Entire home

Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping.

Photo gallery for Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping.

The pool!!!!  Leisure and tranquility with clear water
Fish and cook it on the grill while swimming
Relax by the pool!  More clear water.
Voted favorite spot
Looking down at the pool

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 583.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
St James City, FL
  • Sun Splash Water Park
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Tarpon Point
    ‪33 min drive‬
  • Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach
    ‪33 min drive‬
  • Fort Myers, FL (FMY-Page Field)
    ‪36 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom/Office

1 Double Futon

Guest

2 Single Beds

Master bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

full bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Office
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping.

Perhaps you have spent vacations in a large busy city that is full of famously produced theatre presentations and name brand stores. BUT, have you spent a vacation on Florida’s barrier fishing island in a house that borders a wildlife preserve, have your own swimming pool with only mom and pops stores close by? The house, Gone Fishing, is located on 1.2 acres of land that spills into the wildlife preserve. This house is located on Pine Island, 6.5 miles from Matlacha. Pine Island “Is where island time begins!” It is “Old Florida.” The home comes with a pool, outdoor shower, bicycles and fishing rods! So bike around the entire island stopping at non chain restaurants and dives, visit natural preserves and museums, kayak in tree lined waters, go boating, or go dolphin watching and shelling. Or just island hop.
I have a twenty-page activity booklet waiting for you!

Property manager

Patsy Trand
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Saint James City

Located in Saint James City, this holiday home is near theme parks and by the sea. While the natural beauty of North Captiva Island Beach and Sanibel Island Southern Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Key West Express. Bowland Coral Lanes and Mike Greenwell's Bat-A-Ball & Family Fun Park are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and cycling.
Map
St James City, FL

What's nearby

  • Sun Splash Water Park - 24 min drive - 22.6 km
  • Tarpon Point - 33 min drive - 30.9 km
  • Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach - 33 min drive - 32.3 km
  • Sanibel Island Southern Beach - 71 min drive - 59.6 km
  • Captiva Beach - 87 min drive - 77.6 km

Getting around

  • Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.) - 52 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Lobster Lady Seafood Market & Bistro - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Miceli's Restaurant - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Overtime Sports Bar - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Phuzzy's Boat Shack - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping. have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping. located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Museum of the Islands, Koucky Gardens & Gallery and Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens. Griffen American Center for Haitian Art and Calusa Heritage Trail are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 33 out of 44 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 44 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 44 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 44 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Larry F.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicki G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Visit

Enjoyed our stay. Very nice hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gone Fishing

My daughter, son in law, and I were thoughly please with this little hideaway. Patsy and Gavril were very friendly. The pool was a saltwater pool but a bit chilly. My daughter tried riding the whale and lost. I was able to get onto wifi with no problem. All appliances were new and everything was clean. We were visited by little lizard as we had coffee on the patio. A large wood stork visited on morning. As an animal lover I was overjoyed with these visits. Lovely homebase to visit the areas.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean and quiet!

Very clean, comfortable, and secluded. This property was perfect. It’s tucked back from all the hustle and bustle, but still close to everything. Hosts were very sweet and responsive. Beds were comfortable. Great place to relax after being out and about in Fort Myers or on the island enjoying island life. I will be coming back!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Kenneth P.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good jumping off point

We had a nice stay . We were on the road a lot. Good place to have to come to after running around.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dawn

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We loved our stay! Hosts were very welcoming and had everything in place for us for a wonderful stay; the activity book was a great help!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ruth V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway

Patsy and Gabril are awesome. Thank you for making us feel very welcome. We totally enjoyed our stay especially the pool.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jenkinson B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Had a wonderful and relaxing visit. Would definitely recommend this retreat to others.

Host was the sweetest. All our needs were met.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ruth F., Port Richey,fl

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Really enjoyed!

The hosts were very welcoming and eager to answer any questions we had. Very nice place, would be very good for families. It's very quiet and the house has everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elier I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very secluded for a Family weekend.

