by Mike Hammond
A few minutes after launching from the Pineland Marina, I was rewarded by observing a pod of dolphins hunting in very shallow water. Almost all of their bodies were pushed above the waterline for a few seconds as they forced fish back into the channel. A very large southern stingray passed under my standup paddleboard, or SUP, a few times. To the left I observed ibis and roseate spoonbills on a mudflat, while an eagle glided overhead, harassed by an osprey soon after landing. Admittedly, I was a bit overwhelmed and wondered why I don’t paddle this area more often. I continued south over the grass flats, towards Foster Bayou, spooking many redfish, stingrays and other darting fish as I paddled. Several small lemon and bonnethead sharks hunted the shallow waters of the coves and did not seem to mind my presence. Just another day in the Pineland area.
There are two launching options in the immediate area. The free launch at Pineland Monument Park and the Pineland Marina. Even in mid-December on a Monday, the Pineland Monument Park launch was full when I arrived in the morning. Five to six vehicles already filled the lot. Please don’t stop here to unload your vehicle if there aren’t parking spaces available. It can be dangerous and there are no other legal spaces to move to nearby. The Randell Research Center does not allow paddlers to use their lot and there is a sign clearly stating this. If this small lot is full and you want immediate access to these waters, please use the Pineland Marina kayak launch where there is plenty of parking. Parking and launching is $15, but you have access to great facilities, a ship’s store and an easy to use floating kayak launch. Additional paddle craft launches are $5. With bridge tolls, admission, parking fees and state parks charging paddlers to launch in other areas, $15 is comparable to many of my favorite launches. If you’re flexible on where you paddle but prefer not to pay to launch, scan the QR code on the Calusa Blueway sign at the Pineland Monument launch or refer to our maps for options around Pine Island. There are several other places to launch from in this area.
If you have time after your paddle, I highly recommend crossing the road and visiting the Randell Research Center to learn about Florida’s first anglers, the Calusa. With the Calusa mounds, Pineland Marina, fantastic fishing and paddling and the Tarpon Lodge right next to each other, this is a memorable day trip just waiting to happen.
For more information about Calusa Blueway Paddling Trails, events, and launch sites, please visit https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatCalusaBlueway/ . Mike Hammond is based in Fort Myers, FL and is a staff member at Lee County Parks & Recreation. He is the Calusa Blueway coordinator for Lee County.