Since then, I've lived across the country and have continued learning about fishing. See an up close view of how it works and what's included with the Sarasota to Fort Myers Florida Fi. Traditionally, many anglers choose to go fishing in the Gulf waters and in deeper waters around Pine Island and Sanibel. Fish for monster grouper in the Gulf of Mexico when you book a deep sea fishing charter with Crabby Charters of Cape Coral and Ft Myers. Crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife, and beautiful sandy beaches all [], Florida represents many different things to many different people. Plenty of Snook are there. Aside from its popularity as a recreational beach, Fort Myers Beach offers some great fishing. And while you could just fish in one of the channels along the road, youll have a better time if you paddle alongside the trout deeper into the bay. Bouy Conditions Station FMRF1 - 8725520 - Fort Myers, FL March 2, 2023 5:30 am EST Location: 26.647N 81.871W Wind Direction: SE (140) Wind Speed: 2.9 knots Wind Gust: 4.1 knots Atmospheric Pressure: 30.00 in (1015.9 mb) Air Temperature: 66.2F (19.0C) By this time of summer, the heat has really warmed up the water which can make the fish and your live bait a little lethargic. Here are eight spots to get you started. Another popular option for night fishing is surf fishing for sharks. Inshore species are generally smaller, so a shrimp on a jighead tends to work well. In addition to daily half-day trips . (Note: Two sections of the Great Calusa Blueway, an epic paddling trail, converge here). 6179 Black Marlin Lane, Cape Coral, FL 33914 239-919-2626 Oct 12, 2020. One of the nicest parks I have seen. The most commonly sought after species in Fort Myers are: 1. mangrove snapper, 2. snook, 3. redfish, 4. speckled trout / spotted seatrout, and 5. tarpon. allowed to fish at for free. Use knotless, rubberized landing nets and rubberized gloves to avoid removing the slime layer from the fishs body. Or, for a bigger challenge . I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. Here you can get the information you need about fishing near Fort Myers (Florida). You will be fishing the calm inshore waters from Estero Bay south to the 10k Islands. Further up the river is where you will find species like largemouth bass and crappie. Weve covered the top species in Fort Myers. Land the fish quickly and if possible, release them while still in the water. The higher oxygen levels mean that the fish will be feeding much more actively as well. The staff is 5 star, and will really make it a fun trip. 2023 Fishidy. Two- and three-bedroom condos are the name of the game, and the Harbour and Bay View Towers include access to a private beach. Other than that, the worst weather they get is wind and rain, which can be very unpredictable and something you may have to deal with. Punta Gorda, FL. 2023 Copyright Freshwater Fishing Advice, link to Best Water Temperatures for Perch Fishing (Complete Guide), link to Seasonal Guide: Best Times to Catch Big Bass. For example, anglers can consider booking Fort Myers fishing charters that specialize in targeting tarpon or sharks. It can be stress free when you just go fishing for fun and not have a care in the world. Fort Myers Fishing Charters. Also, unless youre fishing aboard a saltwater charter, youll need to get your Florida fishing license. I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. 18 in. However, once you do manage to reel one in, your sore arms will thank you, and youll get to have an entirely new experience. Sharks become much more active at night, especially in areas with lots of artificial light. Fishing from shore in this area can sometimes outperform boat fishing, but most of the time, it will just be a solid, very enjoyable day of fishing. Check out the other sections of my blog for more tips on ThebookOnGoneFishing. A storm hitting the keys or even Texas could have an impact on your fishing in Fort Myers. Get ready to work those muscles though, cause its not going anywhere without a fight! If you visit the town, youll have an adventure that you wont forget. . Either way, as long as you are prepared with the right equipment or the right charter, you can expect to catch lots of fish at night. Feelin' The Mojo Fishing Charters: Full Day Trip with Sean - See customer reviews, photos and charter deals for Fort Myers, United States, at FishingBooker. Such species as barracuda, groupers, jack crevalle, ladyfish, permit, sharks, snappers, snook, tarpon, and tripletail are active in summer. I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really cut my teeth fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. In the Fort Myers area, youd do well to hit up the Caloosahatchee River, as some of the best fishing happens there. If youre feeling adventurous and want to really have an immersive experience, this is the way to