Collier County is truly an angler's paradise with 37 miles of barrier island coastline extending from Naples south to Marco Island and then deep into the mangrove forests of the Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades.

Whether you are dedicated to stalking tarpon, snook and redfish in the backcountry or grouper, snapper and king mackerel in the Gulf, you'll find exciting saltwater angling action year-round.

You can spend the day traveling deep into the estuaries of the Ten Thousand Islands, or visit Clam Pass, just a few blocks from the main highway in Naples to find wonderful fishing spots not to mention the hundreds of other places perfect for casting a line.

Freshwater anglers can explore 1,500-acre Lake Trafford in Immokalee, famed for its crappie and bass action.

Whether you choose to launch your own boat or head out with one of the many experienced charter captains in the area, you can be sure of enjoying a day filled with beautiful scenery and opportunities to catch a wide variety of fish.

Finding a good place to fish in Collier County isn't really an issue. In fact, there are perhaps too many great spots to choose from. Whether you're interested in wide-open waters, quiet mangrove nooks, sand bars, pier fishing or freshwater angling, you can't really go wrong here. So, have a look around and start to decide how you want your fishing to be. But the good news is with so many great options in one place, you can try a different spot every day.

Resident anglers who fish for saltwater species from shore or a structure affixed to shore must have a $9 shoreline fishing license or a $17 regular saltwater fishing license.

Nonresident anglers need a regular nonresident saltwater fishing license to fish from shore or from a vessel. Short-term and annual nonresident fishing licenses cost between $17 and $47.

The shoreline requirement allows exemptions for resident anglers who fish in their home county, using live or natural bait, on a line or pole without a line-retrieval mechanism. This exemption does not apply to anglers who use nets, traps, gigs, spears or who gather seafood by hand or any type of gear other than hook and line. Other exemptions apply for anglers who qualify for temporary cash assistance, food stamps or Medicaid. Also, resident anglers who are 65 or older and children under 16 may fish without a license. Active-duty military personnel may fish without a license while home on leave in Florida.

Licensed fishing piers have licenses that cover everyone who fishes from them.

To purchase over the telephone, call 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (1-888-347-4356). For a telephone purchase, a $3.25 plus 2.5% surcharge of total sale per person will be added.

You may purchase fishing licenses at any Collier County tax collector's office. Call 239-774-8176 for information. Or, buy them at area Sports Authority, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Sunshine Ace Hardware and select bait and tackle shop locations.

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