Expert-Guided Fort Myers Inshore Fishing Charter

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Fort Myers
$600 - $1,200 price range
Updated Date: October 10, 2025

Summary

Ready for an awesome day on the water in Fort Myers? Join us for inshore fishing and island exploration rolled into one. We'll head out to target redfish, snook, and trout while cruising through some of the area's most scenic spots. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as we fish. After reeling in some catches, we'll dock at the Barrier Islands for a tasty lunch break and beach time. Collect shells on pristine shores to cap off your trip. It's the perfect mix of fishing action and island relaxation. Our boat fits up to 3 guests, so bring your crew and let's make it happen. Fort Myers fishing doesn't get much better than this - book your spot and let's get out there!

Expert-Guided Fort Myers Inshore Fishing Charter

Rods, Reels & Island Views

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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: Inshore Fishing & Island Adventure

Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready for a day of killer fishing and island hopping? Our Fort Myers inshore trip is the real deal. We're talking about reeling in some serious gamefish like redfish and snook, then cruising over to the Barrier Islands for lunch and some laid-back beachcombing. It's the perfect mix of action and chill time, all wrapped up in one awesome day on the water.

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're out on the boat, rod in hand, as the sun rises over Fort Myers. We'll hit up all the local hotspots where the fish are biting. Could be working the mangroves for snook, sight-casting to tailing reds in the flats, or drifting for trout over grass beds. The beauty of inshore fishing is you never know what you might hook into - maybe even a high-flying tarpon or a bruiser cobia if we're lucky. After we've put some fish in the box (and some great photos on your phone), we'll zip over to one of the Barrier Islands. Time to kick back on the beach, chow down on lunch, and maybe find a few shells to take home. It's the kind of day that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.

How We Roll on the Water

Alright, let's talk tactics. We're not just randomly tossing lines out here - we're using tried-and-true inshore techniques to put you on fish. Depending on what's biting and where, we might be throwing soft plastics on light tackle, working topwater lures at first light, or using live bait to entice the bigger fish. We've got all the gear you need, from spinning rods to baitcasters, and we'll show you how to use it like a pro. And don't worry if you're new to this - we'll have you casting like a champ in no time. The waters around Fort Myers are shallow and protected, so even if it gets a bit breezy, we can usually find some calm spots to fish. Just remember to bring your sunscreen and a good hat - that Florida sun can be intense!

Fish You'll Want to Catch

Let's break down the all-stars of our inshore lineup:

Snook: These bad boys are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They're sneaky, strong, and put up one heck of a fight. Snook love to hang out around structure, so we'll be targeting mangrove shorelines and dock pilings. The best part? When a snook hits your lure, it's like a freight train - hold on tight!

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a blast to catch. They've got a distinctive spot on their tail, and when they're feeding in the shallows, you can often see their tails sticking up out of the water. That's when sight-fishing gets really exciting. Reds are known for their strong runs, so be ready for some drag-screaming action.

Sea Trout: Don't let their name fool you - these aren't your average trout. Spotted seatrout are aggressive feeders and love to chase down lures. They're great for anglers of all skill levels because they're plentiful and relatively easy to catch. Plus, they're delicious if you're looking to take home dinner.

Tarpon: The silver king! If we're lucky enough to hook into one of these giants, you're in for the fight of your life. Tarpon are known for their spectacular aerial displays - they'll leap clear out of the water, shaking their heads to throw the hook. Landing one of these is a true trophy, and even if they throw the hook, you'll never forget the experience.

Cobia: These bruisers are like the bulldogs of the sea. They're not the prettiest fish out there, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in pure power. Cobia can grow to over 100 pounds, and they're not afraid to use that weight to their advantage. If you hook into one, be prepared for a battle royale.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

I've been guiding these waters for years, and let me tell you, there's something special about fishing in Fort Myers. Maybe it's the way the light hits the water at dawn, or the thrill of watching a redfish tail in skinny water. Could be the unexpected bonus of seeing dolphins play around the boat or an osprey diving for its breakfast. Whatever it is, this place has a way of getting under your skin. And it's not just the fishing - that combo of reeling in some great catches and then relaxing on a pristine island beach? That's hard to beat. I've had guests tell me it's the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation, and I couldn't agree more.

