Pop's Sunset Grill in Nokomis, FL: fun & close to Venice

My wife and I recently visited an iconic restaurant in Nokomis. Pop's Sunset Grill is located on the intercoastal and you can literally tie your boat to the dock six feet away from where you eat. It was a Friday night and, though it was early, a crowd was in full swing at the outdoor tiki bar. Live music filled the air with sounds of Jimmy Buffet and other seaside classics. As we were seated at a small table on the edge of the outdoor patio, a friendly local attempted to join us, pictured above. The close proximity of the ocean, the live music and the random fish jumping out of the water made for a casual, relaxing experience. Hoping to see two local "celebrity" dolphins, Beggar & Mooch, we chatted and enjoyed the views while waiting for our lobster steampot (which was wasn't the best we've ever had but the atmosphere made up for it!). Though we did not see the dolphins, we still had a good time. Afterwards, on our way out, we took a walk along the dock that stretches around the entire backside of the restaurant. While passing the bar area, a man and the little boy with him saw a grouper jump out of the water. The man cast his line and, to the young boy's delight, caught the grouper and reeled him in! After having a good look at it together, the man threw it back in and the boy excitedly ran to tell his mom all about it. It's great to know that such a place is only 15 minutes down the road from Venice! A word for the wise, be sure to bring your bug spray, as my wife had a LOT of "souveniers" (aka bug bites) to remember the evening by.