go. Treat yourself to endless family-friendly attractions, restaurants and resorts in Fort Myers. Tides will always have an impact on fishing, but that shouldnt steer you away from ocean fishing. Catching fish during a faraway tropical storm is harder, but it is still possible as long as its safe to go out on the ocean. Fish from the shoreline or take your rod with you on a kayak tour for better water access. You should try to book your trip according to your target species peak season. Check it: The Sunshine State has 7,700 lakes, some 11,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline. What are people saying about lakes in Fort Myers, FL? Timing can have a heavy influence on the success you have in catching bass. Redfish. So grab your favorite fly fishing rod and reel, and head out to New Pass. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. Lots to explore by kayak or trolling motor. No matter your level of experience, this is a great target to test your fishing skills against. This park features 158 acres of freshwater quarry lake that is ideal for catching largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish. Its worth noting that night fishing trips provide anglers with a great experience. You can bring your own, or you can rent a kayak at a number of spots down the Caloosahatchee River. Cobia, tarpon, and snook are again the main game here reds lie to the east especially when the area is flooded or at high tide. However, the best time of the year to target jack crevalle in the area is between April and November. It takes anglers some time to get to their fishing spots in offshore waters. Our native fishing guides offer generations of local fishing knowledge. Eventually, youll be swimming in snook, a fairly common fish in warmer water along the Gulf and in the Caribbean. All full-day fishing trips run most days in Fort Myers Beach. Oftentimes, anglers catch redfish during their Fort Myers fishing adventures. Hit the docks on the Caloosahatchee River and get ready for a fishing frenzy. The best time of the year to fish for trout in the area is between April and June. They do offer classes, rentals, certifications, and more. All Rights Reserved. As always, purchase with confidence from The Cosatal Fishing Group! Be careful when unhooking a catfish they have a sharp fin you dont want to mess with. Explore all of your options and book a charter that works best for you. There are plenty of beaches and piers to keep you busy for a few days. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What was once a remote fishing village on an isolated tropical island is now a vibrant town filled with people from all walks of life. Sun and Moon. No experience is necessary to enjoy deep sea fishing in Fort Myers Beach, FL. Where to stay: The Inns of Sanibel lie a few minutes drive from Tarpon Bay. Going on a charter with a captain is easily the best way to have a productive fishing experience on the water. The best months to catch cobia in the area are: April, September and October. Anglers have logged in Fishbrain over 12,570 catches for Largemouth bass, 5,552 catches for Common snook, 2,119 catches for Mangrove snapper and many more species in the North Fort Myers area. Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Today we have 11:34 hours of daylight. Some exemptions do exist, and you can read about them in our dedicated Florida fishing license guide. There are also specialized fishing trips. So, anglers achieve excellent results year-round. Anglers have logged in Fishbrain over 13,566 catches for Largemouth bass, 5,492 catches for Common snook, 2,078 catches for Mangrove snapper and many more species in the Fort Myers area. You can use spinnerbaits, crankbaits, worms, frogs, live bait, and just about anything else to catch largemouth. Fort Myers is a world-class fishery offering great fishing for permit, amberjack, mahi-mahi, grouper, jack crevalle, blue marlin, sailfish, barracuda, snapper, sharks, yellowfin tuna as well as wahoo. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. Year-round availability. Snapper tend to be more active during the early summer, but inshore species are usually biting year-round. Theres a couple of tranquil wildlife-viewing decks and fishing piers inside the nature reserve, too, and you can switch between the different landscapes to keep it varied. You can expect to see all of the usual inshore species, and maybe even some offshore species as well. The mangroves and grass flats in the local waters attract plenty of redfish in the region. April through October is the best time to catch cobia in Fort Myers. Mark Combs, who manages the Fish Tale Marina, has 35 years of bottomfishing experience off Fort Myers. Information on Shore Fishing at Fort Myers Beach including list of popular spots. If youre craving some freshwater action, were here to tell you it can be done in Fort