Gulf-Front Sandy Beach (#1600)

We stayed here for a week in early June 2006. By the end we didn't want to leave. The accommodations were spacious and luxurious, esp. with the lanai swimming pool, outside dining, screened back porch & access to the private docks. The weather was perfect & the setting was spectacular with views of the mangrove islands across the way, glorious sunsets, many birds such as pelicans, egrets, & osprey, and many sightings of dolphin and manatee, some of them swimming & playing quite close to our dock. If you like to fish, this is your place. We fished from the dock every night under the snook lights and caught many kinds of fish, including snook, grouper, jack cravaille, spanish mackeral, spadefish, & mangrove snappers. (Tip: Jig straight down with 1/4 oz silver Kastmaster or with a 3/8 oz Old Pro pink jig. For snook or grouper, use LARGE chunk of FRESH ladyfish on a sliding sinker rig. I caught a 25-lb snook using this bait on our last night right behind the little dock, and with another chunk hooked, fought & lost an 80-lb goliath grouper.) the kitchen is excellent and an outdoor grill was available. Also, there are several good restaurants nearby, including the Pelican Bend for great hamburgers & beer, etc, which we highly recommend. Our landlords the McCarty's were perfect hosts & were accommodating and responsive to all our needs. In sum: GREAT vacation rental; we can't wait to go back.