5.0(5 Reviews)Half Day Inshore Fishing with Outlaw Charters
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Target redfish, trout, grouper, tarpon, and sharks inshoreFamilyfriendly trips with all equipment and tackle providedHalfday and fullday options available for small groups
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't break the bank but still delivers the goods? Captain Dalton and the crew at Outlaw Charters know Fort Myers Beach waters like the back of their hand, and they're not messing around when it comes to putting you on fish. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter operation – they're targeting the choicest spots where the reds are tailing, the trout are schooled up, and grouper are hanging tight to structure. With a maximum of just 2 anglers, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows.
Your half-day adventure kicks off from Fort Myers Beach, where Captain Dalton will have all your tackle, bait, and gear ready to roll. No need to stress about what lures to bring or whether your reel can handle that bull red – everything's provided. The boat heads out to productive inshore waters where grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars hold some of Southwest Florida's best gamefish. You'll be working shallow water structure, sight fishing when conditions allow, and learning techniques that'll make you a better angler long after this trip ends. The family-friendly vibe means everyone from kids to grandparents can get in on the action, though with species like tarpon and sharks on the target list, things can get serious in a hurry.
Inshore fishing around Fort Myers Beach is all about reading the water and matching your presentation to what the fish want. Captain Dalton runs a variety of techniques depending on conditions and target species – from live bait fishing with pinfish and shrimp around structure to throwing artificial lures at cruising reds in skinny water. You might find yourself pitch-casting to mangrove edges, working topwater plugs over grass flats at first light, or bottom fishing with cut bait when the grouper bite is hot. The tackle setup varies by target species, but expect medium to heavy spinning gear that can handle everything from schoolie trout to heavyweight tarpon. Circle hooks are the norm for live bait work, while jig heads and soft plastics dominate the artificial game.
"Our trip was delayed a couple hour due to bait issues but Dalton kept us informed what was going on. After that it was a good outing. Caught lots of fish and was an great time." - Travis Albert
"BEST DAY EVER!!!!! Dalton knew exactly where to take us! She was patient and kind and extremely knowledgeable!!!!! We saved for over a year for this trip and she granted us an experience we will have forever! Highly recommend this charter and Dalton!!!!!!!!!!! If we had more than five stars to rate this we would!!!!!!!!" - Joelle Miller
"Caught an amazing amount of fish we caught a shark. It was an amazing trip. Would recommend this to anybody in the area?" - Anthony
Redfish are the bread and butter of Fort Myers Beach inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers are what dreams are made of. Reds in these waters typically run 18 to 30 inches, with occasional bulls pushing the 40-inch mark that'll test your drag and your patience. Best targeting happens during moving tides when they're actively feeding around oyster bars and mangrove cuts. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat both live and artificial baits, plus they put up a legitimate fight that includes long runs and head-shaking jumps. The sight of a red's back and tail breaking the surface in skinny water is pure fishing magic.
Sea Trout might not win any beauty contests, but they're aggressive predators that school up in predictable spots and provide steady action when you find them. These spotted fighters average 12 to 18 inches in local waters, with occasional "gator" trout stretching past 20 inches. They love grass flats adjacent to deeper channels, especially during cooler months when baitfish concentrate in these areas. Trout hit fast and fight dirty with quick direction changes, making them perfect for light tackle enthusiasts. Their willingness to hit topwater plugs during low-light periods creates some of the most exciting strikes you'll experience inshore.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champions of inshore structure fishing, with juveniles hanging around shallow water ledges, docks, and artificial reefs. These guys typically range from 12 to 24 inches in the inshore zone, though bigger fish occasionally patrol deeper edges. Grouper fishing peaks during warmer months when they're more active and feeding aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. What makes gag grouper so appealing is their incredible table fare and their habit of inhaling baits with authority before making a beeline for their rocky hideouts. It's a tug-of-war that tests both angler skill and equipment quality.
