Fort Myers Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Expert captain targets Permit, Snook, and Redfish inshoreAll fishing equipment and licenses included for convenienceCustomized trips for families and experienced anglers alike
Southwest Florida's waters around Fort Myers offer some of the most productive inshore fishing you'll find anywhere. Day 5 Charters knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish whether you're a first-timer or you've been chasing reds for decades. With a maximum of two anglers, this isn't some crowded party boat experience – it's your morning to fish the way you want to fish.
Your captain's going to size you up pretty quick – not in a bad way, but to figure out what kind of fishing day you're after. Got kids who've never held a rod? Perfect, we'll start easy in protected waters where the action's steady. Been fishing your whole life and want to sight-cast to tailing redfish? Even better – we know exactly where to find them. The beauty of Fort Myers inshore fishing is the variety. One minute you might be working a mangrove shoreline for snook, the next you're poling across a grass flat looking for that telltale red tail waving in the shallows. Your captain reads the conditions daily – tide, wind, water clarity, time of year – then plots a course that gives you the best shot at success. Everything's included, so you don't need to stress about tackle or licenses. Just bring yourself, some snacks if you want them, and get ready for a morning that'll remind you why Florida fishing has such a reputation.
Inshore fishing around Fort Myers means adapting to what the fish want on any given day. Your captain comes equipped with both spinning and conventional gear, rigged and ready for different scenarios. Live bait fishing with shrimp, pilchards, or pinfish is deadly effective – especially when you're targeting snook around structure or redfish cruising the flats. But don't be surprised if your guide breaks out the artificials when conditions are right. Soft plastics bounced along the bottom can trigger aggressive strikes from sea trout, while topwater plugs create explosive action during early morning or late afternoon sessions. The boat's rigged with a shallow-water setup that lets you access those skinny spots where big fish feel safe. Trolling motor keeps things quiet when stealth matters, and the captain's trained eye spots fish signs you might miss – nervous bait, swirls in the grass, or that subtle wake that screams gamefish. Techniques shift based on species and conditions, but your guide explains everything as you go. No guesswork, just proven methods that put fish in the boat.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators lurk around docks, mangroves, and bridge pilings, waiting to crush anything that looks like an easy meal. They fight like bulldogs on the initial run, then jump and shake their heads trying to throw the hook. Best action happens during warmer months, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes snook special isn't just their fighting ability – they're smart fish that demand respect and proper technique.
Redfish might be the most popular target species on these flats, and once you hook one, you'll understand why. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallows in singles, pairs, or schools, often with their backs out of the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. A 20-pound red will peel drag off your reel and make multiple runs before you get it to the boat. They're year-round residents, though fall and spring offer the most consistent action. The visual aspect of redfish fishing – actually seeing the fish before you cast – adds a hunting element that gets addictive fast.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Fort Myers inshore fishing. They school up over grass flats and around structure, making them perfect for anglers who want steady action. These spotted beauties aren't huge – most run 12 to 16 inches – but they bite aggressively and taste fantastic on the dinner table. Cold fronts actually improve sea trout fishing, so don't let cooler weather keep you home. They're active year-round, though winter months often produce the biggest specimens.
Sheepshead earn respect from serious anglers because they're simply hard to catch. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure. They're notorious bait stealers – you'll swear you felt a bite, then reel up bare hooks. But when you connect with a nice sheepshead, you've earned it. Winter months bring the biggest concentrations as they move shallow to spawn. Their unique appearance and challenging nature make them a favorite target for experienced anglers looking to test their skills.
Permit represent the holy grail of flats fishing. These disc-shaped silver rockets are incredibly spooky and notoriously difficult to fool with artificial lures. Most permit fishing involves sight-casting to cruising fish with live crabs or perfectly presented jigs. They're not common catches, but when one eats your bait, you're in for the fight of a lifetime. Permit can show up any time of year around Fort Myers, though spring and fall typically offer the best opportunities. Many anglers fish for years before catching their first permit, making each one a trophy regardless of size.