House it’s at the end of road which makes it very private. Perfect for a weekend with the family at the pool and some BBQ while steps away from nature environment.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Courtney P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect, Peaceful Getaway for Spring Break

This was a perfect getaway for me and my two kids (teens - 16 & 13) for spring break... away from the high-rise hotels and packed tourist areas most people seek out for spring break. I prefer a quieter area! The hosts, Patsy and Gavril were wonderful and had so many suggestions on things to do in the area, that we may have to go back! Some of the things we did do were the Sunset Kayak Tour and Cayo Costa State Park. The house has a beautiful pool in the back that is all yours and backs up to a natural wildlife park. Morning coffee and breakfast on the patio was my favorite place, every day. The beds were comfy and the area was quiet and serene. Thank you both for a wonderful experience on Pine Island.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eric D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Getaway

This was our second annual friends-trip to Florida. We found this property and thought it sounded perfect. Quiet, out of the hustle and bustle, with relatively close local restaurants, artisan shopping and fishing. Having a clean, private, heated pool was awesome. Although weather was a little cool, we enjoyed morning coffee and sitting in the sun. Very relaxing and enjoyable stay and hosts were very accomodating and helpful. Recommended if you are looking for something away from the crowds! Eric, Gail and Mary, Ohio
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christine P., Nashua, NH

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing hidden gem

This property was absolutely wonderful! The apartment was very clean and updated which made it feel very homey. Patsy and her husband Gavril are such sweet people, and their hospitality goes above and beyond. From the moment we checked in we felt very comfortable and welcomed. Patsy graciously left a huge plate of fresh fruit for us to enjoy, and enjoy it we did every morning with our breakfast. The bed was very comfortable, and the kitchen had everything we could have needed. We spent most of our days & evenings sitting outside, enjoying the beautiful heated salt water pool, and watching the birds, as well as grilling and eating all of our meals outside on the deck. The property sits at the end of a dead end road and abuts preservation land, so it was very quiet and peaceful! We greatly enjoyed our stay and will definitely stay here again! If you are looking for a nice quiet, comfortable and secluded getaway then this little gem is definitely a terriffic find!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022

4/10 Poor

Joyce H., Slidell LA, USA

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Disappointing

Patsy & husband we’re kind & friendly. We appreciated their fruit tray. We were disappointed to learn that Sanibel was over an hour drive since this property was on the VRBO website for a Sanibel search. Linens were nice. Host should replace rusty trash cans & ragged bath rugs. Overall upkeep of the property were issues for us. Safety concerns prevented us from using the kitchen & the windows were moldy & filthy. Not up to our expectations for any VRBO property.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Debra H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A fine place to stay for swimming, biking and quiet relaxation

I am a nurse. I saw Gone Fishing on a bulletin at a nursing conference under the heading of good places to go. So I booked. It has all criteria that I am looking for. The sponge at the sink is individually wrapped, the paper towels are individually wrapped, the toilet paper is individually wrapped. There is hand sanitizer. The toilet water is blue. I got there early before check in and saw the cavicide on the table. We use this in the clinic. Patsy and her husband are naturalist. The house is located at the end of a forest preserve and the road turns into half paved and mostly rocks and sand from the ocean which is about ½ a football field away through the trees. The water system has a filter so her husband says do not bother to buy bottle water. The pool is a salt water pool and heated. I swam laps and used the pool exercise equipment she offers. There is also a solar blanket for the pool. The outside is lit mostly by solar lights. Patsy suggested that I keep the doors closed and wipe my feet before I enter. But I liked the cool air from the trees so I kept the front and back doors open. At the end of the stay I just turned on the blue light to get rid of anything that might of flown in and lightly swept the floor. A great place to visit! I’m coming back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gary T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

"Gone fishing" is great

Always the best place to stay. This is the place I go when I am here. I come because they are very consistent: very clean, clinically clean, quiet, great wild life preserve (even saw some peacocks) and most importantly the pool. I love the heated pool and its size, can do laps! Swimming in the winter months is magic. It has a Panama Jack chair that is placed on a platform that jets into the pool. In the winter, as it is now, the solar blanket is on and the heater is constantly on. So at midnight I went for a very warm toasty swim. Trips in the surroundings on the bicycles, provided by our hosts, are most refreshing. The owner and her husband are very nice, he is an Australian with a great sense of humor. He taught me to speak Australian. Right before I was due to arrive I read a review that was not consistent with the other reviews or my previous stays here at Gone Fishing. So I sent my buddy who lives near the place there, unannounced, to go see what is going on. I wanted him to get there that hour of the posting in case there was a quick clean up. He reported there were people there, but he found NO dark muck, he put his hand in the pool and it was warm (yeah). It was very clean as usual. Gone Fishing is a Great place to stay. I felt sad to leave yesterday so I did one more swim. We plan to come back, again, and stay in this house during our family reunion on the island in August. So, G’Day mate! Happy New Year Shila! (Aust)
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Amy C.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Budget friendly, lovely pool, convenient location

