Re: Best places to stay in Pine Island, FL
Did some serious research last night right up until closeing time.
First off, MATLACHE, that would be the WATER FRONT, right at the bridge. Nice place, can go out on the bridge fishing with 20 other people at 3 in the morning. Park the boat at your front door. Down side is that you are on the back side, in the middle of the island and you have to cover some ground to get to open water. Also, cant figure out where you would leave your trailer as space is a premium.
I recommended the TARPON LODGE, let me take that back. Nice place, excellent water location but is remote from everything. Resturant is one of those nuveo california cusine places. Only go there when someone else is buying. Meals are all in the presentation on the plate and you have to look back at the menu to figure out what you are eating. Works if you want to spend your evening in a sports coat, sipping your chardonnay, discussing the days fishing. Have a feeling thats not what you are looking for. Soooo
St JAMES CITY, lots of canals, ramps, bars and places to eat. Thats where you want to go. Most recommended at the bar is the GOLDEN PALMS RESORT, 239-283-7378. STEPHANY, owner of the RAGGED AAZ SALOON, mispelled on purpose to get by the web censor chip, says to call DENESE, business is way off and rates are very reasonable. Anyone would be proud to take their family there. Next up is a place called WATERS EDGE, 283-0515, also is a place called TWO FISH INN, 283-4519. All have very good boat dockage on the canal and lots of room to stash your trailer. Any of the above would be good.
Bit of advice, nearest gas station is 7 miles away, so fill up your boat and bring extra gas cans. Sometimes the gas station runs out of gas which can be a dissapointment. Dont think there are any marinas that pump fuel in the area. Once all the evening places close down, come up to FROGGYS and ask for FRED/SANDY, barmaid has our nbr. and buy us a drink. After all, all this research is worth something. Lots of interesting locals, women with sob stories, sad fisherman with broke or sunken boats, everyone looking for a job, you get the picture. regards FRED