Fort Myers inshore fishing delivers year-round action with Day 5 Charters, but the best days book up fast – especially during peak season. This intimate two-angler setup means personalized attention and fishing pressure that matches your experience level. Whether you're planning a father-son trip, want to introduce someone to the sport, or you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters, this charter adapts to what you need. The captain's local knowledge, quality gear, and commitment to putting you on fish makes this a top choice for anyone serious about inshore fishing. Don't
This 2022 Robalo bay boat is your ticket to prime Fort Myers fishing waters. With a powerful 300HP Yamaha engine, you'll cruise at speeds up to 49 knots to reach the best fishing spots quickly. The boat's designed for serious angling with a fish finder to locate your targets and GPS navigation to hit those honey holes. A wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on fish without spooking them in shallow flats. The flybridge gives you an elevated view to spot fish and navigate backcountry waters. Between catches, chill with cold drinks from the icebox and tunes from the multimedia system. There's even a toilet onboard for longer fishing days. Perfect for up to 2 anglers targeting snook, redfish, and permit in Fort Myers' legendary inshore waters.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - beautiful, spooky, and incredibly challenging. These disc-shaped silver fish with forked tails can reach 36 inches and 60 pounds, though most we see run smaller. They cruise shallow grass flats and sand bars, often in just 2-3 feet of water, using those golf ball-sized eyes to spot danger from far away. Spring through fall offers the best shots, especially during spawning season from April to October. What draws serious anglers is the difficulty - permit are notoriously picky and will refuse perfectly presented baits for no apparent reason. Landing one is a true accomplishment. They fight hard too, using that flat body to plane against the current. Here's the secret: fresh blue crabs work best, but you need a perfect presentation. Lead them by several feet and let the crab settle naturally - one wrong move and they're gone.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water thrill, often cruising flats so skinny their backs show above water. These copper-colored bruisers with the signature black spot near their tail typically range 20-35 inches in our waters. They love oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is solid here, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes reds special is their power - once hooked, they'll make long, drag-screaming runs that test your equipment. They're also great eating with mild, sweet meat. The sight-fishing aspect gets people hooked; watching a 30-inch red cruise the shallows gets your heart pumping. Pro tip: when you spot a tailing red, cast well ahead and work your bait slowly into their path. Spook them and the game's over.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are a Fort Myers staple that'll keep your rod bent all day. These silver beauties with dark spots typically run 14-24 inches and love our grass flats and shallow bays. They're most active during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels, but you can catch them year-round. Night fishing is particularly productive when they move shallow to feed. What makes trout fishing fun is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - they're aggressive feeders that'll smash topwater plugs at dawn and dusk. The meat is delicate and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. Here's what I tell everyone: work the grass edges with a popping cork and live shrimp, or throw soft plastics under birds. When you hook up, keep steady pressure - their mouths are soft and they'll throw the hook if you horse them.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're crafty fighters. Most run 1-8 pounds around here, though we occasionally see 20-pounders that'll surprise you. They live around any structure with barnacles: docks, bridges, pilings, and reefs. These fish have human-like teeth for crushing shellfish, making them notorious bait thieves. Spring months from February through April are prime time when they spawn around passes and offshore structures. What guests love is the challenge - they're smart fish that require patience and skill. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. My tip: use fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to structure, and when you feel that nibble, set the hook hard. They'll try to steal your bait otherwise.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier inshore targets, running 1-4 feet long with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloration. These ambush predators love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths where they can burst out at prey with surprising speed. They're estuarine fish, moving between salt and fresh water depending on conditions. Best fishing is during warmer months, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong runs - they'll test your drag for sure. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's a local trick: cast tight to structure and work your bait slowly. Snook rarely chase far from cover, so get that lure right in their face for the best shot.
Fort Myers Beach, FL