Fort Myers Fly Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 5hour fly fishing charter targeting inshore speciesCaptain Tommy guides up to 2 anglers all skill levelsSnook, Redfish, Tarpon fishing with licenses and water included
Looking for a top-rated fly fishing experience in Southwest Florida? Captain Tommy's 5-hour private charter puts you right in the heart of Fort Myers' best inshore waters, where redfish cruise the flats and snook hide in the mangroves. Starting at 7:00 AM when the water's glass-calm and the fish are actively feeding, this morning trip gives you and one buddy the chance to work some of the most productive shallow water fisheries on Florida's Gulf Coast. With fishing licenses and bottled water included, all you need to bring is your fly gear and the willingness to learn from one of the area's most experienced guides.
Captain Tommy tailors every trip to match your skill level and fishing goals, whether you're a seasoned fly angler or just getting started with the long rod. The beauty of Fort Myers' inshore waters lies in their diversity – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish on shallow grass flats, the next you're working structure for snook or presenting flies to rolling tarpon. The 5-hour window gives you plenty of time to explore different techniques and locations without feeling rushed. Tommy knows these waters like the back of his hand and adjusts tactics based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. With space for just two anglers, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of shots at quality fish. The early morning start means you'll beat the boat traffic and catch fish during prime feeding times when they're most aggressive.
Inshore fly fishing in Fort Myers requires a different approach than freshwater or offshore techniques. You'll be working with 8 and 9-weight rods capable of handling both delicate presentations and powerful fish in skinny water. Captain Tommy focuses on sight fishing when conditions allow – spotting fish before you cast and positioning the boat for optimal presentation angles. Expect to throw streamers, crab patterns, and baitfish imitations depending on what's feeding. The key techniques include accurate casting in tight quarters, stripping retrieves that mimic fleeing prey, and quick hook sets when fish eat. Tommy covers essential skills like reading water, understanding tidal movements, and adapting your retrieve based on species behavior. Wind casting is crucial here since Southwest Florida can get breezy, and you'll learn to adjust your casting stroke for different conditions. The shallow water environment means stealth is important – quiet approaches and precise presentations often make the difference between success and going fishless.
Snook are the crown jewel of Fort Myers fly fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangrove edges, and oyster bars where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. Snook hit flies aggressively and immediately head for cover, testing your drag system and reflexes. They're most active during warmer months from spring through fall, though winter can produce trophy-sized fish when you find them. The thrill comes from their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights in shallow water where every run could end in a break-off.
Redfish are perhaps the most reliable target species, cruising the flats year-round and offering some of the best sight fishing opportunities on the Gulf Coast. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches in Fort Myers waters and are famous for their bulldogging fights. Reds feed aggressively on crabs and shrimp, making them perfect targets for weighted crab patterns and spoon flies. They're particularly active during moving tides when baitfish and crustaceans are displaced from their hiding spots. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat well-presented flies and their habit of feeding in very shallow water where you can watch the entire fight unfold.
Tarpon bring a completely different dimension to the experience, especially during their seasonal migrations from late spring through summer. Even juvenile tarpon in the 20-40 pound range will test your tackle and skills with their aerial displays and powerful runs. Fort Myers' backcountry holds good numbers of these "poons" year-round, though the larger fish move through during peak season. They're notorious for their jumping ability and have a habit of throwing hooks, making each landed tarpon a real achievement. The combination of size, strength, and acrobatics makes tarpon the ultimate fly rod challenge for many anglers.
Sea Trout are abundant throughout Fort Myers' grass flats and provide consistent action when other species are finicky. These spotted fighters prefer slightly deeper flats and respond well to streamer patterns worked with erratic retrieves. They're excellent fish for beginners since they're generally cooperative and fight well on lighter tackle. Trout bite year-round but are particularly active during cooler months when they school up in deeper holes and channels.