Time to Wet a Line!

So, what do you say? Ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Fort Myers has to offer, topped off with a slice of island paradise? Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some trophy fish or a family wanting to make some awesome memories together, this trip's got something for everyone. The fish are biting, the islands are calling, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. Don't let this chance slip away - book your Fort Myers inshore fishing and island adventure today. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are one of the most unique fish we target in Fort Myers. These streamlined bruisers can grow over 6 feet and 100 pounds, though most we catch are in the 20-40 pound range. Look for them around structure like wrecks and reefs, or free-swimming near the surface, often mistaken for sharks. Spring is prime time as cobia migrate along our coast, but you can catch them year-round. They're aggressive feeders and put up a heck of a fight, plus they're excellent eating. Live bait like pinfish or crabs works well, but big jigs and swimbaits can trigger explosive strikes too. Here's a pro tip: always keep a heavy rod rigged with a big jig ready. Cobia often show up unexpectedly, following rays, sharks, or even your boat. When you see one, a quick cast can lead to an epic battle. Be ready for long runs and even some acrobatics when you hook into these powerful fish.

Redfish

Redfish are a Fort Myers favorite, known for their copper color and distinctive black tail spot. Most "reds" we catch run 18-27 inches, but bulls over 40 inches aren't unheard of. You'll find them tailing in skinny water, often so shallow their backs are exposed. Look for them around oyster bars, mangroves, and grass flats, especially on incoming tides. Redfish are hard fighters and excellent table fare, which makes them popular with anglers. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Live bait like pinfish or cut mullet works great, but artificial lures can be just as effective. Here's a local tip: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for pushes of water or "nervous" bait. That's often a sign of redfish on the hunt. When you spot them, make a long cast ahead of their path and slowly work your bait back.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called spotted seatrout, are a staple of Fort Myers inshore fishing. These silvery fish with spotted backs typically run 15-25 inches, though gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them over grass flats and around oyster bars, often in 3-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Sea trout are popular for their willingness to bite and tasty white meat. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a classic tactic, but soft plastics and topwater lures can be deadly too. My favorite trick is to fish the edges of grass flats where they drop off into slightly deeper water. Sea trout have soft mouths, so set the hook with a quick, sideways sweep instead of jerking up. They're available year-round, but winter can be particularly good when fish school up in deeper holes.

Snook

Snook are a prized catch in Fort Myers, typically ranging from 20-40 inches. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in our shallow estuaries. These ambush predators have a distinctive black lateral line and an underbite that gives them away. Spring and fall are prime seasons, as snook move between inshore and nearshore waters. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish work great, but artificial lures can be just as effective. My go-to trick is to cast right up against structure and let your bait drift naturally with the current. Snook have excellent eyesight, so stealth is key. Remember, they're catch-and-release only from December through February to protect the spawning population. When you hook one, be ready for some drag-screaming runs!

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of Fort Myers waters, growing up to 8 feet and 280 pounds. These prehistoric-looking fish are famous for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. You'll find them rolling in our passes and backcountry from late spring through summer. They migrate through our area, following bait schools and warm water. Tarpon fishing is all about the thrill of the fight - they're not eaten, just admired and released. We usually target them with live bait like crabs or threadfin herring, but fly fishing for tarpon is a bucket-list experience for many anglers. My best tip? When a tarpon jumps, bow to the king - lower your rod tip to give slack and prevent the hook from pulling free. Patience is key with these giants. Be prepared for long battles and have your camera ready for that trophy shot before a careful release.

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

Hop aboard for a laid-back day of fishing and island exploring in Fort Myers. We'll cruise out to prime inshore spots where you can try your luck at catching redfish, snook, and trout. As you cast your line, keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and seabirds that call these waters home. Once we've reeled in some fish, we'll head over to the Barrier Islands for a relaxing lunch break. After fueling up, you can stroll along the beach and hunt for seashells to take home as souvenirs. It's the perfect mix of action and chill time on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, this trip offers something for everyone. Bring your family or friends and make some great memories out on the bay and beaches of Fort Myers.

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