Awesome location, sixth stay this March.
Submitted: March 9, 2011
Stayed: April 2010
Great for Fishing, shelling and birding. Weekends are OK, but quiet weekdays are why we go to Little Gasparilla. It is amazing how vacant the beaches can be. Weeks with larger negative low tides are better for fishing and shelling. During these low tides, tidal pools often form on the beach. Many of the shells in the tidal pools will house bi-valves, snails and crabs. When we find too many shells, we make beach art. Dry sand can be good for shark’s teeth and sand bars are better for sand dollars. If you get hit by a storm, rest up. Shelling is about to get really good. Gulf wave activity is typically small and thus good for children.
The soft sunset lighting is great for family pictures, including close-ups. So turn your back on the sunset every now and then and take those shots facing the dunes. You will be glad you did.
We usually go in March or April and fish the pass, beach, Gasparilla Sound and Bull Bay. The beach often yields Whiting and catfish with the occasional snook, redfish or Spanish Mackerel. The pass may yield Jacks, Blues, Snook, Spanish, or Flounder. I’m at my best in the boat, where I target Spotted Sea Trout, snook and Redfish. Cobia and Triple Tail are some of the few species I have not caught inshore. Every year I seem to add a few species to the list, so my hopes are high. Snook and Tarpon can be tough to find in March, they get into full swing in May. Sheepshead tend to be thicker in March. If you do not have a boat, the gentlemen at the start of the canal is a guide and seems to do very well. His card is at the house, but you probably have to book early.
Your boat will sit in the canal about 30 feet from the porch. I bring a 100’ extension cord to charge batteries as needed. Being on a canal, children should know how to swim and be watched closely. It’s not that uncommon to see a Manatee in the canal during the course of a week. If you see circular boils on the surface, start looking for a Manatee. Sometimes they are on a mission and don’t surface much. Spring is also a good time to photo Osprey chicks in their nests. Sea Hares which look like large snails with wings and no shell are also interesting.
The house is a little over a mile from Eldred’s Marina and you can run on a plane the majority of the way. The house has always been clean and quaint. Islanders drink bottled water. The water is ok to shower in, but I wouldn’t drink it. Publix is about two miles from Eldreds
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Families with Young Children,
Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: Thanks for the wonderful info- it will be sure to help future guests!
Note: I always keep bottled water on hand but do use the tap water in ice tea, coffee, etc. and also use it for all cooking - it is definitely a personal preference.
Have a wonderful 6th stay with lots of good fishing and shelling!
Helpful votes: 5/5
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