Fort Myers Inshore Fishing with Captain Neil
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
3hour afternoon nearshore fishing adventure with Captain NeilSeasonal targeting ensures most active fish species encountersAccommodates up to 6 guests in Gulf of Mexico waters
Looking for a solid afternoon on the water? Captain Neil's 3-hour PM fishing trips out of Fort Myers put you right where the fish are biting. These seasonal nearshore charters focus on whatever's running hot, so you're not wasting time on dead water. With space for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for families, buddy trips, or anyone wanting to get their line wet without burning a whole day. The Gulf waters off Fort Myers are loaded with fish year-round, and Neil knows exactly where to find them when the afternoon bite kicks in.
This isn't some cookie-cutter fishing trip where you drift around hoping for luck. Captain Neil runs seasonal patterns, which means you're targeting whatever species are most active during your visit. Spring might have you chasing cobia cruising the nearshore structure, while summer could put you on red grouper holding tight to the bottom. The 3-hour window hits that sweet afternoon bite when fish start moving and feeding gets aggressive. You'll fish productive nearshore waters where the Gulf of Mexico serves up consistent action without the long boat ride to deep water. The boat's rigged with quality tackle, so whether you're dropping bottom rigs for grouper or casting at surface action, you're set up for success. Neil keeps it relaxed but focused - he wants you catching fish, not just getting a boat ride.
The beauty of Fort Myers nearshore fishing is the variety of techniques that produce. You'll likely work both bottom fishing and mid-water presentations depending on what's biting. For grouper and snapper, expect to drop heavy jigs or live bait to structure in 20-60 feet of water. Spanish mackerel and cobia call for different approaches - maybe trolling spoons or casting jigs to moving schools. Neil's boat carries spinning and conventional setups matched to the day's targets. Live bait is often the ace in the hole, especially when fish are finicky, but artificials can absolutely light them up when they're aggressive. The nearshore waters off Fort Myers hold plenty of structure - rock piles, artificial reefs, and ledges that concentrate baitfish and the predators that hunt them. You're not just fishing random water; you're working specific spots that consistently hold fish.
Black Sea Bass are year-round residents that love structure and make great table fare. These chunky bottom dwellers typically run 1-3 pounds but fight harder than their size suggests. They school up on rocky bottom and artificial reefs, making them reliable targets when other species are tough. Sea bass bite best on small jigs and cut bait, and they're perfect for newer anglers since they're aggressive and relatively easy to hook. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - some of the best eating you'll find in the Gulf.
Spanish Mackerel show up in huge numbers during their seasonal runs, usually spring through fall. These speed demons hit small spoons, jigs, and live bait with explosive strikes that'll wake you up fast. They typically run 1-2 pounds but make up for size with pure energy and numbers. When the Spanish are running, it's not unusual to boat dozens in a few hours. They're also excellent smoked or grilled fresh, with rich, oily meat that's packed with flavor.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are some of the smartest fish in the Gulf. They're structure-oriented and incredibly line-shy, making them a real challenge for experienced anglers. Most run 12-16 inches, but the bigger ones are legitimate trophies. They respond best to live or fresh dead bait presented naturally near bottom structure. The fight is bulldogging and determined, and the meat is absolutely top-shelf - firm, white, and sweet.
Red Grouper are the prize catch for most anglers, combining size, fight, and fantastic eating into one package. These bottom dwellers typically run 5-15 pounds in nearshore waters, with occasional larger fish that'll really test your tackle. They live around hard structure and ambush prey from caves and ledges. Grouper fishing requires heavy tackle and quick reflexes - once hooked, they'll head straight for the rocks to cut you off. The meat is legendary among Gulf Coast anglers - thick, white fillets that are perfect for any preparation.
Cobia are the wild cards that can turn a good trip into an epic one. These curious, shark-like fish cruise nearshore waters and often approach the boat for a look. They're sight-fishing targets when spotted, but also take bottom baits meant for other species. Cobia typically run 20-40 pounds and fight like freight trains, making long runs and testing every part of your tackle. They're also incredible on the table - firm, meaty fillets that taste like a cross between grouper and mahi.
Captain Neil's afternoon trips give you the best of Fort Myers fishing without the early morning commitment or full-day time investment. The seasonal approach means you're always fishing for what's biting best, not just hoping something shows up. With only 6 spots available, these trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table, introduce someone to Gulf fishing, or just get out there and bend some rods, this is the trip that delivers. The Fort Myers nearshore waters are some of Florida's most productive, and with Neil putting you on fish, you're set up for the kind of afternoon that keeps you coming back for more.
Captain Neil's 1999 Tiara Offshore is built for serious fishing action in Fort Myers waters. This 41-foot sport fisher packs twin 550HP Detroit Diesels that'll get you to the fish at a solid 24 knots. The spacious cockpit handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to work their lines without getting tangled up. Modern fish finder tech helps locate the schools while GPS and radar keep you on course and safe. When you need a break from fighting fish, there's an icebox stocked for drinks, plus a full galley, head, and even a berth if someone needs to rest up. This boat's designed for those afternoon nearshore runs where the Gulf of Mexico serves up seasonal favorites. Whether you're chasing snapper, grouper, or whatever's biting that day, the Always Fun Charters vessel has the power, space, and gear to make it happen. No fancy frills - just a solid fishing platform ready to put you on the fish.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll give you a fast, exciting fight on light tackle. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds around Fort Myers. They travel in big schools near the surface, especially around structures and flats during warmer months. Spring through fall is your best bet when water temps climb. What guests love is their blistering runs and how they make light spinning gear sing. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish out here - firm, mild meat that grills perfectly. Pro tip: when you see birds diving or bait schools getting hammered, get there fast with a shiny spoon or live shrimp. Don't spook the school by getting too close - drift into casting range.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky fighters that most folks catch around 2-4 pounds, though they can hit 8+ pounds. These grouper family members hang around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and jetties in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. They're scrappy fighters until they break the surface, then give up quick. What makes them special is they start life as females and change to males around 9-13 inches - pretty wild biology. The meat is excellent eating too. Here's a local trick: use a 2-hook bottom rig with squid strips and fish it just off the bottom around structure. They're mostly bottom feeders but will hit jigs occasionally.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - big, powerful fish that cruise alone looking for trouble. These bruisers average around 30-50 pounds and 4-5 feet, but can top 100 pounds. They hang around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet, often cruising just under the surface. Spring through summer is prime when they're spawning and moving through our waters. What makes them special is the visual fishing - you actually see them swimming and cast right to them. The fight is bulldogging power, and the meat is top-shelf table fare. Here's the deal: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or live bait ahead of where they're swimming, not right at them. They spook easy but hit hard.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are smart cookies that'll test your patience. Most run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds inshore, though open water fish can hit 20 pounds. They love structure - docks, mangroves, rocks, and wrecks where they can ambush prey. These opportunistic feeders are most active at night but bite during the day too. What makes them fun is they're cautious biters that require finesse, then fight hard once hooked. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality. My go-to method: use a 4J hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to bottom, then lift it just off the structure. Be patient and don't jerk when you feel the first tap - let them take it.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - tough fighters that'll test your tackle and patience. These rusty-red beauties average 5-10 pounds but can push 50+ pounds. They live on rocky and muddy bottoms from 15-300 feet, with most caught in 30-100 feet around reefs, ledges, and wrecks. Best fishing is outside their spawning closure (May through December). What guests love is the serious battle - these fish dive straight for cover and won't give up easy. The payoff is some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf with firm, flaky meat. Key tip: use heavy tackle and get them up quick before they hole up in the rocks. Fresh shrimp or crab on a stout bottom rig works best.
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