Fishing Trips Fort Myers with Always Fun Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Inshore and offshore fishing trips targeting multiple speciesCaptain Neil guides groups up to 6 guests maximumSeasonal catches include mackerel, snapper, sharks, and trout
Looking for some serious fishing action in Southwest Florida? Captain Neil's Always Fun Charters delivers exactly what Fort Myers anglers have been searching for. These waters hold some of the Gulf's best fishing spots, and with over two decades of experience reading these tides, Captain Neil knows where the fish are biting. Whether you're after that trophy catch or just want to fill the cooler, this charter puts you right in the action with both inshore flats and offshore reef fishing options.
Your day starts early when the fish are most active and the Gulf is calm. Captain Neil keeps his boat in top condition and stocks all the tackle you'll need, from light spinning gear for inshore work to heavy conventional rigs for the bigger offshore species. The boat holds up to 6 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for family trips or small groups of friends. You'll cover both inshore backcountry areas where mangroves create perfect ambush spots, and venture out to the offshore reefs where the larger pelagics cruise. The captain adjusts the game plan based on seasonal patterns, weather conditions, and what's been producing lately. Some days you might spend time working the grass flats for trout and snapper, other trips focus on deeper structure where the big boys hang out.
Fort Myers fishing means adapting your approach to match the conditions and target species. Captain Neil runs a mix of live bait fishing with pinfish, pilchards, and shrimp, plus artificial lures when the fish are aggressive. For inshore work, you'll use lighter tackle - spinning rods with 20-30 pound braid work perfectly for most situations. The captain provides everything from jig heads and soft plastics to topwater plugs that drive trout and snapper crazy during dawn and dusk feeding periods. Offshore trips step up the game with conventional reels spooled with heavier line, wire leaders for toothy critters like king mackerel, and circle hooks that improve hookup ratios on larger fish. Bottom fishing with knocker rigs produces steady action on grouper and snapper around structure, while trolling covers water efficiently when hunting pelagics. Captain Neil handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of tying knots.
Grey Snapper are the bread and butter of Fort Myers fishing, especially around the nearshore reefs and structure. These smart fish average 2-4 pounds but can push into double digits when you find the right spots. They're most active during summer months when water temperatures climb, and they'll hit both live bait and jigs if you present them right. What makes snapper fishing so addictive is their fight - they dive straight for cover the second they feel the hook, testing your drag and making every fish feel bigger than it is.
Sheepshead are the winter specialists around Fort Myers, moving into shallow water from December through March to spawn. These black and white striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure. They're notorious bait stealers, requiring light tackle and quick hook sets to connect. Most run 1-3 pounds, but the big spawning females can hit 6-8 pounds and provide excellent table fare. Finding sheepshead means looking for oyster bars, dock pilings, and rocky areas where they feed.
Permit are the holy grail for many Fort Myers anglers - these disc-shaped fighters are incredibly spooky and challenging to hook. They cruise the shallow flats looking for crabs and show up best during spring and fall months when water temperatures are moderate. A typical permit runs 8-15 pounds of pure muscle that will test your equipment and skills. They're famous for long runs and aerial displays that leave anglers shaking with adrenaline. Catching one requires patience, stealth, and often multiple attempts.
Blacktip Shark bring non-stop action to Fort Myers fishing, especially during their winter migration from December through April. These aggressive predators average 20-40 pounds and put on spectacular jumping shows when hooked. They'll hit both live and cut bait, making them accessible to anglers of all skill levels. Blacktips fight hard and fast, making blistering runs and clearing the water multiple times per fight. They're perfect for kids and first-time shark fishermen because they're manageable size but still provide that apex predator experience.
African Pompano are the offshore prize that gets experienced anglers fired up. These deep-bodied fish can reach 20-30 pounds and provide some of the strongest fights in local waters. They show up best during warmer months around wrecks and artificial reefs, often suspended in mid-water where they ambush baitfish. African Pompano are relatively rare catches, making them even more special when you connect. Their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style will have you questioning your tackle choices and celebrating when you finally get them to the boat.
