I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really loved fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. Rigging any one of those up to either a jig head or a rig with a decent amount of weight should do the trick. So lets dive into the world of Fort Myers top fishing targets! From fly fishing to shore casting, here are some of the best spots to try your luck. For a complete breakdown of the quality of fishing in Islamorada, please check out this helpful guide. Its a good place to have a vacation and enjoy recreational fishing. The most common place to fish for largemouth in Fort Myers is in the northern parts of the Caloosahatchee River, where the water turns from brackish to freshwater. These Fort Myers-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a great service. Sun Palace Vacation Homes 1750 Estero Boulevard Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 . View more Fort Myers Fishing Spots. For the rest of their lives, they enjoyed the citys incredible weather and scenery. We caught 13 largemouth bassLake Trafford, Catfish can be found around snags and in deeper holes, and can be caught using chicken liver,Peace River, We Fished at the foot of the First span of the sanibel bridge. No matter your level of experience, this is a great target to test your fishing skills against. Anglers can catch cobia, and gag grouper as well as permit when fishing in nearshore waters. Anyone? 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. Where to stay: There are no accommodations on Fisherman Key itself, so instead stay just across the channel near Johnathon Harbour. If youre looking to do this, the summer months offer the best multi-species fishing. 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, best times and seasons to fish in Boca Grande. You can find tons of snook, trout, and tarpon throughout most of the river and more saltwater species as you get closer to the mouth of the river. I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really loved fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. Estero Bay is located south of Fort Myers, in between the mainland and Estero Island. Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. There are also other exotic fish ( mayan cichild, Oscar, spotted tilapia, etc) in that canal system so you should have a good time catching new species of fish.Good lures to use for peacock . Snapper are more active in the morning as there is more baitfish activity, making them come out from hiding. Redfish is active in the region between the early spring and the early winter. April through October is the best time to catch cobia in Fort Myers. 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. Some fish species are active in the local waters year-round. Doing this will bring more fish into the boat and make your trip more successful. South Florida has another advantage -- you can go lobster fishing after sundown. There are very few fishing guides in Florida that can match our years of experience. All rights reserved. 18 in. Before you head out for your slice of fishing heaven, be sure to consult the FWC website for information on seasons, as well as the size and bag limits. This is a review for lakes in Fort Myers, FL: "Wow! This is a more demanding way of fishing, but its also extremely rewarding. A season to target snook in the area starts in the late winter and ends in the late fall. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Bookelia, check out this article. In addition to daily half-day trips . Charters will usually target areas near shore by lots of city lights and use the artificial lights to find the fish. 8. You'll find snook mostly in the shallower saltwater flats, along the Caloosahatchee River, at the many piers beneath the bridges in Fort Myers, and also right off the beaches. Today, Fisherman Key is still popular among paddlers and boaters for angling Sanibels fresh and saltwater fish. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Many visitors will visit Tampa or St. Petersburg and fish the notable Tampa Bay, or head south to Fort Myers and Cape Coral to fish the Caloosahatchee River. The tarpon and snook havent changed much since the old fishing days, but you probably wont be salting and curing your catch right on the sand. Although its more costly than just sinking a line from the shore, it has its advantages. It takes anglers some time to get to their fishing spots in offshore waters. Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding Gulf Islands are often called southwest Floridas best-kept secret. They will cruise around the flats for most of the day, and usually only move offshore for migration purposes. The river is wide enough for you to never get affected by traffic but small enough to the point where you can do a half snook half bass day if you wanted to. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is Tarpon Bay, where more than 200 species can be found in the salt-and-freshwater ecosystem. Southwest Florida's coastline has hundreds of islands and . The best time of the year to fish for snapper in the region is between April and November. Species Caught Here:Flounder Jack Mackerel Redfish Salmon Shark Snapper Snook TarponPublic Property26.377861 -81.861755Edit Details. 