Recommendations needed

[beckavet]

We will be coming to Pine Island for a month next spring. We will have a 21' open Lund & a kayak. We want to find a guide to hire for 1-2 days, for the express purpose of learning as much as possible about when, where & how - for multi species. This would be for flats/nearshore fishing. Looking for a knowledgeable person that wants to teach & not have to worry about catching numbers of fish.
Any recommendation on better bait & tackle stores in the area would also be appreciated.

Thanks
Joe

[TimGleason]

Hit up Gregg Mckee of Wildfly Charters - this is his blog: http://www.pineislandangler.com/ All his contact info is on there. Good inshore guy. Local to this area

Tackle Store: http://www.oldpineislandmarina.com/ By far the best stocked on Pine Island - all teh wayt down in St James City. If you are only out in Matlacha, D and D Tackle. http://www.pineislandbait.com/ Not as well stocked and maybe a bit more expensive but more convenient if you don't want to go to St James. good luck. /tg

Can launch your boat both places if you want for a fee

[MUSKEGON MAN]

I'll second Gregg McKee. He has always given me accurate information on fishing spots. Tim Gleason is right on as far as tackle stores. There is a public boat launch in Bokeelia. Watch out for the Manatee areas, as the fines can be expensive. Get a good chart of the area, and watch out for the shallows on a falling tide. I've only been fishing there for about 6 spring seasons. Can't wait to get back in May.