Fort Myers fishing stays hot year-round, but the best days book up fast with Captain Neil's reputation for putting clients on fish. Spring and fall offer the most diverse fishing with comfortable weather and active fish, while summer brings the heat along with some of the best snapper action. Winter months focus more on inshore species but can surprise you with some of the year's biggest fish. Always Fun Charters provides the local knowledge, quality equipment, and fishing expertise that turns a day on the water into a fishing adventure you'll be talking about for years. Ready to see what Fort Myers fishing is all about? Captain Neil's got the cooler ready and knows exactly where they're biting.
Hit the waters off Fort Myers aboard the "Always Fun Charters" boat, a solid 1999 Tiara Offshore sport fishing vessel that's built for serious angling. This 41-footer runs on twin 550HP Detroit Diesel engines, cruising at a smooth 24 knots to get you to the fish fast. Captain Neil knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand and will put you on Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Trout, Blacktip Sharks, Mangrove Snapper, and whatever's biting that day. The boat's loaded with everything you need - GPS and radar for navigation, fish finder to locate the action, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. When you need a break from reeling them in, there's a comfortable bed, toilet, and kitchen onboard. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for family trips or fishing with buddies. Whether you're after inshore species or heading offshore for bigger game, this charter boat will get you there in comfort and style.
Alectis CiliarisAfrican Pompano are part of the jack family and put up a serious scrap for their size. These silvery, round fish typically run 10-30 pounds, but the big ones can push 50. Juveniles hang shallow near shore with those long trailing filaments, while adults prefer 30-250 feet around reefs and wrecks. They're warm water fish, so spring through fall gives you the best shot when water temps are up. What makes them worth targeting is that bulldogging fight - they'll use that flat profile to their advantage and really lean into the current. Plus they're excellent table fare. These jacks are suckers for fast-moving, flashy presentations since they're natural predators. Try vertical jigging with silver spoons or bucktails around structure. Here's the trick: when you hook up, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - they've got soft mouths and will throw the hook if you get too aggressive with the drag.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip Sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for those spectacular jumps when hooked. They average 3-5 feet but can hit 8 feet and over 100 pounds. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water around reefs, wrecks, and anywhere baitfish concentrate. They're year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months when bait is thick. What makes them special is that aerial show - these fish will jump clean out of the water multiple times during a fight. They're also pretty aggressive feeders, so action can be fast once you locate them. The key is getting a good chum slick going with oily fish like mackerel or sardines. Use circle hooks on heavy braided line because they can get pretty wild when hooked. Pro tip: keep multiple baits out at different depths - blacktips will cruise the entire water column following that scent trail you're laying down.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are smart fish that'll test your patience. Most run 1-3 pounds inshore, but head offshore and you might hook into one pushing 20 pounds. These copper-colored snappers with the dark eye stripe love structure - docks, mangroves, reefs, anywhere they can ambush prey. They're most active at night and during cooler months from fall through early spring. What makes them popular is that white, flaky meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're also notorious bait thieves, so here's the trick: use a live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then lift it just off the structure. When you feel that subtle tap, don't jerk - let them take it and slowly tighten up before setting the hook. Patience wins with these fish.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - these silver, disc-shaped fish will humble even experienced anglers. They average 15-25 pounds with that distinctive tall profile and forked tail. You'll find juveniles on shallow grass flats in just 2-3 feet of water, while adults cruise deeper structure offshore. Spring through fall is peak season when they're most active and feeding heavy on crabs. What draws people to permit fishing is the challenge - they're incredibly spooky with those golf ball-sized eyes that see everything. The fight is bulldogging power that'll test your drag. They're also great eating, though most folks release these beauties. Blue crabs are the gold standard bait, but here's a local tip: when sight fishing the flats, cast well ahead of cruising fish and let that crab settle naturally. Any sudden movement or splash will send them running for deep water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish with those black and white stripes and freaky human-like teeth. They're structure junkies - find a dock, bridge piling, or barnacle-covered pier and you'll find these guys. Most weigh 2-6 pounds, but 15-pounders show up around the right spots. Winter through early spring is prime time when they're spawning around passes and jetties. People love targeting them because they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat, plus they're year-round residents so always available. Fair warning though - they're notorious bait thieves with those crushing jaws. My go-to trick is using fiddler crabs or live shrimp on a small hook, get tight to the structure, and when you feel them pecking at the bait, set that hook hard and fast. They'll try to cut you off in the pilings, so keep steady pressure and work them out.
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