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. 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 . If you visit the town, youll have an adventure that you wont forget. 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). You'll no doubt want to stay away from a crowd of people in the water as they can spook the fish and get in your way, so near the downtown area is . CHUCK BALLARO. The big question is where to go fishing in Fort Myers? 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. Visit in the fall, and youre bound to come across schools of this beautiful species, making them easy to spot and hook. One thing they have in common? 8600 Estero Blvd, Bonita Beach. Keep the fish horizontal and support the body. You can bring your own, or you can rent a kayak at a number of spots down the Caloosahatchee River. Feelin' The Mojo Fishing Charters: Full Day Trip with Sean - See customer reviews, photos and charter deals for Fort Myers, United States, at FishingBooker. Amazing! 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. A few spots for parking and some shade." more. Rooms are suites and studios with kitchenettes and free wifi, and the aforementioned and nearby boat ramp means easy water access. 1. Read on to figure out your preferred way of enjoying a day of fishing in Fort Myers. The Lee County area of southwest Florida includes Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Pine Island and Sanibel Island. Only $99.99! This site is owned and operated by Eric Matechak. Featuring snook, redfish, seatrout, jack crevalle and many, many more and located in Fort Myers. 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. Snook like to feed on shrimp, pinfish, and pogies. This post is proudly produced in partnership with, Download the 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. Discover the best time of day to catch bass, trout, catfish, panfish, walleye, carp, and many more depending on the season, moon phases, and weather. October through March is the hottest snapper fishing time. Do not play the fish to exhaustion. The location is approximately 50 miles off the west coast of Fort Myers, Florida. Seagrass beds, oyster bars, and mangrove-lined creeks have way more action beneath the surface than you might realize. There are a few freshwater spots located inland in Fort Myers that offer largemouth bass, but this will be focusing on saltwater fishing. You can certainly fish its open waters, but the real magic lies in the hidden spots near the many smaller islands. In addition to fishing from the shore, you can arrange charters and boat rentals at the marina. data-event-category="Navigation header guest" Bonita Beach Dog Beach Park. Such species as barracuda, groupers, jack crevalle, ladyfish, permit, sharks, snappers, snook, tarpon, and tripletail are active in summer. This makes them much easier to catch than if they were all hiding under cover or scattered. Where to stay: The Inns of Sanibel lie a few minutes drive from Tarpon Bay. Gary Ch. Fishing enthusiasts often catch permit in Fort Myers. So, i'm down here in Fort Myers, Florida vacationing with the kids (fun stuff). Spring & Fall is the best time to catch largemouth bass in the Fort Myers-area. While fishing from shore, you can target snook, trout, snapper, shark, and a couple of other species as well. The list below outlines the Lat/Lon location coordinates of many different reefs, wrecks, natural bottom structure and other places to fish in the waters off of Lee County, Florida. The fish get bigger out here, like the goliath grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, and even some species of shark. There, youll find several options managed by Resort Harbour Properties, all in large, airy towers with views over San Carlos Bay. Year-round availability. To read the rest of the article:Buyer Guide for Kayaks Paddles. Best Fishing Spots in Fort Myers Surf/Shore Fishing. The City of Palms is also rich in activities such as hiking and kayaking, but fishing takes the number one spot! Mark Combs, who manages the Fish Tale Marina, has 35 years of bottomfishing experience off Fort Myers. Its a city, but it doesnt require you to bump elbows with other people, making it the low-key king of recreational fishing. The sun will be at it's highest point at 12:40 pm. 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. Eventually, youll be swimming in snook, a fairly common fish in warmer water along the Gulf and in the Caribbean. Well, its delicious, so thats a big factor in why Floridians enjoy it so much. Inshore snappers usually like to stay in shallower water. If you know anything about SW Florida anglers, you know they love a kayak! We fish for Snook, Trout, Redfish and Shark with the spotlight being on the water temperature. This is an awesome place to learn and go fishing inshore, where waters are calm and you are near land! Its family-friendly, with a themed pool and easy access to the pier, the sand, and the water. Whether you use the free version of Fishbrain or upgrade to Fishbrain Pro, you can find a diverse range of successful fishing spots in Fort Myers, and get tips on how to increase your fishing success! Such a blend is rare, so consider making the most out of this opportunity! Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier is another of the Fort Myers fishing spots and beaches. Certainly close-to-shore wrecks, ledges, rock piles and other bottom structure produce, but for bigger fish and more-consistent action, farther is often better. Beginners should consider booking short fishing charters. Timing can have a heavy influence on the success you have in catching bass. Welcome to Fort Myers. Offshore fishing is one of the most popular ways to fish in Fort Myers. Fort Myers Fishing Charters. Where to stay: Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina puts you right next to the beach. Fort Myers is a beautiful town in Florida. Fort Myers is one of the most popular fishing locations in Florida. Lovers Key State Park: The 712-acre preserve covering three islands is good for fishing from the shore. Different types of fishing trips are available for fishermen in the region. is a bit of a hidden gem on Florida's Gulf Coast. Fort Myers Beach is a small beach town on Estero Island that was only incorporated in 1995. Treat yourself to endless family-friendly attractions, restaurants and resorts in Fort Myers. What are people saying about lakes in Fort Myers, FL? I also have enjoy learning and listening to interesting people. Largemouth Bass, the beloved freshwater trophy, can be found up the Caloosahatchee River, alongside colorful Peacock Bass. As always, purchase with confidence from The Cosatal Fishing Group! Youll find it in the flats and backcountry waters in every part of the state. Tarpon fishing is excellent in such places as Tarpon Street Pier and Midpoint Bridge. The region is as close as one can get to a tropical paradise without leaving the United States. Find others through search. However, once you do manage to reel one in, your sore arms will thank you, and youll get to have an entirely new experience. Florida slam dunks on the runner-up states Texas, North Carolina, Wisconsin in terms of licenses and recreational fishing by millions. Best Water Temperatures for Perch Fishing (Complete Guide). Avoid dropping the fish, especially onto hard surfaces. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Englewood, check out this article. Develop fishing skills to target the size and species you desire. And if you are using artificial bait, you should try anything flashy, topwater baits and flies work as well. Cayo Costa, FL. The only downside was the small cost. . Use knotless, rubberized landing nets and rubberized gloves to avoid removing the slime layer from the fishs body. It can send high-power winds straight across the Gulf of Mexico and make the water in the area very rough. According to the opinions of many fishing experts, Fort Myers is a paradise for inshore fishermen. The reality is that the destination provides angling enthusiasts with easy access to numerous fishing spots. Crabby Charters is one of Ft Myers most successful deep sea fishing charters. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Florida, please check out this helpful article. A recent addition is 10 boat docks for day use so boaters can stop and enjoy the park. Lee County, Florida is a special, sunny place that sits along the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. We offer affordable Fort Myers fishing charters. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Cape Coral, please check out this article. New Pass is a channel located just 5.4 miles from Estero, in Lee County, in the state of Florida, United States, near Coconut, FL. There are different rental programs across the country at universities and colleges. Snook are easily caught from shore, but a boat can help you get to harder-to-reach spots as well. Please remember to check with the local Fish and Wildlife department to ensure the stream is open to the public. Tarpon Street Pier and Midpoint Bridge are great fishing spots to target snook in the area. It all depends on what fish species you are targeting, where, and how long you are going to fish in the area. Make your way to the Gulf of Mexico for even . The region is as close as one can get to a . 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. 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. allowed to fish at for free. If youre looking for a nice sunny vacation with some fishing involved, you shouldnt sleep on Fort Myers! And of course, fishermen should go fishing in Fort Myers when their target fish species are the most active. Also, unless youre fishing aboard a saltwater charter, youll need to get your Florida fishing license. Just remember to stay safe on the water and pay attention to the weather before you go out. Some of the better-known exotic residents include the walking catfish, Asian swamp eel, and oscar.The Florida Snakehead is an air-breathing fish similar in appearance and behavior to the native bowfin (or mudfish).. Anglers have been Snakehead fishing and catching . The City of Palms has something to offer to everyone. 