Budget friendly Monday to Friday stay to experience the island and soak up some sunshine. Pros: Great location, awesome clean and heated pool, bottom of house on residential dead end in St James City on Pine Island. Beds clean. TV includes free Netflix and Prime. Hosts provide yummy fruit platter. Has well stocked kitchen, bathroom and beach towels. Cons: Ants in kitchen and bathroom, so keep food in fridge, microwave or original sealed package. Floors need better cleaning (dead bugs, socks black on bottom after 5 minutes).
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Rosa E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Adorable Cottage

We had an wonderful time at this beautiful property. It is on an amazing island surrounded by beautiful views. The cottage is very well appointed with everything you need for a getaway and the owners left a beautiful fruit basket as a welcome gift. We will definitely become repeat bookers of this gem.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

2/10 Terrible

Carol H., Winter Park

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Nightmare

The property is filthy inside and out. All kinds of bugs and dark muck. The huge cleaning fee should have been a red flag. I've sent pics to VRBO. So far no remedy. We left and moved elsewhere at our own expense. All I asked the owner ( lives with man upstairs) for was the cleaning fee back. Pool covered. Not heated. Deck furniture filthy. The kitchen i can't even speak about. I have pics.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

holly m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

The home had all we needed for a quick stay while we met up with family for Thanksgiving. The hosts were generous, thorough and charming.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Audi S., Swan Valley, ID, US

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pine Island Getaway.

It was great. The pool is great. The Bikes are great. It’s very clean. With good filtered. water. We’ll appointed with kitchen equipment too. Wonderful fruit bowl and helpful hosts.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

mario r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO STAY GREAT LOCATION

HI LET ME START BY SAYING THAT THE HOST IS VERY VERY FRIENDLY. WE PICKED THIS SPOT BECAUSE IT IS NEAR THINGS WE WANTED TO DO. SUNSET CRUISE WITH DOLPHINS IN FORT MYERS. THE ISLAND GIRL PICKS YOU UP AT PINES PEER TO GET YOUR BURGER IN PARADISE AND YOU EVEN GET TO SPEND A FEW HOURS IN NORTH CAPTIVA. THEY ALSO HAVE A CUTE TOWN FISHING VILLAGE CALLED MATLACHA WITH A ARTIST NAUTICAL THEME AFFORDABLE CAFES LIKE BERTS AND THE PERFECT CUP PLACE TO GEAT BREAKFAST. THIS TOWN THIS DOWN TO EARTH AND VERY ME. THEY HEATED THE POOL FOR US AND NO ONE WAS NEARBY TO BOTHER YOU . VERY ME. THEY WELCOMED US WITH A HUGE FRUIT PLATE AND COOKIE CAKE AS IT WAS OUR ANNIVERSARY AND MY BRITHDAY. I WOULD GO BACK IN A SEC. GREAT FOR PEOPLE ON A TIGHT BUDGET LIKE US BUT LOVE NICE PLACES. THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH . I HAVE NO FAMILY OR FRIENDS AND THESE DAYS IT IS HARD TO PUT A SMILE ON MY FACE. PS I NEEDED THAT BIG HUG THANK YOU OLGA I LIVE IN MIAMI A CRUEL PLACE AND I FELT LIKE I WAS IN MY SMALL CITY IN JERSEY.

10/10 Excellent

tommy b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful hosts and cozy getaway

Great experience
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Elio M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice

Very nice host and nice place ..thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

DELIA L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secluded Paradise!

