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Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping.

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A heated pool - Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping. (St James City)
Interior - Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping. (St James City)
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop - Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping. (St James City)
Outdoor dining - Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping. (St James City)
Interior - Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping. (St James City)
Experience the essence of Old Florida at Gone Fishing. Surrounded by a wildlife preserve, this island retreat boasts a pool, outdoor shower, bicycles and fishing rods. Explore Pine Island's natural preserves and museums or kayak through tree-lined waters.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

3 bedroomsSleeps 584 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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!

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Heated pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Day bed
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Outdoor shower
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Heated pool
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Spelunking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 900 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you 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.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Frequently asked questions

Does Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping. have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping.?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Fish, Swim, Boat, Kayak, Snorkel, Bike, Hike, Dolphin Watch and Island Hopping. located?

Situated by the sea, this vacation home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens, Matlacha Bridge, and Sirenia Vista. Randell Research Center and Happy Paws Park are also within 12 mi (20 km).

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Reviews

Reviews

Wonderful

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 46 reviews

8.8

Cleanliness

9.2

Location

10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Kenneth P.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good jumping off point

We had a nice stay . We were on the road a lot. Good place to have to come to after running around.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean and quiet!

Very clean, comfortable, and secluded. This property was perfect. It’s tucked back from all the hustle and bustle, but still close to everything. Hosts were very sweet and responsive. Beds were comfortable. Great place to relax after being out and about in Fort Myers or on the island enjoying island life. I will be coming back!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gone Fishing

My daughter, son in law, and I were thoughly please with this little hideaway. Patsy and Gavril were very friendly. The pool was a saltwater pool but a bit chilly. My daughter tried riding the whale and lost. I was able to get onto wifi with no problem. All appliances were new and everything was clean. We were visited by little lizard as we had coffee on the patio. A large wood stork visited on morning. As an animal lover I was overjoyed with these visits. Lovely homebase to visit the areas.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vicki G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Visit

Enjoyed our stay. Very nice hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

holly m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

The home had all we needed for a quick stay while we met up with family for Thanksgiving. The hosts were generous, thorough and charming.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rosa E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Adorable Cottage

We had an wonderful time at this beautiful property. It is on an amazing island surrounded by beautiful views. The cottage is very well appointed with everything you need for a getaway and the owners left a beautiful fruit basket as a welcome gift. We will definitely become repeat bookers of this gem.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our time in the Florida sun

The property was really amazing. We were surprised at how roomy it was along with an incredible pool. The kitchen was larger than normal for a rental so there’s plenty of space for food in the fridge. They had a dishwasher stove, microwave all the amenities with plenty of supplies to cook whatever we wanted. The pool had a couple of umbrellas covered area for a large table with chairs for eating and then a sitting area as well all that cover. There’s plenty of places to sit in the sun as well.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Joyce H.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Disappointing

Patsy & husband we’re kind & friendly. We appreciated their fruit tray. We were disappointed to learn that Sanibel was over an hour drive since this property was on the VRBO website for a Sanibel search. Linens were nice. Host should replace rusty trash cans & ragged bath rugs. Overall upkeep of the property were issues for us. Safety concerns prevented us from using the kitchen & the windows were moldy & filthy. Not up to our expectations for any VRBO property.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022
Verified

4/10 Poor

amber p.

Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy
House definitely has a moldy smell & water damage from previous storm pool needed to be cleaned! Bed linen was not washed prior to our stay and house was not cleaned at all! Trundle mattress has black mold on bottom of mattress, couch was older has blemishes tv was confusing. Owner stayed up stairs our entire stay and came outside to sun bath in his underwear on top deck mind you we had small children it was kinda a bit weird to me him doing that knowing small children was on the property. Pots and pans was limited if we didn’t bring pots and pans from home we would of not had dinner more kitchen wear should be in kitchen no broom or mop was available for use by guest which was a problem. If I come back to visit I’ll def only come with adults and hope cleaning was properly done before arrival or bring cleaning supplies to clean it myself along with bedding also kitchen be properly stocked with cooking wear
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debra H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A fine place to stay for swimming, biking and quiet relaxation

