Southwest Florida is home to the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. It is a 190 mile marked paddling trail that takes you through some of the most scenic and most productive fishing areas in all of Southwest Florida. November 1st-4th paddlers and paddling enthusiast coverge on the A-span beach of the Sanibel Causeway to do everything from compete in kayak and paddleboard races, demo new kayaks and gear and sit in on seminars from experts of all aspects of kayak fishing. The most exciting thing for me however takes place on Saturday, November 3rd, in Matlacha, FL. This quiet, art gallery filled island fills up for the Taste of Matlacha and Bluegrass for the Blueway Festival along with the annual Calusa Blueway Fishing Tournament.

Angler's converge on this town to take part in a tournament that targets redfish, snook and trout in a catch-photo-release format for a shot to take home a brand new, fully rigged Hobie Pro Anlger 12 fishing kayak valued at $3,000.

www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com