For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Pensacola, please check out this helpful article. So much life out there and very little boat traffic since it's a mangrove estuary. Tarpon Street Pier and Midpoint Bridge are great fishing spots to target snook in the area. Weather in Fort Myers is tame for most of the year, but hurricane season starts in late summer and usually ends in October. Spotted sea trout with a Popping cork with new penny 3' Gulp shrimp. Some exemptions do exist, and you can read about them in our dedicated Florida fishing license guide. Sitting on the mighty Caloosahatchee River, youll find a beautiful historic place with rich nature and tradition. There is a Canal by Three Oaks its a no outlet road at the traffic light before i-75 that you can fish for Tarpon and Snook and Large mouth bass. The region is as close as one can get to a . Year-round availability. About. 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. 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) . Has many 5 star review on the Lews Webpage. 1; 7; Details; Aug, 14, 2021 Rick S 0. nice one John Sherri Spencer. I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. Largemouth are usually most active during the spring and fall and tend to fall off some during the summer. The surrounding waters are shallow and hold redfish, snook, trout, snapper and more. Featuring snook, redfish, seatrout, jack crevalle and many, many more and located in Fort Myers. 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. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Florida FWC has advice and reminders on how to safely navigate the post hurricane landscape and how you can help get the sunshine state back on its feet. There is a botanic garden which looked like it was being expanded. The large Pine Island, due north of Sanibel, has a spot where the fish just seem to stack up: Big Jim Creek Preserve. Sharks become much more active at night, especially in areas with lots of artificial light. 2 lb. . This is a real light tackle game fish, and its perfect for spending a sunny day out with your friends, bonding over some fishing. Looking to unwind and have a relaxing day by the water? Fort Myers has some of the country's best fishing spots for reeling in snook. Inshore species are generally smaller, so a shrimp on a jighead tends to work well. Snapper fishing is good in the region year-round. TheBookOnGoneFishing.com is a participant in the Clickbank affiliate marketing program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to clickbank offers. Be sure to check Groupon, sometimes there's specials! It is not uncommon to see 10, 15 even 20 of them out walking in a line . Tarpon fishing in Fort Myers is the most productive between May and July. Seasonal Guide: Best Times to Catch Big Bass. Traditionally, many anglers choose to go fishing in the Gulf waters and in deeper waters around Pine Island and Sanibel. Cayo Costa, FL. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. Toll Free: 877-217-0099 Local: 239-314-0240; Fax: 239-471-3114 And where do the tarpon run up north every season? Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. The fish get bigger out here, like the goliath grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, and even some species of shark. And of course, anglers should explore these fishing spots during their fishing adventures in Fort Myers. Are you looking for a nice day out, relaxing in nature, and catching some fish? Etommy is right. On the other hand, its not easy to catch. I like to see programs like that be very success like it is at our local university. There are both offshore and inshore species of snapper in Fort Myers, the main ones being yellow and mangrove snappers. Most of the fishing is done inshore, offshore, or within the Caloosahatchee River. Plenty of Snook are there. Fishing in Fort Myers is great for most of the day, but getting an early start may be the best choice for your trip. Bonita Beach Dog Beach Park. We're a 15 Year Verified Seller and Merchant with 100% Positive seller Feedback. For a complete breakdown of the best times and seasons to fish in Boca Grande, please check out this article. However, the town and the island on which it sits have had a long history, dating back to the Calusa Indian tribe that used to inhabit the rich and wonderful barrier . Fishing; Calusa Blueway; Ding Darling; FAMILY FUN. 6. Dont go much bigger than a 15-footer if you want to navigate and explore the backwaters. The grassbeds on the east side of the bay is the best place to start casting your lines. Explore all of your options and book a charter that works best for you. Fort Myers' islands, beaches and neighborhoods have a way of leaving a lasting impression. 6 oz. From fly fishing to shore casting, here are some of the best spots to try your luck. The fishing around Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach is amazing, with thousands of acres of shallow water to fish. Or, for a bigger challenge . This beach is surrounded by a pier. For more information visit Lee County Parks Bowditch Point Park >. Crescent Beach Family Park is actually a little sliver of Fort Myers Beach just south of the Fort Myers fishing pier. To read the rest of the articleKayak Buyers Guide. October through March is the hottest snapper fishing time. The fishing tradition dates back to the 1700s here, when Spanish Cubans and other locals made their daily catches from wood-and-straw huts, called ranchos, along the shores. For the true Pine Island Sound experience, this place is it. Nestled on Estero Island, one of the most beautiful barrier islands in all of Florida, Fort Myers Beach has no choice but to attract tourists. 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. Here are the top 20 (or less) reservoirs by area. Anyway, to my surprise, i pulled out this 2 1/2 pounded the other day! TheBookOnGoneFishing.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. 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. Theres also a good chance of reeling in one of these beautiful creatures in the freshwater canals. Jun 06, 2019 - Pine Island Sound. 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. Tired of fishing the same spots? 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. This river is saltwater and has great fishing for snook and trout. Oftentimes, anglers catch redfish during their Fort Myers fishing adventures. (5.5-6) When I reeled this beast in the boat captain had to record and summit to every single detail more about the catch to FWC. If you dont see much stirring (probably trout), head toward the mouth of the creek. Wherever you go in the area, you can expect to run into this Florida staple. 