Expert-Guided Fort Myers Inshore Fishing Charter

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Fort Myers
$600 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Get ready for a full day of fishing and island exploration in Fort Myers! We'll head out for 8 hours of inshore angling, targeting redfish, snook, and trout in the rich coastal waters. As you cast your line, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. After reeling in some catches, we'll cruise over to the Barrier Islands for a tasty lunch break and some beach time. You'll have a chance to hunt for unique shells along the shore – a perfect way to unwind after the morning's fishing action. This trip combines the best of Fort Myers' fishing scene with a taste of island life, all in one day. It's ideal for small groups, with space for up to 3 guests. Bring your sense of adventure and get set for a day on the water you won't soon forget!

Expert-Guided Fort Myers Inshore Fishing Charter

Rods, Reels, and Beaches

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Photo of a 23-inch sheepshead fish caught while fishing in FL

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Fish On: Fort Myers Adventures

Hooked on Fort Myers

Fort Myers: Fishing & Island Adventure

Looking for the perfect mix of fishing action and island relaxation? Our 8-hour charter trip out of Fort Myers has you covered. We'll hit the inshore waters for some rod-bending action, then cruise over to the beautiful Barrier Islands for lunch and beachcombing. It's the best of both worlds - tight lines in the morning, toes in the sand by afternoon.

What's On The Menu Today?

Our day starts early, meeting at the dock as the sun's coming up. We'll load up the boat with gear, snacks, and high hopes for a solid day of fishing. The beauty of Fort Myers is you never know what you might hook into - could be a bruiser redfish, a acrobatic snook, or even a high-flying tarpon if the season's right. We'll start by hitting some of my favorite inshore spots, working grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and deeper channels. I'll get you set up with the right bait and tackle, show you the techniques that are working, and put you on the fish. Even if you're new to fishing, don't sweat it - I'll make sure you're comfortable and having a blast.

More Than Just Fishing

Once we've put some fish in the boat (and maybe released a few trophies), we'll point the bow towards the Barrier Islands. This is when the day takes on a whole new vibe. We'll find a quiet spot to anchor up, break out lunch, and soak in the scenery. These islands are something special - powder-soft sand, clear water, and hardly anyone around most days. After we eat, you're free to explore the beach, do some shelling, or just kick back and relax. It's your trip, so we'll make it exactly what you want it to be. By the time we head back to the dock, you'll have had a full day of Florida's best - both on and off the water.

What's Biting in Fort Myers?

Fort Myers is an angler's playground, with a mix of species that'll keep your rod bent all day long. Here's a rundown of what we're usually chasing:

Snook: These are the rock stars of inshore fishing. Snook are ambush predators that love to hang around structure - mangroves, docks, you name it. They hit hard and fight even harder, often jumping clear out of the water. The "snook slam" (catching one over 28 inches) is a badge of honor for any angler.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of Fort Myers fishing. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail, and when they're feeding, you can often see them "tailing" in shallow water. Reds put up a great fight, especially on light tackle.

Sea Trout: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't your average freshwater trout. Speckled sea trout are more closely related to drum fish, and they're a blast to catch. They're often found in schools, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch.

Tarpon: If you're lucky enough to be here during tarpon season (usually late spring through summer), you're in for a treat. These "silver kings" can top 100 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic leaps and long, dogged fights. Landing a tarpon is a bucket-list item for many anglers.

Cobia: These odd-looking fish (sometimes called ling or lemonfish) are like the wildcards of Fort Myers fishing. They show up around structures, following big rays, or sometimes just cruising solo. They're curious fish that'll often swim right up to the boat, and they fight like crazy when hooked.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Fort Myers isn't just another fishing spot - it's a year-round fishery that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The mix of species means there's always something biting, whether you're working a topwater lure for snook in the summer or sight-casting to tailing redfish on a winter low tide. And let's be honest, the weather doesn't hurt either. When your friends up north are breaking ice off their boats, you could be here in shorts and flip-flops, fighting a fish in 70-degree weather.

What to Pack for Your Trip

Alright, let's talk gear. I've got all the fishing equipment covered, so no worries there. But there are a few things you'll want to bring to make sure you're comfortable:

- Sunscreen (and I mean lots of it - Florida sun is no joke) - Hat and polarized sunglasses (helps with the glare and spotting fish) - Light, long-sleeved shirt (for sun protection) - Shoes that can get wet (old sneakers or boat shoes work great) - Camera or phone for pictures (trust me, you'll want to show these fish off) - Drinks and snacks (I've got a cooler on board) - Cash for tip (if you feel your guide earned it)

Oh, and don't forget to grab your fishing license before the trip. You can get a temporary one online or at most bait shops and sporting goods stores in the area.

