Fishing rods on display at a Sanibel Island bait and tackle shop

A Guide to the 6 Bait and Tackle Shops on Periwinkle Way

Fishing is a must do activity in Florida. Not only is the weather perfect, but it is a great way to spend time with family and friends while vacationing in one of our Captiva Island rentals.

If you’re going to do so, however, you will need to make sure that you have the right gear and know how to make sure everything goes right. In this article, we will be outlining six shops that you need to make your way to when thinking of fishing along the landmark Periwinkle Way.

Whitney’s Bait and Tackle

Bait at a Sanibel Island bait and tackle shop
Photo From: Shutterstock

Whitney’s Bait and Tackle shop is the premier tackle shop in the community of Captiva Island. It has been voted the best tackle shop of the area in 2017 because of its complete tackle collection and knowledgeable staff. In 2018, the store was the first in the area to introduce the Sanibel Fly Fishing Department with beautiful display rods and reels. If they don’t have something you’re looking for, rest assured they will get it you in no time.

Bait Box

Bait Box is a longtime mainstay in the Captiva and Sanibel community. Since it first opened its doors in 1971, it has carried on a tradition of honoring an over 100-year legacy set forth by the Mungers and Sanibel resident fishers in the area. Whether you’re from the area or a visiting tourist, the staff is extremely knowledgeable about the local fishing culture.

Norm Zeigler

The Norm Zeigler fly shop is a top spot to visit for the owner’s extensive knowledge alone. The owner, Norm Zeigler, is an internationally renowned journalist and an expert at the delicate art of fly fishing. Fly fishing is a niche sport that requires a lot of expertise to get started if you are curious about taking it up. The Norm Zeigler’s fly shop is the first stop you should make on your visit if you are at all intrigued by this special approach to Florida fishing.

D&D Matlacha Bait and Tackle

The D&D Matlacha Bait and Tackle shop is also a great choice in the area. With its large selection of rods, hooks, casting nets, bait and tackle storage, it has everything you need to get started on your fishing trip. The shop was started by Debbie and David Root who decided to open the store after moving to the area. They also have a ramp on sight so you can dock your boat for the day.

Castaways

The Castaways Bait Shop has an old Florida charm and vibe to it that many tourists gravitate towards. Not only can one get their bait and tackle needs to be met here for fishing, but they also supply rentals for a wide variety of on the water activities for one to do. For many visiting the area, Castaways Bait Shop is the ideal first stop to gather all of the gear you’ll need for your trip.

Seven Seas Bait and Tackle

Seven Seas Bait and Tackle is one of the oldest marinas in the district as it has been operating since 1962. With a wide variety of live, artificial, and frozen tackle for you to choose from, it is arguably one of the best bait shops in the area. Jim Frock, the owner of the marina, is an extremely seasoned veteran of fishing and will be able to have you set and ready to go in no time.

There are plenty of options when it comes to getting ready for any fishing endeavors. From the niche shops like Norman Ziegler’s fly shop to the all-purpose nature of Seven Seas Bait and Tackle, there is a shop to fit any of the needs for you and your crew. Fishing is not only a great way to explore the area you are visiting but also a great way for you to learn the ecosystem that inhabits the area around our Sanibel Island beachfront rentals.

Contact us at Gopher Enterprises for more on any of our featured rental complexes on Sanibel Island. For your next trip, feel free to consult any of these shops for any fishing needs.