The Wandering Disciple

In this day in age, there is a push towards recycling and renewable resources. But this doesn't just have to mean cans and bottles, boxes and paper. There has also been a push to re purpose land and one of them is the many rails to trails programs. In Florida there are miles of abandoned rail lines that are being transformed into bike trails. Or here in El Jobean, the old bridge trestle has been converted into a fishing pier. Its projects like these that will keep the rail in service long after the train stops. (Photo: March 27, 2011)

El Jobean, Florida: Located where the Myakka River meets Charlotte Harbor, the El Jobean Fishing Pier is one of Charlotte County’s premier fishing piers. Like many of the other piers in the county, this is an abandoned railroad trestle that was converted into a fishing pier. The pier was once the Myakka River crossing on the Charlotte Harbor & Northern Railroad. When the route was discontinued, the local government removed the drawbridge and converted the southern end of the crossing into a fishing pier. The location of the pier is where the Myakka River empties into Charlotte Harbor and the water is mostly saltwater. Snook and Redfish are frequently found in this area. In addition to fishing from the pier, there are also plenty of good fishing spots along the seawall of the SR-776 bridge. There is no charge to use the pier. 3/27/2011: Hit the pier just after noon today with a dozen live shrimp. Had several hits but did not land a fish. One took the line and ran it around the pili...