5.0(1 Reviews)Inshore Fishing Charter in Fort Myers FL
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Five-hour private inshore charter targets Snook, Redfish, and TarponCaptain Tommy provides expert guidance for all skill levelsTrip includes fishing licenses, water, and flexible cancellation policy
Captain Tommy's 5-hour private inshore charter puts you right in the heart of Southwest Florida's best fishing grounds. Starting at 7:00 AM, this half-day trip is built for two anglers who want to experience what makes Fort Myers waters legendary among serious fishermen. You'll target the big four – Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and Mangrove Snapper – in the productive flats and mangrove shorelines that define this world-class fishery. Tommy brings decades of local knowledge to every outing, adjusting tactics based on your skill level and what's biting that day. At $500 for both guests, you get fishing licenses, bottled water, and the kind of personalized attention that turns good fishing days into great ones.
Fort Myers inshore fishing means working the mangrove creeks, grass flats, and oyster bars where gamefish ambush their prey. Tommy runs a clean, well-equipped boat that gets you to the fish without beating you up on the ride. Early morning departure gives you the best bite window when predators are actively feeding in cooler water. The trip flows naturally from spot to spot as conditions and fish activity dictate – you might start throwing live shrimp around dock pilings for Snook, then move to the flats for sight-fishing Redfish in skinny water. Tommy reads the water like a book, positioning you for the best shots at quality fish. Weather plays a role in Southwest Florida, so he's constantly adjusting to wind, tide, and temperature to keep you on productive water. This isn't a rushed cattle-boat operation – with just two anglers maximum, everyone gets plenty of rod time and individual coaching.
Inshore fishing here relies on lighter tackle that lets you feel every bite and fight. Tommy provides quality spinning gear spooled with appropriate line weights for the conditions – typically 15-20 pound test that handles both finesse presentations and bigger fish. Live bait is king in these waters, with shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish accounting for most hookups. You'll also throw artificial lures like soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons when fish are actively feeding. Techniques range from free-lining baits in the current to precise casting under mangrove overhangs where Snook hide. Sight-fishing becomes a major component when targeting Redfish on shallow flats – Tommy poles the boat into position while you cast to tailing or cruising fish. The key is matching your presentation to what the fish want that particular day, whether it's a slow-sinking shrimp or a fast-retrieved paddle tail that triggers reaction strikes.
"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 Fort Myers waters hold some of the best populations in the state. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangroves, bridges – anywhere they can pin baitfish against cover. They're incredibly line-shy and spook easily, making them a technical challenge that separates good anglers from great ones. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures stay consistently warm. What makes Snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight – they'll jump, gill-rattle, and make blistering runs toward structure. Plus, they're excellent table fare when harvested during open season.
Sea Trout cruise the grass flats year-round, making them one of the most reliable targets for Fort Myers anglers. These spotted beauties respond well to both live bait and artificials, particularly soft plastics worked slowly over the bottom. They school up in cooler months, creating opportunities for multiple hookups when you find them. Trout have a delicate mouth, so light drag and steady pressure are essential. They're perfect for building confidence in newer anglers while still providing plenty of action for veterans. The bigger "gator" trout that prowl deeper edges can stretch past 20 inches and provide memorable fights.
Redfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in shallow Fort Myers waters. These copper-colored bruisers patrol flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in small schools or as solitary hunters. Spring and fall offer peak fishing when they're most active in skinny water. What makes Reds special is watching them eat – you can often see the fish, make the cast, and watch the take unfold right in front of you. They fight with pure power, making long runs and using their broad sides to create maximum resistance. Redfish are also conservation success stories, with healthy populations supporting both catch-and-release fishing and limited harvest opportunities.
Crevalle Jack bring raw power to the inshore game, often appearing in aggressive schools that attack baitfish with reckless abandon. These silver bullets hit hard and fight harder, testing your drag system and endurance with sustained runs. They're most active during warmer months and can be found anywhere from shallow flats to deeper channels. Jacks aren't picky eaters – they'll crush live bait, spoons, jigs, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. While not prized for table fare, they provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience inshore. Many anglers consider them perfect practice for larger offshore species.
Lane Snapper add variety to Fort Myers inshore action, particularly around structure and deeper grass beds. These colorful fighters are excellent table fare and respond well to small baits presented near the bottom. They're most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round when you know where to look. Lane Snappers often school with other species like Mangrove Snapper, creating mixed-bag opportunities. Their smaller size makes them perfect targets for light tackle, and their willingness to bite makes them ideal for keeping the
Captain Tommy's 18' Floyd Skiff is built for serious inshore fishing around Fort Myers waters. This compact motorboat handles shallow flats and backcountry spots where the big snook and redfish like to hide. With room for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space without bumping elbows. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when stalking spooky fish in skinny water, while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida mornings. GPS navigation ensures you'll hit the productive spots and find your way back through the maze of mangrove creeks. All rods, reels, and tackle are provided, plus live bait when conditions call for it. This skiff draws minimal water, perfect for chasing tarpon in the passes or working the grass flats for reds and trout.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bullies of our local waters and absolute blast to catch on light tackle. These powerful, deep-bodied fish run 12-24 inches on average, though the big ones can hit 30+ inches and really test your drag. You'll find them in schools around structure like bridges, docks, and jetties, plus they love chasing bait on shallow flats. They're year-round residents here, but summer months bring the most consistent action. What makes jacks special is their raw power - pound for pound, few fish fight harder or make longer runs. They're not great eating, so we usually release them to fight another day. Watch for diving birds feeding on the surface - that's your best sign that jacks are pushing baitfish up from below.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are perfect starter fish for families and a nice bonus catch on our trips. These colorful little snappers with pink and yellow stripes typically run 8-12 inches, making them ideal for kids to handle. We find them around coral heads, rocky bottom, and structure in 15-40 feet of water year-round, though spring through fall produces the most consistent action. They bite aggressively and put up a scrappy fight for their size, plus they're absolutely delicious - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. What's great is they're not picky eaters and will hit cut bait, shrimp, or small jigs readily. Best tip: once you find one, stick around that spot because they usually travel in schools and you can often catch several more.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Fort Myers' ultimate sight-fishing thrill. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails typically range 18-30 inches, with some real bulls pushing 40+ inches. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs break the surface. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up and get aggressive. What guests love is the visual excitement of watching their backs and tails as they feed, plus these fish fight like freight trains once hooked. The smaller "slot" reds make excellent table fare too. My go-to trick: look for nervous water and mullet jumping - that usually means reds are pushing bait around underneath.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets here in Fort Myers. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches with plenty of 20+ inch fish mixed in. You'll find them cruising grass flats in 3-8 feet of water, especially around deeper potholes and channel edges. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, and low-light periods like dawn and dusk are prime time. Trout are aggressive feeders that hit hard and make decent runs, plus they're some of the best eating fish we catch - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. The noise draws them in from a distance, and that natural presentation seals the deal.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the crown jewel of Fort Myers inshore fishing. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though big females can push 40+ inches. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. What makes them special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll jump, run, and try every trick to shake the hook. Spring through fall are prime time, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. The meat is firm and white, making them excellent table fare. Here's the key: work your lures slow and close to structure. Snook are ambush predators, so that perfect cast right against the mangroves often gets rewarded with a vicious strike.
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