fort myers fishing spots
There are four properties to choose from, each with water access and suite options leave a little time for shelling on the white-sand beaches, too. When I go fishing I really enjoy having the peace, quiet and some space to myself. 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. I also have enjoy learning and listening to interesting people. Fort Myers has a rich history that can be felt just by walking down the streets of this beautiful place. 1. Today, Fisherman Key is still popular among paddlers and boaters for angling Sanibels fresh and saltwater fish. Doing this will bring more fish into the boat and make your trip more successful. FreshwaterFishingAdvice is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Many anglers plan ahead and incorporate best fishing practices using tips to ensure safe and responsible angling. Charters will usually target areas near shore by lots of city lights and use the artificial lights to find the fish. The inlets, grass flats, and mangroves are one giant game of hide-and-seek. You can cast your line in this force of nature, and have a nice Snook at the end of it in minutes. The large Pine Island, due north of Sanibel, has a spot where the fish just seem to stack up: Big Jim Creek Preserve. Use knotless, rubberized landing nets and rubberized gloves to avoid removing the slime layer from the fishs body. These Fort Myers-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a great service. ft. 14831 Park Lake Dr #105, Fort Myers, FL 33919 $199,900 MLS# 222079196 The Park at Lakewood is a quiet gated condo community in four-story buildings wi. Another popular option for night fishing is surf fishing for sharks. The best time of the year to experience permit fishing in Fort Myers is between May and July. This is definitely backwater fishing, so grab your live bait and get ready to read the grass flats. When it comes to seasonality, all we can say is its Florida! Today we have 11:34 hours of daylight. Check out the other sections of my blog for more tips on ThebookOnGoneFishing. They like warmer water, but dont like when the sun is directly on them, so if you go fishing anytime other than the afternoon, you should have good luck. Rigging any one of those up to either a jig head or a rig with a decent amount of weight should do the trick. Data collection radius: ~30 miles from the city boundaries. Enjoy!". Call (239) 823-4071 to discuss your options. For those fishing piers where a fee is required, almost all have a pier license that covers anglers, resident and non-resident, that fish on the pier. 9. Anglers should plan their Fort Myers fishing adventures in advance. Weve just described the top species of fish to target in the local waters. You can use spinnerbaits, crankbaits, worms, frogs, live bait, and just about anything else to catch largemouth. The crown jewel of Fort Myers charter fishing is the inshore trip. Snapper tend to be more active during the early summer, but inshore species are usually biting year-round. Tidestation: Fort Myers, Caloosahatchee River, Florida. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Cape Coral, please check out this article. 2. The shallows run for ages, and youll have good odds all the way up until the Punta Rassa boat ramp, west of the preserves boundaries. Captiva Island is Sanibels sister island just a short drive over the bridge will bring you there. And where do the tarpon run up north every season? Check out the best fishing spots in Fort Myers, Florida. As I been writing this blog the past two weeks I have been shopping for a kayak. About Us. spots 248 waterbodies 47 fishes Waterbodies Fish Weather To map. #4.25.5. The area offers a broad variety of activities, nearly all of which can be done in a laidback manner somewhat characteristic of Sign in to your account to find other friends and anglers who are using Fishidy. All rights reserved. The only question is what you want to target. You can explore the Gulf of Mexico, covering more ground and getting to the spots almost guaranteed to hold fish. This ones a no-brainer. Largemouth Bass with a Crankbait. Keep in mind that this is an estuary system and a natural entrance to the back bay in other words, the bait fish are plenty. Fish the 865 overpass that connects the island to the mainland and to Fort Myers Beach for sheepshead. 1. Check it: The Sunshine State has 7,700 lakes, some 11,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline. Prolly worth the admission. Royal Palm Park. Fort Myers has plenty of species to choose from, sometimes making it hard to pick just one to target. This river is saltwater and has great fishing for snook and trout. Trout can be found near Midpoint Bridge and Tarpon Street Pier. I went shopping online at 4 different online stores to find the right paddle for my kayak. A recent addition is 10 boat docks for day use so boaters can stop and enjoy the park. For more information read our privacy policy. Theres an amazing variety of fish you can catch in Fort Myers! A few things to keep in mind if youre a beginner: Youll need a fishing license if youre not on a registered charter or on a licensed pier (theres literally an app for that, so its not hard to get). Such species as barracuda, groupers, jack crevalle, ladyfish, permit, sharks, snappers, snook, tarpon, and tripletail are active in summer. Fort Myers is a good choice for anglers, who want to find a good place to experience fishing during the winter months. Lay of the Land. You can rent one and head down to Sanibel and Pine Island for a chance to battle some big fish. 