Just west of Cape Coral is Matlacha (Mat-la-shay) and Pine Island.
Matlacha is the gateway to Pine Island, a historic fishing village, and an artist community. It is also the home of the "World's Fishingest Bridge" where anglers can cast day and night for the many fish that teem in the area waters, including snook, redfish, grouper, and snapper.
Pine Island was first inhabited by the Calusa Indians from 300 A.D. until the Spanish arrived in the 1700's. The island consists of 5 communities: Bokeelia on the north end, St. James City on the south end, Pine Island Center, Matlacha, and Pineland. More than 20 pairs of bald eagles call Pine Island home as do ospreys, egrets, and herons. The Randell Research Center is located on the island, which focuses on studying the life of the Calusa Indians.
