We're happy to present this post from Captain Debbie Hanson. Let her experience as an award-winning outdoor writer, IGFA record holder, and expert freshwater fishing guide help you plan your next freshwater fishing trip!
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach offers aspiring freshwater fishers of all experience levels a variety of spots to perfect tight loops or popper techniques. Whether you're visualizing an excursion on the flats with a guide, perched high atop a poling platform or you're looking for freshwater spots where treasured Florida-strain largemouth and feisty bluegill abound, we've got you covered.
I've chosen these five spots because they're easy to get to and the chances of successful targeting of the most coveted species are very high.
You're also encouraged to explore more fishing posts to read about the top species to target and learn about the different types of fishing in the area and more!
1. Audubon Pennington Nature Park
I've chosen this park because although it may be better known by bird watchers (and some of the best birdwatchers are also anglers!), it shouldn't be overlooked as a freshwater shoreline fly fishing stop.
Operated by the Peace River Audubon Society, the Audubon Pennington Nature Park off of Alton Road encompasses a canal that twists through the oak hammock and pine flatwoods which is is home to chunky largemouth bass and popper-pouncing panfish. Bring along a 6 to 7-weight fly rod with floating fly line for best results due to the shallow depth of the canal.
2. Webb Lake
I've chosen Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area because of its its thriving ecosystem and variety of available approaches. Whether you want to cast from the shore, a kayak, or a boat (electric trolling motor only), Webb Lake is 395-acres full of fly fishing opportunities.
The open area near the first boat launch allows ample room for shoreline casters, and the second launch will put kayak or boat anglers in close proximity to loads of lily pads.
Pack your fly box with #8 and #10 poppers for panfish, a few 1/0 Clousers or popping bugs for largemouth bass, and then plan a trip to
3. She
ll Creek
Shell Creek Preserve is on this list because not only is it rich in bluegill, the surrounding landscape is pristine and feels remote even though it's only about 15 minutes from downtown Punta Gorda. You'll find the convenient access point to this spot at Hathaway Park.
While there are a few places to cast from the shoreline, a fly fishing trip here is best spent by kayak or small boat. You will find that some of the most scenic portions of the creek are east of the park, as it narrows and winds towards its headwaters North of Bermont Road.
Cast small poppers alongside the lily pads for strikes from bluegill, while switching over to baitfish-imitating streamer patterns near submerged trees and brush piles.
4. Bissett Park
I've included Bissett Park because it's a great spot for family fly fishing trips. Located off of Path Avenue in Punta Gorda, the park has a variety of convenient amenities along with a sizeable freshwater pond that holds plenty of largemouth bass.
While there are no kayak or canoe launches here, there are open shoreline areas near the tennis and shuffleboard courts.
5. Lake Betty
Another spot to take the whole family along to try freshwater fly fishing is Lake Betty in Port Charlotte. There is plenty of open shoreline space for easy casting and largemouth bass are the primary species to target. Tie on a Gartside Gurgler or Muddler Minnow and make parallel to the shoreline.
Before heading out to try any of this freshwater fly fishing spots, make sure you have a current Florida freshwater fishing license, available from MyFWC.com. There's a trophy bass or burly bluegill just waiting for you in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, so come on down!