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. Its a good place to have a vacation and enjoy recreational fishing. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Florida, please check out this helpful article. If youre looking for a nice sunny vacation with some fishing involved, you shouldnt sleep on Fort Myers! Sun and Moon. Snook are easily caught from shore, but a boat can help you get to harder-to-reach spots as well. We fish for Snook, Trout, Redfish and Shark with the spotlight being on the water temperature. Are you looking for a nice day out, relaxing in nature, and catching some fish? Anglers can consider booking half-day fishing trips, full-day fishing trips, or even longer trips in Fort Myers. Offshore fishing is one of the most popular ways to fish in Fort Myers. The waters up to nine miles off the coast are called state waters, and this is where most anglers and charters set up shop (there are 50+ species in the coastal waters alone). Use Fishbrain to view local fishing regulations, read reviews of local fishing spots, and learn what lures are most successful in Fort Myers. View more Fort Myers Fishing Spots. Old-Florida vibes run deep, and theres four-star dining onsite. Bass are one of the least picky fish out there. One thing they have in common? It looked like there was some basic food items but I did not stop. 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. Sharks will also move much closer to shore than normal and feed there for most of the night. Fishing in Fort Myers Beach is ingrained in the . 50 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33931 (239) 765-6794. We are a full time family owned Fort Myers fishing guide service. Try fishing in deeper water where the temp is . You WILL NEED to purchase a Florida freshwater fishing license, a three day non-resident license is $17.50 We only take one bass fishing trip per day. Where to stay: At the end of the small island is South Seas Island Resort, upscale accommodations sitting against some of Captivas best onshore fishing spots. Fort Myers is one of the best fishing locations in Florida due to its abundant coastline and rich fish populations. The evening is also a great time to fish for the same reasons, the only downside is that the peak of fishing in the evening tends to be a smaller window when compared to the peak of fishing in the morning. Artificial Reefs. The other fish they might snag are often called junkfish, or fish you definitely want to catch and release. (Or, you know, just charter a guided expedition to handle that bit for you.). While in open water, snook are usually going to be just outside of a drop off waiting for food to go by them. Learn More about Dr Carl Bamlet health system. Or make your way into the bay for reds, trout, flounder, ladyfish, permit, spanish mackerel, and even shark! You can expect to see all of the usual inshore species, and maybe even some offshore species as well. You can find them around mangroves, mouths of rivers, docks, and any other spot close to shore that has structure. Use line strong enough to minimize playing time. TheBookOnGoneFishing.com also participates in affiliate programs with Walmart, Bestbuy, Cabela World Foremost Outfitters, and other sites. See an up close view of how it works and what's included with the Sarasota to Fort Myers Florida Fi. This is a real light tackle game fish, and its perfect for spending a sunny day out with your friends, bonding over some fishing. If you are going to be targeting offshore species, you will most likely need to book a charter. This beach is surrounded by a pier. Recommended for Fishing Charters because: Fish one of the fastest, lightest boats in Fort Myers, capable of getting you 50-miles offshore or into a mere 2 feet of water. November through March is the best season to fish. Fort Myers has some of the country's best fishing spots for reeling in snook. Did you try fishing in the area? The worst times of the year to experience grouper fishing in Fort Myers is between November and December. Most of the piers and beaches in the area are public, but you will have to check regulations on fishing. As always, purchase with confidence from The Cosatal Fishing Group! Since then, I've lived across the country and have really taken that passion for fishing to a new level. Hands down the best way to get the most out of your fishing trip in Fort Myers is to hop aboard a charter boat. Check out this review of Feelin' The Mojo Fishing Charters from Jul 26th in Fort Myers, United States! 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. Further up the river is where you will find species like largemouth bass and crappie. Fort Myers is known for its subtropical climate and great weather conditions. Sharks become much more active at night, especially in areas with lots of artificial light. 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. 