Full Day Inshore Fishing with Outlaw Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore fishing targeting redfish, trout, and tarponFamilyfriendly trips with all gear and equipment providedSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests
When you're looking for a genuine Fort Myers Beach fishing experience that puts you right where the fish are biting, Captain Dalton and Outlaw Charters deliver the goods. This isn't your typical tourist trap – it's a personalized inshore adventure that targets the productive flats, mangroves, and nearshore waters where Southwest Florida's best gamefish hang out. With just two spots available per trip, you'll get the individual attention that makes all the difference between coming home with stories and coming home with fish.
Your day starts early when the fish are most active and the water's still calm. Captain Dalton knows these local waters like the back of his hand – from the grass flats around Sanibel to the mangrove creeks that snake through Matlacha Pass. You've got your choice of a 4-hour half-day or go all-in with the 8-hour full experience. The boat comes rigged with everything you need: rods, reels, tackle, bait, and all the gear to land whatever's biting. Just bring your Florida fishing license, some snacks, drinks, and maybe a cooler if you're planning to take home dinner. The captain handles the rest, including cleaning your catch at the end of the day.
Inshore fishing around Fort Myers Beach means adapting to what Mother Nature serves up. Some days you're sight-fishing the flats with live shrimp under popping corks, watching for redfish tailing in knee-deep water. Other times you're working the mangrove edges with pinfish or pilchards, letting the current carry your bait back into the shadows where snook like to ambush their meals. Captain Dalton switches up techniques based on tides, weather, and what's been producing lately. You might find yourself casting topwater plugs at first light, then switching to live bait as the sun climbs higher. The 239 area code covers some of the most productive inshore waters in Florida, and this captain knows how to fish them all.
Gag grouper are the heavyweights of this lineup, and catching one inshore is something special. These bruisers hang around structure – docks, bridges, and rock piles – usually in 15 to 40 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, and when you hook into a keeper-sized gag, you'll know it immediately. They dive straight for cover, testing your drag and your patience. What makes gag grouper so exciting is their fight and their fantastic table fare – firm, white meat that's hard to beat.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and these waters hold some beauties. They're ambush predators that love hanging in the shadows of mangroves, under docks, and around any structure that provides cover. Peak snook season runs from September through November and again in spring, though you can catch them year-round. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, often jumping clear out of the water. The slot limit keeps things interesting – they have to measure between 28 and 33 inches to keep, so you're always hoping for that perfect fish.
Sheepshead might not be the prettiest fish in the water, but they're crafty opponents with incredible table quality. These black-and-white striped convicts hang around anything with barnacles or oysters – docks, bridges, and rocky areas where they can pick off crustaceans. Winter months from December through March are prime time for sheepshead, when they school up in deeper water before spawning. They're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can steal your shrimp before you know what happened. Landing a nice sheepshead takes patience and quick reflexes.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Southwest Florida inshore fishing. These spotted beauties cruise the grass flats looking for shrimp, small fish, and crabs. They're most active during moving water, especially around dawn and dusk. Spring and fall offer the best trout fishing, though you can catch them throughout the year. What anglers love about trout is their willingness to bite and their excellent eating quality. They're also great fighters for their size, making long runs across the flats when hooked.
Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats, known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. These copper-colored gamefish patrol shallow water looking for crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Fall and winter are peak seasons, when big schools of reds move through the area during their spawning runs. You'll often spot them tailing in shallow water or cruising just under the surface. When a slot red takes off, it's like hooking into a freight train – they use every ounce of their strength and that broad tail to test your tackle.
Captain Dalton runs a top-rated operation that focuses on putting you on fish, not packing the boat with as many people as possible. With only two anglers per trip, you're getting a premium experience that's hard to find elsewhere. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or a newcomer who wants to learn the ropes, this charter adapts to your skill level and goals. The captain's direct number is 239-628-0534, and he encourages you to call before booking to discuss what's biting and what you're hoping to catch. Don't wait too long – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Get ready to hit the productive waters of Southwest Florida aboard this well-rigged 26' Twin Vee! Powered by twin 140 HP Suzuki motors, this boat moves you quickly between fishing spots while staying smooth on the water. Captain Dalton has this rig dialed in perfectly for chasing reds, trout, grouper, and whatever else is biting in these rich inshore waters. Everything's already on board - rods, reels, tackle, and all the gear you need to land fish. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working shallow flats or sneaking up on spooky fish. High-quality fish finder and side scan sonar help locate structure and baitfish below. There's a livewell to keep your catch fresh, plus separate coolers for drinks and the day's haul. The boat handles two anglers comfortably with plenty of deck space for fighting fish. GPS keeps you on the productive spots, while VHF radio ensures safety. Multimedia system with Bluetooth lets you play tunes between hookups. There's even a head on board for longer trips, plus dry storage for your gear and snacks.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid fighters that'll test your gear around Southwest Florida's reefs and wrecks. These guys typically run 20 inches but can push 50+ inches and 80 pounds if you're lucky. They love hanging near structure - bridge pilings, artificial reefs, and ledges in 30-80 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're more active. What makes them special is that hard initial run when hooked - they'll try to get back to their hole fast. The meat is excellent, firm white fillets that grill up perfect. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and get ready for a fight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida's shallow water fishing. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots typically run 18-27 inches in the slot, though bull reds over 30 inches provide serious fights. They cruise oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats in super shallow water - sometimes with backs showing. Year-round fishing with fall being exceptional when they school up. What makes them special is that powerful run and stubborn fight, plus they're fantastic table fare with mild, sweet meat. They're not picky eaters but can be spooky in skinny water. Key tip: approach quietly and cast ahead of cruising fish. Cut bait or live shrimp work great, but don't overlook topwater plugs for explosive strikes.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout are bread-and-butter fish for Southwest Florida grass flats fishing. These speckled beauties typically run 12-18 inches with occasional 20+ inch "gator trout" that really get anglers excited. They love shallow grass flats, sandy potholes, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water. Fall through spring offers the best action, especially on moving tides. What makes them fun is they hit aggressively and make good runs, plus they're great eating with tender, flaky meat. They school up in cooler months making for fast action. Best tip I can share: work soft plastics or topwater over grass flats early morning or late evening. Listen for that distinctive drumming sound they make underwater - means you're in the right spot.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the sneaky thieves of Southwest Florida's docks and bridges. These convict-striped fish with human-like teeth typically run 1-3 pounds and 14-18 inches, though 5+ pounders show up regularly. They love hanging around any structure with barnacles - bridge pilings, docks, and oyster bars in 5-20 feet. Winter through spring is peak season when they're spawning near passes. Guests love the challenge because they're notorious bait stealers and the reward is some of the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, firm white meat. They'll nibble your bait clean off if you're not paying attention. Here's the trick: use small hooks with fresh shrimp and feel for that subtle weight change, then set hard immediately.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets around Southwest Florida's mangroves and grass flats. These silver bullets with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, but trophy fish over 30 inches make your day. They love shallow water around docks, mangrove shorelines, and creek mouths in 2-6 feet. Spring through fall is prime time, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes them special is that explosive strike and strong runs - plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They're ambush predators that hit hard and jump. My go-to tip: work topwater plugs or live shrimp tight to structure early morning. When you hook one, keep tension but let them run initially or they'll throw the hook.
Latitude 26- Fort Myers Beach FL