5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Fishing Trip In Fort Myers
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting snook, redfish, trout, and mackerel.All fishing gear, bait, and licenses included with charter.Wildlife viewing opportunities include dolphins, manatees, and seabirds.
Captain Dalton Rybka knows these Southwest Florida waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This half-day charter with Fish Tank Charters takes you into the productive inshore grounds around Sanibel, Captiva, and Pine Island Sound – some of the most fish-rich waters you'll find anywhere along the Gulf Coast. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Florida species to your list, this trip delivers the goods. With all your gear, bait, and licenses covered, you just need to show up ready to fish and have a good time.
Your morning starts at the dock where Captain Dalton will get you set up and talk through the game plan for the day. The beauty of inshore fishing around Fort Myers is the variety – one cast you might be working a mangrove shoreline for snook, the next you're drifting grass flats for redfish and trout. The boat stays in protected waters, so even if it's breezy outside, you're fishing in comfort. Pine Island Sound and the backcountry around Captiva offer endless opportunities, from shallow water sight fishing to deeper holes where the big trout like to hang out. Keep your eyes peeled between casts – dolphins love to cruise these flats, and manatees are regular visitors, especially in the cooler months. The trip accommodates up to four anglers, so there's plenty of room to spread out and everyone gets their shot at the action.
Captain Dalton runs a well-equipped boat with quality spinning gear that's perfect for the inshore game. You'll be using live bait most of the time – nothing beats a frisky shrimp or pilchard when these fish are feeding. The captain will rig you up with circle hooks and appropriate weights for the conditions, whether you're fishing shallow grass beds or working deeper structure. Techniques vary with the species and conditions – you might be casting to visible fish in skinny water, slow-trolling the edges of channels, or anchored up on a productive spot letting the bait do the work. Artificial lures come into play when the fish are active, and there's nothing quite like watching a snook blow up on a topwater plug in the early morning calm. All the tackle is included, but if you have a favorite rod or reel setup, feel free to bring it along. The captain is always happy to share local tips and techniques that work in these specific waters.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and these waters hold some beautiful fish. They're ambush predators that love structure – you'll find them around mangrove points, docks, and oyster bars. Snook are incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag and make multiple runs toward cover. They're most active during the warmer months from spring through fall, though you can catch them year-round in these protected waters. The slot limit keeps things interesting – only fish between 28 and 33 inches can be kept during open season, but most anglers release these magnificent fish anyway.
Redfish, or red drum, are another top target that patrol these grass flats and mangrove shorelines. These copper-colored bruisers are famous for their bulldogging fights and their willingness to eat both live and artificial baits. Look for them tailing in shallow water during high tide or cruising the edges of oyster bars. Reds are less spooky than snook and will often give you a second chance if you miss them on the first cast. They're legal to keep between 18 and 27 inches, and they make excellent table fare.
Sea trout, specifically spotted seatrout, are year-round residents that love the grass flats around Pine Island Sound. They're excellent eating fish and fun to catch on light tackle. Trout are most active during moving tides and will often school up over productive bottom. The bigger "gator trout" over 20 inches are special catches that many anglers target specifically. They hit live shrimp with authority and put up a scrappy fight with lots of head shaking.
Tarpon are the ultimate gamefish experience when they're around. These silver kings can show up any time but are most common from late spring through summer. Even a small tarpon will give you the fight of your life with their aerial acrobatics and powerful runs. Most tarpon are released, as they're primarily a sport fish. When you hook one, get ready for an adrenaline rush like no other.
Ladyfish are often overlooked but provide non-stop action, especially for kids and beginning anglers. These mini-tarpon jump and fight well above their weight class. They're excellent bait stealers but also a lot of fun when the action is hot. Ladyfish are great for keeping rods bent when other species are being finicky, and they often travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around.