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. Where to stay: The Inns of Sanibel lie a few minutes drive from Tarpon Bay. Visit in the fall, and youre bound to come across schools of this beautiful species, making them easy to spot and hook. Wherever you go in the area, you can expect to run into this Florida staple. Youll find them by fishing the Caloosahatchee River, as well as along the numerous little keys and islands in the area. This site is owned and operated by Eric Matechak. 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. In fact, Lee County is considered one of the greatest areas in . Fort Myers night fishing charters are also available. And you should aim for areas with plenty of cover and deep water if you are fishing a different type of area from shore. This post is proudly produced in partnership with, Download the One of the nicest parks I have seen. 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. There are a few piers that are well lit and open overnight available to the public. The fishing is amazing in Fort Myers, but if you don't catch anything for dinner, don't worry- we've got you covered. If youre feeling adventurous and want to really have an immersive experience, this is the way to go. On the other hand, the worst times of the year to target permit in the area are between January and February and between September and December. allowed to fish at for free. This is a city that boasts great weather, calm waters, and prolific fisheries, making it a year-round fishing destination. Tarpon Street Pier and Midpoint Bridge are great fishing spots to target snook in the area. Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Traditionally, many anglers choose to go fishing in the Gulf waters and in deeper waters around Pine Island and Sanibel. Debbie Hanson speaker and ESPN Radio show host. You can also try fishing near the mouth of the bay for some bigger fish, but the best fishing in the area will be closer to shore. Premier charter fishing guide service in Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound. Knowing the best and worst conditions can have an outsized impact on how many bass you will catch. The reality is that the destination provides angling enthusiasts with easy access to numerous fishing spots. Tarpon are known throughout Florida as the Silver King for their stunning silver scales. Fishing in Fort Myers Beach is ingrained in the very fiber of the island, and its easy to see why. Different types of fishing trips are available for fishermen in the region. Find others through search. Year-round availability. Largemouth Bass, the beloved freshwater trophy, can be found up the Caloosahatchee River, alongside colorful Peacock Bass. Some exemptions do exist, and you can read about them in our dedicated Florida fishing license guide. There are countless species available at this time, and the weather will be great. Offshore snapper tend to live around reefs and wrecks, they are generally in schools, so finding one can be a very good sign. This is an awesome place to learn and go fishing inshore, where waters are calm and you are near land! Information on Shore Fishing at Fort Myers Beach including list of popular spots. Whether youre fly fishing, baitcasting, spinning, trolling or chumming your chances of getting a bite here are good. Ft myers sucks if you bank fish. What more could you ask for? There are many reasons why anglers prefer to fish in Fort Myers. View and purchase these Fishing Spots. Calusa Fishing Advent List Your Fishing Services; Login; Travel & Accomodations; . However, the destination is not only about fishing. We specialize in offering a range of fishing charters, including offshore fishing, inshore fishing, dolphin tours, sunset cruises, and much more. I'm having a hard time identifying it lol. When booking a fishing charter, we ask that you leave your credit card number with us as a . Inshore fishing trips in Fort Myers are recommended for beginners, families, children, and anglers who cant spend too much time on the water. Most species in the area like warm water, but not the high sun. I have been to 20 different city this past month. High tide can also be useful for offshore fishing in a different way, when the tide hits its peak, the water will stop moving, allowing your bait to get to the bottom and stay there much easier. The top targeted species in the region include amberjack, great barracuda, black drum, cobia, black grouper, gag grouper, goliath grouper, red grouper, hogfish, jack crevalle, king mackerel, ladyfish, permit, redfish, bull shark, mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, snook, spotted seatrout, tarpon as well as tripletail. The storm will also cause high pressure across the entire gulf, which generally makes fish scatter. The best time of the year to fish for trout in the area is between April and June. From fly fishing to shore casting, here are some of the best spots to try your luck. about the catch to FWC. Fort Myers Beach. Lee County has had an active artificial reef . Lots to explore by kayak or trolling motor. Fishing; Calusa Blueway; Ding Darling; FAMILY FUN. Where to stay: Sitting just north of San Carlos Bay and Bunche Beach Preserve, with easy access to Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island as well, is the Marriott Residence Inn Fort Myers Sanibel. Fishing in Fort Myers is a year-round affair with something always in season. North Fort Myers is also known as: North Ft. Myers Best Fishing Spots in the greater North Fort Myers area. Snook like to feed on shrimp, pinfish, and pogies. Knowing the best times to come fish these rich waterways will make a huge difference. 