Fort Myers Bank Fishing, Beaches, etc (Cape Coral, Sarasota: employment, moving to, beach)

[a_qwerty_1]

I'll be moving to Lee county at the end of this year. I've never been there yet. I'm an avid fisherman, swimmer, outdoor photographer so access to the ocean is quite important for me.
Could someone please tell me if there are any decent opportunity for surf/bank/pier fishing in Fort Myers and Cape Coral. Do you have to pay for the beach access or parking?
Any info is greatly appreciated!

[bamboosmom]

Hi a,
Getting to some of the beaches here in SW Florida you do have to pay a toll.
It is very crowded trying to get onto and off Ft. Myers Beach! They have/had a trolley that takes you from the "mainland" over the bridge to the beach.

[a_qwerty_1]

Bamboosmom,
Thanks for the reply!

Yeah, that's what I was worried about. I've read that there's plenty of space for shore fishing on Sanibel and Captiva islands, but there's a $6.00 toll to drive there. I think that I've read that this trolley ride is only 25cents, which is good as long as you don't have to pay for parking your car before you get on the trolley, I guess.

I was hoping to find more free access beaches in that area. But so far I don't have much luck. Looks like most of the coastline is mangroves there.

I've read that Sarasota has over 30 miles of wonderful beaches with pretty good surf fishing. And that the access and parking and access are free. Is it really so?
Sarasota seems to have an abundance of recreational opportunities, but I was leaning towards Fort Myers/Cape Coral area because of more employment opportunities and newer+cheaper housing. Does anyone have any opinion on this? Thanks!

[bamboosmom]

Go over to your pm's for some info on the beaches