I am a nurse. I saw Gone Fishing on a bulletin at a nursing conference under the heading of good places to go. So I booked. It has all criteria that I am looking for. The sponge at the sink is individually wrapped, the paper towels are individually wrapped, the toilet paper is individually wrapped. There is hand sanitizer. The toilet water is blue. I got there early before check in and saw the cavicide on the table. We use this in the clinic. Patsy and her husband are naturalist. The house is located at the end of a forest preserve and the road turns into half paved and mostly rocks and sand from the ocean which is about ½ a football field away through the trees. The water system has a filter so her husband says do not bother to buy bottle water. The pool is a salt water pool and heated. I swam laps and used the pool exercise equipment she offers. There is also a solar blanket for the pool. The outside is lit mostly by solar lights. Patsy suggested that I keep the doors closed and wipe my feet before I enter. But I liked the cool air from the trees so I kept the front and back doors open. At the end of the stay I just turned on the blue light to get rid of anything that might of flown in and lightly swept the floor. A great place to visit! I’m coming back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dawn

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We loved our stay! Hosts were very welcoming and had everything in place for us for a wonderful stay; the activity book was a great help!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ruth V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway

Patsy and Gabril are awesome. Thank you for making us feel very welcome. We totally enjoyed our stay especially the pool.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenkinson B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Had a wonderful and relaxing visit. Would definitely recommend this retreat to others.

Host was the sweetest. All our needs were met.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ruth F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Really enjoyed!

The hosts were very welcoming and eager to answer any questions we had. Very nice place, would be very good for families. It's very quiet and the house has everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elier I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very secluded for a Family weekend.

House it’s at the end of road which makes it very private. Perfect for a weekend with the family at the pool and some BBQ while steps away from nature environment.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Courtney P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect, Peaceful Getaway for Spring Break

This was a perfect getaway for me and my two kids (teens - 16 & 13) for spring break... away from the high-rise hotels and packed tourist areas most people seek out for spring break. I prefer a quieter area! The hosts, Patsy and Gavril were wonderful and had so many suggestions on things to do in the area, that we may have to go back! Some of the things we did do were the Sunset Kayak Tour and Cayo Costa State Park. The house has a beautiful pool in the back that is all yours and backs up to a natural wildlife park. Morning coffee and breakfast on the patio was my favorite place, every day. The beds were comfy and the area was quiet and serene. Thank you both for a wonderful experience on Pine Island.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eric D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Getaway

This was our second annual friends-trip to Florida. We found this property and thought it sounded perfect. Quiet, out of the hustle and bustle, with relatively close local restaurants, artisan shopping and fishing. Having a clean, private, heated pool was awesome. Although weather was a little cool, we enjoyed morning coffee and sitting in the sun. Very relaxing and enjoyable stay and hosts were very accomodating and helpful. Recommended if you are looking for something away from the crowds! Eric, Gail and Mary, Ohio
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing hidden gem

This property was absolutely wonderful! The apartment was very clean and updated which made it feel very homey. Patsy and her husband Gavril are such sweet people, and their hospitality goes above and beyond. From the moment we checked in we felt very comfortable and welcomed. Patsy graciously left a huge plate of fresh fruit for us to enjoy, and enjoy it we did every morning with our breakfast. The bed was very comfortable, and the kitchen had everything we could have needed. We spent most of our days & evenings sitting outside, enjoying the beautiful heated salt water pool, and watching the birds, as well as grilling and eating all of our meals outside on the deck. The property sits at the end of a dead end road and abuts preservation land, so it was very quiet and peaceful! We greatly enjoyed our stay and will definitely stay here again! If you are looking for a nice quiet, comfortable and secluded getaway then this little gem is definitely a terriffic find!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

