5.0(2 Reviews)Cape Coral Inshore Jack & Snapper Charter
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore charter targets Crevalle Jack and Grey SnapperEight hours of guided fishing in prime Fort Myers watersAll gear, licenses, and accommodations for four anglers included
There's something special about fishing the calm, productive inshore waters around Cape Coral and Fort Myers. Captain Scott with Thrill Of It All Charters has been putting anglers on fish in these backwaters for years, and his 8-hour full-day charter gives you the time you need to really dial in on Crevalle Jack, Grey Snapper, and whatever else is biting that day. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet, this trip sets you up with everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, licenses, and plenty of room for up to four anglers (we can squeeze in a fifth if needed). The boat stays comfortable in the protected waters, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the cooler.
Your day starts early, heading out into the maze of mangrove shorelines, grass flats, and structure that makes Southwest Florida such a hotbed for inshore fishing. Captain Scott knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not afraid to move if the bite slows down. You'll hit multiple spots throughout the day - maybe starting on some deeper holes for snapper, then working the flats for reds and trout, or finding some active jacks around the bridges and docks. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is having the flexibility to really work different areas and techniques until you find what's working. These aren't the rough offshore waters either, so if you're prone to getting seasick, the protected inshore environment keeps things much more comfortable. The boat's set up right with plenty of shade, storage for your gear, and all the amenities you need for a full day.
Inshore fishing around Cape Coral is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Captain Scott runs a variety of techniques depending on conditions and what species you're targeting. Live bait fishing with shrimp, pilchards, or pinfish is always productive, especially when you're working the mangrove edges or deeper holes where snapper like to hang out. For the jacks and other aggressive species, you might throw some cut bait or even get into some light tackle action with jigs and soft plastics. The grass flats call for different tactics - maybe some popping cork setups or weedless rigs to work around the structure without getting hung up. All the gear is provided, from the rods and reels down to the terminal tackle, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your enthusiasm. The captain handles the bait, the net, and all the technical stuff - your job is to keep your line tight and enjoy the ride.
"My wife and I had a great afternoon with captain scott. We caught a bunch of sea trout and a nice sized sheepshead. All in all, best Cape Coral fishing trip I've taken in five years of taking fishing trips down here. Great captain that works to find fish and a comfortable boat." - Dan
"What an incredible experience! As someone who is easily susceptible to motion sickness, this trip was perfect for me. Scott kept the choppy waters to a minimum as much as he could. As for the fishing, it was great!! Scott brought us to so many great spots, was quick to take action if the fish weren't biting in a specific area. We caught many different types of fish, including a 60 pound stingray that my son got to battle with for about 10 minutes!!! A great time was had by all 🙌🏽Thank you Scott, we will definitely see you again!!" - Hali J
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and these waters around Cape Coral hold some real nice fish. They love structure - bridges, docks, mangrove overhangs - anywhere they can ambush prey. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps when hooked, and they'll test your drag system with powerful runs toward cover. The best action typically happens around the new and full moon phases when they're more active, especially during the warmer months from spring through fall. What makes snook so special is their fighting ability - pound for pound, few fish can match their initial run and aerial displays.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as the locals call them, are one of the most reliable species in these waters year-round. They school up around structure, drop-offs, and deeper holes, making them perfect targets for a full-day charter where you can really work different depths and presentations. These fish are smart and finicky - they'll inspect your bait before committing, so fresh bait and light leaders are key. Once hooked, they make strong runs and provide steady action throughout the day. The nice thing about grey snapper is their cooperative nature - where you catch one, you'll often find more.
Sea Trout thrive in the grass flats and shallow waters that define Cape Coral's fishing scene. They're aggressive feeders and respond well to both live bait and artificial lures, making them perfect for anglers who want to try different techniques. Trout are most active during low-light periods - early morning, late afternoon, and overcast days - but in deeper water, they'll bite throughout the day. They make decent runs when hooked and have a habit of jumping, though not as dramatically as snook. What anglers love about sea trout is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare.
Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats, known for their powerful, sustained fights and their ability to strip line off your reel in long, determined runs. Around Cape Coral, you'll find them cruising the grass beds, working the mangrove shorelines, and hanging around oyster bars. They're sight-fishing targets when the water's clear, and watching a red's back out of the water as it feeds in skinny water is one of inshore fishing's greatest thrills.
This 23' Hanson bay boat gets you to the best inshore fishing spots around Cape Coral with its reliable 175HP Suzuki engine that cruises at 40 knots. Built in 2018, she's equipped with everything serious anglers need - GPS navigation to find those productive waters, a fish finder to locate schools of Crevalle Jack and Grey Snapper, plus a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky fish in shallow flats. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to 5 anglers, giving everyone room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Perfect for working the mangroves, grass flats, and structure where Fort Myers' best inshore species hang out. Whether you're sight fishing or bottom bouncing, this boat handles the varying depths and conditions of Southwest Florida's productive inshore waters with ease.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our inshore waters - pure muscle wrapped in gold and green. These bruisers typically run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them in schools around grass flats, near structures, and often pushing baitfish to the surface. Watch for diving birds - that's your best sign jacks are feeding below. They're year-round residents, but summer months bring the most consistent action. What guests love is their aggressive nature and that arm-burning fight. They'll take almost any lure if you work it fast enough. While they're not great table fare, the sport is what counts. Here's my trick: when you find a school feeding on top, don't cast right into them. Throw your lure past the school and retrieve it quickly through the edge - you'll usually get multiple hookups before they move off.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snappers, or mangrove snappers as we call them locally, are crafty little fighters that'll test your patience. These copper-red fish usually run 12-16 inches inshore, weighing 1-3 pounds, but don't let their size fool you. They're notorious for being picky eaters and will inspect your bait like food critics. You'll find them around docks, mangrove roots, and any structure in 10-30 feet of water. They're most active at night and during cooler months when they move into shallower areas. Guests love them because they're fantastic table fare - sweet, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Their nocturnal feeding makes evening trips productive. My go-to trick: use a 4/0 hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then lift it just enough to stay off the structure. Patience is key with these guys.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the poster fish for Southwest Florida flats fishing. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches around here and are built for power. You'll recognize them by those distinctive black spots near the tail and that bronze coloring. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Look for them around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and winter months are prime time when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat almost anything and that initial run when hooked - pure muscle. The smaller ones are excellent eating, with sweet, firm meat. Year-round fishing is solid here in Fort Myers waters. Key tip: when you spot a school of reds on the flats, cast well ahead of where they're heading and let your bait sit still. They spook easily if you drop it right on top of them.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are bread-and-butter fish for our area, perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. These silvery fish with dark spots typically measure 14-20 inches and fight harder than their size suggests. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around Cape Coral's numerous creeks and channels. Best fishing happens in cooler months when they school up in deeper pockets, but you can catch them year-round. Spring and fall offer the most reliable bite. What guests really appreciate is how willing they are to hit artificial lures and their excellent eating quality - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. During winter, they gather in schools in deeper water up to 15 feet. Here's a local secret: troll slowly over grass flats with a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork. The noise draws them in from a distance, and that slow presentation is often the difference between a few fish and a full cooler.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most prized inshore targets here in Southwest Florida. These sleek, golden fish typically run 18-30 inches around Cape Coral, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. You'll spot them by that distinctive black lateral line and protruding lower jaw. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes snook so popular is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll dart straight for cover the moment they feel the hook. The meat is fantastic too, white and flaky. Pro tip: when fishing structure, make your first cast count. Snook are smart and spook easily, so once you miss one spot, move on to the next.
5.0 out of 5.0My wife and I had a great afternoon with captain scott. We caught a bunch of sea trout and a nice sized sheepshead. All in all, be...
What an incredible experience! As someone who is easily susceptible to motion sickness, this trip was perfect for me. Scott kept t...
Cape Coral