We were celebrating my sisters 50th birthday and we could’ve picked a better place!!! The cottage is so cozy and secluded but yet within driving distance to all the fun activities this area has to offer! Patsy and her husband were simply amazing, they made us feel at home! Definitely an experience we will repeat in the near future! The pool is awesome and again super secluded location so you don’t have to worry about neighbors complaining about your pool party 🤗
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

About the host

Hosted by Patsy Trand

Host profile image
This property is managed mostly by me, Patsy and my husband Gavril and sometimes our son Ramsey who helps us an awful lot. I am originally from Virginia and my husband is from Australia -- the Out Back. My son was born and raise in Miami.
THE HOUSE: : We bought the house because it is a house on stilts. The previous owners enclosed the bottom for his brother and sister-in-law and their 3 kids to give them a home of their own. It spills into the pool and deck. This is where you will be. For long stays we usually go home to Miami once we get you settled.

Why they chose this property

We love this property because of its location and things to do. It spills into the natural wildlife preserve and sits on about 1 1/4 acre. It is the forgotten part of Florida where developers don't dare. The entire is Old Florida where everyone knows your name.

Things to do while staying at Gone Fishing

1. Fishing – we have fishing poles for you to use. You can fish off the bridge or pier on Pine Island.
Also, you can charter a fishing vessel and be “Gone Fishing” all day long. Then come back and cook the fish on the grill while you swim in the salt water pool. Or better yet, have one of the restaurants cook the fish for you. Most restaurants will add fries and a soda for an extra fee.
2. Swimming - The pool at Gone Fishing is open 24/7. Swim, snack and then go inside and watch movies on the large screen TV for the rest of the night. The beaches are nice. Pick one from the list in the book, pack a lunch and go beaching or picnicking.
3. Shelling – Go shelling on the one of the many beaches listed in the booklet.
4. Dolphin Watching – hop a charter and go dolphin watching. Many of these tours include a beach and swimming stop.
5. Farms – visit one of the farms listed in the book
6. Swamp Walking - Sign up for a guided tour walk with a guide through the everglades. Bring tall boots!
7. Bicycles – We have bikes. Bike from one end of the island to the other. The island is 17 miles long. Just stay on the bike trail or be brave and bike down one of the off trails and have a picnic.
8. Kayaking – rent kayaks and ride through the tree lined canals and waters
9. For nature lovers only – visit the preserves at the north end and south end of the island
10. Museums – visit nature museums
11. Restaurants – go to one of the locally owned restaurants. or marinas
12. Bring your boat- there is room on the property to park it. There are ramps on the island to launch
13. Rainy day – Museums or farms
14. Be Lazy – go to the shoreline or docks and daydream.


What makes this property unique

The Home
Once you go over the bridge, you realize that you have entered a place in Florida that some people think have disappeared. Pine Island is a “state of mind, a place where time forgot.” There are no condos, chain stores, fast foods, (but we are getting our first “7 Eleven” – and we are going to celebrate!) no malls and no crowds. It is quiet, private and causal: it is “old Florida.” Just a fishing island filled with fishing peers, mangroves, palm trees, boats, kayaks, and homes on about one acre lots owned by local fishermen and vacationers. So, come to Gone Fishing and have your breakfast and coffee or tea on the large deck in the back next to the pool. Afterwards go for an energizing morning swim in the pool. Then relax on the swing chairs, OR better yet in the pool’s Baja tanning shelf with the bubblier. Finish off your morning in a warm morning breeze with a nap in the Panama Jack Day bed on the pool’s inlet or on the reclining chaise chairs next to the swimming pool. One morning skip the nap and explore the wild life preserve….don’t go too far so that you can remember your way back. Drop pebbles on your walk and bring your cell phone. Bring plenty of water. But on the rest of your stay, engulf yourself in our list of activities: visiting museums and art galleries, island hopping by boat, biking, hiking through wildlife preserves, swimming on a disserted island that has crystal soft sand, shell collecting, fishing and then taking your fresh catch to the local restaurant for them to cook, and many more fun activities.

The Pool
The swimming pool is directly off the large wooden deck in the back. Where the deck ends, old-world cobble stones begins to surround the majestic pool. The pool is within nature, that is, it is a salt water pool and not screened in so the closed in feeling a screened pool gives is not there and the openness to the environment is very apparent. It is 30 feet long with a depth range from 3 ½ feet to 6 feet deep.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests