Afternoon Inshore Fishing with Captain Tommy
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Five-hour private charter targets snook, redfish, and tarponAfternoon departure accommodates up to two anglers with license includedCaptain Tommy customizes trips based on guest fishing preferences
Step aboard with Captain Tommy for a prime afternoon fishing adventure that puts you right in the heart of Fort Myers' legendary inshore waters. This 5-hour private charter kicks off at 1:00 PM when the afternoon bite really starts heating up, giving you and one fishing buddy the entire boat to yourselves. At $500 for two anglers, you're getting access to some of Southwest Florida's most productive fishing grounds without the crowds that morning trips often bring. Tommy's been working these waters for years and knows exactly where to put you on fish when the sun's high and the action's hot.
Captain Tommy runs a no-nonsense operation that's all about putting fish in the boat while keeping things relaxed and fun. Your afternoon starts with a quick rundown of the game plan as you cruise out to the first spot, with your fishing license and cold bottled water already taken care of. Tommy tailors every trip to what you're after – whether you want to tangle with hard-fighting snook around the mangroves or chase redfish across the flats. The afternoon timing works perfectly for targeting active fish that are feeding before the evening cool-down. You'll cover a variety of structure and water depths, from shallow grass flats to deeper channels where the bigger fish like to hang out. Tommy provides all the tackle and knows when to switch up techniques based on what the fish are telling him that day.
This inshore game is all about versatility, and Tommy comes prepared with an arsenal of tackle to match whatever conditions you find. Live bait is often the name of the game here – pinfish, pilchards, and shrimp that get the attention of hungry predators lurking in the shallows. You'll work everything from free-lined baits around dock pilings to bottom rigs over shell bars where snapper love to feed. When the fish are aggressive, Tommy might break out the artificial lures – soft plastics on jig heads, topwater plugs that create explosive strikes, and spoons that flash through the water column. The beauty of Fort Myers inshore fishing is reading the water and adapting your approach. One minute you're sight-casting to cruising redfish, the next you're working live bait under a mangrove overhang where a monster snook might be waiting.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and Fort Myers waters hold some real bruisers. These ambush predators love structure – dock pilings, mangrove shorelines, and bridge shadows where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. Fall through early spring offers the most consistent snook action, though summer can produce some memorable topwater explosions during low-light periods. What makes snook special is their fight – they'll jump, run for cover, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. Plus, that distinctive black lateral line makes them one of the most recognizable catches in Florida waters.
Redfish are another fan favorite that call these shallow waters home year-round. These copper-colored fighters are famous for their bulldogging runs and stubborn refusal to give up easily. Fort Myers redfish typically run 18-27 inches, perfect eating size, and they're not shy about taking both live and artificial baits. You'll find them tailing in skinny water during incoming tides or schooled up around oyster bars and grass edges. The sight of a red's tail breaking the surface as it feeds head-down in two feet of water gets every angler's heart pumping.
Sheepshead might not be the prettiest fish in the bay, but they're absolute table fare champions with a challenging bite that keeps things interesting. These black-and-white striped convicts hang around any hard structure they can find – bridge pilings, docks, and rock piles. They're notorious bait thieves with crushing power in their jaws, so you need to stay sharp and set the hook at the first sign of a pickup. Winter months bring the biggest sheepshead action as they move inshore to spawn.
Crevalle Jack bring the muscle to your fishing day with powerful runs that'll test your drag system and arm strength. These silver torpedoes travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're not picky eaters and will crush everything from live baits to flashy spoons and jigs. While they're not great table fare, jacks provide some of the most exciting light-tackle action you'll find in these waters.
Lane Snapper add consistent action and excellent eating to your afternoon on the water. These smaller cousins of their offshore relatives hang around structure and grass beds, eagerly taking small baits and cut pieces. They're perfect for keeping rods bent while you're waiting for the bigger predators to show up, and their sweet, flaky meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table. Lane snapper fishing stays strong most of the year, making them a reliable backup when other species are being finicky.
