Need Some Fla. Advise

[JB]

Sounds like a newbie question doesnt it LOL,
any who, we are flying to Tampa for a week of fishing and seeing relatives
(my son) and wifes side of family.
My brother in law in tampa fishes the flats, and has a nice boat, so I got that covered. However after a few days in tampa, I'm driving down to Rotunda
(2 hours south near Fort Myers) and renting a house for the other 5 days, to be near some more family that lives up here, but renting a place they always go to in May. We are going may 24-31st.
Most of the houses we looked at so far mention a canal close by (gaters?) lol
so here are my questions/concerns.
Can i put some tackle n reels in my suitcase for the plane?
I can pick up a couple cheap sticks when i get there.
Also will these canals so close to the ocean be fresh water ?
And also you guys that live there, hoseman, chris and others, do I go around and look for public lakes or retaining ponds, I am sure I'll need to get a fl license.
I am also guessing the big bite slows down for bass in may, compared to up here where may can be the hayday of the season.

any input? thanks