6 Hour Fishing Trip: Fort Myers & Sanibel
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing adventure targeting Snook, Redfish, and TarponAccommodates up to six guests with complimentary fishing licenses includedProfessional fish filleting service provided in sealed bags
Looking to spend some serious time on the water? This extended 6-hour fishing adventure with Redline Charters puts you right in the heart of Southwest Florida's best inshore fishing grounds around Fort Myers and Sanibel. Captain James Rose knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with six full hours, you'll hit multiple honey holes that shorter trips just can't reach. Perfect for families with kids or groups of up to 6 anglers who want to maximize their time chasing trophy fish.
This isn't your typical half-day quickie - we're talking about a legitimate fishing expedition that gives you the time to really dial in on what's biting. Captain James will pick you up bright and early, and you'll spend the day working the flats, grass beds, and structure around Sanibel and Fort Myers where the big fish like to hang out. The extra hours mean we can move around based on tides, weather, and what's feeding. If the snook are being finicky at one spot, no problem - we've got time to relocate and try different presentations. Kids are absolutely welcome, and there's something magical about watching a youngster hook into their first redfish. All fishing licenses are included, so you don't need to worry about paperwork, and Captain James will clean and bag your catch at the end of the day so you can take dinner home.
Fort Myers and Sanibel offer some of the most diverse inshore fishing in Florida, and we'll use every technique in the book to put fish in the boat. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself casting topwater plugs at dawn for explosive snook strikes, or working live shrimp under popping corks around the mangroves. The grass flats are perfect for sight-fishing redfish with soft plastics, while the deeper channels and passes hold tarpon and bigger trout. Captain James comes loaded with quality tackle - spinning gear that can handle anything from feisty sea trout to 100-pound tarpon. The boat is equipped with a trolling motor for those stealthy approaches in shallow water, plus all the electronics needed to locate structure and baitfish. We'll cover water from the Sanibel Causeway to Matlacha Pass, hitting oyster bars, creek mouths, and those secret spots that only locals know about.
Mutton Snapper are one of the real prizes in these waters - these copper-colored beauties can push 10-15 pounds and they fight like diesel trucks. They love structure and will test your drag system. Best time to target them is during the warmer months when they move into the shallows to spawn. What makes them so special is their table fare - mutton snapper might be the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Snook are the signature gamefish of Southwest Florida, and for good reason. These ambush predators with the distinctive black lateral line can grow over 40 inches and provide heart-stopping strikes when they blow up on topwater lures. They're structure-oriented fish that love mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and creek mouths. Peak season runs from spring through fall, and they're notorious for their acrobatic fights - expect jumping, head-shaking, and long runs that'll have your arms burning.
Tarpon are simply in a league of their own - the "Silver King" of inshore fishing. These prehistoric giants can exceed 6 feet and 150 pounds, and when one goes airborne, it's a sight you'll never forget. They migrate through these waters in large schools during spring and summer, often rolling on the surface and giving away their location. Fighting a tarpon is like being connected to a submarine with wings - they'll take you into your backing and test every knot you've tied.
Sea Trout are often underestimated, but the big "gator" trout that patrol the grass flats can reach 8-10 pounds and provide fantastic light-tackle action. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Fall and winter are prime time for trophy trout, and they're excellent table fare with delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for ceviche or blackened preparations.
Redfish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here - these bronze-backed bulldogs are available year-round and never disappoint. Slot-size reds (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized "bulls" provide arm-burning fights in shallow water. They're sight-fishing dreams on the flats, often feeding with their backs out of water, and they'll absolutely destroy a well-placed gold spoon or live pinfish.
Greater Amberjack are the muscle cars of the reef - these yellow-tailed bruisers live around structure and will try to break you off the second they feel the hook. They can push 50-60 pounds in these waters and provide non-stop action once you locate a school. They're most active during the cooler months and are fantastic on the grill or as sashimi when fresh. Just be ready for a workout - amberjack don't give up easily.
