BROOKS FISHING CLUB, INC.
ESTERO, FLORIDA

The Brooks Fishing Club was formed in 2001 and today consists of 135 members and a waiting list at any given time of approximately 25. It was formed as a men’s club for the purpose of promoting fellowship, successful recreational fishing, education and environmental responsibility. Any owner-resident of the Brooks community in Estero Florida is eligible to become a member. The wait list is the result of, according to the Fire Marshall, not having a meeting room large enough to handle everyone during the “season.” Brooks Fishing Club is a 501(c)3 organization. The Brooks Fishing Club, in conjunction with all five of the Brooks Communities and the Lee County Department of Natural Resources, has undertaken a Lee County community service project to protect the water quality entering our ponds, creeks, Estero bay and, ultimately, the Gulf of Mexico. Our community storm drains allow untreated water to enter into these waterways and ends up effecting the water quality of not only the ponds and creeks but also Estero Bay and the Gulf. Lee County has acquired attractive medallions to point out to people that refuse should not be dumped into the drains. The County also has the tools to attach the markers to the drains. What Lee County needs, however, is volunteers that will help to install the markers. The EPA is interested in this project and Leigh Simmons marks the coordinates of where the medallions have been placed. The Brooks Fishing Club provided volunteers to install 583 markers on Brooks neighborhood storm drains and the Shadow Wood Community Association maintenance department marked an additional 91 in the common roadways. Neighbors are also asked to monitor their contractors so that they do not dispose of anything in our storm drains. Everything we can do to reduce pollution will help in improving our water quality. The Brooks Fishing Club is a private organization of 150 Brooks community residents. The club has its own web site, hosts numerous social events, regularly scheduled fishing trips, and monthly meetings with speakers that cover topics including fresh and salt water fishing local waters.