Knowing the best and worst conditions can have an outsized impact on how many bass you will catch. I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really loved fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. This is a city that boasts great weather, calm waters, and prolific fisheries, making it a year-round fishing destination. If you are using live bait, you should use a lightweight, heavyweights that will spook the fish. Tarpon are 40-100lb in that Canal its also full of cichlids and red ear sun fish and Blue Tilapia. Such a blend is rare, so consider making the most out of this opportunity! In addition to the inn rooms, there are several cottage-style options on the water attached to boat docks, and the restaurant is legendary. About FMB Guide. Tarpon fishing is excellent in such places as Tarpon Street Pier and Midpoint Bridge. Has many 5 star review on the Lews Webpage. Offshore fishing offers a wider variety of fish, that tend to get much bigger than inshore species. Anglers can consider booking half-day fishing trips, full-day fishing trips, or even longer trips in Fort Myers. The mangroves and grass flats in the local waters attract plenty of redfish in the region. 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). Largemouth are usually found near weed lines or docks, but can also be found on deepwater ridges as well. Being in Florida has plenty of pros and cons, with tropical storms being one of the biggest cons. 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). Best fishing spots near me in Fort Myers, Florida. Booking a charter makes it possible for anglers to explore many great spots and experience fantastic fishing in the region. Blue Tilapia?? Fort Myers Florida US GPS Fishing Spots (7090+) Snook are long, slender fish that sometimes get up to 40 inches, they are almost like a saltwater species of bass. 4 of the Best Places to Go Fishing in Fort Myers Both piers have a snack shop that sells bait. Its a city, but it doesnt require you to bump elbows with other people, making it the low-key king of recreational fishing. This park features 158 acres of freshwater quarry lake that is ideal for catching largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish. Welcome to Our Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods | Visit Fort Myers Shore Fishing at Fort Myers Beach. Basic Florida Fishing License 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. 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. The most common setup is a weighted rig with plenty of slack line with either a shrimp or baitfish on the end. Weve covered the top species in Fort Myers. 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. Use release tools, such as dehookers and recompression tools, to minimize handling. Fishing in Fort Meyers | USA Today Or make your way into the bay for reds, trout, flounder, ladyfish, permit, spanish mackerel, and even shark! Today we have 11:34 hours of daylight. Seeing how diverse Fort Myers is in the habitats it boasts, its no surprise that there are many ways of exploring its waters. Experts recommend a rod length of 6.5 to 7.5 feet and lures from 1/8 to an ounce for successful fishing in the area. See the boats section below to understand why only two can go. August through December is the best timeframe. Further up the river is where you will find species like largemouth bass and crappie. Looking to discover a [], Once home to the famous pirate Black Caesar, Sanibel Island has since moved on from its days of piracy to become one of the best inshore fisheries in Florida. Going on a charter with a captain is easily the best way to have a productive fishing experience on the water. The region is as close as one can get to a . Punta Gorda, FL. Located in the southwest part of Florida, Fort Myers is home to some great fishing. South Florida has another advantage -- you can go lobster fishing after sundown. Top 10 Best Fishing Spots in Fort Myers, FL - Yelp Here are eight spots to get you started. 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. Recently shared catches and fishing spots. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in the Gulf of Mexico, please check out this article. I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. 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. 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. Lobsters are great travelers and they tend to move around more at night. mean to share this from my FB page and it didn't here's my son with a monster 32" + snook caught just inside the channel going to deep lagoon. Use appropriately sized gear that is targeted to the species you desire to catch. Largemouth are usually most active during the spring and fall and tend to fall off some during the summer. Crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife, and beautiful sandy beaches all make it paradise on Earth. Where to stay: Toward the western side of the sound is Cabbage Key, and Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant is a regional icon. So, i'm down here in Fort Myers, Florida vacationing with the kids (fun stuff). Fort Myers Beach. Lots to explore by kayak or trolling motor. Do not play the fish to exhaustion. 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. 18 in. Pompano Beach, FL 33062. Cobia is one of the main targets in Fort Myers. Estero Bay is located south of Fort Myers, in between the mainland and Estero Island. Some the places I looked online and in person near Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass) to fish are: I first looked online for the best fishing spots to check out nearby and one of the top google searches was HookandBullet.com. Tarpon are one of the most sought out fish in Florida. Check out the best fishing spots in Fort Myers, Florida. Feelin' The Mojo Fishing Charters: Full Day Trip with Sean - See customer reviews, photos and charter deals for Fort Myers, United States, at FishingBooker. This site is owned and operated by Eric Matechak. Looking to unwind and have a relaxing day by the water? Seasonal Guide: Best Times to Catch Big Bass. