Book Your Fishing Charter in Sanibel Island, FL

Sanibel Island, FL, is a place for all kinds of anglers and those who just want to relax and enjoy the beach.

Book Your Fishing Charter in Sanibel Island, FL
Book Your Fishing Charter in Sanibel Island, FL
Team Guidesly

August 19, 2021, 3 min read

Updated on June 19, 2023

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Are you planning on visiting the Fort Myers area during your next trip to Florida? Then head onto Sanibel Island for an unforgettable experience. Located just off the coast of Fort Myers, Sanibel Island is a very accessible destination for visitors and anglers visiting for the first time. It is famous for being one of the best places for inshore fishing in the country. Here you will find a wide assortment of gamefish such as tarpon, redfish, snook, king mackerel, and many other gamefish. Offshore anglers won’t be disappointed either, as you can catch grouper and mahi-mahi in its waters. Aside from this, there are also plenty of other things to do while staying here. Whether you want to soak under the sun or collect shells, Sanibel Island is the perfect place for you.  

Sanibel Island: A Perfect Place for Inshore Anglers

Due to its location, fishing in Sanibel Island occurs throughout the year. So whether you’re fishing in the spring or winter, you can expect a bountiful fishing experience. The peak season for the majority of gamefish in the area is from April to October. Still, if you can’t go during these months, there are gamefish available in numbers during the other months. Anglers will find amberjack, ladyfish, and lane snapper in the island’s waters during winter and spring. Anglers can do a half-day or full-day trip in the island’s waters, either of which will yield plenty of gamefish during peak season. 

The top fish species to target are: 

  • Redfish: This fish’s peak seasons are from April to May and from September to October. Its numbers are low from January to February and lower during the rest of the year. 
  • Tarpon: Its numbers will peak from April to July, and it will remain in the area’s waters in low numbers for the rest of the year.
  • Snook: Its peak season is from March to October. 
  • Gag grouper: Its peak season is from January to March and then from November to December. It will be available in smaller numbers during the rest of the year. 
  • Mangrove snapper: This fish’s peak season is from April to November. 

Sanibel Island, Florida: The Perfect Island For Fishing And Relaxation

Pristine waters and beautiful beaches are the first things that come to mind when talking about Sanibel Island. Aside from fishing, there are plenty of things that one can do while visiting this beautiful island. 

 

1. Visit the Island’s Many Beaches

After a morning or day’s worth of fishing, it’s nice to be able to relax and give yourself a break. The Sanibel Island Lighthouse and Bowman’s beach are areas where you can relax, soak up on some sun, and do outdoor activities with friends and family. Bowman’s beach is considered one of the top beaches by US News Travel, and Sanibel Island Lighthouse offers an opportunity to see dolphins swimming close by.

2. Do Some Shell Collecting While Visiting the Bailey-Matthews Museum

Are you fond of collecting shells? Sanibel Island is also home to the Bailey-Matthews Museum, the only museum in the US dedicated to collecting shells and mollusks in the world. You will find interactive learning displays that are perfect for teaching kids about these magnificent creatures. And there’s even a “tank talk” where staff showcase and discuss live mollusk specimens with visitors.

Fish in Sanibel Island and beyond.