Beyond the Boat

While the fishing is the main event, our trip to the Barrier Islands is more than just a lunch break. These islands are a slice of old Florida, largely undeveloped and teeming with wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the waves, ospreys diving for fish, or even the occasional manatee lumbering by. The shelling here is world-class too - you might find sand dollars, lightning whelks, or if you're really lucky, the prized junonia shell.

Time to Get on the Water

So there you have it - a full day of Fort Myers fishing and island adventuring wrapped up in one awesome package. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to tangle with some trophy fish, or a family wanting to mix some fishing with beach time, this trip's got something for everyone. The best part? You don't have to choose between a fishing trip and a relaxing day on the islands - you get both!

Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your spot. Give me a call or shoot me an email, and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, once you experience Fort Myers fishing and these incredible barrier islands, you'll be planning your next trip before we even get back to the dock.

Learn more about the animals

Cobia

Cobia are bruisers that show up in Fort Myers waters from spring through fall. These brown torpedoes average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll often spot them near the surface around markers, wrecks, or even following rays and sharks. Cobia aren't the fastest, but they're incredibly strong fighters known for long, dogged battles. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat. Spring is prime time as they migrate along the coast. To target cobia, keep your eyes peeled and be ready to cast quickly. They're curious fish, so often you can sight-cast to them. Live eels or large jigs work well. One local trick: chum with cut bait to bring them to the surface. Just be careful - excited cobia have been known to jump into boats! Landing a big cobia is always a memorable experience.

Redfish

Redfish are a Fort Myers favorite, known for their copper color and distinctive tail spot. Most reds we catch run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, though bull reds over 20 pounds aren't rare. You'll find them year-round in shallow flats, often tailing in water so skinny their backs are exposed. They love hanging around oyster bars, mangroves, and grass beds. Fall is prime time as big schools gather to spawn. Redfish put up a great fight on light tackle and are excellent eating. They're not as wary as some species, making them fun for novice anglers too. Try sight-fishing with gold spoons or soft plastics. When the water's murky, live or cut bait works well. One tip: on calm days, cruise the flats slowly and watch for push water or tailing reds. There's nothing like watching a big red crush a topwater lure in inches of water.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a Fort Myers staple. These tasty fish typically run 15-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them year-round in grass flats, channels, and around oyster bars, often in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Trout are fun to catch on light tackle and make excellent table fare. They're not the strongest fighters, but their soft mouths require finesse to land. For best results, try soft plastic jigs or live shrimp under a popping cork. Work your bait with subtle twitches, and set the hook immediately when you feel a bite. One local trick: look for diving birds to find feeding trout schools. A limit of keeper trout makes for a delicious fish fry.

Snook

Snook are a prized catch around Fort Myers, known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. These sleek predators typically range from 24-34 inches and 5-15 pounds, though they can grow much larger. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in the shallows. Spring and fall are prime seasons as snook move between inshore and offshore waters. Anglers love targeting snook for their challenging fight and excellent table fare. To improve your chances, try using live bait like pinfish or mullet on a circle hook. Work the edges of structure during moving tides, especially early mornings or evenings. Just remember, snook can be line-shy, so use light fluorocarbon leaders. Landing a big snook is always a thrill - they'll test your gear and skills right up to the net.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of Fort Myers, famous for their size and spectacular aerial displays. Adults typically range from 4-8 feet long and 80-150 pounds. These prehistoric-looking fish migrate through our waters from April to July, hanging around passes, beaches, and deep holes. Tarpon aren't prized for eating, but for the epic battle they provide. Hooking one is just the start - landing a tarpon takes skill, patience, and some luck. They're known for throwing hooks with wild, acrobatic leaps. To boost your odds, use heavy tackle and focus on areas with good tidal flow. Live bait like crabs or threadfin herring works well. Keep the rod tip high when they jump, and be ready for long, powerful runs. Even if you don't land one, just seeing a 150-pound tarpon clear the water by 10 feet is something you'll never forget.

About the Center Console Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury pro xs

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready for an awesome day on the water? Our 8-hour charter trip in Fort Myers combines top-notch fishing with island exploration. We'll head out to catch some of Florida's prized gamefish like redfish, snook, and trout in the inshore waters. Once you've reeled in some beauties, we'll cruise over to the Barrier Islands for a tasty lunch and some downtime on the beach. Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and seabirds as we go. This trip is perfect for anglers who want to mix fishing with a bit of island hopping. With room for 3 guests, it's ideal for a small group or family outing. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, our guides will make sure you have a great time on the water. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture those big catches and beautiful island views!

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