5.0(5 Reviews)Half Day Inshore Fishing Fort Myers Beach
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Target Red Fish, Trout, Grouper, Tarpon, and sharks inshoreFamily-friendly trips with all fishing equipment provided onboardSmall group experience accommodating up to 2 guests maximum
When you're looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that delivers results, Outlaw Charters knows how to put you on the fish. Captain Dalton has dialed in the prime inshore spots around Fort Myers Beach, and this isn't just another tourist boat ride. We're talking about a focused 4-hour fishing experience where the goal is simple: bend your rod and fill the cooler. With a maximum of 2 anglers, you get personalized attention and prime positioning at the best fishing holes. All tackle and gear are provided, so just bring your drinks and snacks – we handle the rest.
This half-day charter targets the productive inshore waters where Fort Myers Beach's best fishing happens. You'll work the grass flats, oyster bars, and structure that holds fish year-round. Captain Dalton knows these waters like the back of his hand and adjusts tactics based on tides, weather, and what's biting. Whether you're sight fishing the shallows or working deeper holes, every spot is chosen for a reason. The intimate 2-person capacity means no crowded boat, no fighting for space, and no rushed fishing. You get to fish at your own pace while learning from a captain who genuinely wants you to succeed. The family-friendly atmosphere makes this perfect for introducing kids to serious fishing or for couples wanting a relaxed day on the water.
Inshore fishing here means adapting to what Mother Nature gives you each day. We'll use a mix of live bait, cut bait, and artificials depending on target species and conditions. Light tackle spinning gear keeps the fight exciting, while heavier setups come out when sharks show up. Expect to work shallow grass flats with topwater plugs at dawn, then transition to deeper structure as the day heats up. Captain Dalton reads the water constantly – watching for bait schools, bird activity, and subtle changes that reveal where fish are holding. You'll learn to spot redfish tails in skinny water, identify trout slicks, and understand how tide movement affects fish behavior. The boat stays mobile, covering multiple spots to stay on active fish rather than waiting around hoping they'll turn on.
"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 crown jewel of inshore fishing around Fort Myers Beach, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and fight like fish twice their size. Peak season runs from September through December, but you'll find them year-round in the backcountry. What makes reds special is their aggressive nature – they'll crush topwater lures, inhale live shrimp, and absolutely destroy cut mullet. Watch for their distinctive black spot near the tail as they cruise shallow flats, and get ready for drag-screaming runs when hooked.
Sea Trout provide consistent action and excellent table fare. These spotted beauties typically run 14-18 inches with occasional gator trout pushing 20-plus. They're most active during cooler months from November through March, holding around grass beds and sandy holes. Trout have soft mouths, so light drag and smooth hooksets are key. They respond well to live shrimp under popping corks or soft plastic jigs worked slowly along the bottom. Many anglers love trout fishing because they school up, meaning multiple hookups are common once you locate them.
Snook represent the ultimate inshore game fish challenge. These ambush predators lurk around structure – docks, mangroves, and oyster bars – waiting to ambush baitfish. Size ranges from schoolie snook at 18-20 inches up to true trophies exceeding 30 inches. Summer months offer peak snook action, though cold fronts can shut them down quickly. What excites anglers most about snook is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. They'll jump, run for cover, and use every trick to throw the hook. The distinctive black lateral line makes them instantly recognizable.
Gag Grouper provide the muscle when you need a serious fight. These bottom dwellers average 3-8 pounds inshore, with occasional teens showing up around deeper structure. Grouper season has specific regulations, so timing matters, but when open, they're fantastic targets. They hit hard, dive for structure immediately, and require firm pressure to turn them. Live pinfish, grunts, or large shrimp work best when fishing holes, ledges, and artificial reefs. Grouper also make outstanding table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Sheepshead round out the lineup with their distinctive black stripes and notorious bait-stealing abilities. These structure-loving fish average 2-4 pounds with occasional doormat sheepshead reaching 6-8 pounds. Peak season runs during cooler months when they move shallow for spawning. Sheepshead have small mouths and human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs. They require small hooks, light line, and quick reflexes. Many anglers initially find them frustrating, but once you master the technique, sheepshead provide steady action when other species are
Get ready to hit the inshore waters with this sweet 26' Twin Vee that's built for serious fishing action! Powered by twin 140 HP Suzuki outboards, this boat has the muscle to get you to the hot spots fast and the stability to keep you comfortable while you're working the flats for redfish and trout. Captain Dalton has this rig dialed in with everything you need - from the trolling motor that'll keep you quiet in skinny water to the fish finder that'll show you exactly what's lurking below. The live well keeps your bait frisky, while the fish cooler ensures your catch stays fresh. Toss your drinks in the icebox and your gear in the dry storage - this boat's got space for everything. The GPS will navigate you to the prime fishing grounds, and the VHF radio keeps you connected. When you need a break from casting, crank up the Bluetooth system. With room for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room to fight those Southwest Florida giants without bumping into each other. Whether you're after specs in the grass or hoping to tangle with a tarpon, this Twin Vee is your ticket to some serious fishing.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid bottom dwellers that average 20 inches but can reach impressive sizes up to 50+ pounds. You'll find them around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure in 30-100 feet of water. Males are darker with distinct patterns, while females show more marbled grey coloring. They're ambush predators that love live bait like pinfish and mullet, plus cut squid or crab. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special is the fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag your line straight back to their rocky hideout. The meat is excellent, firm white fillets that grill beautifully. My tip: keep your drag tight and pump them up fast before they can reach cover. Use circle hooks and get ready to wrestle!
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are copper-colored powerhouses with that famous black eyespot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, but slot-sized fish around 18-27 inches are your target for the table. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they school up. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and bulldozing fights in shallow water. The meat from slot fish is excellent - firm, mild, and versatile. These fish aren't picky eaters and will hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. My tip: look for "tailing" fish with their tails sticking up while feeding, then cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easily in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks," are beautiful silver fish with distinct black spots that run 14-20 inches on average. They cruise grass flats and shallow bays in 2-8 feet of water, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Fall through spring gives you the best action, especially during cooler months when they school up. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their delicate, sweet white meat. They're not the hardest fighters, but they make up for it with numbers and eating quality. Specks are temperature sensitive, so look for them in deeper water during cold snaps and back on the flats when it warms up. My tip: fish early morning or late evening with live shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds - the sound draws them in from a distance.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with those distinctive black bars and human-like teeth. They typically run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though 20+ pounders lurk around deeper structure. You'll find them glued to docks, bridges, and barnacle-covered pilings where they munch crustaceans. Winter through early spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites, but once hooked, they put up a scrappy fight. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in our waters, sweet white meat that's hard to beat. They're picky about fresh bait, so fiddler crabs and live shrimp work best. My tip: keep your bait tight to the hook and set hard when you feel that subtle tap - they'll steal your bait clean if you hesitate.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore game fish, running 18-30 inches with that signature black lateral line and golden color. They love mangroves, docks, and shallow flats where they ambush baitfish. You'll find them in 2-6 feet of water around structure during warmer months, moving to deeper channels when it cools off. Spring through fall offers the best fishing, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes snook special is their explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll jump and make powerful runs toward cover. The meat is fantastic, flaky white fillets with mild flavor. They're also unique because larger ones are actually females that changed sex as they matured. My tip: cast right to the structure edge with live pilchards or topwater plugs, and be ready to turn them away from cover immediately.
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