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. Snook tend to sit and wait for their food during the day, but are much more aggressive during the morning and evening. The sheer volume of fishable waters can be overwhelming, but our Damn Good Guides have the lowdown on the best fishing spots Fort Myers has to offer. Location Fort Myers. The most popular fishing spots in Fort Myers include Riverside Park, North Shore Park, Tarpon Street Pier, Manatee Park, Lakes Park, Billy Creek, Midpoint Bridge as well as the nearby bays which are closer to the Gulf. The main species caught here are snook, trout, and sometimes tarpon on the bayside when they are in shallow. May through September is the best season. Definitely go with a guide unless youre an absolute pro. Bonita Beach Dog Beach Park. As always, purchase with confidence from The Cosatal Fishing Group! In addition to fishing, people can enjoy many other interesting activities such as hiking and kayaking in the area. Located in the southwest part of Florida, Fort Myers is home to some great fishing. Well right in-between those two fishing grounds is Port Charlotte and Charlotte Harbor. It was an absolute once in a lifetime experience. From long, sandy beaches to inshore bays and bayous, fishing in Sanibel has everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Two of America's most greatest innovators, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, chose Fort Myers as their winter homes and as an . FreshwaterFishingAdvice is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Beginners should consider booking short fishing charters. This is where the Caloosahatchee River runs into San Carlos Bay, bringing the two environments together. Keep the fish horizontal and support the body. Use release tools, such as dehookers and recompression tools, to minimize handling. Going on a charter with a captain is easily the best way to have a productive fishing experience on the water. It was an absolute once in a lifetime experience. Favorite Lake or River Don't know yet! Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding Gulf Islands are often called southwest Floridas best-kept secret. This delicious fish loves the warm waters of the Gulf Coast. Also get there early in the morning because parking gets taken up really fast and its hard to find other parking spots near the pier once its taken up (parking also costs money there). They like to live around places that have plenty of cover from the sun in the afternoon but can be found roaming for food in the morning and evening. For a complete breakdown of the quality of fishing in Islamorada, please check out this helpful guide. Inshore snappers usually like to stay in shallower water. 28 1/4" red fish free lined a pinfish with a circle hook (5), My biggest Florida Bass so far, (a little under 3lbs), was caught in a canal. But we would be doing you a disservice by not telling you about some of the opportunities lying just a short boat ride away. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Naples, please check out this helpful article. Your fishing map files for your purchased area will be emailed in Google Earth, Android . Its a legit challenge, whether youve been angling for 30 years or whether you just like to try everything once. Whether you are going inshore offshore, or fishing from shore, there will be plenty of species available to catch. 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. Crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife, and beautiful sandy beaches all [], Florida represents many different things to many different people. that is powered by twin Yamaha 300more, During my trip I saw an alligator, snake, ducks, turtle's, a gar fish, other fish, heron's and othermore, Park amenities include benches, boat docks, fishing pier, pavilion, playground, and sand volleyballmore, You can fish , hike the trails and even camp . 8. Treat yourself to endless family-friendly attractions, restaurants and resorts in Fort Myers. The park is managed by Lee County and provides bank, pier, and small boat access (canoes and paddle boat rentals are also available). Year-round availability. Cayo Costa State Park. An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. For more information visit Lee County Parks Bowditch Point Park >. 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. Where to stay: Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina puts you right next to the beach. The first store I went to was REI to get more infomation about buying the right paddle for my new kayak. It is not uncommon to see 10, 15 even 20 of them out walking in a line . A fishing trip on a charter boat will get you to some of the best marshes and backcountry waters in a matter of minutes. Rodeo Clown Trent McFarland mugs for the camera during the PRCA Fort Myers Rodeo at the Lee County Posse Arena on Saturday. There are also specialized fishing trips. Inside the massive J.N. Tides will always have an impact on fishing, but that shouldnt steer you away from ocean fishing. I came a cross a program about the local University of North Florida (UNF), they offer Gear Check-out & Adventure Trips. The students can use the