"Gone fishing" is great

Always the best place to stay. This is the place I go when I am here. I come because they are very consistent: very clean, clinically clean, quiet, great wild life preserve (even saw some peacocks) and most importantly the pool. I love the heated pool and its size, can do laps! Swimming in the winter months is magic. It has a Panama Jack chair that is placed on a platform that jets into the pool. In the winter, as it is now, the solar blanket is on and the heater is constantly on. So at midnight I went for a very warm toasty swim. Trips in the surroundings on the bicycles, provided by our hosts, are most refreshing. The owner and her husband are very nice, he is an Australian with a great sense of humor. He taught me to speak Australian. Right before I was due to arrive I read a review that was not consistent with the other reviews or my previous stays here at Gone Fishing. So I sent my buddy who lives near the place there, unannounced, to go see what is going on. I wanted him to get there that hour of the posting in case there was a quick clean up. He reported there were people there, but he found NO dark muck, he put his hand in the pool and it was warm (yeah). It was very clean as usual. Gone Fishing is a Great place to stay. I felt sad to leave yesterday so I did one more swim. We plan to come back, again, and stay in this house during our family reunion on the island in August. So, G’Day mate! Happy New Year Shila! (Aust)
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Amy C.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Budget friendly, lovely pool, convenient location

Budget friendly Monday to Friday stay to experience the island and soak up some sunshine. Pros: Great location, awesome clean and heated pool, bottom of house on residential dead end in St James City on Pine Island. Beds clean. TV includes free Netflix and Prime. Hosts provide yummy fruit platter. Has well stocked kitchen, bathroom and beach towels. Cons: Ants in kitchen and bathroom, so keep food in fridge, microwave or original sealed package. Floors need better cleaning (dead bugs, socks black on bottom after 5 minutes).
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Carol H.

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Nightmare

The property is filthy inside and out. All kinds of bugs and dark muck. The huge cleaning fee should have been a red flag. I've sent pics to VRBO. So far no remedy. We left and moved elsewhere at our own expense. All I asked the owner ( lives with man upstairs) for was the cleaning fee back. Pool covered. Not heated. Deck furniture filthy. The kitchen i can't even speak about. I have pics.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Audi S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pine Island Getaway.

It was great. The pool is great. The Bikes are great. It’s very clean. With good filtered. water. We’ll appointed with kitchen equipment too. Wonderful fruit bowl and helpful hosts.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

mario r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO STAY GREAT LOCATION

HI LET ME START BY SAYING THAT THE HOST IS VERY VERY FRIENDLY. WE PICKED THIS SPOT BECAUSE IT IS NEAR THINGS WE WANTED TO DO. SUNSET CRUISE WITH DOLPHINS IN FORT MYERS. THE ISLAND GIRL PICKS YOU UP AT PINES PEER TO GET YOUR BURGER IN PARADISE AND YOU EVEN GET TO SPEND A FEW HOURS IN NORTH CAPTIVA. THEY ALSO HAVE A CUTE TOWN FISHING VILLAGE CALLED MATLACHA WITH A ARTIST NAUTICAL THEME AFFORDABLE CAFES LIKE BERTS AND THE PERFECT CUP PLACE TO GEAT BREAKFAST. THIS TOWN THIS DOWN TO EARTH AND VERY ME. THEY HEATED THE POOL FOR US AND NO ONE WAS NEARBY TO BOTHER YOU . VERY ME. THEY WELCOMED US WITH A HUGE FRUIT PLATE AND COOKIE CAKE AS IT WAS OUR ANNIVERSARY AND MY BRITHDAY. I WOULD GO BACK IN A SEC. GREAT FOR PEOPLE ON A TIGHT BUDGET LIKE US BUT LOVE NICE PLACES. THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH . I HAVE NO FAMILY OR FRIENDS AND THESE DAYS IT IS HARD TO PUT A SMILE ON MY FACE. PS I NEEDED THAT BIG HUG THANK YOU OLGA I LIVE IN MIAMI A CRUEL PLACE AND I FELT LIKE I WAS IN MY SMALL CITY IN JERSEY.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

tommy b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful hosts and cozy getaway

Great experience
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Elio M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice

Very nice host and nice place ..thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021