Fort Myers Inshore Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing targeting Redfish, Tarpon, and SnookEighthour private charter accommodates up to four guestsAll fishing equipment provided by experienced local captain
Picture this: you're drifting through the calm waters around Fort Myers at sunrise, watching the flats come alive as fish start their morning hunt. That's exactly what you'll get on this full-day private charter with Saltwater Excursions LLC. We're talking about eight solid hours on some of Southwest Florida's most productive inshore waters, where the fishing is as good as it gets and you'll have a seasoned captain who knows every oyster bar, grass flat, and mangrove shoreline like the back of his hand. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to land your personal best or someone who just picked up a rod for the first time, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps folks coming back season after season.
Your day starts early – and trust me, that's when the magic happens. Fort Myers inshore fishing is all about timing, and the best captains know that first light and the hours just after sunrise can make or break your trip. You'll be fishing the legendary waters around Sanibel Island, Pine Island Sound, and the Caloosahatchee River system, where shallow grass flats meet deep channels and create the perfect storm for big fish. The beauty of a private charter is that it's all about you and your group – no crowded boat, no rushing to accommodate other anglers, just pure focus on putting you on fish. Your captain will read the water conditions, check the tides, and adjust the game plan throughout the day to keep you in the action. And here's the kicker – all your gear is included, so you can spend less time worrying about tackle and more time perfecting your cast.
Inshore fishing around Fort Myers is like a chess match between you and some seriously smart fish. We're talking about sight fishing on shallow flats where you'll spot tailing redfish before making the perfect presentation with live shrimp or cut bait. Your captain will have you rigged up with everything from spinning reels loaded with 20-pound braided line for those grass flats to heavier tackle when we're targeting bigger tarpon around the bridges and passes. Live bait is king out here – pilchards, greenbacks, and shrimp caught fresh that morning will be your go-to weapons. But don't overlook the artificial game either. A well-placed soft plastic jig or topwater plug can absolutely light up the water when fish are actively feeding. The technique varies throughout the day as we move from shallow water sight fishing in the morning to deeper structure fishing when the sun gets high. Your captain will teach you how to read the water, spot nervous bait, and feel the difference between a fish pick-up and bottom structure.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and Fort Myers has some of the best snook fishing in the state. These ambush predators love hanging around mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and bridge structures where they can dart out and crush unsuspecting baitfish. Peak season runs from spring through fall, with the bite really heating up during the warmer months when they're most active. What makes snook so special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight – they'll jump, run for structure, and test every knot in your tackle box. Plus, they're absolutely beautiful fish with that distinctive black lateral line and golden sides that shine in the Florida sun.
Tarpon fishing around Fort Myers is legendary, and for good reason. These silver kings can reach over 100 pounds and put on aerial displays that'll have you talking about the fight for years. The best tarpon action typically happens from April through August, when massive schools migrate through our waters. They're found around bridges, in deep channels, and along the beaches where they feed on schools of baitfish. What makes tarpon so addictive is the sheer power and unpredictability – one minute you're fighting dead weight, the next they're launching six feet out of the water trying to throw the hook. Fair warning: tarpon fishing is catch and release only, but trust me, the photos and memories are worth more than any mounted fish.
Sea trout are your reliable producers, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper grass flats and around structure. These spotted beauties are perfect for anglers who want consistent action – they're aggressive feeders that'll hit both live bait and artificials with enthusiasm. The bite can be fast and furious, especially during winter months when water temperatures drop and trout concentrate in warmer areas like residential canals and deeper holes. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among families who want to bring dinner home.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Fort Myers inshore fishing, and they're active year-round in our waters. These copper-colored bulldogs love shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove creeks where they root around for crabs and shrimp. What makes reds so exciting is the visual aspect – you'll often see their backs or tails breaking the surface as they feed in skinny water. They're also incredibly strong fighters that'll strip drag and test your patience with long, powerful runs. The slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls provide world-class sport fishing action.
Bull sharks represent the apex predator experience in Fort Myers waters, and encountering one is always a heart-pounding moment. These powerful sharks patrol the deeper channels, passes, and around bait schools, especially during warmer months. What makes bull shark fishing so intense is their raw power and unpredictable nature – they can show up anywhere from shallow flats to deep water, and when they eat, you know it immediately. They're perfect for anglers looking to test heavy tackle and experience what a true apex predator fight feels like. All sharks are catch and release, but the adrenaline rush of battling one of these ocean wolves is something you'll never forget.
Fort Myers in
This 24-foot Key West bay boat packs serious punch for your Fort Myers fishing adventure. Built to handle the local waters with confidence, she's powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hottest fishing spots quickly. The spacious deck comfortably fits your crew of four with plenty of room to move around when battling that big snook or tarpon. Modern fish finder technology helps locate schools while GPS keeps you on track to productive waters. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into shallow redfish territory without spooking your targets. Radar ensures safe navigation even when afternoon storms roll in. After hours of casting and fighting fish, you'll appreciate the onboard head. Whether you're working the mangrove edges for snook or heading to deeper water for tarpon, this well-equipped vessel delivers the performance and comfort needed for a successful day on Fort Myers' legendary fishing grounds.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks bring serious power to our local waters. These stocky predators typically run 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds, making them one of the strongest fish you'll encounter. They cruise shallow coastal waters, river mouths, and even venture into fresh water - they're surprisingly adaptable. Summer months offer the best opportunities when they're most active in our area. What draws anglers is the raw power and unique challenge of battling a true apex predator. They're built like underwater bulldozers and fight accordingly. Here's what works: fresh cut bait like mullet or mackerel on heavy tackle near structure or drop-offs. Create a chum slick to draw them in, and once they're up, they'll hit almost anything you put in front of them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore target - they're aggressive, beautiful, and make great eating. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 20-35 inches in our waters. Look for them in shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges in just 1-4 feet of water. They're year-round residents but really turn on during cooler months when they school up. What makes reds special is their explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll pull hard and try to wrap you around structure. Plus, they're fantastic on the table with firm, mild meat. My secret: look for nervous water or tailing fish on shallow flats. A gold spoon worked steadily through the area will usually draw a strike.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are a bread-and-butter species that consistently produce action. These spotted beauties typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, making them perfect for light tackle fun. They prefer grass flats and shallow bays, especially around dawn and dusk when they're most active. Cooler months see them schooling up in slightly deeper water. What guests love is their willingness to bite and their excellent eating quality - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're also great fighters for their size. Pro tip: fish the grass edges with soft plastics or topwater plugs early morning or late evening. When you find one speckled trout, there's usually more nearby, so work the area thoroughly.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These sleek fish with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 1-3 feet long, though the big females can push 4 feet. You'll find them hugging mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths in shallow water - they love structure and ambush points. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are warm. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong runs toward cover. They're also excellent table fare with flaky white meat. Here's the key: cast your bait or lure past the structure and work it back naturally. Snook are ambush predators, so they'll often hit right at the mangrove edge where they're waiting.
Megalops AtlanticusThe Silver King is what fishing dreams are made of. These prehistoric giants average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, but can reach 8 feet and nearly 300 pounds. You'll spot them rolling in shallow flats, around bridges, and in deeper channels throughout our waters. May through September is prime time when they're most active in warmer water. What hooks people is watching a 100-pound fish launch 10 feet out of the water - pure adrenaline. They're not great eating due to their bony flesh, so it's all about the fight and bragging rights. My tip: when you see them rolling, cast ahead of the school and let your bait sink naturally. Keep steady pressure but bow to the king when they jump to avoid a broken line.
Fort Myers