Full Day Inshore Fishing in Fort Myers
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore fishing targeting snook, redfish, trout, and mackerelCaptain provides all gear, bait, and fishing licenses includedWildlife viewing opportunities with dolphins, manatees, and seabirds
There's nothing quite like spending a full day on the water around Fort Myers, and Captain Dalton Rybka knows these flats and backcountry spots better than anyone. This top-rated inshore charter takes you to the prime fishing grounds where snook hide under mangroves, redfish cruise the shallows, and Spanish mackerel tear through baitfish schools. You'll fish from sunrise to sunset with everything provided - tackle, bait, licenses, and the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one. Perfect for up to four anglers, whether you're bringing the family or hitting the water with your fishing buddies.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Dalton at the dock, and trust me, those pre-dawn departures are worth every minute of lost sleep. Fort Myers sits right in the heart of some of Florida's best inshore fishing, with miles of grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines that hold serious fish year-round. You'll spend the day moving between different spots depending on the tides, wind, and what's biting. One minute you're sight fishing for tailing redfish in knee-deep water, the next you're drifting live shrimp over a deep hole where snook stack up. The boat stays comfortable all day, and there's always something happening - whether it's dolphins following the boat, manatees surfacing nearby, or ospreys diving for baitfish. Captain Dalton's been guiding these waters for years, so he reads the conditions like a book and adjusts the game plan to keep you on fish.
This isn't your typical party boat setup - you're fishing with quality spinning gear that can handle everything from schoolie trout to bull redfish. Captain Dalton rigs everything based on what you're targeting and where you're fishing. Live shrimp under popping corks for trout over the grass beds, cut bait on circle hooks for big redfish around structure, and live pilchards or threadfins when the Spanish mackerel are running. You'll learn proper techniques for each species, from how to work a topwater plug at first light to reading the signs when tarpon are rolling. The captain handles the boat positioning and tells you exactly where to cast, but you get to feel every head shake and make every decision during the fight. All the tackle is included, but feel free to bring your own rods if you've got favorites - just make sure they're spooled with fresh line.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of the inshore waters, and Fort Myers sees excellent runs from spring through fall. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and hit baits like freight trains, making screaming runs that'll test your drag settings. They school up around baitfish and structure, so when you find one, you'll usually find a dozen. The bite is fast and furious - perfect for keeping kids engaged and filling the cooler. What makes them special here is how they mix with other species, so you never know if that next strike will be another mackerel or something completely different.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida fishing, and these waters hold some real giants. They're ambush predators that love structure - mangrove overhangs, docks, bridges, and oyster bars. Most snook you'll encounter run 18-28 inches, but the bigger females can push 35+ inches and give you a fight you won't forget. They're most active during moving water, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes snook fishing here so special is the variety of presentations that work - live bait, artificials, topwater plugs - and the visual aspect when you're sight fishing the shallows.
Tarpon season brings world-class fishing right to Fort Myers' backyard, typically from April through October. These silver kings range from juvenile "baby" tarpon of 10-40 pounds in the backcountry creeks to massive adults over 100 pounds in the passes and nearshore waters. There's nothing like watching a tarpon explode from the water, gill plates flared and whole body airborne. They're incredibly strong fighters that can jump repeatedly and make long, powerful runs. The key to tarpon fishing here is presentation and patience - these fish can be picky, but when they eat, it's game on.
Redfish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, and Fort Myers has some of the most consistent red fishing in the state. These copper-colored bulldogs typically range from 18-27 inches (slot size) and are found in schools around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. What makes reds so exciting is their aggressive nature and the variety of ways to catch them - sight fishing to tailing fish, blind casting to structure, or bottom fishing with cut bait. They pull hard and don't give up easy, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action with quality fish.
Ladyfish might be the most underrated fighter in these waters. These silver streaks jump like small tarpon and are absolutely perfect for light tackle fishing. They typically run 12-18 inches and school up in huge numbers, especially during the warmer months. While they're not table fare, they're incredible fun on spinning gear and often save the day when other species aren't cooperating. Kids especially love ladyfish because they're aggressive biters and acrobatic fighters that put on a real show.
Captain Dalton's calendar fills up fast, especially during prime season, so don't wait to lock in your dates. This full-day charter gives you the best shot at multiple species and lets you really get into the rhythm of inshore fishing without feeling rushed. With all gear, bait, and licenses included, all you need to bring is your crew, some snacks and drinks, and maybe a camera for the fish photos. The
Hit the waters around Fort Myers aboard our trusty 22' Sea Chaser bay boat, built for serious fishing action. This reliable workhorse handles everything from shallow flats to deeper channels where the big tarpon cruise. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to cast lines without bumping elbows. The 200HP Yamaha gets you to the hot spots fast, while our wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're sneaking up on spooky redfish and snook. The GPS keeps us on track to productive waters, and the fish finder helps locate schools of mackerel and trout hiding below. Captain Dalton knows exactly where to position this boat for the best shots at Fort Myers' legendary fishing. Whether you're working the mangroves for snook or drifting the flats for reds, this Sea Chaser puts you right where the action is.
Elops SaurusLadyfish are the "poor man's tarpon" - slender, silver acrobats that jump and thrash like crazy when hooked. Most run 12-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, but they can reach 30+ inches. You'll find them in bays, canals, around docks and bridges from shallow water to about 50 feet deep. They're year-round residents here, but spring and summer offer the hottest action. While they're not great eating due to lots of small bones, they're pure fun on light tackle - kids especially love them because they bite aggressively and put on a show. They often school up and compete for baits. Here's the trick: when you catch one ladyfish, stick around that spot. Where there's one, there's usually a dozen more, and bigger gamefish like snook and tarpon often follow the schools to feed.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are Fort Myers favorites with their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but the big bulls can hit 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Look for them on grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are prime when they school up. What's the appeal? They eat almost anything, fight hard with powerful runs, and smaller ones make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Local secret: on calm mornings, pole the shallow flats quietly and watch for their tails sticking up as they feed head-down in the grass - that's called "tailing" and it's sight fishing at its best.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore gamefish around Fort Myers - sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line running down their sides. Most run 18-28 inches, but the big females can push 40+ inches. They love structure: mangroves, docks, bridges, oyster bars, and creek mouths in water from a few feet to about 20 feet deep. Best fishing happens during warmer months when water temps stay above 70. What gets anglers hooked? These fish fight dirty - they'll run straight for cover and jump when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's a local tip: during moving water, position yourself upcurrent from structure and let your live shrimp or pinfish drift naturally into the cover where they're hiding.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds, though they can get bigger. You'll spot these silvery speedsters with yellow spots in schools near the surface, especially around structures and flats. They're found in everything from shallow bays to deeper offshore waters. Spring through fall is prime time when the water warms up. What makes them a blast to target? They hit hard and fight like crazy for their size. Plus, they're fantastic eating - firm, mild meat that grills beautifully. Here in Fort Myers, look for diving birds working baitfish. When you see that action, cast spoons or live shrimp just outside the school and hang on. They'll take off on blistering runs that'll test your drag.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of Southwest Florida - massive, prehistoric fish that can reach 6-8 feet and 100-200 pounds. They migrate through our waters May through October, hanging around bridges, passes, and deeper holes during the day before moving shallow to feed. You'll find them in everything from 3 feet of water to 60+ feet offshore. What makes them special? When hooked, they launch themselves 10 feet out of the water in spectacular jumps that'll get your heart racing. Most folks release them since the meat is bony and not great eating. The real prize is the fight and photos. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - it keeps slack in the line so they can't throw the hook as easily during their aerial show.
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