Charter Fishing Fort Myers
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore wreck and reef fishing targeting multiple speciesSmall group capacity of three guests maximumWeatherdependent trips with captain consultation for safety
When you're looking for serious offshore action in Fort Myers, this charter delivers the goods. Captain and crew know these Gulf waters like the back of their hand, taking small groups of up to three anglers to productive wreck and reef sites where the big fish live. You'll head out into blue water targeting some of Southwest Florida's most prized catches – from hefty grouper lurking around structure to lightning-fast cobia cruising the surface. Weather plays a big role in offshore fishing, so the captain keeps a close eye on conditions and works with your group to make the call. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip – it's real fishing where every drop could produce the fish of a lifetime.
This Fort Myers offshore adventure takes you beyond the shallow flats into deeper Gulf waters where the serious fish hang out. You'll be fishing wrecks and natural reefs, those underwater structures that act like fish magnets in an otherwise sandy bottom environment. The boat heads out with just three anglers max, which means plenty of room to fight fish and personal attention from the crew. Don't expect to just drop a line and wait – offshore fishing means reading electronics, working different depths, and adapting to what the fish are telling you. Some days they're stacked up on bottom structure, other times they're suspended mid-column or cruising the surface. The captain reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the day, whether that's bottom fishing with heavy tackle or sight-casting to fish you can actually see. Weather safety comes first out here – if conditions aren't right, the trip gets rescheduled rather than risking anyone's well-being in rough seas.
Offshore wreck and reef fishing requires heavier gear than what you'd use inshore, and the crew provides everything you need to handle these bigger fish. You'll be using conventional reels loaded with sufficient line to reach bottom in 60-100+ feet of water, with tackle strong enough to turn fish away from structure. Bottom fishing makes up a big part of the day – dropping baits down to grouper holes and ledges where these fish ambush prey. Live bait works great when available, but fresh dead baits like sardines, pinfish, and squid produce plenty of action too. The crew rigs everything properly with circle hooks and appropriate weights to get down fast in the current. When cobia show up near the surface, the game changes completely – you'll switch to lighter spinning gear for sight-casting to these curious fish as they cruise around the boat. Trolling might come into play when moving between spots or targeting pelagics like king mackerel. The key is staying flexible and matching your approach to what's happening that particular day. Electronics play a huge role in finding fish-holding structure and marking schools, but ultimately it comes down to putting the right bait in the right place at the right time.
Redfish might seem like an inshore species, but these copper-colored bruisers show up around offshore structure too, especially the bigger bull reds that can top 40 inches. They're aggressive feeders that hit cut bait hard and make powerful runs when hooked. Fall and winter months tend to be best for catching these oversized reds in deeper water, and landing one offshore feels different than the typical shallow water encounter – these fish have more room to run and really test your drag system.
Crevalle Jack are the muscle cars of the reef – all power and attitude packed into a silver torpedo. These fish travel in schools and when you find them, the action gets crazy fast. They'll hit just about anything you throw at them and fight way above their weight class. Jacks are year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months. What makes them special is their never-give-up attitude – even a 15-pound jack will make multiple runs and keep pulling until it's in the boat. They're also excellent table fare when prepared properly, despite what some people think.
Cobia are the prize catch that gets every angler's heart racing. These brown sharks lookalikes cruise around wrecks and reefs, often coming right up to the boat out of curiosity. They can reach 50+ pounds in these waters and are incredibly strong fighters. Spring through fall offers the best cobia action, with peak season running April through June. What makes cobia fishing so exciting is the visual element – you often see them coming before you cast, which adds a whole hunting dimension to the experience. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Gag Grouper are the bread and butter of offshore reef fishing in Fort Myers waters. These bottom dwellers can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon around the right structure. They're ambush predators that hang tight to cover, so the fight is often about getting them away from the rocks before they cut you off. Gag season typically runs from July through December, depending on regulations. They're prized for their excellent table quality – firm, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. The challenge with gags is that first few seconds after hookup when they dive for cover with surprising speed.
Goliath Grouper represent the ultimate offshore encounter – these giants can exceed 400 pounds and provide a fight you'll never forget. They're catch-and-release only, but hooking into one is a bucket list experience. Goliaths hang around wrecks and large structure, often in surprisingly shallow water for their size. Summer months offer the best opportunities, when these prehistoric-looking fish are most active. What makes goliath fishing so memorable is the sheer power – they don't run like other fish, they just pull straight down with incredible force. Getting one up for a quick photo and release requires heavy tackle and plenty of patience. The sound they make when brought to the surface – a deep booming grunt – adds to the whole experience.
Fort Myers offshore fishing delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. With experienced crew, top-notch local
Our 2019 C-Hawk center console cuts through Fort Myers waters with authority, powered by a reliable 225HP Honda that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 45 knots. This 23-footer handles offshore conditions like a champ while keeping up to 6 anglers comfortable during long fishing sessions. The GPS keeps us locked onto productive spots while the radar ensures safe navigation when visibility drops. The fish finder is your secret weapon for locating schools of Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, and King Mackerel around local wrecks and reefs. Built for serious fishing, this boat's center console design gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish and move around the deck. Whether we're drifting over structure or trolling the blue water, you'll appreciate how stable and seaworthy this vessel feels when the action heats up and lines start screaming.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our premier offshore targets, and these brown bruisers are worth the trip. They average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+ pounds, making them serious tackle-testing fish. We find them around wrecks, reefs, and floating debris in 30-100 feet of water. Spring through fall brings the best bite, especially during their spawning runs. What sets cobia apart? They're curious fish that often come right up to the boat, and their white, flaky meat rivals any fish in the Gulf. Plus they fight hard and long. These loners don't school up, so when we spot one cruising near the surface, it's game on. Local trick: use a 4-8 oz bucktail jig in any color - they're not picky. Once you hook up, lock that drag down tight because they'll head straight for the nearest structure.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the tough guys of our local waters - pure muscle wrapped in gold and green. Most run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, though we see some real bulls pushing 30+ pounds. They cruise both inshore grass flats and offshore around our wrecks and reefs. Summer months bring the best action when they're feeding aggressively in schools. What guests love about jacks? They fight like fish twice their size and never give up. You'll know when you find them - watch for diving birds hitting baitfish getting pushed to the surface. They're not great table fare, but the fight is pure adrenaline. Pro tip: cast past the school and rip your lure back fast through them. Silver spoons work magic, and here's the kicker - you'll sometimes smell watermelon when big schools are feeding.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bread and butter of our offshore wreck fishing around Fort Myers. These gray, marble-patterned fish typically run 15-25 pounds, though we catch some real slabs pushing 40+ pounds. They live on hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 40-120 feet of water. Winter months through spring offer the best action when they're more active. What makes gags special? They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat, and they put up a solid fight trying to get back to their holes. These ambush predators love live pinfish and cut bait. Here's the key: once you feel that thump, don't give them an inch. Lock down your drag and horse them straight up - let them run back to structure and you'll get broke off on the rocks every time.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our local reefs - these protected monsters can reach 400+ pounds and 6+ feet long. We find them around ledges, wrecks, and artificial reefs in 60-150 feet, though big ones sometimes cruise shallow structure. Summer through fall brings the most encounters. Important note: these are catch-and-release only, but what an experience! They'll absolutely test your tackle and nerves with that first crushing run. We use heavy gear - 80-wide reels with 400+ pound line because they'll snap lighter stuff without thinking twice. The thrill is hooking something that can literally pull you overboard. Local tip: use big baits like whole jacks or large crabs on 20/0 circle hooks. When one grabs your bait, hold on tight and prepare for the fight of your life.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular inshore targets around Fort Myers. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and love super shallow water - we're talking 1-4 feet where you can sometimes see their backs above the surface. They hang around oyster bars, grass flats, and dock pilings, especially on mud bottoms. Fall through spring offers the best action when water temps cool down. What makes them special? That distinctive black spot near the tail, plus they eat like sweet, firm white meat. They'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. Here's a local tip: when you hook one in skinny water, keep your rod tip high and lead them away from structure fast - they love to wrap you up in oyster shells or mangrove roots.
Fort Myers, FL