Ian Beckles, Co-host of the Ron and Ian Show on 620 WDAE, called me and asked, “Where can we go snook and tarpon fishing for a little get-a-way trip Bret?” I thought immediately about Boca Grande. It was late June and I called David and Holly Haynes from Tarpon Real Estate Inc. in Englewood. I asked them for a nice house on the water that could easily sleep six men and tie up two boats. Holly referred me to the Turtle Landing home on Palm Island. I drove my Dorado from Stumps Pass Marina and Ian took the ferry over to the island. As I pulled up to the dock, Ian entered the driveway to the Turtle Landing home and we both said to each other, “this rocks!”
Turtle Landing is a spacious BRAND new three bedroom, 
three-bath waterfront home, decorated with a Key West touch and hardwood flooring. The living room is complimented by a big fireplace and flat screen TV and is spacious and comfortable with eighteen-foot ceilings. A large kitchen with wet bar opens into the living room. You can really enjoy the evenings on the extremely large wrap-around deck or the screened in back porch. For a change of scenery, take a stroll out back and relax on the long dock stretching westward towards the sunsets. Also, I have to add, you can meet long-time permanent resident “Teddy” the Gopher Tortoise. Teddy makes his home in the back yard and although he’s not the most social animal in the world, he did come out to say hello.
When we checked in on Friday we were so overcome by the beauty of the place that we gave up on the rush to get out and fish. We decided to stay close and enjoy Turtle Landing. We were just happy to fire up the grill, relax and sear up some seasoned steaks while popping the cork on a pricey bottle of Merlot.
Saturday morning came and we were off to chase tarpon on the beaches. Within fifteen minutes after shoving off from the dock, we were in Boca Grande pass. Our tarpon fishing was short lived since the bite didn’t fire up for us, although we saw thousands of tarpon rolling everywhere in the morning sun. After a quick vote we decided to switch gears and look for snook along the beaches. Within a few minutes we found a nice school and we caught snook after snook. Although the tarpon didn’t cooperate for us, the snook made our stay at the Turtle Landing a huge success. The key to our success with the snook was finding nice sized white bait just off Stumps Pass. We finally quit fishing after we landed over fifty snook; it was time for a swim to cool off and enjoy an adult beverage.
Boca Grande is just a treat to visit and to fish. We visited Cabbage Key for lunch and enjoyed company and drinks at the Tiki Bar in Stumps Pass Marina. The weekend went by in flash and staying at the Turtle Landing was by far my highlight. Next year in May I plan on staying at Turtle Landing for a several weeks to take customers on guided tarpon trips. If you desire a comfortable home where the paint is still wet and the comfort is off the charts, remember the Turtle Landing Home. If you don’t have a boat… book a charter from guides like Captain Chris Gillespie, Captain Todd Gilbert, Captain Chris Wittman or even myself. You will love your stay and you will make this home an annual trip, I promise!
Amenities include: High Speed Internet, Fireplace, Air-Conditioned, BBQ Grill (Charcoal), Washer/Dryer, Linens Included, Dishwasher, Telephone, Microwave, Toaster, Coffeemaker, Dishes/Utensils Provided, Satellite TV, VCR, DVD player.
Call David or Holly Haynes at Tarpon Real Estate Inc. in Englewood Florida.
Office: (941) 697-7575
Visit online www.tarponrealty.com
Feel free to contact me: Captain Bret Gamrot 727-647-2524 or visit me online at www.onshoreoffshore.com