5.0(1 Reviews)Private Fort Myers Inshore Fishing with Captain Tommy
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 5hour inshore charter targets snook, redfish, and tarponCaptain Tommy provides licenses, water, and expert local guidance$500 flat rate accommodates up to 2 anglers comfortably
Captain Tommy's got you covered for a world-class inshore fishing adventure that'll have you targeting some of Southwest Florida's most sought-after gamefish. This 5-hour private charter kicks off at first light – 7:00 AM sharp – when the fish are most active and the waters are calm. You'll be fishing the productive flats, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds that make Fort Myers a top-rated destination for serious anglers. With room for up to 2 fishermen, this trip gives you the personalized attention and prime fishing spots that bigger boats just can't offer. Captain Tommy brings decades of local knowledge to every outing, adjusting techniques and locations based on your skill level and what's biting that day.
You're looking at a half-day trip that maximizes your time on the most productive inshore waters around Fort Myers. Captain Tommy runs a clean, well-equipped boat that's designed specifically for navigating the shallow flats and backcountry areas where the big fish live. The early morning start isn't just for show – that's when the predator fish are actively feeding, especially during the cooler months. You'll be sight fishing in crystal-clear shallows one minute, then working deeper grass beds the next. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – every cast could bring a different species to the boat. Your fishing licenses and bottled water are included, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the cooler. Captain Tommy's flexible approach means beginners get patient instruction while experienced anglers can push their skills with advanced techniques.
Fort Myers inshore fishing is all about reading the water and matching your presentation to what the fish want. You'll be using live bait like shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish – the stuff these gamefish can't resist. Artificial lures play a big role too, especially topwater plugs during early morning feeding frenzies and soft plastics worked along mangrove edges. Captain Tommy knows when to sight cast to tailing redfish in knee-deep water and when to anchor up and fish the deeper channels where snook ambush baitfish. The Caloosahatchee River system, Estero Bay, and the countless mangrove creeks create a maze of fishing opportunities that change with the tides. You'll learn to work the moving water, target structure like downed trees and oyster bars, and position yourself for the best shots at cruising fish. The key is staying mobile and adapting to conditions – something Captain Tommy has mastered over years of guiding these waters.
"Tommy is very knowledgeable about the water ways in Southwest Florida. I booked him and caught an inshore slam! Very impressed with his knowledge and guidance!" - Angela
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and these ambush predators know how to put up a fight. These silvery gamefish love hanging around mangrove shorelines, bridge pilings, and oyster bars where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. Fall through spring offers the best action when water temperatures drop into their comfort zone. What makes snook so special is their explosive strike and their tendency to jump when hooked – plus they're absolutely delicious when prepared right. You'll find them ranging from schoolie-sized fish up to true trophy specimens pushing 30-plus inches.
Sea Trout might not have the glamour of snook, but they're incredibly fun to catch and great table fare. These spotted beauties prefer grass flats and sandy bottoms where they can blend in while hunting shrimp and small fish. Winter months bring some of the biggest gator trout of the year, with fish over 20 inches becoming more common in the deeper holes. They're perfect for light tackle fishing, and their soft mouths mean you need to keep steady pressure without horsing them to the boat. The bite can be subtle, so paying attention to your line is key.
Redfish are the bullies of the flats, and watching one crash a topwater lure in shallow water never gets old. These copper-colored fighters are year-round residents that love cruising the grass beds and oyster bars looking for crabs and baitfish. You'll spot them by their distinctive black spot near the tail, and bigger fish often travel in small schools. Reds are known for their powerful runs and their ability to use their broad sides to fight in shallow water. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters, making them a customer favorite for good reason.
Crevalle Jack bring pure power to every fight, earning their reputation as one of the strongest fish pound-for-pound in these waters. These silver torpedoes travel in schools and can turn a quiet morning into chaos when they show up chasing bait. Summer months see the biggest concentrations, especially around structure and drop-offs. When you hook into a jack, expect a long, hard fight with multiple runs that'll test your drag and your endurance. They're catch-and-release fish for most anglers, but the fight alone makes them worth targeting.
