5.0(1 Reviews)Fort Myers Private Inshore Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour private inshore fishing adventure for up to four guestsTarget redfish, tarpon, snapper, and snook with experienced captainAll fishing gear provided with flexible skill level accommodation
You're looking at six solid hours on some of the most productive inshore waters Southwest Florida has to offer. This private Fort Myers fishing charter puts you and up to three buddies right where the action is – hunting redfish in the shallows, working the mangroves for snook, and maybe even getting a shot at tarpon if the conditions line up right. Captain Dillon knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the patience to work with everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers looking to dial in their technique.
This isn't some cookie-cutter trip where you're just another number. With only four anglers max, you get real attention from your captain and plenty of elbow room to work your lines. We're talking about genuine backcountry fishing – poling through skinny water, sight-casting to tailing reds, and working the structure where the big snook like to hang out. The boat's rigged with quality gear, so you don't need to stress about bringing tackle unless you've got something specific you want to throw. Pack some snacks and drinks if you want, because six hours goes by fast when the fish are biting. The best part? Your captain's reading the water, the weather, and the fish movement in real time, adjusting the game plan to put you on the best action of the day.
We're talking light tackle inshore fishing here – the kind where you can actually feel every head shake and run. You'll be working with spinning reels spooled with braid, throwing everything from live shrimp under popping corks to artificial lures that mimic the baitfish these predators can't resist. Depending on what's happening that day, you might find yourself sight-casting to cruising fish in crystal-clear flats, or working the deeper channels where the current brings the food. The captain's got you covered with a full spread of tackle – circle hooks for the live bait work, topwater plugs for those heart-stopping surface strikes, and soft plastics that absolutely wreck the trout and redfish around here. If you've never thrown a spoon at a school of breaking fish, you're in for a treat.
"Captain Dillon did an absolutely amazing job, from before we even arrived, he was communicative, quick to reply and extremely helpful! Then the morning arrived and from the moment we were on site He was on point, and got us right on the fish, immediately reelin em in! He was so attentive to each of us the entire day, never let up or took a break. Got us on some monster red, we caught some Jacks, more speckled trout than I count and all day just had the most amazing experience!! Would highly recommend him to anyone that would listen, and plenty that arent! I really couldn't say enough about how awesome our experience was, and that was because of the human element, Captain Dillon. Absolute Joy! Fish On!!" - Chris
Redfish are the bread and butter of Fort Myers inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs will test your drag and your patience in equal measure. They're here year-round, though fall and winter months tend to produce the bigger specimens – we're talking fish pushing 30-plus inches that'll strip line like nobody's business. You'll find them tailing in the shallows during higher tides, their backs and tails breaking the surface as they root around for crabs and shrimp. The sight of a big red with its tail waving in six inches of water never gets old, and the fight that follows is pure adrenaline.
Snook are the area's signature gamefish, and they've earned that reputation through sheer attitude. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangrove roots, bridges, anywhere they can pin baitfish against something solid. They're most active during the warmer months, particularly around the new and full moons when they move shallow to feed. A big snook hitting a topwater lure in the shadow of a mangrove overhang is about as good as inshore fishing gets. They're line-shy and structure-oriented, so getting them away from their hideouts takes some finesse.
Tarpon fishing around Fort Myers is legendary, and even though these silver kings can push 100 pounds or more, you'll often find smaller fish – we call them "poons" – in the 20 to 50-pound range that are perfect for light tackle. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when the bait schools are thick. These fish are pure spectacle when hooked, launching themselves clear out of the water in displays that'll have you scrambling for your phone. Fair warning though – tarpon are catch-and-release only, and they require a special license tag if you're targeting the big ones.
Sea trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are probably the most cooperative fish you'll encounter out there. They school up over grass flats and around structure, and they're suckers for a well-presented shrimp or soft plastic. Fall and winter months are prime time for bigger trout, with fish over 20 inches becoming more common as the water cools down. They're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few within the slot limit, and they're a great confidence-builder for newer anglers since they tend to bite consistently.
Grey snapper, particularly the mangrove snapper that hang around the docks and structure, are opportunistic feeders that'll test your knot-tying skills. They've got sharp teeth and a knack for finding the weakest point in your tackle. Summer months see the biggest concentrations around local structure, and they're excellent table fare if you're looking to take some fish home. They're not the biggest fighters, but they make up for it by being some of the smartest fish in the water – getting
This 24' Key West bay boat is built for serious fishing in Fort Myers waters. Powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha engine, she'll get you to the prime fishing spots quickly and efficiently. The spacious deck comfortably holds up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to cast and fight fish. Her wireless trolling motor lets you approach shallow flats silently when stalking redfish and snook, while the fish finder helps locate schools of snapper and tarpon. GPS navigation and radar keep you on course in any conditions. The onboard toilet means longer fishing sessions without heading back to shore. Whether you're targeting inshore species in the mangroves or working the flats for that trophy fish, this well-equipped vessel handles Fort Myers fishing grounds with ease.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, or Mangrove Snapper as we call them locally, are smart fish that'll test your skills. They average 12-16 inches inshore, though deeper water can produce 3-4 pounders. You'll find them around docks, bridges, and mangrove structure in 5-25 feet of water. They're most active at night and during moving tides year-round. What guests love is the challenge - these fish are notorious bait stealers with excellent eyesight and quick reflexes. Once hooked, they make strong runs toward cover. They're also outstanding eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the trick: use the smallest hook you can get away with, keep your bait moving naturally, and when you feel that tap, don't hesitate - set the hook immediately before they drop it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Fort Myers classics with that copper-bronze back and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, though slot fish around 27 inches are perfect for the table. They love super shallow water - oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats in 1-4 feet where you can often spot their backs or tails. Year-round fishing with peak action in fall and spring when they school up. What makes them special is their powerful fight and willingness to eat almost anything, plus they make excellent table fare with firm, sweet meat. They're also fun to sight-fish in shallow water. Here's my go-to technique: use a gold spoon or topwater plug early morning over shallow flats. When you see them tailing, cast past the fish and work your lure back toward them - never cast directly at them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action with great table fare. Most run 14-18 inches with distinctive black spots across their silver sides. They patrol grass flats and shallow bays in 2-6 feet of water, especially active during cooler months from fall through early spring. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and their delicate, flaky white meat that's hard to beat fried or grilled. They school up in winter, making for fast action when you find them. They're also great for beginners since they're not overly spooky. Best lures are soft plastics and topwater plugs worked slowly over the grass. Local secret: fish the deeper potholes in the grass flats during cold snaps - that's where they concentrate when temperatures drop.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Fort Myers' most prized catches, running 18-30 inches on average with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color. They love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, and oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water. Best fishing happens during warmer months, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their explosive strike and hard fight, plus they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat. They're also unique because larger ones are actually females - they change sex as they mature. Here's a local tip: when fishing around mangroves, cast your live shrimp or pinfish right into the roots and let it drift naturally. Don't rush the hookset - let them take it and run before you tighten up.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate game fish - pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. Most range 80-150 pounds and 4-6 feet long, though giants over 200 pounds cruise our waters. They frequent channels, bridges, and deeper flats in 10-60 feet, especially during their May through September migration. What makes tarpon fishing special isn't the eating - we release these ancient fish - it's watching a 100-pound silver king launch 10 feet out of the water. Their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs create memories that last forever. They're prehistoric survivors, living up to 50 years. Best bite happens on moving tides with live bait like crabs or mullet. Pro tip: when one jumps, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip toward the water. This prevents the line from snapping during their aerial show.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Dillon did an absolutely amazing job, from before we even arrived, he was communicative, quick to reply and extremely help...
Fort Myers