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.





Reviews
9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 583.6 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

St James City, FL
- Place, Phillips Community Park6 min drive
- Place, Museum of the Islands6 min drive
- Place, Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens10 min drive
- Airport, Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)63 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!
I have a twenty-page activity booklet waiting for you!
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- Pool
- Spa pool
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (41 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please place the keys on the dining room table before locking and leaving the house.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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. Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens and Griffen American Center for Haitian Art are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Calusa Heritage Trail and Royal Tee Golf Club. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Dunes Golf and Tennis Club or FastTrax Fort Myers. Kayaking and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and cycling nearby.

St James City, FL
What's nearby
- Phillips Community Park - 6 min drive - 5.1 km
- Museum of the Islands - 6 min drive - 5.5 km
- Koucky Gardens & Gallery - 10 min drive - 9.6 km
- Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens - 10 min drive - 10.7 km
- Matlacha Bridge - 11 min drive - 11.4 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Starbucks - 21 min drive
- 7-Eleven - 7 min drive
- Miceli's Restaurant - 14 min drive
- Circle K - 7 min drive
- Pine Island Moose - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
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 window8.8/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.8/10
Check-in
9.8/10
Communication
9.4/10
Location
9.4/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Verified
4 March 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
holly m.
27 November 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
holly m.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021
Verified
8/10 Good
Kenneth P.
14 January 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good jumping off point
Kenneth P.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Barbara W.
7 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our time in the Florida sun
Barbara W.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rosa E.
29 December 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Adorable Cottage
Rosa E.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kathryn M.
29 February 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean and quiet!
Kathryn M.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rebecca M.
2 March 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gone Fishing
Rebecca M.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Verified
4/10 Poor
amber p.
13 July 2025
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy
amber p.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
4/10 Poor
Joyce H.
29 January 2022
Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disappointing
Joyce H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Debra H.
25 January 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A fine place to stay for swimming, biking and quiet relaxation
Debra H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dawn
19 June 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Dawn
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ruth V.
22 May 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend getaway
Ruth V.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jenkinson B.
18 May 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a wonderful and relaxing visit. Would definitely recommend this retreat to others.
Jenkinson B.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ruth F.
6 May 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really enjoyed!
Ruth F.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Elier I.
10 April 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very secluded for a Family weekend.
Elier I.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Courtney P.
21 March 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect, Peaceful Getaway for Spring Break
Courtney P.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Eric D.
20 February 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet Getaway
Eric D.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Christine P.
6 February 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing hidden gem
Christine P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Gary T.
2 January 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
"Gone fishing" is great
Gary T.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021
Verified
8/10 Good
Amy C.
1 January 2022
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Budget friendly, lovely pool, convenient location
Amy C.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Carol H.
17 December 2021
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Nightmare
Carol H.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Audi S.
24 November 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pine Island Getaway.
Audi S.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
mario r.
25 October 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO STAY GREAT LOCATION
mario r.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
tommy b.
22 October 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful hosts and cozy getaway
tommy b.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified
8/10 Good
Elio M.
17 October 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice
Elio M.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
About the host
Hosted by Patsy Trand
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.
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.
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.
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.
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