Extended Half Day Fishing Trip in Cape Coral
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish, snook, and sea trout.Captain Al provides all equipment, bait, and fishing licenses included.Explore calm backwaters of Pine Island Sound with expert guidance.
Looking for a serious fishing adventure that gives you plenty of time to really get into the action? Captain Al's extended 6-hour inshore charter is exactly what you need. This isn't your typical quick trip around the bay – we're talking about a full morning or afternoon exploring some of Southwest Florida's most productive fishing grounds. You'll target four of the area's most sought-after species while cruising through the pristine backwaters where the big fish actually live. Cape Coral's location puts you right in the sweet spot between the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf, giving us access to diverse structure and seasonal patterns that keep the fishing hot year-round.
Captain Al knows these waters like the back of his hand, and that experience shows from the moment you step aboard. We'll be fishing the legendary spots around Burnt Store, Matlacha Pass, and Pine Island Sound – areas that consistently produce trophy fish for those who know how to work them right. The beauty of an extended trip is you're not rushing from spot to spot trying to beat the clock. Instead, we can really dial in on productive water and adjust our approach based on what the fish are telling us. Whether you're a complete beginner who needs to learn the basics or a seasoned angler looking to up your game, Captain Al tailors every aspect of the trip to match your skill level. The calm, protected waters we fish are perfect for families, and the abundant wildlife adds an extra layer of excitement to an already action-packed day. Plus, every fish you catch goes home with you – no catch limits or complicated regulations to worry about.
All your gear is completely covered – we're talking top-quality rods and reels matched to the specific techniques we'll be using, plus a full spread of tackle that's proven to work in these waters. Live bait is where the magic really happens for inshore fishing, and we keep a variety of options depending on what's biting best. Shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish are staples, but Captain Al always has a few secret weapons in the live well. You'll learn how to present baits naturally in different scenarios, from working oyster bars for redfish to casting around mangrove shorelines for snook. The fishing licenses are handled too, so you can focus entirely on the fishing. We'll cover everything from reading the water and understanding tidal movements to proper hook sets and fighting techniques for each species. The shallow water structure we fish requires finesse and local knowledge – areas where a few inches of depth can make the difference between a slow day and an epic one.
Redfish are absolutely the crown jewel of our inshore fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers typically run anywhere from 18 to 35 inches in our local waters, with the bigger bulls showing up during their seasonal migrations. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat and their incredible fighting ability in shallow water. They school up heavily around oyster bars and grass flats, especially during moving tides when baitfish get pushed around. Fall and winter are prime time for big numbers, but honestly, we catch quality redfish pretty much every month of the year. The sound they make when they crush a live shrimp is something you'll never forget.
Snook fishing is what separates the weekend warriors from the serious anglers around here. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangrove roots, bridge pilings – anywhere they can hide and wait for an easy meal. They're incredibly line-shy and have that famous gill-rattling jump that'll test your nerves every single time. Snook are highly seasonal, with the warmer months being absolutely phenomenal for numbers and size. A slot-sized snook in the 24 to 28-inch range is perfect eating, but the real trophies are those 30-plus-inch fish that'll make your drag scream. Captain Al knows exactly which mangrove pockets hold the biggest fish during different tide stages.
Sea trout might not get the glory of snook and redfish, but they're consistent producers and absolutely delicious on the table. These spotted beauties love grass flats and deeper potholes, especially during the cooler months when they school up in impressive numbers. They're perfect for beginners because they're aggressive feeders and relatively easy to hook, but don't let that fool you – a 20-inch gator trout is a legitimate trophy fish that'll put up a respectable fight. The key with trout is understanding their seasonal movements and matching your presentation to their mood.
Sheepshead are the ultimate finicky feeders, but that's exactly what makes them so rewarding to catch. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth and are notorious bait stealers, but once you figure out their game, they become addictive targets. They love structure like dock pilings, bridges, and oyster bars, especially during their winter spawning runs when they stack up in incredible numbers. Sheepshead require a completely different approach than the other species – lighter tackle, smaller baits, and lightning-fast reflexes. A 3 to 5-pound sheepshead is considered excellent, and they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in our waters.
Six hours on the water with Captain Al gives you the real Cape Coral fishing experience – no shortcuts, no rushed fishing, just quality time in productive water with an expert guide who's dedicated to putting you on fish. The extended format means we can cover more ground, try different techniques, and really zero in on what's working best that particular day. Whether you're looking to learn new skills, introduce kids to fishing, or just enjoy a relaxing day catching dinner, this charter delivers exactly what Southwest Florida inshore fishing is all about. The combination of diverse target species, beautiful scenery, and Captain Al's local expertise creates the kind of fishing trip that keeps people coming back season after season. Don't wait too long to book
Step aboard this brand-new 2024 Caymas 26HB for your Cape Coral fishing adventure. This 26-foot beauty comes powered by a Mercury V10 400 that'll get you to the hot spots fast, then switch to the wireless Minn Kota trolling motor for silent stalking of redfish and snook in the shallows. Two 8-inch Raptors keep you on the fish while the GPS and radar ensure smooth navigation through Matlacha Pass and Pine Island Sound's backcountry. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to work your lines. Keep your drinks cold in the icebox during those long battles with big snook, and stay connected with VHF radio communication. The onboard head means no cutting trips short, so you can focus on filling your cooler with sea trout and sheepshead from these productive waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing here in Southwest Florida. These copper-colored bruisers typically range from 18-27 inches (slot size), but we also find oversized bulls pushing 30+ inches that provide serious fights. They cruise our shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove creeks in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring are peak times when they school up heavy. What guests love most is the sight fishing opportunities and powerful runs when hooked. Their mild, flaky meat makes great table fare too. Pro tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows during incoming tides. A live shrimp pitched just ahead of a moving school usually gets eaten fast.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are perfect for anglers wanting steady action in our grass flats. Most fish run 12-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, with occasional 4-5 pounders that really bend the rod. They love shallow grass beds and sandy potholes in 2-8 feet of water throughout Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass. Fall and winter offer the best fishing when they school up in deeper holes. What makes trout special is their willingness to bite and their soft, sweet meat that's great on the table. They're also forgiving for beginners since they're less spooky than other species. My best advice: fish the grass edges early morning or late evening with live shrimp under a popping cork. Keep the bait moving slowly - trout are curious and will follow before striking.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convicts of our local waters with those distinctive black stripes, and they're some of the smartest fish you'll encounter. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though we occasionally hook into 8+ pounders that'll surprise you. Look for them around any structure - docks, bridge pilings, rock piles in 6-20 feet of water. Winter and spring are prime time when they school up thick around our area structures. What guests love is the challenge - these fish have human-like teeth and will steal your bait faster than you can blink. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's the secret: use small hooks with fresh shrimp and feel for that subtle tap-tap. Set the hook hard the moment you feel weight, or they'll clean you out every time.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after targets here in Cape Coral's backwaters. These golden-sided fighters typically run 18-24 inches, but we regularly see 30+ inchers that'll test your drag. They love hanging around mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridge pilings in 2-6 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially during moving tides at dawn and dusk. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and bulldogging runs - they'll use every piling and root to try breaking you off. The meat is fantastic too, sweet and flaky when cooked right. My go-to tip: cast your bait tight to structure and let it sink naturally. Snook are ambush predators, so they want an easy meal drifting past their hideout.
Cape Coral, FL