Gulf Access Home | Private Dock | Tarpon Fishing

Summary:

Bring your boat — Dock, unwind, and explore. Just 500 ft to open waters and just 15 nautical miles from Boca Grande Pass — the Tarpon Capital of the World. Prime tarpon, snook & flats fishing. Quiet and cozy Pine Island escape with saltwater breezes, waterfront views & true Old Florida charm. Perfect for boaters, anglers, kayakers & couples — and anyone who trades theme parks for osprey sightings and island-hopping by boat.



The Space:

Bright. Breezy. Salty. Unpretentious. A functional and comfortable island home where you can come as you are.



Open-concept living with leather recliner sofas, large smart TV, natural light, and two-stage dimming throughout. Split A/C keeps the space perfectly chill — or flip on the electric fireplace for a cozy evening in. Both bedrooms feature memory foam queen mattresses, individual split A/C units, and ceiling fans for independent comfort control. The master opens directly to the screened patio via sliding glass doors with sweeping canal views — fall asleep to the water, wake up to morning light. Fully equipped kitchen with a center island, counter seating for four, and everything you need to cook fresh catch straight from the dock. Two full bathrooms — one with a soaking tub, one with a rainfall showerhead, both with LED backlit mirrors. In-unit stackable washer/dryer means a week-long fishing trip doesn't require packing for a week. Keyless entry. Free parking with room for a boat trailer.



The screened patio is your transition space — ceiling fans, waterfront breezes, wicker seating for four, and a direct path to the dock without breaking stride. The 420 sq ft private dock has two watercraft slips for your center console, bay boat, jet ski, or kayaks. The Tiki Hut is your sundowner headquarters and front-row seat to Pine Island sunsets. Gulf-access canal with 500 ft to open water — the adventure starts the moment lines are untied.



Guest Access:

The Property — The entire home is yours. No shared walls, no shared entrances, no shared amenities. Complete privacy from arrival to checkout.

Private Boat Dock — Private dock features two watercraft slips across 420 sq ft of dockage. Full exclusive use of the dock for the duration of your stay.

The Canal & Water Access — Direct Gulf-access canal with 500 ft to open water.

Private Driveway — Parking for your vehicle, boat trailer, or both. No hunting for street parking after a long drive — no HOA, no hassle. This is Pine Island, after all.

Outdoor Living Areas — Full access to all exterior spaces, including waterfront views from the screened porch and outdoor seating under the Tiki Hut.



The Neighborhood:

St. James City sits on the southern tip of Pine Island — the largest island in Florida — where the vibe is less resort, more real Florida. This is a boat-centric, canal-laced community where the water isn't a backdrop — it's the whole point. The surrounding waters are rich in tarpon, snook, redfish, and trout, making St. James City a favorite among anglers for both inshore and offshore fishing adventures. Whether you're working the flats at first light or running the sound for open water, you're launching from one of the most productive fisheries in Southwest Florida.



From St. James City, you have convenient access to popular destinations like Sanibel Island, Cayo Costa, and Boca Grande / Gasparilla Island — perfect for day trips or fishing excursions. Boca Grande Pass, one of the world's premier tarpon fishing grounds, is just 15 nautical miles by boat. Several marinas and fish camps on Monroe Canal and Henley Canal offer berths, fuel, ice, live bait, and marine supplies — everything you need without leaving the island. Local seafood restaurants serve fresh catches straight from the Gulf, and the waterfront bar scene is exactly as laid-back as you'd hope.



For those who want to explore beyond the water, the Calusa Heritage Trail winds through scenic landscapes past ancient mounds, the Museum of the Islands tells the story of Pine Island's fishing and pioneering past, and the area's diverse ecosystems make it a haven for birding — herons, ospreys, and bald eagles are common sightings. Up the island, Matlacha — pronounced "Mat-la-shay" — is a funky waterfront arts village with colorful galleries, fresh seafood markets, live music, and the self-proclaimed "World's Fishingest Bridge." It's a worthwhile 20-minute drive for an afternoon off the water.

