Shoreline Report: Matlacha, Florida
Matlacha; pronounced Mat-la-shay, is a manmade pass west of Cape Coral Florida.
This small village has a very colorful past; it was once the territory of the Calusa Indians. When a bridge was built during the Great Depression, a shanty town was constructed by people looking for new opportunities. These people eventually won squatters rights and the town of Matlacha was born.
In the 1990’s a net ban was enforced and the local commercial fishermen shot and set their fishing boats ablaze in protest. Today, Matlacha is an eclectic fishing and art town. If you are looking for pristine beaches or high rise hotels, this is not the place for you. This is an angler’s paradise with mangroves as far as the eye can see.
If you are staying in Matlacha, chances are that your lodging is on the water with good wade fishing opportunities. The draw bridge in Matlacha is nicknamed âthe fishiest bridge in the worldâ. Fishing is allowed from the bridge and there is a small park adjacent to the bridge that has restrooms and a cleaning station.
The Matlacha community park has a kayak launch, boat ramp and a pier. There are access areas for those anglers that prefer to wade fish as well. Sheepshead and mangrove snapper can be caught in the many canals of this small town. With deep channels, mangrove laden shores and a multitude of oyster beds, redfish, snook and trout are plentiful.
Bait shops, beach bars, kayak rentals and boat charters are all in walking distance. Just hours away from the Tampa Bay area, this is an area that any angler will enjoy.
Get in your car and make your way to Matlacha!