Taking to the ocean in a boat may sound unusual and a little threatening to those who aren't comfortable or experienced with the idea, but a trip out among the Sanibel and Captiva Islands isn't quite like motoring to the Bahamas. These lovely white-sand barrier islands are close to Florida's shores.

These islands are all palm and Australian pine. A large portion of Sanibel Island is preserved as a national wildlife refuge, notable for its many species of birds, which you can easily spot from the deck of your boat. The fishing is also pretty spectacular, regardless of whether you're 20 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico, or winding through the back bays of the coastline.

Artificial reefs are quite numerous out in the Gulf of Mexico off of the Sanibel/Captiva Islands and provide prime opportunities for catching monster grouper, both black and red. The coastline fishing also provides incredible habitat for snook, redfish, sea trout, and tarpon.

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