Lane Snapper are the perfect fish for action-packed fishing when the bigger gamefish aren't cooperating. These colorful little fighters love structure and will hit everything from live shrimp to small jigs. You'll find them around bridges, docks, and rocky areas throughout the year, with spring and summer offering the most consistent action. While they're smaller than their offshore cousins, lane snapper are excellent table fare and their willingness to bite keeps the trip interesting. They're also great for getting kids or beginners hooked on fishing since they're aggressive and fight hard for their size.
At $500 for up to two anglers, Captain Tommy's inshore charter delivers serious value for a private fishing experience in some of Florida's best waters. The free cancellation policy gives you flexibility
The 18' Floyd Skiff cuts through Fort Myers waters like it was built for these exact flats and channels. Captain Tommy's ride fits just two anglers, making it perfect for serious fishing without the crowd. This nimble motorboat gets you into those shallow spots where the big snook and redfish like to hang out, especially around the mangroves where larger boats can't reach. What makes this skiff special is the wireless trolling motor that lets you glide silently into prime fishing zones without spooking the fish. The GPS keeps you on track to the hottest spots, while the fish finder shows you exactly what's swimming below. Between catches, the icebox keeps your drinks cold and any keeper fish fresh. All your tackle, rods, and reels are already on board, plus live bait when you want that extra edge. It's a no-fuss setup that puts you right where the action is in Southwest Florida's legendary inshore waters.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the flats - pure muscle and attitude packed into a brassy, golden package. These aggressive fighters typically run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but the big ones can hit 4 feet and really test your tackle. They roam both shallow flats and deeper channels, often schooling up and pushing baitfish to the surface. You'll spot them by watching for diving birds or that telltale commotion on the water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. Guests love jacks because they hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up - perfect for kids or anyone wanting non-stop action. Watch for schools feeding aggressively, then cast silver spoons or topwater plugs right into the chaos. My advice: use heavy enough tackle because once hooked, these fish will test every knot and your drag system.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are those pretty pink and yellow striped fish that often surprise anglers targeting other species around our local reefs and structure. They typically run 10-14 inches and make great table fare with sweet, white meat. You'll find them around rocky bottom, coral heads, and artificial reefs in 15-80 feet of water, though they sometimes venture into shallower areas near passes and bridges. Spring through fall offers the best fishing, especially during their spawning season from March to September when they're more aggressive. What guests enjoy about lanes is they're eager biters and perfect for getting kids or beginners into the action. They're also excellent eating - many consider them one of the best tasting snappers. Use small hooks with live or frozen shrimp, and don't be surprised if you catch several once you find a school. They travel in groups and compete for food.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing here in Fort Myers. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots near the tail typically run 20-35 inches and put up one heck of a fight. Look for them cruising the shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What guests love about reds is their willingness to eat and that powerful, drag-screaming run when hooked. The smaller "slot" fish make excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. They're not picky eaters either - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials all work. Here's my secret: look for "tailing" fish with their heads down feeding. Approach quietly and drop your bait right in their path.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are a staple of Fort Myers inshore fishing. These silvery beauties with their distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones show up regularly. They hang out over grass flats and sandy bottoms, usually in 2-8 feet of water around structure like oyster bars and channel edges. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up in deeper holes and channels. Trout are scrappy fighters with a soft mouth, so keep steady pressure but don't horse them. The meat is sweet and tender - perfect for the dinner table. They feed heavily at dawn and dusk, especially on moving water. Pro tip: use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below it. The noise draws them in from a distance, and that natural presentation seals the deal.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Southwest Florida's most sought-after gamefish, and for good reason. These sleek predators average 1-3 feet but can grow up to 4 feet, with that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in shallow water - they love structure and ambush points. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll run straight for cover the moment they feel the hook. The meat is excellent too, white and flaky when cooked right. My tip: cast live shrimp or pilchards right up against the mangrove roots where other guides won't go. That's where the big ones hide.
5.0 out of 5.0Tommy is very knowledgeable about the water ways in Southwest Florida. I booked him and caught an inshore slam! Very impressed wit...
Fort Myers, FL