Hi guys. I heard this story the other day and it sounded so much like Matlacha that I have to pass it on. There was this kayaker from up north visiting Matlacha, and he was a good swimmer, but deathly afraid of alligators. As he was paddling by himself along came a boat at a high rate of speed and throwing quite a wake. Well, needless to say the wave catches him sideways and he flips his kayak. With his legs up to his chest and clinging to his yak he sees an old fisherman on a dock, and hollers over to him, “Are there any alligators in these waters??” Now the fisherman, trying to fish, says nope, there ain’t been any alligators in these waters for over ten years now. The kayaker, now feeling relieved that there were no gators, starts to splash around in the water, and swims with his yak to the dock. When he gets there he says to the old fisherman, “So, how did you get rid of the gators?” The old fisherman looks up and says, “Oh, we did not get rid of the gators; the SHARKS ATE THEM ALL.” Now that’s the kind of response you would get in Matlacha.

If you have not been there, you don’t know what you are missing. Not only the beauty of land, sea, and sky, but the old fashioned down-to-earth people; they are just as laid back as you can get, and I love it that way — nothing fake, just real people, fishermen, shrimpers, crabbers, hard working folks. So come and find a little bit of old Florida before it’s gone. Come paddle the Matlacha Pass and find the old fishing boats, the crab traps, and excellent sea food restaurants. Why not? It’s fresh and caught right here. See you on the water, and remember it’s always a great day in MAT LA SHA. Thanks for paddling with Mel the Guide. Gulf Coast Kayak is open all year 24/7 941 661 8229 239 283 1125 for rentals or to book a tour with Mel the Guide gulfcoastkayak@msn.com