”

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