Fort Myers Inshore Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing adventures targeting prized Fort Myers catchesSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests maximumFlexible trip durations from quick outings to fullday charters
Looking for some solid inshore action without burning your whole day? Gulf Coast Charter Service has you covered with fishing trips that pack serious punch in Fort Myers' legendary shallow waters. Whether you've got a few hours to kill or want to make a full day of it, we'll put you on fish in some of the most productive backwaters on Florida's Gulf Coast. Our boats hold up to 4 anglers, so grab your crew and get ready to bend some rods on species that'll give you stories worth telling.
Fort Myers inshore fishing means working the flats, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds where game fish love to hunt. You'll spend your time sight-casting to cruising fish, working structure around docks and oyster bars, and maybe even poling through skinny water where the big ones hide. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast might bring a hard-fighting redfish, while the next could hook into a snook that'll test your drag system. We fish rain or shine, and honestly, some of our best days happen when the weather looks sketchy. These fish don't care if you're comfortable, and neither should you if you want to catch them. The scenery's just a bonus when you're focused on that rod tip.
We run medium to medium-heavy spinning gear most days, spooled with 15-20 pound braid that can handle the structure these fish call home. Live bait is king out here – pilchards, shrimp, and pinfish will get eaten fast when presented right. But don't sleep on artificials either. Soft plastics, topwater plugs, and suspending jerkbaits can absolutely light them up, especially when the fish are spooky or the water's crystal clear. We'll adjust techniques based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling us. Sometimes that means flipping jigs under docks, other times we're sight-fishing with light tackle in two feet of water. The key is staying mobile and reading the conditions. Fort Myers inshore fishing rewards anglers who can adapt, and we've been dialing in these patterns for years.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and Fort Myers serves up some absolute tanks. These ambush predators love hanging around structure – docks, mangrove points, bridge pilings, anywhere they can pin baitfish against something solid. They're most active during dawn and dusk feeding periods, though we catch plenty during midday too. What makes snook special is their fight. They'll jump, they'll run, and they'll try to cut you off in the roots every single time. The slot limit keeps things interesting, and releasing a 35-inch snook never gets old. Best months run from April through October, with summer producing the biggest fish.
Redfish might be the most reliable target we have year-round. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats in small schools, tailing in shallow water and crushing anything that looks like an easy meal. They're not the flashiest fighters, but they pull steady and hard, using their broad sides to their advantage. Reds eat just about everything – live shrimp, cut bait, soft plastics, even topwater when they're fired up. The cool thing about Fort Myers reds is they come in all sizes. You might catch a 16-inch rat red, then hook into a 40-inch bull on the next cast. Peak season runs spring through fall, but winter fishing can be outstanding when you find them.
Sea trout provide consistent action when other species get finicky. These spotted beauties love grass flats and drop-offs, especially during moving water. They're not huge fighters, but they make up for it in numbers and eating quality. Trout respond well to live shrimp under popping corks, and they'll absolutely hammer soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. The key is finding clean water with decent grass coverage. Fort Myers has miles of perfect trout habitat, and we know exactly where to find them when the bite gets tough. Spring and fall offer the best action, though summer early morning trips can be lights-out.
Atlantic bonito show up seasonally and provide some of the fastest action you'll find inshore. These mini-tunas are pure speed and aggression, often found busting bait in open water near passes and channels. When they're around, it's game on with small jigs, spoons, and live pilchards. They don't get huge – most run 3-8 pounds – but they fight like fish twice their size. The runs are blistering, and they'll test your drag settings for sure. Bonito typically show up during cooler months, making winter Fort Myers fishing way more exciting than most people realize.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make any trip legendary. These brown sharks (they're actually not sharks) cruise the flats looking for rays and crabs, and when you spot one, it's all hands on deck. Cobia are curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities if you don't spook them. They eat big baits – live crabs, large shrimp, even small jacks – and they fight dirty with powerful runs toward structure. A 30-pound cobia will humble you quickly, which is why we keep the drag settings conservative and the net ready. Peak season runs March through June, but we see them randomly throughout the year.
Fort Myers inshore fishing delivers year-round action with species that'll test your skills and reward good technique. Whether you want a quick morning trip before the family stuff kicks in or a full-day adventure chasing trophy fish, we've got the experience and local knowledge to make it happen. Our 4-person capacity means you're not fighting crowds for rod space, and you'll actually get hands-on instruction when you need it. The fish are here, the weather's mostly cooperative
Our 2023 T-craft bay boat is built for serious inshore fishing around Fort Myers waters. This 24-footer packs a 300HP Suzuki engine that'll cruise at 45 knots, getting you to the hotspots fast. The shallow draft design lets us slip into skinny water where the snook and redfish hang out. You'll find everything you need aboard - a reliable fish finder to locate structure and baitfish, GPS navigation to mark productive spots, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The wireless trolling motor keeps us quiet when we're working the flats or mangroves, so we don't spook the fish. The flybridge gives you a great vantage point for sight fishing and spotting activity. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. Whether you're targeting trout on grass flats or chasing tarpon in the backcountry, this boat handles Fort Myers' diverse inshore waters with ease. The shallow water capabilities open up miles of fishable territory that bigger boats simply can't reach.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are speed demons that'll get your heart racing. These silver bullets with dark stripes typically run 12-20 inches and can hit 40 mph when hooked. They travel in large schools in open water, usually 20-60 feet deep, and you'll often spot them by watching for diving birds. Late spring through early fall is prime time when water temps hit the 60s and 70s. What guests love about bonito fishing is the non-stop action - once you find a school, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. They fight way above their size with blistering runs. While they're not great table fare here in Florida, they make excellent live bait for bigger game. Pro tip: when you see birds working, get there fast and throw small spoons or jigs - the school won't stay up long, but the action will be hot while it lasts.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these dark, torpedo-shaped fish average 20-40 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds. They're loners, not schooling fish, so each one is a trophy. You'll find them around buoys, channel markers, and structure in 15-60 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is peak season when they're moving through our area. What guests love about cobia is their size, fight, and incredible table quality - firm white meat that rivals any fish in these waters. They're curious fish that'll often approach the boat, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. They hit hard and make long, powerful runs. Local trick: when you spot one, don't rush the cast. They'll usually circle back if you stay calm. A bucktail jig or live crab worked near the bottom is money.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the holy grail of Fort Myers flats fishing. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots typically range from 18-27 inches in the slot, but we see plenty of oversized bulls pushing 30+ inches. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water - around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and winter months are prime time when they school up. What makes reds special is their powerful, bulldogging fight and willingness to eat just about anything. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. The real thrill is sight-fishing to tailing or cruising fish in skinny water. My go-to tip: look for nervous water or muddy spots where they're rooting around for crabs. A weedless gold spoon worked slowly is hard to beat.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are a Florida inshore staple that'll keep you busy all day. These spotted beauties typically run 12-18 inches, with keeper fish at 15 inches minimum. You'll find them over grass flats in 3-8 feet of water, especially around potholes and drop-offs. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall offer the best fishing when they're most active. What makes trout fishing addictive is their willingness to bite and decent fight for their size. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They spook easily though, so keep noise to a minimum. Local secret: fish the deeper grass edges on cold winter days when they school up in large numbers. A popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below is deadly, especially in moving water.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Fort Myers' signature inshore fish, and for good reason. These sleek predators with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though trophy fish can push 40+ inches. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in water from 2-15 feet deep. They love structure and ambush points. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and stubborn fight - they'll make several powerful runs and try to cut you off in the mangroves. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: when working lures around docks, cast past the structure and work your bait back through the shade - that's where they're waiting.
Fort Myers