The historic Sanibel Lighthouse overlooks the south end of Sanibel Island, and the picturesque Sanibel fishing pier is just a stone's throw away. The remarkable scenery of Sanibel Island and the private nature of the beaches around the end of the island make for a truly unique Florida experience. The pier has a parking lot of its own, or you can park at the beach and take a short walk through the mangroves on an elevated boardwalk. Fishing from the pier offers a chance to catch a number of saltwater species, including grouper, flounder, mackerel and sheepshead. The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel also offers fishing opportunities among its protected mangrove waterways.

The twin Matanzas Piers extend into the Intracoastal Waterway between Fort Myers Beach and San Carlos Island. The tall Matanzas Pass Bridge to Fort Myers Beach provides structure for the piers built between its pilings. Access to the somewhat-hidden piers is via winding roads under the bridges on either side of the waterway. Shrimp boats and fishing charter services, as well as a marina, surround the piers, and the man-made structures give shelter to a number of species of fish. The cast of characters here includes fishermen who return to the pier year after year to try their luck and enjoy the calm of the protected spot.

A true treasure of a recreation area is Lakes Park in the center of Fort Myers. The freshwater lake is ringed by a paved trail popular with bicycle riders, joggers and even in-line skaters. The park is open from 8 a.m. until dusk and offers picnic facilities and a swimming beach, as well as a chance to fish for freshwater fish like bass and perch. Metered parking costs 75 cents per hour, and the park also features a snack bar, amphitheater, boathouse and dock facilities.

The twin Matanzas Piers extend into the Intracoastal Waterway between Fort Myers Beach and San Carlos Island. The tall Matanzas Pass Bridge to Fort Myers Beach provides structure for the piers built between its pilings. Access to the somewhat-hidden piers is via winding roads under the bridges on either side of the waterway. Shrimp boats and fishing charter services, as well as a marina, surround the piers, and the man-made structures give shelter to a number of species of fish. The cast of characters here includes fishermen who return to the pier year after year to try their luck and enjoy the calm of the protected spot.