Half Day Offshore Fishing in Fort Myers
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, and Permit nearshore68 hour fishing adventure within 9 miles offshoreSmall group charter accommodates up to 3 guests
Picture yourself casting lines in some of the most productive nearshore waters off Southwest Florida, where the Gulf meets legendary fishing grounds that have been pulling in trophy fish for decades. Southern Slots Charter runs top-rated half and full-day trips that put you right in the sweet spot—within 9 miles of Sanibel and Estero beaches where the fish are biting and the action stays hot. With space for up to 3 anglers, you'll get personalized attention from experienced guides who know exactly where the fish are holding and what they're feeding on.
Your 6 to 8-hour adventure kicks off from Fort Myers, heading out to productive nearshore structure where Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, and Permit cruise the reefs and wrecks. These aren't crowded party boat spots—we're talking about carefully selected fishing zones where your captain has been putting clients on fish for years. The beauty of nearshore fishing here is the variety. One minute you're dropping baits to the bottom for fat Grouper, the next you're sight-fishing for cruising Cobia or working live bait around structure for that bucket-list Permit. The Gulf stays relatively calm in this zone, making it perfect for anglers who want serious fishing without the rough ride that comes with heading way offshore. You'll spend your day moving between proven spots, adjusting techniques based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are telling us.
Southern Slots comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle designed specifically for these waters and target species. We're talking about medium-heavy spinning setups perfect for live bait fishing, plus heavier conventional gear when you need to muscle fish up from deeper structure. Your captain will rig everything from live pilchards and pinfish to cut bait and jigs, depending on what's working that day. Bottom fishing involves dropping baits to 30-80 feet of water around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs where Grouper and Snapper stack up. For Cobia and Permit, we switch to sight-fishing mode—scanning the surface for cruising fish and making precise casts with live crabs or jigs. The key is staying versatile and reading the water, something your guide does naturally after years of working these specific grounds.
Snook are the ultimate inshore gamefish, known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. These ambush predators love structure—bridges, docks, and mangrove edges where they can blast out to nail unsuspecting baitfish. In Fort Myers waters, Snook run anywhere from slot-size around 20 inches up to trophy fish pushing 30+ inches. They're most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes them special is their attitude—Snook hit hard and fight dirty, using their gill plates and powerful runs to try shaking the hook. The best part? They're year-round residents, though summer months bring the hottest action when they're spawning around passes and beaches.
Tarpon are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod, earning their nickname as the "Silver King" through spectacular jumps and bulldog runs that can last 30 minutes or more. These prehistoric giants migrate through Fort Myers waters primarily from April through August, with peak season hitting May and June. Tarpon range from juvenile fish around 20-40 pounds up to monsters exceeding 150 pounds. They're incredibly smart, often following baits for long periods before deciding to eat. When they do commit, it's explosive—multiple jumps, long runs, and a fight that tests every piece of tackle. Most anglers practice catch-and-release with Tarpon, making it about the experience rather than the cooler.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bread-and-butter species that consistently produce action in these waters. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-35 inches in our area, with larger "bull" reds showing up seasonally. Redfish are notorious for their initial power run—when hooked, they'll peel line and head straight for the nearest structure. They're year-round residents that feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and small fish around grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow structure. What anglers love about Reds is their reliability and fighting spirit. They're also excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
Permit are the holy grail for many serious anglers—incredibly spooky, selective feeders that test every aspect of your fishing skills. These disc-shaped fighters prefer deeper structure and are notorious for their wariness around boats and baits. Fort Myers offers world-class Permit fishing, especially around wrecks and hard bottom in 40-80 feet of water. They average 10-25 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, using their broad profile to leverage against the current. Permit are most active during warmer months and feed primarily on crabs and small crustaceans. Landing one is a legitimate trophy achievement that many anglers chase for years.
Cobia are the "brown sharks" that get hearts racing when they appear near the boat. These curious fish often approach the vessel, giving anglers opportunities for sight-fishing with live baits or jigs. Cobia in Fort Myers waters typically range from 20-50 pounds, with larger fish showing up during their spring migration. They're aggressive feeders that hit hard and make powerful runs, often heading straight for the bottom or nearest structure. What makes Cobia special is their willingness to eat almost anything—live bait, jigs, even topwater lures when they're fired up. They're also phenomenal table fare, making them a favorite target for anglers who want to fill the cooler.
Southern Slots Charter delivers the kind of personalized fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. With small group sizes, experience
This restored 2023 Cobia 21' center console is built for serious fishing in Fort Myers waters. The 200HP Yamaha gets you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at 50 knots to maximize your time with lines in the water. Perfect for up to 4 anglers targeting Cobia, Permit, Snapper, and Grouper within 9 miles of Sanibel and Estero beaches. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when stalking fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate productive spots. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 6-8 hour nearshore sessions. This bay boat handles choppy conditions with ease, giving you a stable platform for landing that trophy fish you've been after.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulldogs of the ocean - dark brown, powerful fish that can reach 50+ pounds and 5+ feet long. They're usually loners, cruising around structures like buoys, wrecks, and reefs in 20-60 feet of water. Spring migration (March-May) is prime time when they're moving north to spawn. What makes them exciting is they're curious - they'll often come right up to the boat to investigate. They fight hard and are some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. People often mistake them for sharks at first glance due to their dark color and fin shape. Best technique is sight fishing - once you spot one, drop a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of them. They're aggressive feeders and usually don't need much convincing to bite.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail for many flats fishermen - they're notoriously picky and challenging. These tall, silver fish with deeply forked tails average 20-40 pounds and have incredible eyesight that can spot you from way off. They cruise sandy flats and hang around structures in 3-30 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best shots, especially during spawning season. What draws anglers is the challenge - they're considered one of the hardest fish to fool. When hooked, they make powerful runs and fight like bulldozers. Live blue crabs are the gold standard bait. Here's the key: approach quietly, make long accurate casts, and don't move the bait much. Permit are spooky - one wrong move and they're gone. Patience and stealth win with these fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action in shallow water. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots typically run 20-35 inches around our flats and backcountry. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Look for them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are prime. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their bulldogging fight. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. Watch for "tailing" fish - when you see their tails sticking up while they're feeding head-down, that's your shot. Cast ahead of them and work baits slowly.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets around Fort Myers' mangroves and shallow waters. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-30 inches, though we sometimes hook into 40+ inch bruisers. They love hanging around structure - docks, mangrove roots, and oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water. Best action happens during moving tides, especially dawn and dusk. Spring through fall offers consistent fishing, but they really turn on during warmer months. Guests love their aggressive strikes and hard fights - they'll make blistering runs and jump like crazy. Plus, they're fantastic table fare. My tip: work your lure slowly past structure and be ready - when a snook hits, it's usually violent and quick.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "Silver King" is what many anglers dream about - these massive fish can reach 6+ feet and over 200 pounds, though most we see run 80-150 pounds. They cruise our shallow flats and channels in 4-20 feet of water, often rolling on the surface. Prime time is late spring through summer when they're migrating and spawning. What makes tarpon special is their aerial show - they'll jump 8+ feet out of the water repeatedly. We practice catch and release since they're not great eating, but the fight is pure adrenaline. These prehistoric fish have been around 100+ million years. Pro tip: when one jumps, "bow to the king" by lowering your rod tip - it prevents the line from snapping on re-entry. Patience and lighter drag are key.
Fort Myers