Captain Tommy's afternoon charters offer the perfect combination of productive fishing and relaxed timing that lets you enjoy your morning before heading out on the water. With free cancellation up to three days out, you can book with confidence knowing Florida's unpredictable weather won't leave you stuck with charges for a trip you can't take. The two-angler limit means you'll get personalized attention and won't be fighting for rod space or the captain's guidance when fish are biting. Whether you're looking to put together a fish fry, introduce someone to inshore fishing, or just spend a few hours doing what you love most, this charter delivers the goods. Fort Myers inshore fishing doesn't get much better than this – book your date now and get ready to see why these waters have such a solid reputation among serious anglers.
Captain Tommy's 18' Floyd Skiff cuts through Fort Myers waters like it was built for these exact flats and channels. This compact fishing machine handles two anglers comfortably while staying nimble enough to slip into those tight spots where snook and redfish like to hide. The wireless trolling motor keeps you moving quietly through shallow water without spooking fish, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure below. GPS keeps you on productive waters, and the icebox ensures cold drinks and fresh bait all afternoon. With rods, reels, and tackle provided, you just need to bring your casting arm. The shallow draft design gets you into backcountry spots bigger boats can't reach, perfect for sight fishing redfish or working mangrove shorelines for snook. This skiff knows these waters and handles like Captain Tommy's been running it for years.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of our local waters - pure muscle and aggression in a bronze package. These guys typically run 3-8 pounds but can push 15-20 pounds when we find the bigger schools. They roam both shallow flats and deeper channels, often following baitfish schools. Look for diving birds - that's usually jacks pushing mullet or sardines to the surface. Spring through fall gives the most consistent action. What makes them special is the raw power - they'll test your drag and your arms with long, punishing runs. They're not great table fare but fantastic sport fish. Pro tip: when you find a feeding school, cast silver spoons or topwater plugs beyond them and retrieve fast. They love the chase and rarely refuse a moving meal.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snapper are scrappy little fighters with those pretty pink and yellow stripes running down their sides. Most of what we catch runs 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds, perfect for the cooler and dinner table. They hang around coral patches, rocky bottom, and structure in 20-100 feet of water. Spring through early fall is peak season when they're most active and aggressive. Guests enjoy them because they bite readily, fight harder than their size suggests, and make excellent eating with sweet, white meat. They're often a nice bonus when targeting other bottom fish. Here's what works: small hooks with live or frozen shrimp, and don't be afraid to downsize your tackle. They're not line-shy and will hit during the day, making them perfect for newer anglers.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing here in Fort Myers. These copper-colored beauties typically run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, with that signature black spot near the tail. They cruise the flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and winter offer the most consistent action. What guests love is the visual aspect - you can often spot them tailing in skinny water, plus they fight hard with long runs. The meat is mild and excellent on the table. My go-to technique: look for nervous water or mudding fish, then pitch a gold spoon or live shrimp ahead of their path and work it slowly.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the best eating around here. Most run 2-4 pounds and 14-18 inches, though we occasionally hook into 8-pounders around deeper structure. They love hanging around dock pilings, bridges, and oyster bars where they can scrape off barnacles and crabs. Winter through early spring is prime time when they're staging for spawning runs. Guests love the challenge - these fish are notorious bait thieves with those human-like teeth. The fight is solid and steady, not flashy but determined. Local tip: use fiddler crabs on a small hook and get right up against the pilings. Keep steady pressure once hooked or they'll cut you off.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our top targets here in Fort Myers - these sleek fighters average 18-24 inches but can stretch past 3 feet. You'll spot them by that distinctive black lateral line and golden color. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in shallow water, especially during moving tides. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make multiple runs and try to cut your line on structure. Plus, they're fantastic eating with white, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: cast live shrimp or pilchards tight to the mangrove edge and let the current sweep it naturally past their ambush spots.
Fort Myers, FL