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Naples, please check out this helpful article. Average Rating: (4.4) stars out of 5 stars 154 ratings, Buyer Guide Fishing Poles and Reels This Holiday Season Walmart, Buyer Guide Tackleboxes This Holiday Season Walmart, Buyers Guide To Cuda Fillet Knives & Accessories From Walmart, Buyers Guide To Holiday Shopping For Tackle And Bait At Walmart, Buyers Guide For Boat Batteries Updated 7/2021, Buyers Guide To Boat Trolling Motors Updated 7/2021, How To Choose The Right Fishing Line (Updated 8/13/2021). 9. 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. Become a Pro subscriber to see when and where fish are being caught and logged in Fishbrain. Youll find them by fishing the Caloosahatchee River, as well as along the numerous little keys and islands in the area. We fish for Snook, Trout, Redfish and Shark with the spotlight being on the water temperature. "There is a fishing pier here though not much else. In fact, Lee County is considered one of the greatest areas in . Charters will usually target areas near shore by lots of city lights and use the artificial lights to find the fish. 2637 E Atlantic Blvd #34453. 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). View and purchase these Fishing Spots. 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. They can usually be found migrating into the flats of southwest Florida in the late spring and early summer and departing by late August. Estero, FL. This is a real light tackle game fish, and its perfect for spending a sunny day out with your friends, bonding over some fishing. Have a drink at the lively bar to celebrate your catch, then tuck into your seaview room the hotel straddles the open ocean and the quieter bayside (the latter with views right onto Buck Key). Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. See if you can hook the Inshore Slam: a spotted seatrout, redfish, and snook, all in the same day. 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. From fly fishing to shore casting, here are some of the best spots to try your luck. And you should aim for areas with plenty of cover and deep water if you are fishing a different type of area from shore. The best time of the year to fish for trout in the area is between April and June. A trout fishing season in Fort Myers starts in January and ends in October. The best time of the year to fish for snapper in the region is between April and November. Eventually, youll be swimming in snook, a fairly common fish in warmer water along the Gulf and in the Caribbean. There are also specialized fishing trips. Its the perfect place to fish during the winter months. 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. Professional anglers, who are interested in catching bigger fish, should book longer trips. Thats why its recommended to book full-day trips if you would like to fish in offshore waters. Different types of fishing trips are available for fishermen in the region. There are other species, like catfish, in the river, but the bulk of the fish you will catch will be snook and trout. Seagrass beds, oyster bars, and mangrove-lined creeks have way more action beneath the surface than you might realize. 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 . Fort Myers is home to a great variety of fish species. Theyre all breathtaking! There are boats and kayaks going down the river.more, I'm 32 years old and am a born and raised Floridian who has never gone fishinguntil Jimmy Zhoumore, Done this tour twice with family in town! (Note: Two sections of the Great Calusa Blueway, an epic paddling trail, converge here). Fort Myers - where inshore fishing is king! Does Fort Myers Have Good Fishing? (A Complete Guide) 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. The best season to book a charter comes down to the weather, what species you are targeting, and how busy the charters will be. Inside the massive J.N. There are countless species available at this time, and the weather will be great. Southwest Florida's coastline has hundreds of islands and . 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. 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. There is a botanic garden which looked like it was being expanded.more, People are fishing from the boardwalk. Yes, as you said, these species have been catch and release only through May 31, 2021. Either way, you will catch plenty of fish at the Centennial Pier. 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. 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. Change location, depth, or bait to avoid catching fish you do not intend to keep. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Cape Coral, please check out this helpful article. Tropical storms can ruin an entire trip, but you would have to be very unlucky to book a trip when one happens. Snakehead Fishing | How To Catch Snakehead In Florida - Bass Online Its worth noting that fishing in these places is very productive. All rights reserved. Fort Myers is a good choice for anglers, who want to find a good place to experience fishing during the winter months. We're a 15 Year Verified Seller and Merchant with 100% Positive seller Feedback. If you visit the town, youll have an adventure that you wont forget. 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) You can find them around mangroves, mouths of rivers, docks, and any other spot close to shore that has structure. Fort Myers Beach Fl Fishing: A Classic Florida Beach Town With Amazing Fishing Spots. Night fishing has become very popular in the Fort Myers area. Fort Myers Fishing: The Complete Guide (Updated 2023) - FishingBooker Blog I tried to load the Live Photo but it would only load a still picture to this site. The programs offered University of North Florida (UNF) allow students, staff and visitors to learn about team work in different environment. Some exemptions do exist, and you can read about them in our dedicated Florida fishing license guide. The artificial light from shore will attract gamefish to the area, and if its enough, it may even bring in offshore fish. 