gear for free, for example, kayaks, canoing, and rock climbing. Thats why fishermen find it easy to get fish to bite in the places around the lights. Offshore species of snapper like to eat baitfish, mainly mullet or pinfish. Fort Myers is home to a great variety of fish species. The staff is 5 star, and will really make it a fun trip. South Florida has another advantage -- you can go lobster fishing after sundown. Details: 5 lb. Sight-casting is possible here, too, as the fish often tail in the shallows. However, the list of the best species to fish for in Fort Myers could go on and on. The Lee County area of southwest Florida includes Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Pine Island and Sanibel Island. Tarpon like to roam the flats in the morning and move into deeper parts of the flats during the afternoon. I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. Being in Florida has plenty of pros and cons, with tropical storms being one of the biggest cons. A four-year old could probably guess that Florida is prime fishing territory. . And if you snag something, either toss it back or make sure it meets size limits for keeping. Inshore anglers can target such species as snook, redfish, speckled trout, and tarpon. Theyre all breathtaking! Picture the natural views and all the memories youre going to make. Thats why its recommended to book full-day trips if you would like to fish in offshore waters. Fort Myers, FL 33916 View map . Do not play the fish to exhaustion. Change location, depth, or bait to avoid catching fish you do not intend to keep. Fans like Fabio Ramos and Claudia Sofia have been . North Fort Myers, FL; Fishing ; 10 Awesome Vacations Your Fishing Family Will Love . Its possible to fish for barracuda, black drum, cobia, groupers, jack crevalle, king mackerel, ladyfish, redfish, sharks, snappers, and other fish species in the fall. Were in Florida after all! . A Fort Myers fishing season is high between April and August. Such fish species are active during certain times of the year only. Fort Myers Beach is a small beach town on Estero Island that was only incorporated in 1995. Florida fishing trips are the perfect private expedition for solo fishermen, couples, a family outing, or groups. Fort Myers is one of the most popular places to go fishing on the gulf coast of Florida. Booking a charter makes it possible for anglers to explore many great spots and experience fantastic fishing in the region. It can send high-power winds straight across the Gulf of Mexico and make the water in the area very rough. August and September, are the hottest months of the year here in Fort Myers. You should aim your bait on the other side of a dropoff if you are fishing from the surf. Shrimp and pinfish are the most popular baits here, you can try casting them around different kinds of structures, or go out to deeper water for bigger fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charters respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate. Feelin' The Mojo Fishing Charters: Full Day Trip with Sean - See customer reviews, photos and charter deals for Fort Myers, United States, at FishingBooker. Nestled on the border between a tropical savanna climate and a subtropical climate, the weather is great all year round. Fort Myers, FL; 23 ft Center console 8 Reviews; In addition to daily half-day trips . Night Fishing: A night fishing trip is ideal for catching snapper. There are also specialized fishing trips. Tropical storms can ruin an entire trip, but you would have to be very unlucky to book a trip when one happens. 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. There are always a lot of fishing charters available in Fort Myers and its surrounding areas. Youll be watching in awe as these mighty creatures swim back and forth giving you a run for your money. Use circle hooks when planning to release fish and where they are required. Mark Combs, who manages the Fish Tale Marina, has 35 years of bottomfishing experience off Fort Myers. Anyway, to my surprise, i pulled out this 2 1/2 pounded the other day! The programs offered University of North Florida (UNF) allow students, staff and visitors to learn about team work in different environment. Fish from the shoreline or take your rod with you on a kayak tour for better water access. Fort Myers offers excellent tarpon fishing trips. We offer affordable Fort Myers fishing charters. As long as you have the right equipment, you can catch tons of fish either from shore or a boat, all night long. Knowing the best and worst conditions can have an outsized impact on how many bass you will catch. . . For the true Pine Island Sound experience, this place is it. "There is a fishing pier here though not much else. Tired of fishing the same spots? I have enjoy good food, good weather, roof top bars, and the beach. For a complete breakdown if fishing is good in Fort Myers, please check out this article. From freshwater superstars to some of the best saltwater game fish, its all possible in this part of Southwest Florida. Gina's expert tip: This . 2023 Fishidy. Etommy is right. Nearshore waters of Fort Myers also provide fishing enthusiasts with great opportunities. Fishing has been always the number one activity in the region. Most of the fishing is done inshore, offshore, or within the Caloosahatchee River.
