Full Day Tarpon Fishing in Fort Myers Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour guided flats fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesExpert captain provides all gear, bait, and fishing licensesAccommodates up to four guests with convenient departure locations
Captain Dalton Rybka knows these Southwest Florida flats like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 8-hour adventure with Fish Tank Charters LLC isn't your typical tourist trip – we're talking about genuine backcountry fishing where the big boys hang out. Starting at 9:00 AM from convenient launch points around Matlacha, you'll spend a full day chasing tarpon, redfish, snook, and sea trout in some of the most productive waters Florida has to offer. With room for up to 4 anglers, this trip works whether you're flying solo, bringing the family, or getting the crew together for a proper fishing day.
Captain Dalton runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – exactly what you want in a guide. You'll be fishing the shallow flats and backcountry areas around Matlacha where the water's gin-clear and the fish are spooky. This isn't deep-sea fishing where you're just dropping lines and waiting; we're sight fishing, watching for tails, wakes, and shadows moving through the shallows. The scenery alone is worth the trip – mangrove shorelines, pristine flats, and wildlife everywhere you look. Don't be surprised if dolphins show up to check out what you're doing, or if you spot manatees cruising the deeper channels. The boat stays in relatively protected waters, so seasickness isn't usually an issue, and the whole experience feels more intimate than those big party boat trips. Captain Dalton provides all your bait, tackle, and fishing licenses, plus he knows exactly where to find the fish based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns.
This is prime shallow water fishing territory, which means you'll be using light tackle and making precise casts. Captain Dalton sets you up with spinning reels spooled with braided line – perfect for the quick hooksets these fish demand. Live bait is the name of the game here: pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp depending on what's working and what species you're targeting. You'll learn to read the water, spotting nervous baitfish, bird activity, and subtle color changes that give away fish locations. The boat runs quiet through skinny water, sometimes in just 2-3 feet, getting you close to structure where these fish love to ambush prey. Artificial lures come into play too – soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons all have their moments when the fish are aggressive. The captain handles boat positioning and tide timing while coaching you on casting angles and retrieve techniques. This style of fishing rewards patience and accuracy over brute force, making it perfect for anglers who want to actually learn something while they're out there.
Tarpon are the headliners here, and for good reason. These silver kings can reach 100+ pounds and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. Best action typically runs from April through October, with summer months offering the most consistent opportunities. When you hook one, expect multiple jumps and long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your patience. The fight can last 30 minutes or more on these bigger fish, and even a smaller 40-pounder will give you a workout you won't forget.
Redfish are year-round residents and absolute favorites among flats anglers. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches in these waters, with the occasional oversized bull red showing up to really bend your rod. They're infamous for their initial runs – pure power that strips line off your reel before you know what hit you. Reds feed aggressively in the shallows, especially around oyster bars and mangrove edges where crabs and baitfish concentrate.
Snook are the locals' favorite, and once you catch one, you'll understand why. These ambush predators hide in structure and explode on baits with incredible violence. The slot-sized fish (28-33 inches) are perfect table fare, while the bigger breeders provide unforgettable fights. They're most active during warmer months and around moving tides, especially near passes and creek mouths where baitfish get swept along by current.
Sea Trout round out the slam and they're consistent biters throughout the year. These spotted beauties love grass flats and drop-offs, often feeding in schools when conditions are right. They hit topwater baits with spectacular strikes and make excellent eating. Most fish run 14-20 inches, but the occasional gator trout over 25 inches will show up to make your day memorable.
This top-rated charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when the tarpon fishing is world-class. Captain Dalton's local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on fish has built a solid reputation among both visiting anglers and locals who know good fishing when they see it. The 8-hour trip gives you real time to work different spots and species as conditions change throughout the day. You'll come back with a cooler full of memories, probably some great photos, and hopefully dinner for tonight. The non-refundable deposit secures your date, and trust me – you don't want to miss out on what many consider the best inshore fishing Southwest Florida has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next personal best or a family wanting to create some lasting memories on the water, this trip delivers the goods.
Your fishing platform for this Matlacha adventure is a reliable 22' Sea Chaser bay boat, perfectly rigged for targeting tarpon, redfish, and snook in Southwest Florida's productive waters. This versatile fishing machine accommodates up to 4 anglers and features a 200HP Yamaha outboard that'll get you to the hotspots quickly. The wireless trolling motor lets Captain Dalton position you silently over structure where those big fish hang out, while the GPS and fish finder help locate schools and mark productive spots. Built tough for the flats and backcountry, this Sea Chaser handles everything from shallow grass beds to deeper channels where tarpon roll. The open deck layout gives everyone room to fight fish and move around safely during the action. Whether you're sight-fishing redfish in skinny water or waiting for that silver king to crash your bait, this boat puts you right where the fish are biting.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our flats fishing here in Matlacha. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 18-32 inches in the shallows. You'll spot them tailing in 1-4 feet of water over grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges. They feed year-round, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What guests love about reds is their powerful, bulldogging fight and excellent eating quality - sweet, firm flesh that's perfect for blackening. They're also visual fish, so you can often see them before you cast. The trick with redfish is being quiet and accurate with your presentation. These fish spook easily in shallow water. Cast ahead of cruising fish and let your bait sink naturally. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but don't overlook gold spoons and soft plastics.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are perfect for families and newer anglers. They typically run 12-20 inches with some nice ones hitting 24+ inches. You'll find them over grass flats, sandy potholes, and around oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water. They bite year-round but really turn on during cooler months from October through March. What makes trout great is their willingness to bite and their excellent table quality - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also pretty forgiving fighters, making them ideal for kids learning to fish. Pro tip: work your lure slowly over the grass beds. Trout have soft mouths, so don't set the hook too hard. A gentle lift is all you need. Look for birds diving - that usually means baitfish are around, and trout won't be far behind.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets here in Southwest Florida's shallow waters. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though we catch some pushing 40+ inches. They love hanging around mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths in 1-6 feet of water. Best fishing happens during warmer months from April through October, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make blistering runs that test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: cast your lure or live shrimp tight to structure and let it fall naturally. Snook ambush from cover, so the closer you get to those mangrove roots or dock pilings, the better your chances.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate trophy fish - true giants that can reach 6-8 feet and 100-200 pounds in our waters. We find them rolling in channels, around bridges, and on deeper flats in 8-30 feet of water. Peak season runs May through August when they migrate through Southwest Florida. What hooks anglers is watching a 150-pound fish launch itself 8 feet out of the water multiple times during a 30-minute fight. They're pure muscle and attitude. While most folks release them (they're bony and not great table fare), landing one is a lifetime achievement. The key here is patience and proper technique. When you hook up, immediately bow to the fish when it jumps - drop your rod tip toward the tarpon to give slack. This prevents the line from snapping when they crash back down. Use circle hooks and be ready for the fight of your life.
Fort Myers