Book Your Fishing Charter in Fort Myers Beach, FL

Since the 1920s, Fort Myers Beach has been a favorite tourist destination in all of Florida, and it’s easy to see why. This small and lovely beach town sitting on the shores of Estero Island is naturally gifted, from the white sandy shores and warm waters of its eponymous beach to the wildlife that the area attracts. The Calusa Indian tribe knew its secrets when it first inhabited the barrier island long before any Western settlers came in.

Today, Fort Myers Beach retains that old-school beach town vibe, the kind that will take you back to your childhood, with its nostalgic beach facilities and laid-back atmosphere. Likewise, it remains a top tourist spot for travelers looking for some great water adventures. Fort Myers Beach isn’t just great for swimming and sunbathing — it’s also a fantastic spot to enjoy some kayaking, parasailing, and yes, fishing. This tiny town packs a punch when it comes to diverse kinds of fishing, the kind that will yield you a catch or town no matter where you fish.

Fort Myers Beach Fishing: Laid-back Beach Town with Astounding Fishing Opportunities

Warm waters, great year-round weather, access to the Gulf of Mexico — these are just some of the reasons why fishing in Fort Myers Beach is a dream come true. For a small town, it sure does have a lot of productive fishing spots. Some even say that you can just choose a spot on any of the Estero Island beaches that’s not crowded and cast a line and there’s a great chance you will catch a fish. 

For the sake of narrowing down your options, start with the legendary Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. This popular pier, extending 560 feet into the gulf, is a great spot to target tarpon, snook, mangrove snapper, sheepshead, flounder, pompano, cobia, king and Spanish mackerel, and many others. It’s also quite a sight during sunset, with a view of nearby Sanibel Island.

Sanibel Island is a nearby destination that is also teeming with fish, but before you get to the island, you will pass by the Sanibel Causeway, which is also reportedly a great place to fish. Fish either side of the causeway islands, launch an unmotorized boat or fish the pilings under the bridges for some goliath grouper. And then, make your way toward Sanibel Island, where you will enjoy casting a fly and targeting snook, pompano, and more. Make sure to include the Lighthouse Beach Pier and Tarpon Bay in your Sanibel Island itinerary.

If you want a more scenic fishing experience, include Bowditch Point Park, Matanzas Pass Preserve, and Lovers Key State Park on your bucket list. Bowditch, in particular, is a small but picturesque park where you can surf fish for redfish and spotted sea trout. For freshwater fishing, drive on over to the nearby city of Fort Myers, where you can fish largemouth bass and peacock bass in the waters of Caloosahatchee River via its many tributaries, canals, and streams all over the city. 

Finally, never leave Fort Myers Beach without getting on a charter boat and doing some offshore fishing. If you happen to be in the area around April to June, you have to fish Boca Grande Pass where you will witness the largest tarpon migration in this part of Florida. 

Discover the Gems of Fort Myers Beach

1. Enjoy a Day at the Beach

Make sure to devote at least a day to Fort Myers Beach. This famous beach offers many water sports opportunities, including swimming, kayaking, and parasailing, as well as eco-tours that allow you to catch glimpses of dolphins. Even if you don’t feel like doing any of these, just taking a walk down its sugary sand during sunset will be well worth your time.

2. Have a Family-Friendly Day at the Museum

This interactive museum is a must for kids and kids at heart. The museum has many exhibits, aquariums, and collections, and a lot of hands-on experiences that will make anyone appreciate marine wildlife and the science behind it.