Spill has fishermen preparing for bad season - NBC2 Online - click here

FORT MYERS BEACH: As the oil spreads and the no fishing zone expands, those who make their living off the coast of Southwest Florida are worried about their way of life. We spoke with one boat captain who says he's already working on a plan B.

Captain George Howell makes a living by giving fishing tours and showing off the wildlife.

"I'm living my dream in Southwest Florida," he said.

But he says he sees a potential nightmare on the horizon.

As oil creeps closer to Southwest Florida, Howell worries his business could be in serious trouble.

"In the worst case scenario, there's a chance I wouldn't be living here next year. I'd probably let the banks have my house and move somewhere else," Howell said.

As oil gets closer, worries are mounting for Southwest Florida's entire boating industry. Their livelihood hinges on how far the spill will go.

While there's no doubt that Southwest Florida is feeling the economic impact, the people making their living on this water say it's the environmental concerns that scares them the most.

"If a couple pieces of our ecosystem are knocked out, it could throw entire system out of whack," said Howell.

For the time being, Howell says his business is OK. He says clients are still coming, still calling and now asking "when will the oil get here?"

He hopes that it never will. But that's up to an effort taking place 5,000 feet under water.    

By Christina Mora

The parent/child fishing seminar, Introducing Your Child to Fishing, was held at the Cape Coral Yacht Club June 14. Many children got the opportunity to fish off the yacht club pier.Capt. George Howell’s seminar placed emphasis on keeping things simple, fun, and productive in a hobby that often requires a lot of patience.

Kids learned the equipment including rods, reels, knots, rigging gear as well as handling fish and bait, and problem solv-ing. Then everyone went off to the pier to try out what they learned.Jaiden Rodrigues and some friends from the seminar looked on as Capt. George unhooked a snapper that Jaiden caught. read full article