Jasper’s Bait and Tackle — The Legendary Floating Fishing Stop That Became a Piece of Southwest Florida Film History

For years, Jasper’s Bait and Tackle was one of the most unusual and beloved landmarks on the waters surrounding Sanibel, Punta Rassa, and the Caloosahatchee River. Floating just offshore near Kinzie Cove, this quirky bait shop wasn’t only a lifeline for anglers — it became part of local folklore, boating culture, and even Hollywood history.

Though Jasper’s is no longer in operation, its legacy continues to live on through stories shared by fishermen, boaters, and longtime island residents.

What Made Jasper’s So Unique

Jasper’s wasn’t built on land. It operated from a floating platform anchored near Marker 96, allowing boaters to pull up directly to the shop without leaving the water. For anglers chasing tarpon, snook, redfish, and trout, it was the perfect mid-trip stop.

What visitors remember most:

  • Pulling their boat alongside the floating dock

  • Buying live shrimp, mullet, pinfish, and frozen bait

  • Stocking up on tackle, hooks, weights, and fishing gear

  • Grabbing cold drinks and snacks

  • Chatting with staff and fellow anglers before heading back out

The casual dockside atmosphere made Jasper’s feel less like a store and more like a floating community hangout.

The Story Behind the Name

The shop was named after Jasper, a Rhodesian Ridgeback owned by one of the founders. Jasper became something of a local mascot. Boaters arriving with dogs often joked about stopping to “say hello to Jasper,” and the name added personality to a business already known for its charm.

That personal touch helped make Jasper’s feel approachable and friendly — a place where regulars were remembered and newcomers were welcomed.

Jasper’s on the Big Screen

Few floating bait shops can say they appeared in a Hollywood film — but Jasper’s could.

The shop was featured in the 1995 crime thriller “Just Cause,” starring Sean Connery, Laurence Fishburne, and Kate Capshaw. Portions of the movie were filmed in Southwest Florida, including scenes shot near the Punta Rassa and Sanibel area.

For locals, seeing Jasper’s on screen became a point of pride. It transformed the floating bait shop from a regional curiosity into a small piece of cinematic history — one more reason it remains memorable decades later.

A Critical Stop for Boaters and Anglers

Before GPS plotters and marina clusters were common, Jasper’s served as a crucial mid-water resupply point. Instead of burning fuel to return to shore, fishermen could:

  • Refresh live bait

  • Replace broken tackle

  • Ice down their catch

  • Grab drinks and supplies

Its location made it especially valuable for anglers fishing Pine Island Sound, the Caloosahatchee River mouth, and nearshore Gulf waters.

For many, Jasper’s became part of their fishing routine — a familiar landmark marking the transition between river waters and open bay.

Sale, Transition, and Closure

After years of successful operation, the original floating Jasper’s location was sold in 2018. While bait operations continued briefly under new ownership, the iconic floating platform eventually ceased operation.

A land-based bait shop later opened nearby, but the original floating structure — and the atmosphere that made Jasper’s special — was never fully replicated.

Its closure marked the end of an era for local boating culture.

Where Jasper’s Once Floated

Jasper’s Bait and Tackle (Former Location)
📍 Near Kinzie Cove at Marker 96
Punta Rassa / Fort Myers Area

Historic Phone Number:
📞 (239) 699-3469

Approximate Marine Coordinates:
📍 N 26° 40.8′ | W 81° 59.4′

These coordinates mark the stretch of the Caloosahatchee River where Jasper’s once served boaters and anglers heading toward Sanibel, Pine Island Sound, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Remembering a Southwest Florida Original

What made Jasper’s special wasn’t just bait and tackle — it was the feeling of discovery, the novelty of shopping from your boat, and the camaraderie of anglers meeting on the water.

Today, longtime locals still point out where Jasper’s once floated. Stories get shared. Old photos resurface. And new boaters hear about the legendary floating bait shop that once supplied generations of fishermen.

Though Jasper’s may be gone physically, it remains firmly anchored in the memory of Southwest Florida’s waterfront culture.

Enjoy the Official Trailer for the Movie: