by Mike Hammond
A benefit of writing these articles is that I am compelled to try launches off the beaten path. One of the launches I am happy to have tried is Saint James Creek Preserve, which is owned and managed by the Calusa Land Trust. This is not the type of spot where you back right up to the launch and unload your gear. There is potentially a half-mile hike along the Saint Jude Trail involved. This could be a real deterrent if you don’t have a kayak cart and probably the reason I have never launched here before.
After hiking a little less than half the trail, paddlers will find a convenient chickee hut; directly across the path from the hut is an open area in the mangroves that serves as a launch. This is not the easiest launch to use on low tide, but it is the closest to the parking area. From this location you will have to paddle under low mangrove branches to get to open water so keep the rods down.
If you choose to walk the additional quarter-mile, you will be rewarded with a much easier launch and no low mangrove ceilings to negotiate. There is also a very nice overlook built by the Calusa Land Trust.
While there was a bit of a breeze blowing up the wide creek, there are many coves, points and bends to hide in. Within no time I saw several large snook in the mangroves and maybe the biggest live redfish I’ve ever seen in Southwest Florida!
Taking the most direct route a mile south, you will arrive at the mouth of Dawson Canal where San Carlos Bay and Matlacha Pass meet. Depending on the wind, you can easily fish the mangroves and flats north to Rock Hole to re-enter the creek. Paddlers may choose to stay in Saint James Creek or take an even less windy option. There is a fairly large lake that only seems to be accessible to paddle craft. Just explore the area where the mangrove tunnel enters Saint James Creek and you will find it. We observed a variety of game fish, small sharks, rays, and even a sawfish.
Wade fishing was also fairly easy here. I found this to be a perfect spot to fish with the kids. There is very little wind to push kayaks or cast into the mangroves. This could easily turn into one of our favorite spots. If you can handle hiking with your kayak, it may become one of your favorite spots too. A big Thank You goes out to the Calusa Land Trust for providing this and other opportunities for paddlers visiting Pine Island.
