While going through a mile and a half long manatee slow speed zone, we noticed a boat from the sheriff’s department on our port side. He, along with some fishing boats, just sat quietly (albeit vigilant) as we putted by. Off to our starboard side was a runabout that also was apparently just sitting there. Suddenly the runabout started west and I saw the bow come up and zippity it was up on plane and as Jackie Gleason would say…”And away we go!” I looked at Linda and mentioned that boat is up on plane and really moving in the speed zone and there sits the sheriff. Needless to say he didn’t sit there long. The blue lights flashed and the siren wailed and the chase was on. It didn’t last long as the perpetrator was apprehended. When we caught up to where he stopped the boat, we noticed the captain was a little old lady out for a ride. As we passed we saw the sheriff handing her a paper. I was hoping maybe she reminded him of his grandma and would just give her a warning. 
The manatee protections laws are taken very seriously. I found this statement on the web describing the speed zones….Anyone convicted of violating this state law faces a possible maximum fine of $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 60 days. Conviction on the federal level is punishable by a fine of up to $50,000 and/or one year in prison. The state of Florida can pursue prosecution under federal law in circumstances of extreme harassment, resulting in the death or injury of a manatee.
The Caloosahatchee River empties into the Gulf of Mexico between Sanibel Island on the north and Estero Island (Ft. Myers Beach) on the south. About three miles before reaching the mouth of the river there is Mile 0 of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway which turns north behind the barrier islands. This waterway continues about 150 miles and then ends going into the Gulf north of Tampa Bay.
We turned north on the GICW through Pine Island Sound, headed for Cayo Costa Island. Because of the slow travel on the river we decided stop short and anchor at Long Point off Sanibel.
This looks like a good place to go fishing. We broke out the fishing rods and baited up with frozen shrimp. In no time I had a bite! A hungry Pinfish devoured the bait and put up quite the fight until I could land him on the boat. Soon Linda also had a feisty Pinfish on the line. Right then and there we considered becoming fishing guides and using our boat for fishing charters!
Long Point anchorage: N26°28.833 W082°07.661
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