Fort Myers Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing trips targeting multiple species dailySmall group experience with maximum three guests aboardShallow water fishing for snook, redfish, and seatrout
Looking for some solid fishing action in Southwest Florida? You've found the right spot. Our Fort Myers fishing charters get you out on the water for four hours of casting lines and chasing some of the region's best inshore species. Whether you're planning a family trip or just want to get away from the dock for a half-day, we'll put you on fish in the shallow waters that make this area famous among anglers.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and that makes all the difference when you're targeting multiple species in a four-hour window. We're talking smooth, shallow water fishing here - perfect for families with kids or anyone who gets a little queasy in rougher seas. The boat accommodates up to three guests, so you'll have plenty of room to move around and everyone gets their fair share of rod time. Morning trips give you that calm water and active bite, while afternoon charters let you sleep in and still get great fishing. The flexible schedule works for pretty much any vacation itinerary, and you'll be back at the dock with time to spare for dinner plans.
We're fishing the flats, grass beds, and structure that hold Fort Myers' best inshore species. Your captain comes prepared with everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, and bait that's proven to work in these waters. Depending on what's biting and where we find them, you might be throwing live shrimp around oyster bars, working soft plastics through the grass, or dropping cut bait near channel edges. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety - one minute you're sight-casting to a cruising redfish, the next you're feeling the thump of a sheepshead picking up your fiddler crab. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing; your guide will get you dialed in quick and keep you on productive water throughout the trip.
Florida Pompano are hands down one of the most fun fish to catch in these waters. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class. Spring and fall are prime time for pompano, when they're moving along the beaches and into the passes. They've got this habit of making long, powerful runs that'll get your drag singing. What really gets anglers excited is how good they taste - pompano are considered table fare royalty in Florida, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love structure - docks, mangroves, bridge pilings - anywhere they can hide and surprise their next meal. A good snook will run anywhere from 20-40 inches, with the bigger girls putting up fights that'll test your tackle and your patience. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and their ability to find the nearest piling or mangrove root to wrap you around. Summer months bring the best snook action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding in the shallows.
Black Drum might not win any beauty contests, but they'll give you an arm workout you won't forget. These bottom-dwellers can push 20-30 pounds or more, and they use every ounce of that weight when they feel the hook. You'll find them around oyster bars, bridge pilings, and deeper grass flats, usually picking up crabs and shrimp off the bottom. Winter months are prime time for big black drum, when they school up in deeper water. They're perfect for kids and beginners because once you hook one, it's pretty much a guaranteed fish to the boat - they don't jump or run like other species, just put their head down and pull.
Sheepshead are the thieves of the flats, famous for stealing bait right off your hook if you're not paying attention. These black-and-white striped characters have human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles, crabs, and oysters around structure. They're tricky to hook because they're such delicate biters, but once you get the hang of feeling their subtle taps, sheepshead become addictive targets. Winter through early spring is peak sheepshead season, when they move into shallow water to spawn. They're excellent eating and provide steady action when other species slow down.
Redfish are what put Southwest Florida on the inshore fishing map. These copper-colored bruisers patrol the shallow flats, tailing in water so skinny you can see their backs. Slot-size reds (18-27 inches) are perfect eating, while the over-slot fish provide trophy-quality fights. What makes redfish special is their year-round availability and willingness to eat just about anything you throw at them. They're also one of the most photogenic fish in the water - that bronze coloration and distinctive black spot make for great grip-and-grin photos. Fall months bring some of the best redfish action, when they school up in big numbers and feed aggressively before winter.
Fort Myers inshore fishing delivers consistent action, comfortable conditions, and memories that'll keep you coming back for more. Our experienced captain, top-rated equipment, and prime fishing locations make this a customer favorite for good reason. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or a family wanting to introduce the kids to fishing, this four-hour charter hits the sweet spot. The shallow water keeps everyone comfortable, the variety of species keeps it interesting, and the flexible scheduling works with any vacation plans. Don't wait too long to book - the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot and the weather's perfect.
Get ready to chase some serious fish aboard our 2022 25-foot Skeeter Bay boat! This beauty packs a 300HP Yamaha engine that'll zip you across Fort Myers waters at up to 50 knots, getting you to the hottest fishing spots fast. Built for inshore action, she's loaded with everything you need - a top-notch fish finder to locate those trophy Redfish and Snook, GPS to navigate the backcountry flats, and a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky Seatrout without spooking them. The icebox keeps your drinks ice-cold during those hot Florida afternoons, while the VHF radio keeps us connected to other anglers sharing intel on where the Snapper are biting. Whether you're targeting shallow-water Sheepshead around the docks or working the grass flats for that bull Redfish, this rig handles it all with room for up to 3 anglers to fish comfortably. Perfect setup for families wanting to experience what makes Fort Myers fishing so special.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldogs of the flats - powerful fish that can really surprise you with their size. Most run 5-15 pounds, but we regularly see 30+ pounders, and they can hit 90 pounds. These gray-black fighters love shallow, muddy flats and oyster bars where they cruise around crunching shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. What's fun about drum fishing? They're strong, steady fighters that will test your tackle, and you can actually hear them "drumming" underwater - it's pretty cool. The smaller ones make decent eating too. My go-to tip: fresh crab bait on the bottom near oyster bars. They're bottom feeders with great noses, so keep that bait down in the mud where they're rooting around.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida Pompano are one of the most sought-after fish in our waters, and for good reason. These silvery beauties with bright yellow fins typically run 1-3 pounds and 8-12 inches, though we occasionally land some pushing 8 pounds. You'll find them cruising shallow Gulf beaches and sandy flats where they hunt for crabs and mollusks. Summer and fall are prime time when they're most active in warmer water. What makes pompano special? They're absolute fighters for their size, pulling hard with those broad sides. Plus, they're table gold - that buttery, flaky meat is why restaurants charge top dollar. Here's a local tip: use small hooks and bright yellow jigs. These fish have tiny mouths, so downsize your tackle. Fish the sand holes and drop-offs near the beach where they love to feed.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread-and-butter shallow water fish, and they never get old to catch. These copper-colored beauties with the black spot near their tail typically run 18-27 inches in the shallows, perfect slot size for keeping. You'll find them on grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They're active year-round here, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're feeding heavily. What makes reds so popular? They eat almost anything, fight hard with strong runs, and are excellent table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. Here's my favorite approach: look for tailing fish in skinny water early morning or late afternoon. Use gold spoons or topwater plugs, and make long casts ahead of cruising fish. Keep noise to a minimum in that shallow water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with those distinctive black bars, and they're some of the trickiest fish to hook consistently. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though 8-pounders show up around bridges and docks. These guys live around any structure with barnacles - pilings, bridges, rocks - anywhere they can pick and nibble. Winter and spring are best when they're most active and spawning. What makes them fun to target? Those human-like teeth and their reputation as bait thieves make them a real challenge. Plus, they're fantastic eating - sweet, white meat that's worth the effort. Here's the trick: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and keep your bait tight to the structure. When you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately. Wait too long and they'll steal your bait every time.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the kings of our shallow water fishing here in Fort Myers. These sleek predators with that signature black lateral line typically range from 18-30 inches, but the big females can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in anywhere from 2-10 feet of water. They love structure and ambush their prey from cover. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps are consistently warm - they're very temperature sensitive. What draws anglers to snook? They fight like freight trains, making blistering runs and jumping when hooked. They're also great eating when kept in season. Here's the key: present your bait right to the structure. Snook won't chase far, so get that lure or live shrimp within a few feet of those mangrove roots or dock pilings.
Fort Myers