We happy to present these Shell Creek fishing tips from professional charter captain and fishing expert Captain Debbie Hanson.
Some days you may be on a fishing mission and craving the open water, but when you want to slow down and savor every cast in a beautiful place, head over to Shell Creek Preserve, the southernmost major tributary of the Peace River.
As an expert freshwater fishing guide, I highly recommend this narrow and winding tributary, accessible at Hathaway Park. You'll find patches of lily pads, submerged trees, and overhanging branches, all of which serve as prime fish habitat for largemouth bass, bluegill, and black crappie.
And, although it's only 15 minutes east of downtown Punta Gorda, this peaceful spot feels remote. 
Here are treh top seven reasons to grab your rods, pack up your tackle, and head on over:
1. Easy Launching
One of the best reasons to fish Shell Creek is that the launch ramps offer easy access by boat or kayak. If you don't have a vessel of your own, visit our Boating & Watersports page to find a rental.
2. Variety of Fishing
The area offers several fishing options. After launching, you can fish five miles west toward the Shell Creek Reservoir or head east toward Shell Creek Preserve. The waters near the reservoir tend to be more productive for largemouth bass while the stretch east of Hathaway Park is known for panfish.
3. Calm Waters
Shell Creek's waters are calm, with only a slight current, making them an ideal paddle for new kayak anglers or those who prefer a more relaxing fishing experience.
4. Uncrowded Waterways
There is minimal boat traffic and no shortage of scenic views. Spanish moss cascades down from the treetops, turtles bask on logs in the warm sunshine, and egrets glide effortlessly across the skies above. Don't forget your phone or a camera! In addition to snapping photos of your catches, you'll want to capture the natural beauty you witness along the way.
5. Fly Fishing Opportunities
It's a great place to cast your fly rod or use artificial lures. Use topwater popping bugs (#6 to #8) on fly or 1/32-ounce Beetle Spin lures on light spinning tackle near the edges of lily pads or shoreline vegetation for bluegill. As morning temperatures start to rise, fish deeper in the water column. Switch to Clouser minnows on fly or Texas rigged soft plastic worms in green pumpkin or watermelon colors on spinning tackle for bass.
6. Fossil Finds
You might discover ancient fossils while on your Shell Creek fishing adventure. If you paddle far enough upstream and water levels aren't too high, you may notice a series of exposed shell banks. Some of these shell banks include fossils that date back to the Pleistocene period.
7. No Boat Needed
No boat, no problem. You can cast a line from the shore at Hathaway Park.
After fishing and exploring Shell Creek, you're likely to have worked up a nice appetite.
With that in mind, here's one more helpful (and tasty) tip: Peace River Seafood and Botanicals, an authentic Florida crab shack famous for their fresh seafood and She Crab soup, is just 10 minutes from Hathaway Park.