Crevalle Jack round out the target species list with their aggressive nature and surprising power. These yellow-tinted fighters travel in schools and will attack flies with reckless abandon once you locate them. Jacks provide non-stop action when you encounter a feeding school, though their razor-sharp gill plates require careful handling. They're particularly fun on fly tackle because they hit hard and make powerful runs that can strip line quickly from your reel.
At $500 for two anglers, Captain Tommy's Fort Myers fly fishing charter delivers world-class inshore action with the personal attention you won't find on larger boats. The free cancellation policy up to 3 days out gives you flexibility for weather concerns, and the early morning schedule puts you on the water when conditions and fishing are typically at their best. Whether you're looking to improve your fly casting technique, target specific species, or simply enjoy a day on some of Florida's most productive inshore waters, this charter provides the perfect platform. Don't wait too long to secure your preferred date – the best guides book up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons when the tarpon are rolling and the reds are tailing.
The 18' Floyd Skiff cuts through Fort Myers' shallow waters like it was built for these flats - because it was. This nimble motorboat gets you into those tight spots where the big fish hang out, whether you're stalking redfish in the backcountry or working tarpon along the mangroves. Captain Tommy keeps it simple but effective: wireless trolling motor for silent approaches, fish finder to locate the action, and GPS to hit those honey holes. The icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot Florida mornings, and there's plenty of deck space for two anglers to work without tangling lines. Built for the serious fly fisher who wants to get away from the crowds and into fish-holding water, this skiff handles like a dream in skinny water where the bigger boats can't go. Perfect size for a personalized charter where every cast counts.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the muscle cars of inshore fishing. These brassy-green bulldogs average 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but can hit 4 feet and 60+ pounds. They roam grass flats, channels, and around structure in 5-30 feet of water. Spring through fall is best when they're actively feeding in schools. Jacks are pure aggression - hard strikes and brutal fights that'll smoke your drag. While not great table fare, they're perfect for anglers who want non-stop action. Watch for diving birds - that's your cue jacks are pushing bait to the surface. Cast big streamers or poppers into the chaos and hold on. Pro tip: keep that fly moving fast and erratic. Jacks love the chase, and a slow retrieve won't cut it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our flats fishing. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-30 inches and 3-15 pounds, easily identified by those black spots near the tail. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines - sometimes with their backs out of the water. Year-round fishing with fall and spring being peak times. What makes reds special is their bulldog fight and willingness to eat flies. Plus they're fantastic on the table with firm, mild meat. The trick is sight fishing - look for tailing fish or dark shadows cruising the shallows. Lead them by a few feet and strip that fly like a fleeing crab. Once hooked, they'll make long, steady runs that'll test your drag.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are perfect for fly fishing beginners and experts alike. These spotted beauties average 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, with some reaching 5+ pounds. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water. Fall through spring is prime time, especially on cooler mornings when they're actively feeding. Trout are great fighters for their size and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. They school up, so where you catch one, there's usually more. The key is working the grass edges quietly - these fish spook easily in shallow water. Try a small shrimp or baitfish pattern, and vary your retrieve until you find what they want that day.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the gold standard of inshore fishing here in Fort Myers. These silvery fighters average 1-3 feet but can stretch to 4+ feet, with that signature black lateral line running down their sleek bodies. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in 2-10 feet of water. They love structure and ambush points. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and drag-peeling runs - plus they're excellent table fare when in season. Here's a local tip: cast your fly past the structure and strip it back through the strike zone. Snook often follow before they commit, so keep that fly moving but don't overwork it.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "silver king" is what most fly fishers dream about. These prehistoric giants typically run 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds around Fort Myers, though monsters over 200 exist. Look for them rolling in channels, around bridges, and over grass flats in 5-20 feet of water. May through August is prime time when they migrate through our waters. What hooks anglers is their aerial show - these fish can jump 10 feet out of water and make blistering runs. They're catch-and-release only, which keeps the fishery strong. My advice: when you hook one, bow to the king during those jumps. Keep your rod tip low and let the fish have some slack, or that jump will snap your line. Be ready for a workout - these battles can last an hour.
Fort Myers, FL