No theme parks. No resort crowds. No traffic. Just saltwater, seclusion, and the kind of Florida most people don't know still exists.



Getting Around:

By Boat — Your primary mode of exploration. The private dock puts you directly on a Gulf-access canal with 500 ft to open water. Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, Cayo Costa, Boca Grande, Sanibel, and Fort Myers Beach are all accessible by water from your back door. Several local waterfront restaurants and tiki bars have dockage available — pull up by boat, tie off, and order fresh Gulf seafood straight off the water. No boat? No problem. Monroe Canal Marina is minutes away with rentals, bait, fuel, and charter captains on-site. Paradise Boat Rentals will even deliver directly to your dock.



By Golf Cart — The unofficial vehicle of Pine Island. Golf carts are common and welcomed throughout St. James City. Rentals are available locally if you want to cruise the island without moving your vehicle. The unofficial vehicle of Pine Island. Golf carts are common and welcomed throughout St. James City. Cruise to local restaurants, bait shops, waterfront bars, and neighborhood spots without ever starting your car. Rentals are available locally, Pine Island Golf Carts or Native Isle Co, if you want to explore the island in true island fashion.



By Car — Pine Island Road (CR-78) is your single corridor on and off the island — no bridges, no tolls. Cape Coral is approximately 20–25 minutes north, Fort Myers 30–35 minutes. Grocery, hardware, and major retail are easily reachable on the mainland.



By Bike or Foot — St. James City is flat, quiet, and low-traffic — ideal for a morning ride or sunset walk along the waterfront streets. Island Bikeworks offers cruiser, multi-speed, and e-bike rentals with online reservations. A paved 16-mile bike path runs the entire length of Pine Island from St. James City to Bokeelia, passing through Matlacha along the way — a scenic and easy way to explore the island at your own pace.



Heads Up — There is no Uber or rideshare service reliably available on the island. A personal vehicle or boat is strongly recommended. The nearest major airport is Southwest Florida International (RSW) in Fort Myers, approximately 40–45 minutes away, and Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) approximately 50–55 minutes north — both offering domestic connections with PGD serving as a popular low-cost carrier option via Allegiant Air.



Other Things to Note:

Boat to some of Southwest Florida's most iconic destinations — Cayo Costa's pristine beaches (~4 NM), Captiva Island (~10 NM), Sanibel (~15 NM), Fort Myers Beach (~17 NM), and Boca Grande Pass (~20 NM) — one of the world's premier tarpon fishing grounds. Your dock is the starting line.



The Water & Dock - Please review House Manual and Safety Guidelines

Guests assume full responsibility for their own watercraft, equipment, and water activities

Water depth at the dock varies with tide — guests are encouraged to verify compatibility with their specific vessel draft prior to arrival

The dock accommodates two watercraft slips across 420 sq ft — suitable for center consoles, bay boats, kayaks, and personal watercraft

Life jackets and basic water safety equipment are strongly recommended, especially for children and non-swimmers

Swimming in the canal is not recommended and at guests' own risk — be aware of boat traffic, currents, and local wildlife.



Wildlife & Nature

This is authentic Old Florida — wildlife is part of the experience. Expect to share the waterway with manatees, dolphins, osprey, herons, and the occasional shore bird helping themselves to your bait.



Bugs & The Elements

Southwest Florida is a subtropical environment — mosquitoes and no-see-ums are present, particularly at dawn and dusk near the water. Bug spray is strongly recommended and considered standard equipment here

The screened porch significantly reduces exposure — use it

Florida weather moves fast. Always check marine forecasts before heading out on the water



No Dishwasher

The kitchen is fully equipped but does not have a dishwasher. Dish soap and drying rack are provided. When in doubt, paper plates and a sunset on the dock solve everything.



Interaction with Guests:

We're available to assist you throughout your stay. For any questions or needs, please use the messaging platform, where I will respond as quickly as possible. For urgent matters, please refer to the contact information provided on the Welcome sheet available at the property.