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. Generally speaking, a peak fishing season in Fort Myers starts in the late spring and ends in the early fall. Anglers can consider booking half-day fishing trips, full-day fishing trips, or even longer trips in Fort Myers. Grouper fishing is often successful in the Gulf waters. Tarpon Street Pier and Midpoint Bridge are great fishing spots to target snook in the area. I went online to Dicks sporting goods. So much life out there and very little boat traffic since it's a mangrove estuary. You will be fishing the calm inshore waters from Estero Bay south to the 10k Islands. The kids are going to love this one. See the boats section below to understand why only two can go. Knowing the best times to come fish these rich waterways will make a huge difference. We have the best Fort Myers fishing spots. Debbie Hanson speaker and ESPN Radio show host. For others, its an overgrown playground, home to Disney World, and plenty of water parks. 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. See an up close view of how it works and what's included with the Sarasota to Fort Myers Florida Fi. However, the destination is not only about fishing. We were catching Mangrove and MuttonSan Carlos BayView All|Driving Directions. Kids stand a chance of catching mangrove snapper and frozen bait as well as junk fish. With so many freshwater lakes and rivers, fishing in Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass) is top-rated. Florida fishing trips are the perfect private expedition for solo fishermen, couples, a family outing, or groups. When fishing at night, anglers usually catch such species as ladyfish, tarpon, snook, speckled trout, and others. Snook fishing in Fort Myers is less productive between December and January. August and September, are the hottest months of the year here in Fort Myers. There are a few piers that are well lit and open overnight available to the public. I'm having a hard time identifying it lol. Tarpon are known throughout Florida as the Silver King for their stunning silver scales. There are both offshore and inshore species of snapper in Fort Myers, the main ones being yellow and mangrove snappers. Tell us about your experience in the comments below, and ask anything youd like to know we love hearing from you! 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. 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. Large "Gator" Trout can be found roaming the city's numerous canals, as well as the broad Caloosahatchee River. Anyone?? As we try to keep the information we present evergreen, we encourage everyone whos heading out to check out the FWC website ahead of time so that theyre up to date on local regulations. Anglers should plan their Fort Myers fishing adventures in advance. Because of red tide, your article should inform anglers that fishing for snook and redfish has been catch and release only for the last 2 years Fort Myers is popular for its top-notch beaches, fishing and shopping. Fishing has been always the number one activity in the region. They not only saw the roping and riding, but also a calf scramble, rodeo clown Trent McFarland and trick horse Mr. Bojangles and his trainer, Jerry Thornton. The large Pine Island, due north of Sanibel, has a spot where the fish just seem to stack up: Big Jim Creek Preserve. Thank you towww.fishsmart.orgor providing the following tips:. Favorite Lake or River Don't know yet! From long, sandy beaches to inshore bays and bayous, fishing in Sanibel has everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water. If you are interested in a private fishing charter or a split charter, contact Queen Conch Charters today. Whether youre fly fishing, baitcasting, spinning, trolling or chumming your chances of getting a bite here are good. Posted October 6, 2013. Fishing the waters of Fort Myers on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida can prove a highly productive adventure. Call (239) 823-4071 to discuss your options. Tropical storms tend to happen in the late summer and fall and are high-power systems with lots of rain and wind. There are canals running through the city, and you can find small lakes and ponds everywhere. That is a relatively short drive that can easily be one in 1 day from Fort Myers and you have a excellent chance of catching your first peacock bass there. Some of the bigger ones can be a real challenge to get out of the water, but dont give up! I tried to load the Live Photo but it would only load a still picture to this site. Both piers have a snack shop that sells bait. To read the rest of the articleKayak Buyers Guide. Tarpon like to roam the flats in the morning and move into deeper parts of the flats during the afternoon. Thats why its recommended to book full-day trips if you would like to fish in offshore waters. Your fishing map files for your purchased area will be emailed in Google Earth, Android . A four-year old could probably guess that Florida is prime fishing territory. 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. Blue Tilapia?? You can explore the Gulf of Mexico, covering more ground and getting to the spots almost guaranteed to hold fish. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is Tarpon Bay, where more than 200 species can be found in the salt- and -freshwater ecosystem. There are other species, like catfish, in the river, but the bulk of the fish you will catch will be snook and trout. By choosing the right paddle you can save yourself a lot energy. 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.