Snook are Florida's signature inshore gamefish, combining beautiful looks with explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. Local snook typically measure 18 to 28 inches, with occasional slot-busters that exceed 35 inches and provide unforgettable battles. These ambush predators love mangrove shorelines, dock lights, and bridge pilings where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. Snook fishing shines during summer months when they're most active, though they can be caught year-round by anglers who understand their seasonal patterns. Their distinctive black lateral line and jutting lower jaw make them instantly recognizable, while their tendency to jump and gill-rattle during fights creates lasting memories.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped specialists that test your finesse fishing skills while providing some of the best eating in Southwest Florida waters. These structure-loving fish typically run 10 to
This 26-foot Twin Vee runs on twin 140 HP Suzuki outboards that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and smooth. Perfect for a half-day inshore adventure, she's rigged with everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, plus a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on those spooky fish in shallow water. The fish finder and side scan help locate structure where the big ones hide, while the live well keeps your bait frisky. There's an icebox for your drinks, dry storage for gear, and even a head if nature calls. Bluetooth lets you play tunes between fish, and the VHF radio keeps you connected. Built for two anglers, this boat handles Southwest Florida's inshore waters like a dream, whether you're sight-casting for redfish in the shallows or working deeper holes for trout and grouper. Captain Dalton provides all the fishing gear and safety equipment - just bring your snacks and get ready to fish!
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that'll test your tackle around reefs and wrecks in 60-100 feet of water. These chunky fish average 20 inches but can hit 50+ inches and 80 pounds. Males are darker with distinctive reticulated dorsal fins, while females show marbled gray patterns. They love hanging around structure - offshore reefs, ledges, and artificial wrecks where they ambush crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. Best fishing happens spring through fall when they're most active. What makes them special is the aggressive strike followed by a bulldogging fight straight for the bottom. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: once hooked, keep constant pressure and don't let them reach cover - they'll wrap your line around structure faster than you think. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored bruisers of the shallow flats, easily spotted by their signature black eyespots near the tail. These drum average 28-33 inches but can push 45+ inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes with backs exposed - cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet. They're year-round residents that provide consistent action, especially during fall and spring migrations. What guests love is their powerful runs and dogged fights, plus they're great eating with mild, sweet meat. They'll eat almost anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials. The trick is staying quiet and making long casts to avoid spooring them in skinny water. My favorite approach is sight-fishing with topwater plugs early morning - nothing beats watching a big red blow up on the surface.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or speckled trout, are grass flat specialists that average 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots love shallow bays, grass beds, and sandy bottoms in 2-8 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - dawn, dusk, and overcast days produce the best action. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're excellent table fare with tender, flaky white meat. They school up in winter in deeper channels, making for fast action once you locate them. The key is not overcooking their delicate flesh. Best technique is drifting live shrimp under popping corks over grass flats or working soft plastics on light jigs. Pro tip: fish them slow and low - they often suspend just off the bottom.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth built for crushing barnacles and crabs. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 20-pounders lurk around heavy structure. Find them tight to pilings, bridges, docks, and jetties year-round, with peak action February through April during spawning season. They're prized for their delicate white meat and mild flavor - some of the best eating fish in our waters. The challenge is their light bite and quick bait-stealing nature. They'll nibble and test your bait before committing. Use small hooks with fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, or oysters. Here's the key: keep your bait pinned tight to the structure and set the hook hard at the first tap. Wait too long and you'll just be feeding them.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore gamefish, averaging 1-3 feet but capable of reaching 4+ feet and 50+ pounds. These golden beauties with their signature black lateral line cruise shallow mangroves, docks, and grass flats in 2-6 feet of water. They're ambush predators that explode on topwater lures and put up spectacular fights with gill-rattling jumps. Peak action happens during warmer months, especially around new and full moons when they spawn near passes. What draws anglers is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic battles - plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. They're structure-oriented, so focus around mangrove edges, bridge pilings, and oyster bars. My go-to tip: work lures parallel to structure rather than straight at it. Snook are notorious for following baits before striking, so give them multiple looks.
5.0 out of 5.0Our trip was delayed a couple hour due to bait issues but Dalton kept us informed what was going on. After that it was a good outi...
BEST DAY EVER!!!!! Dalton knew exactly where to take us! She was patient and kind and extremely knowledgeable!!!! We saved for ov...
Joelle Miller, Thank ya buddy! people like yall make me feel like i dont even have a job, i just ge...
Caught an amazing amount of fish we caught a shark. It was an amazing trip. Would recommend this to anybody in the area?
Latitude 26- Fort Myers Beach FL