Myers too! The most common setup is a weighted rig with plenty of slack line with either a shrimp or baitfish on the end. In the winter we start fishing from 9:30 - 11: . Fort Myers has some of the country's best fishing spots for reeling in snook. About FMB Guide. Sitting on the mighty Caloosahatchee River, youll find a beautiful historic place with rich nature and tradition. If youre running into this issue and cant decide, it may be best to book a charter that focuses on multiple species or whatever species are in season. If you are fishing in a shallow area, the weight may not be necessary, but a jighead would work just fine. Fort Myers Fishing Charters provides the city's most-trusted and exciting fishing services to accommodate your skill level, fishing enthusiasm, and your desire for a day of fun. The secord place I looked online for the best fishing spots to check out near and one of the top google searchesYoutube.com video title A few days a few Reds Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Florida. I use a video because some of us would like to watch a video and see what it looked like before we book our stay and drive to a location we have never been before, I will share the information with you about fishing near Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass): Average rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars, based on 265 reviews. Naples Pier and Fort Myers Beach Pier: Both attract many a fisherman (along with a few hungry pelicans) because of the variety of fish that thrives beneath the piers. Its not easy figuring out where to drop your bait, so we did the work for you. There are now 31 documented exotic fish species reproducing in Florida's fresh waters with the addition of the Florida Snakehead. Snook tend to sit and wait for their food during the day, but are much more aggressive during the morning and evening. 3. Night fishing trips run from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Estero Bay Preserve State Park. Your fishing map files for your purchased area will be emailed in Google Earth, Android . Find unique fishing spots, catch locations and more on Fishbrain. March through July is the best timeframe. For both kinds of snapper, you should have your bait low in the water column and slowly jig it back to you. Use Fishbrain to view local fishing regulations, read reviews of local fishing spots, and learn what lures are most successful in Fort Myers. Amazing! I went shopping online at 4 different online stores to find the right paddle for my kayak. There are a few freshwater spots located inland in Fort Myers that offer largemouth bass, but this will be focusing on saltwater fishing. Fort Myers Beach is a small beach town on Estero Island that was only incorporated in 1995. Bonita Beach Dog Beach Park. This is a city that boasts great weather, calm waters, and prolific fisheries, making it a year-round fishing destination. There are a few thing to think about shift, blade, material and price, and last length. Tarpon Street Pier and Midpoint Bridge are great fishing spots to target snook in the area. Fort Myers is popular for its top-notch beaches, fishing and shopping. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Pensacola, please check out this helpful article. It looked like there was some basic food items but I did not stop. The best tide to fish is high tide. The crown jewel of Fort Myers charter fishing is the inshore trip. Bunche Beach Preserve is 700 acres of buttonwood forest, mangrove swamps, salt marshes, and coastal grasslands that eventually lead onto a beach fringing the San Carlos Bay. The worst times of the year to fish for tarpon in the region are: January February and October December. Some of the bigger ones can be a real challenge to get out of the water, but dont give up! Playgrounds, water park, paved walkways, open fields, exercise stations, bikes for rent and much more. Fort Myers offers well-lit piers that are open 24/7 and also plenty of beaches that you can fish from at night. with that said, it's difficult to navigate and can be extremely shallow on areas. Artificial Reefs. I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really loved fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. Cobia, snook, and tarpon plaster the waters here on a good day make it a paddling expedition, or get out and wade in the shallows. Its a good place to have a vacation and enjoy recreational fishing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on December 8, 2021 So lets dive into the world of Fort Myers top fishing targets! It makes a lot of sense for anglers to target bull sharks on the flats. Largemouth Bass with a Crankbait. When I go fishing I really enjoy having the peace, quiet and some space to myself. I fish here every year and Ive caught tons of sheepies, mackeral and drum out here but it just gets a little crowded sometimes and it can become hard to find a fishing spot on the pier (sometimes). With so many freshwater lakes and rivers, fishing in Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass) is top-rated. Some fish species are active in the local waters year-round. About Us. Youll find it in the flats and backcountry waters in every part of the state. The times surrounding high tide have good fishing as well, but not as good as the peak of high tide. Tell us about your experience in the comments below, and ask anything youd like to know we love hearing from you! There are both offshore and inshore species of snapper in Fort Myers, the main ones being yellow and mangrove snappers. