Extended Half Day Fishing Trip - Sanibel Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour charter targets redfish, snook, and Spanish mackerelExplores remote waters around Sanibel and Pine Island SoundAccommodates up to three guests on comfortable 22foot bay boat
Looking for more than just a quick trip around the bay? This 6-hour guided fishing charter gives you the time you need to really get into the good stuff. We'll work the waters around Sanibel, Matlacha, and Pine Island Sound – areas that hold some of Southwest Florida's best inshore action. With a comfortable 22-foot bay boat that handles up to 3 anglers, you get that personal touch without feeling crowded. I've been running these waters for years, and there's nothing like having the extra time to chase down those fish when they're really biting.
Six hours gives us room to breathe and really work the water right. We're not rushing from spot to spot – instead, we can take our time hitting the productive flats, deeper channels, and those hidden pockets where the big fish like to hang out. The 22-foot bay boat rides smooth and gets us into skinny water when needed, but she's also solid enough for the bigger stuff when we venture into the sound. You'll have everything you need onboard – live bait, cut bait, and a full spread of artificial lures. I match the tackle to what's biting, so whether the fish want shrimp under a popping cork or prefer a topwater plug at sunrise, we're covered. This trip works great for seasoned anglers who want to put some serious time on the water, but it's also perfect for families looking to make a real day of it without the commitment of a full-day charter.
The beauty of these extended half-day trips is we can mix up our approach based on what's working. Early morning, we might start with topwater plugs over the grass flats – there's nothing like watching a redfish blow up on a spook at first light. As the sun gets higher, we'll switch to live shrimp or pinfish under the mangroves where the snook like to ambush their meals. The channels around Matlacha Pass hold Spanish mackerel and seatrout, especially on moving water. I keep the boat positioned so you can work your baits naturally with the current. Pine Island Sound opens up more opportunities – we can drift the deeper holes for black drum or work the oyster bars where redfish cruise looking for crabs. The 6-hour window lets us adapt to the conditions and follow the bite instead of watching the clock. If the fish are schooled up and feeding, we stay on them. If we need to make a longer run to find active water, we've got the time to do it right.
Redfish are the bread and butter around here, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 18 to 27 inches in our local waters, with plenty of slot-sized fish that fight like freight trains. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter bring some of the best action when they school up in the deeper grass beds. What makes reds so special is their attitude – they eat aggressively and put up a serious fight in shallow water. Watch for their backs and tails when they're rooting around the oyster bars.
Snook are the glamour fish of Southwest Florida inshore fishing. These ambush predators lurk under mangroves, around docks, and near any structure that provides shade and current. They're most active during warmer months, especially around the new and full moons. A good snook will run 20 to 30 inches and has that distinctive black lateral line. They're spooky and smart, which makes landing one that much more satisfying. The fight is explosive – expect multiple jumps and drag-screaming runs toward whatever cover they can find.
Spanish mackerel show up when the water warms and provide some of the fastest action you'll find. These speedsters hit hard and fight above their weight class, typically running 12 to 20 inches in our area. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when baitfish are thick in the passes. They're perfect for lighter tackle and respond well to small jigs, spoons, or live shrimp. The bite can be wide open one minute and shut off the next, but when they're on, it's non-stop action.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they're powerful fighters that test your tackle. The smaller ones in the 14 to 20-inch range are great table fare, while the big bulls that cruise our flats can push 30-plus pounds. They're bottom feeders that love crabs and shrimp, so we fish for them with cut bait or live shrimp near oyster bars and deeper holes. Winter and spring offer the most consistent drum fishing, and their slow, powerful runs will remind you why heavy drag settings matter.
Tarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing, and while we can't keep them, catching one is a memory that lasts forever. Juvenile tarpon in the 20 to 40-pound range frequent our back-country waters, especially during summer months. They're acrobatic fighters that jump repeatedly and can throw the hook with their gill-rattling head shakes. Live bait works best, but they'll also hit well-presented artificials. Even a small tarpon will test your skills and leave your arms aching – in the best possible way.
This extended half-day trip hits the sweet spot for serious fishing without the full-day commitment. Six hours gives us real flexibility to work different areas, try various techniques, and stay on the fish when they're cooperative. The 3-angler limit keeps things comfortable and ensures everyone gets plenty of shots. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to quality fishing or you're experienced anglers wanting to target multiple species, this trip delivers. Southwest Florida's inshore waters are world-class, and Sanibel's location puts us right in the heart of it all. Book your spot and let's get out there – the
This 22-foot bay boat is your ticket to prime fishing waters around Sanibel, Matlacha, and Pine Island Sound. Built specifically for inshore adventures, she handles the shallow flats and deeper channels with ease while keeping you comfortable during those long 6-hour trips. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and tackle boxes stocked for whatever's biting - whether you're throwing live shrimp at cruising redfish or working artificial lures through the mangroves for snook. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, while the GPS system helps locate those hidden honey holes where the big seatrout hang out. The multimedia system adds some entertainment between fishing spots. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to fight fish without tangling lines, making it perfect for families or small groups looking to explore Florida's legendary backwaters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of our flats, with most fish ranging 10-40 pounds around Sanibel waters. These bottom-feeders cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and channel edges in 2-15 feet of water, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring brings the best fishing when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. What guests love about drum fishing is the steady, powerful fight - no jumping, just pure strength that'll test your drag. You can actually hear them drumming underwater when they're feeding. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make good eating, but most anglers release the bigger breeders. Best local tip: use fresh blue crab or shrimp on a circle hook, and fish it dead on the bottom. When you feel that steady pull, just start reeling - they hook themselves.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread-and-butter species, perfect for all skill levels with most fish running 18-30 inches around these waters. You'll spot them by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface on grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the hottest action when they school up. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their powerful, bulldogging fight in shallow water. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. The key to success here is fishing quietly in 1-4 feet of water with live shrimp or topwater plugs. Move slow and watch for wakes or tails - spook them and the game's over.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the crown jewel of our inshore waters, running anywhere from keeper size at 18 inches up to trophy fish over 30 inches. These ambush predators love hanging around mangroves, docks, and channel edges where they can surprise baitfish. They're most active during warmer months, especially around dawn and dusk. What draws anglers back is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll head straight for cover once hooked. The prominent black lateral line makes them easy to identify, and their white, flaky meat is top-notch eating. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning season. Pro tip: work your lure slowly past structure and be ready - when they hit, set the hook hard and turn them away from cover immediately.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that show up around Sanibel from spring through fall. These silver speedsters typically run 1-3 pounds and travel in schools, making for exciting action when you find them. They love structure like bridges and flats edges in 10-30 feet of water. The bite heats up when baitfish are thick, especially during warmer months. What makes them special is their lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll rip line and jump like mini-tarpon. Plus, they're excellent table fare with white, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep your lures in the water because the school often stays fired up and you can catch several more quickly.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish, with most around Sanibel running 80-150 pounds and up to 6 feet long. These silver giants migrate through our waters mainly from May through August, cruising channels, passes, and deeper flats. When hooked, they launch themselves completely out of the water in spectacular jumps that'll get your heart pounding. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating - we release them all - but the pure adrenaline of fighting a fish that can jump 10 feet high and run like a freight train. They prefer live bait like crabs, pinfish, or mullet fished in 15-40 feet near structure. Here's the key: when one jumps, bow to the fish by pointing your rod tip directly at them. This keeps slack in the line so they can't throw the hook on those aerial displays.
Sanibel