Canal Question.

Kentucky · Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 5:24 pm Post subject: Canal Question.

Hello. We will be moving to Cape Coral ,hopefully by the end of August.
I just wanted to ask some questions about the canals. We will be moving to the sw section. Can you just pull off the road at empty lots to fish the canals? Are there designated places to fish them? Also What types of fish can be caught in the saltwater canals? Sharks maybe. LOL. Just found this site, and I am enjoying reading it. I will be sure to ask many more questions in the future. I am watching the storm as well. I hope it will miss you.I am however taking notes as to what to expect when we arrive. Be safe, and thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

General Coulter

bob · Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 6:42 pm Post subject: Re: Canal Question.

Some people do simply pull up and fish from the empty lots. But remember, those lots are owned by someone and is private property. Better bet would be at public boat ramps or piers. I'm not a fishing expert but the canals have amberjacks, drum (sheepshead), mullet, catfish,maybe an occasional gar?, crabs (blue stone?).
Need some help on this one!

bob scratch

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FLCaneMagnet · New Member Joined: Aug 07, 2008 Posts: 6 Location: SW Cape

Bob's post is right on the money. I would add that some of the empty lots don't have seawalls so it can be pretty rough getting to the water because the lots are very overgrown. I would agree with bob that your best bet would be at a public place (there are plenty) until you can find a buddy that lives on a canal and help yourself to their real estate!

I have caught all of the fish that bob mentioned and would add ladyfish, snook, and mayan cichlids (look like a gorgeous bluegill). The snook are an absolute blast to catch. Later at night the fishing turns to gar and catfish, so many gar that I usually just stop fishing. As for crabs, I've watched my neighbors haul in their crab pots but they usually only have mullet in them. They claim that there are blue crabs in the canals though I have yet to see proof. javascript:emoticon(' Smile

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My recommendation is that when you get here and are ready to fish, head to a local bait n tackle store, ask what's biting in the canals, and ask what you should fish with. For me, I've had great success with live shrimp and baitfish pulled out of the canal with an icefishing hook. For lures, something resembling a small (2.5") greenback has worked for catching almost anything out of the canal.

I am originally from the Midwest and hadn't put a line into saltwater until I moved to Cape Coral. I absolutely love playing "what the hell kind of fish is that" with the fish I pull out of the canal. Be sure to bring your camera along for the fishing trips so you can find out later what you caught! Good luck.

FairWthrGal · Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 9:28 am Post subject: Re: Canal Question.

Check out the link for Nautical Mile (lower right)

Nolesjeff · Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 9:36 am Post subject: Re: Canal Question.

It will depend on type of canal you fish, there are salt and freshwater canals. I have caught all of the above and also Reds, Tarpon, Bass,Catfish and occasional trout.
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