Six hours on the water with Captain James Rose isn't just a fishing trip - it's a masterclass in Southwest Florida inshore angling. The extended time frame sets this charter apart from the competition, giving you the flexibility to adapt to conditions and target multiple species throughout the day. With licenses included, professional fish cleaning, and a captain who lives and breathes these waters, you're setting yourself up for the kind of day that creates lifelong fishing memories. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new water or a family wanting to introduce kids to the sport, this top-rated charter delivers the
Get ready to chase trophy fish in Fort Myers and Sanibel waters aboard our spacious fishing machine! This open-layout boat gives your crew of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to move around and battle big Snook, Redfish, and Tarpon. Powered by a 300hp Suzuki outboard, she cruises at 27-32 knots to get you to the hot spots fast. The 103-gallon fuel capacity means more time fishing, less time at the dock. Stay comfortable with the onboard icebox for cold drinks, multimedia system for tunes between bites, and wheelchair accessibility. Advanced fish finder and GPS help locate structure and schools, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when sneaking up on spooky fish. VHF radio and radar ensure safe navigation in any conditions. Captain James provides licenses and fillets your catch - just bring your appetite for action on the water!
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjacks are powerful offshore fighters that'll test your tackle and stamina. These muscular fish average 20-40 pounds but can reach 60+ pounds and 5 feet long. Around Fort Myers, we find them on deeper reefs, wrecks, and structure in 40-100+ feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active. What makes amberjack fishing exciting is their incredible strength - they'll pull straight down toward structure trying to break you off. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Most anglers use heavy tackle, but they'll hit jigs, live bait, and even topwater lures. Here's the key: once hooked, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the wreck. Use at least 50-pound test and be ready for a long, tough battle. The first few minutes are critical.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snappers are one of our favorite targets around Fort Myers and Sanibel - these pink-hued fish average 15-20 inches but can reach up to 37 inches. You'll find them around sandy areas near reefs and structure, typically in 10-30 feet of water. They're not picky eaters, going after shrimp, crabs, and small fish throughout the day. What makes them special is their solid fight and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for dinner. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are warm. Here's a local tip: use the freshest bait you can get and keep your weight light. Let that shrimp or pinfish drift naturally in the current, and when you see that pink flash coming up through the water, you'll know you've got one hooked.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter species around Fort Myers and Sanibel - these copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails average 20-28 inches. They love super shallow water, often cruising flats in just 1-3 feet where you can actually see their backs. Look for them around oyster bars, mangrove edges, and grass flats. They bite year-round, but fall and winter offer the best action when they school up. What guests love is their powerful, bulldogging fight and excellent table fare - mild, sweet meat that grills perfectly. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. My favorite technique is sight fishing with a gold spoon - cast ahead of cruising fish and let it flutter down. When you see that red flash, set the hook and hold on tight.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are fantastic light-tackle fish that average 12-16 inches with bigger ones pushing 20+ inches. Around Fort Myers and Sanibel, you'll find them over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially near drop-offs and sand holes. They bite year-round but really turn on during cooler months from fall through early spring. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite artificials and their excellent eating quality - soft, white meat that's perfect pan-fried. They school up in winter, making for fast action when you locate them. Here's a local secret: fish the grass flats early morning or late evening with a popping cork and live shrimp. The noise draws them up from the grass, and that subtle "pop-pop-pause" rhythm triggers strikes from even finicky fish.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing here in Fort Myers and Sanibel. These sleek, silver fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though trophy fish can hit 40+ inches. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings in shallow water - anywhere there's structure and moving water. Best fishing happens during warmer months from spring through fall, especially around dawn and dusk. What guests love about snook is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run like crazy once hooked. Plus, they're phenomenal eating with white, flaky meat. Here's my go-to trick: work your lure or bait right along the mangrove edges where the shade meets sunlight. That's where they ambush prey, and a properly presented bait will get hammered.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket list fish - these silver giants can reach 6-8 feet and weigh over 200 pounds, though most we see run 80-150 pounds. Around Fort Myers and Sanibel, they cruise shallow flats, channels, and passes in 3-20 feet of water from May through September. What makes tarpon fishing so special isn't just their incredible jumps and blistering runs - it's that prehistoric look and the sheer power they display. We practice catch and release since they're not great eating due to their bony structure. The key to landing one is keeping steady pressure without overplaying them. My best advice: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. This prevents the line from snapping on their gill plates during those spectacular aerial displays.
Punta Rassa Boat Ramp, 18700 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33908, United States