Snook Fishing on Matlacha in Pine Island, FL

Pine Island is located in Lee County Florida directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Pine Island is the largest island in the state of Florida and resides in what is known as Southwest Florida. Pine Island is still home to a large community of commercial fishing vessels and their fishing families. There are 5 communities on Pine Island, all considered “Old Florida” living with their aluminum roofs and waterfront lifestyle.

Nestled east of Pine Island sits a smaller island called Matlacha. One of Pine Island’s 5 communities, this “Old Florida” fishing village hosts an eclectic array of seafood houses, boutiques and the signature Floridian cottages with aluminum roofs.

Matlacha and Pine Island do not host any large beaches like what most of Florida is known for. Instead, the entire island is surrounded by mangrove forest which makes Matlacha a Snook Fishing paradise.

Pictured is Matlacha resident, Tim Jones with a beautiful snook caught while fishing the gorgeous Matlacha/Pine Island area. These fish are true predators and like to use the mangroves to hide and ambush passing baitfish as they hurry by. The snook’s feeding habits are similar to many predatory fish in the area and are affected by tides greatly or more specifically the movements of water during a low or high tide event. Learn more about fishing tides here.

If you are visiting Matlacha and Pine Island we would HIGHLY recommend stopping at Barnhill’s Seafood Market. This family owned and operated fresh seafood market is located in the heart of beautiful Matlacha, Fl. on Pine Island. The Barnhill family carries a fantastic array of fresh seafood as well as unique souvenirs and gifts from the local area.
Barnhill’s Seafood Market – Fresh Seafood Daily
4573 Pine Island RD NW
Matlacha, Florida, FL 33993
(239) 283-3000
Barnhill’s Seafood Market