Fort Myers Morning Inshore Fishing Adventure
There's something special about getting on the water early in Fort Myers, when the morning light hits those glassy inshore flats and the fish are still actively feeding. This half-day morning charter puts you right in the sweet spot of Southwest Florida's most productive inshore fishing grounds. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Captain Kevin knows exactly where to find the fish that make these waters famous. You'll spend four solid hours working the backwaters and flats, targeting everything from aggressive snook to crafty redfish, all while soaking in some of the most scenic fishing territory Florida has to offer.
What to Expect on the Water
This top-rated morning trip kicks off when the conditions are prime and the fish are hungry. You'll be fishing the calm inshore waters around Fort Myers, where the mix of grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines creates perfect habitat for Southwest Florida's most sought-after species. Captain Kevin provides all the gear you'll need - quality rods, reels, and a full selection of terminal tackle matched to whatever's biting that day. Your fishing license is included, so there's no hassle with paperwork or last-minute stops. The boat accommodates up to three anglers comfortably, giving everyone plenty of room to work their lines and fight fish without getting tangled up. Morning trips are customer favorites because the fish are more active, the weather's typically calmer, and you'll still have your afternoon free for other activities.
Techniques and Tackle Setup
Captain Kevin runs a well-equipped inshore boat that's perfect for navigating the shallow waters where these fish live. You'll be using medium-action spinning rods paired with reels that can handle everything from 15-pound speckled trout to 30-pound snook that want to run straight into the mangroves. The terminal tackle gets switched up based on conditions - live bait rigs when the fish are picky, artificial lures when they're aggressive, and everything in between. Expect to work with live shrimp, pinfish, and cut bait, plus a selection of soft plastics and topwater plugs that produce big strikes in these waters. The captain reads the tides, wind, and fish behavior to put you on the most productive spots. Some days that means working the grass flats for trout and reds, other days it's tight to the mangroves for snook, and often you'll hit multiple spots to maximize your catch variety.
Customer Stories
"We had a great day out with captain Kevin. Fishing conditions were not ideal, temperature had dropped a lot from cold weather so we didn't expect much to bite. However Kevin put us on some fish and got all 6 of us to hook up although very few had any experience fishing. He was very accommodating as we booked the day before and was very responsive to messaging before the trip. We would certainly book again and hope for better weather." - Luke
"Three old men and a pre-teen on their first fishing charter had a magnificent time. Captain Kevin was exceptional at keeping our lines wet and finding the finest fishing holes. I will be a repeat customer." - Michael
"Capt Kevin did a good job putting us on active snook and boated a bonus shark! Fun day with my son!" - Tom
Target Species Breakdown
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love to hang around structure - docks, mangrove roots, bridge pilings - waiting to slam whatever swims by. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag system and try every trick in the book to throw your hook. Snook are most active during the warmer months, but Fort Myers' mild winters keep them biting year-round in deeper holes and warmer backwaters. When you hook into a slot-sized snook, expect explosive runs and acrobatic jumps that'll get your heart pumping. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect on the grill.
Sheepshead might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolutely beloved by experienced anglers for their incredible fight and tricky feeding behavior. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles, oysters, and crabs around structure. They're notorious bait stealers - you'll feel light taps and pecks before they commit to a bite. Once hooked, sheepshead are bulldogs that use every ounce of their body weight to try to get back to their rocky hideouts. They're most active during cooler months when they move inshore to spawn, making them perfect targets for winter and spring trips. The meat is excellent, with a mild flavor that converts even the pickiest eaters.
Redfish are probably the most reliable target in these waters, and they never disappoint when it comes to providing action. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the grass flats and oyster bars in schools, making for some truly memorable sight-fishing opportunities. Reds are aggressive feeders that'll hit live bait, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm. They're famous for their bulldogging fights - no flashy jumps, just pure power and determination. You'll often spot their backs and tails sticking out of shallow water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Redfish are available year-round in Fort Myers, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up in impressive numbers. They're also excellent table fare, especially when prepared blackened Cajun-style.
Time to Book Your Spot
This morning inshore charter delivers exactly what Fort Myers fishing is all about - quality action, beautiful scenery, and the expertise of a captain who knows these waters inside and out. Four hours gives you plenty of time to work different spots and target multiple species without the commitment of a full-day trip. Captain Kevin's track record speaks
5.0(4 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fort Myers 
Half
