Fishing
With its vast canal system and convenient location on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, Cape Coral offers several fishing opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater activity; however, it is important that people be aware of, and adhere to Florida fishing license requirements and laws prior to dropping their lines in the water in order to avoid potential citations.
The best source of information for current fishing rules and regulations, license fees, exemptions, measurements, seasons, species, and other “fish facts” both for saltwater and freshwater fishing is the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website at www.MyFWC.com.
The State Legislature sets fishing license fees and exemptions, as well as penalties for violating fish and wildlife conservation laws. Recreational licenses and permits for residents and nonresidents are available at county tax collectors' offices, and from subagents, such as sporting goods stores or other retailers selling hunting or fishing equipment. Licenses may also be obtained over the telephone by dialing toll-free, 1-888 FISH FLORIDA (347-4356), or online at www.MyFWC.com/. For additional recreational licensing information, visit www.MyFWC.com/license or call your local county tax collector office.
Fishing Locations in Cape Coral
| Below is a list of approved fishing locations within Cape Coral’s parks and the hours that people are permitted to fish: | ||
| Park | Location | Hours |
| Bernice Braden Park | Shoreline & Under Bridge | 24 hours |
| Four Freedoms Park | Seawall Area | 24 hours |
| Four Mile Cove Eco Preserve | Two Piers | Daylight only |
| Glover Bight at Rotary Park | End of Boardwalk | Daylight only |
| Horton Park & Boat Ramp | River Shoreline | 24 hours |
| Jaycee Park | Shoreline | Daylight only |
| Lake Kennedy Park | Two Small Piers | Daylight only |
| Rosen Park | Seawall Area | 24 hours |
| Seahawk Park (Lake Argosy) | Around Lake | Daylight only |
| Sirenia Vista | Shoreline | Daylight only |
| Yacht Club Community Park | Fishing Pier | CLOSED |
| Yacht Club Community Park | Canals along Floridian Ct. | CLOSED |
Angler’s Code of Ethics
While fishing can be relaxing and fun, please adhere to the following code of ethics (provided by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Committee) to be respectful of the environment and to help make the sport more enjoyable for yourself and those who come after you:
- Support conservation efforts
- Practice effective catch-and-release of fish that are unwanted or prohibited to retain
- Don’t pollute; Recycle and dispose of trash and monofilament
- Practice safe angling and boating, including hook awareness and use of personal flotation devices (PFDs);
- Learn and obey fishing and boating rules and regulations, and purchase the appropriate licenses
- Respect other anglers’ and boaters’ rights
- Respect property owners’ rights and do not trespass
- Share fishing knowledge and skills with others
- Don’t release live bait into waters or spread exotic plants and fish
- Promote ethical sport fishing and encourage others to reconnect on the water