This half-day trip with Fish Tank Charters offers world-class inshore fishing without breaking the bank or taking up your whole day. Captain Dalton's local knowledge and professional approach make this a top-rated choice for both visitors and locals who want to experience the best of Southwest Florida fishing. The boat is clean and well-maintained, the gear is quality stuff that won't let you down, and the captain knows how to put his anglers on fish. Whether you're looking to cross some species off your bucket list, introduce someone to saltwater fishing, or just spend a relaxing morning on the water, this charter delivers. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. The fishing around Fort Myers is good year-round, but spring and fall are particularly productive times when the weather is comfortable and the fish are active. Don't wait too long to
The 22' Sea Chaser bay boat is your ticket to productive fishing in Fort Myers' prime inshore waters. This reliable workhorse comfortably handles up to 4 anglers and runs on a well-maintained 200HP Yamaha that gets you to the fish quickly. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on those spooky redfish and snook without spooking them, while the GPS keeps you on your favorite spots. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating structure and baitfish, so you spend more time with lines in the water. Built for Florida's shallow bays and sounds, this boat gets into those backcountry honey holes where the big trout and reds like to hang out. Whether you're working the mangroves around Sanibel or drifting the grass flats of Pine Island Sound, the Sea Chaser handles it all with ease. Perfect size for family fishing trips or small groups wanting to target grouper, ladyfish, and whatever else is biting in Southwest Florida's productive waters.
Elops SaurusDon't let anyone call these "poor man's tarpon" around here - ladyfish are pure fun on light tackle. They typically run 12-20 inches and are silver rockets that jump and fight way above their weight class. You'll find them in bays, around docks, and along beaches in 2-15 feet of water. They bite year-round but are most active in warmer months. What guests love is their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights - they'll jump repeatedly and really test your drag. While most folks use them for bait, smaller ones are actually decent eating. Here's a guide secret: when you hook one ladyfish, stay put. They school heavily, so where there's one, there's usually a dozen more ready to bite.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are a staple of our inshore game here in Fort Myers. These spotted beauties typically run 12-18 inches, with some reaching 20+ inches during cooler months. They prefer grass flats and deeper holes in 3-8 feet of water, especially around Sanibel and Captiva. Fall through spring is prime time when they school up in the deeper channels. Trout have a soft mouth and gentle fight, making them perfect for beginners and kids. They're also some of the best eating fish we catch - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat fried or grilled. One tip that works great: fish early morning or late evening with a popping cork and live shrimp over the grass beds. Keep that bait moving with gentle pops.
Centropomus UndecimalisThese sleek inshore fighters are what Fort Myers fishing is all about. Snook typically run 1-2 feet, but we've seen some push 3+ feet in these waters. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in water from a few inches to 10 feet deep. Best action happens during warmer months, especially around the new and full moons when they're spawning. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and that distinctive black lateral line. They're great table fare too - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Here's a local tip: cast your live shrimp or snook jig right up against the mangrove roots where they ambush baitfish. The closer to cover, the better your chances.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is what fishing dreams are made of. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds around Fort Myers, though we see them up to 200+ pounds during peak season. They cruise shallow flats, channels, and around bridges in 5-20 feet of water. Best months are April through July when they're here to spawn, especially on the bigger moon phases. What guests love about tarpon is the raw power - they'll jump 10 feet out of the water and test every bit of your tackle and patience. Most folks practice catch and release since the meat is bony and tough. Pro tip: when that tarpon jumps, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to keep slack in the line and prevent them from throwing the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore fish - they eat well, fight hard, and look great with that copper color and signature black spot near the tail. Most run 18-30 inches around Pine Island Sound, though we get some real bulls pushing 40+ inches. They love super shallow water, often with their backs showing in 1-3 feet over grass flats and oyster bars. Fall and spring are prime time, but they bite year-round here in Southwest Florida. What makes reds special is their steady, bulldogging fight and willingness to eat topwater lures. Plus, they're excellent on the table with sweet, flaky meat. Here's the key: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats, then make a quiet approach and cast ahead of where they're moving.
5.0 out of 5.0Great Trip. Wish I had booked the whole day
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad you had a great time on your trip with us. We offer full-day...
We had a wonderful time with Captain Dalton. And he worked hard to put us on the fish and avoid the weather that came in unexpecte...
We're thrilled to hear that you had a great time! We look forward to having you aboard again soon!
Fort Myers