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Fort Myers, please check out this helpful guide. Both piers have a snack shop that sells bait. When fishing at night, anglers usually catch such species as ladyfish, tarpon, snook, speckled trout, and others. There are also specialized fishing trips. For others, its an overgrown playground, home to Disney World, and plenty of water parks. Anyway, to my surprise, i pulled out this 2 1/2 pounded the other day! The other fish they might snag are often called junkfish, or fish you definitely want to catch and release. All rights reserved. Promotes Catch and Release and wildlife conservation. Since then, I've lived across the country and have continued learning about fishing. Groupers are the most active in the region between April and September. 15 million catch locations, advanced fishing maps and depth charts from Navionics- all the fishing intel you need to start fish smarter and catch more. Dont go much bigger than a 15-footer if you want to navigate and explore the backwaters. For a complete breakdown if fishing is good in St. Augustine, please check out this article. Thats why fishermen find it easy to get fish to bite in the places around the lights. The worst time of the year to fish for cobia in the region is between December and January. Largemouth are usually most active during the spring and fall and tend to fall off some during the summer. Anglers can target such species as amberjack, black drum, groupers, king mackerel, ladyfish as well as bull shark during the winter months. Snapper are more active in the morning as there is more baitfish activity, making them come out from hiding. Aim for early in the morning or into the evening, and dont be discouraged by inclement weather sometimes, that churns the waters in your favor. Take your family for a fun day in one of the parks, and spend some quality time fishing with your kids while enjoying stunning views and observing wildlife. Tired of fishing the same spots? Fort Myers is the perfect place to experience grouper fishing. Spring is a great time of the year to target such species as barracuda, cobia, black drum, groupers, jack crevalle, king mackerel, ladyfish, permit, bull shark, mangrove snapper, redfish, snook, spotted seatrout, tripletail, and others. Snook are most commonly found in shallow water areas including mangroves, inlets, rivers, and docks. Fish the waters of the Gulf of Mexico for Grouper, Snapper, Mackerel, Amberjack, Shark and more! Its always a good time to go fishing in Fort Myers, and theres never a low season really. There are plenty of other species available as well, most of them can be caught by using either live baitfish or shrimp, so setting up a rod holder and a bell is a solid option for a relaxing night on the beach. I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. Seasonal Guide: Best Times to Catch Big Bass. The City of Palms is also rich in activities such as hiking and kayaking, but fishing takes the number one spot! We see dolphins, manatees, birds of prey and all kinds of different fish. This ones a no-brainer. 1; 7; Details; Aug, 14, 2021 Rick S 0. nice one John Sherri Spencer. We're a 14 Year Verified Seller and Merchant with 100% Positive seller Feedback. Most of the fishing is done inshore, offshore, or within the Caloosahatchee River. Use appropriately sized gear that is targeted to the species you desire to catch. Snook fishing is excellent in the waters around Fort Myers. Trout fishing is great in the region. Today, Fisherman Key is still popular among paddlers and boaters for angling Sanibels fresh and saltwater fish. There is a botanic garden which looked like it was being expanded.more, People are fishing from the boardwalk. Use release tools, such as dehookers and recompression tools, to minimize handling. Charters will usually target areas near shore by lots of city lights and use the artificial lights to find the fish. My PB: Between 10-11 lbs. We provide the native files for your . For the true Pine Island Sound experience, this place is it. Join Catching Zzz's Outdoors as we take a Winter trip to Fort Myers and Sanibel Island in Florida for some intense inshore fishing on light tackle against ag.