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. The Fort Myers/Sanibel area offers myriad inshore and offshore fishing opportunities, from shorelines, bridges and piers to deep sea casting and backcountry boating. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is Tarpon Bay, where more than 200 species can be found in the salt-and-freshwater ecosystem. 1. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including snapper, amberjack, snook, redfish, tarpon, whitefish, king mackarel, shark and flounder here. Anglers choose to fish near artificial sources of light during night trips. To read the rest of the article:Buyer Guide for Kayaks Paddles. 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. 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. 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. Redfish is active in the region between the early spring and the early winter. Contact Info: Gene Beachguide. For the rest of their lives, they enjoyed the citys incredible weather and scenery. Large Gator Trout can be found roaming the citys numerous canals, as well as the broad Caloosahatchee River. 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. By choosing the right paddle you can save yourself a lot energy. Fishing in Fort Myers Beach: An Angler's Guide Where to stay: A homey and well-located choice is Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa. If youre craving some freshwater action, were here to tell you it can be done in Fort Myers too! The reality is that the destination provides angling enthusiasts with easy access to numerous fishing spots. The inlets, grass flats, and mangroves are one giant game of hide-and-seek. Fish tend to hang out wherever there are structures, rocks and oyster bars. While visiting Fort Myers, you can also explore the rich history of the town. Pine Island Sound FL Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots Flipping a bait under a dock is a very popular way of catching snook, but they can also be found in more open water as well. Thank you towww.fishsmart.orgor providing the following tips:. Inshore snappers usually like to stay in shallower water. If you know anything about SW Florida anglers, you know they love a kayak! Anyone? CHUCK BALLARO. Now get out there and fish! There are a few spots on the island that are open to fishing and there are spots on both sides. The worst time of the year to experience trout in the region is between November and December. The worst times of the year to fish for tarpon in the region are: January February and October December. Fort Myers offers some great spots to find trophy Trout, all while enjoying a cold drink. Also, unless youre fishing aboard a saltwater charter, youll need to get your Florida fishing license. You can use spinnerbaits, crankbaits, worms, frogs, live bait, and just about anything else to catch largemouth. It takes anglers some time to get to their fishing spots in offshore waters. Its a good idea to target permit in nearshore waters of Fort Myers. Deep Sea Fishing Fort Myers Beach - SeafoodMasterChef.com A majority of these structures are free to use. So grab your favorite fly fishing rod and reel, and head out to New Pass. Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding Gulf Islands are often called southwest Floridas best-kept secret. 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. We specialize in offering a range of fishing charters, including offshore fishing, inshore fishing, dolphin tours, sunset cruises, and much more. Its not easy figuring out where to drop your bait, so we did the work for you. Today's Fishing and Tide Times for Fort Myers , United States Beyond that, youre out into the deep sea of the Gulf. 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. Florida slam dunks on the runner-up states Texas, North Carolina, Wisconsin in terms of licenses and recreational fishing by millions. Snook are easily caught from shore, but a boat can help you get to harder-to-reach spots as well. Most of the piers and beaches in the area are public, but you will have to check regulations on fishing. Bass are one of the least picky fish out there. 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. Anglers can catch cobia, and gag grouper as well as permit when fishing in nearshore waters. The best months to catch cobia in the area are: April, September and October. In the morning, the sun will be low enough to allow gamefish to roam around and look for food. Fish the waters of the Gulf of Mexico for Grouper, Snapper, Mackerel, Amberjack, Shark and more! Meet residents and loyal visitors who are passionate about the Fort Myers area and have had great experiences here. I like traveling and trying new things. This is an awesome place to learn and go fishing inshore, where waters are calm and you are near land! Calusa Fishing Advent List Your Fishing Services; Login; Travel & Accomodations; . Tarpon Street Pier and Midpoint Bridge are great fishing spots to target snook in the area. 1; 7; Details; Aug, 14, 2021 Rick S 0. nice one John Sherri Spencer. You can hang around Pink Shell Beach Resort. Year-round availability. They are most active in the spring and summer, only slowing down during the late fall and winter. Fishing in North Fort Myers - Find Spots, Species & Tips - Fishbrain Gina's expert tip: This . document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on December 8, 2021 Fishing spots in Sarasota, Venice and Fort Myers Florida. Know your fishing regulations and have the necessary equipment ready to release fish that you do not plan to keep. Knowing the best and worst conditions can have an outsized impact on how many bass you will catch.