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. 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. The Gulf is also within reach, where you can catch monsters like Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Sailfish, and Marlin. Another popular option for night fishing is surf fishing for sharks. With so many freshwater lakes and rivers, fishing in Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass) is top-rated. Knowing the best times to come fish these rich waterways will make a huge difference. 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. Our Fort Myers Peacock Bass fishing trips are 3 hours long with a 2 person maximum. As always, purchase with confidence from The Cosatal Fishing Group! Fort Myers is one of the best fishing locations in Florida due to its abundant coastline and rich fish populations. Fort Myers night fishing charters are also available. Your fishing map files for your purchased area will be emailed in Google Earth, Android, iPhone, PDF Printable Coordinates and GPS Upload . These Fort Myers-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a great service. The first store I went to was REI to get more infomation about buying the right paddle for my new kayak. Fort Myers has some excellent fishing that can be done from shore. Just imagine paddling out into the waters of the broad Caloosahatchee River, casting your bait to entice the bite of those elusive underwater creatures. Trout is the one for you! Night Fishing: A night fishing trip is ideal for catching snapper. They do offer classes, rentals, certifications, and more. Permit gets active in the area between March and August. Sun and Moon. If youre feeling adventurous and want to really have an immersive experience, this is the way to go. This area includes the waters off of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. Black grouper, gag grouper, goliath grouper as well as red grouper can be caught in the waters of Fort Myers. 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. Favorite Bass: Largemouth. 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. So, anglers achieve excellent results year-round. Fort Myers Beach. Sight-casting is possible here, too, as the fish often tail in the shallows. They are most active in the spring and summer, only slowing down during the late fall and winter. Most of the piers and beaches in the area are public, but you will have to check regulations on fishing. 2. 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 . The Fantastico was a 200 foot Honduran freighter ship that sank in the Gulf of Mexico in March of 1993. Definitely go with a guide unless youre an absolute pro. There are always a lot of fishing charters available in Fort Myers and its surrounding areas. While in open water, snook are usually going to be just outside of a drop off waiting for food to go by them. Anyone? Become a Pro subscriber to see when and where fish are being caught and logged in Fishbrain. We are a full time family owned Fort Myers fishing guide service. 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). For both kinds of snapper, you should have your bait low in the water column and slowly jig it back to you. Fort Myers Beach is a small beach town on Estero Island that was only incorporated in 1995. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Fort Myers, please check out this helpful guide. It all depends on what fish species you are targeting, where, and how long you are going to fish in the area. Jack crevalle fishing is less productive in Fort Myers between January and March and in December. Tides will always have an impact on fishing, but that shouldnt steer you away from ocean fishing. 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. It makes a lot of sense for anglers to target bull sharks on the flats. It was an absolute once in a lifetime experience. This, however, is made harder by the sheer amount of water in and outside of its borders! Know your fishing regulations and have the necessary equipment ready to release fish that you do not plan to keep. The best time of the year to fish for trout in the area is between April and June. In the Fort Myers/Sanibel Island area, great fishing spots are everywhere you look! The kids are going to love this one. Please note, that these arent ranked in any particular order, but we have mentioned some of the fish youre most likely to catch. Many anglers choose to target bull shark in the area. Beach Spots - Almost any spot on the beach will do. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. See if you can hook the Inshore Slam: a spotted seatrout, redfish, and snook, all in the same day. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Now, lets try to get the answer. The Fort Myers/Sanibel area offers myriad inshore and offshore fishing opportunities, from shorelines, bridges and piers to deep sea casting and backcountry boating. Here is some information from REI: Figuring out the right size (length) of paddle is surprisingly straightforward. To read the rest of the article:Buyer Guide for Kayaks Paddles. It looked like there was some basic food items but I did not stop. Fishing for jack crevalle is good in the region year-round. Bring the family and have a blast on the watermore, The Bait Station carries all major brands of rods, reels and tackle SALTWATER we carry shrimp pinfish crabs pass fiddler and blue We carry all of the Frozen bait Freshwater we carrymore, We Specialize in providing Deep Sea Fishing up to 6o miles offshore on our 32' SailFish Center Consul equipped with the most advanced electronics. Captiva Island is Sanibels sister island just a short drive over the bridge will bring you there. Fort Myers offers well-lit piers that are open 24/7 and also plenty of beaches that you can fish from at night. Its a good idea to target permit in nearshore waters of Fort Myers. 2023 Fishidy. 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. Catch Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Spec Trout, Sharks and more. with a Crankbait. As always, purchase with confidence from The Cosatal Fishing Group! Even if the storm doesnt directly hit the area you are in, it can still affect you. Doing this will bring more fish into the boat and make your trip more successful. Fort Myers, FL 33916 View map No fishing from the docks but fishing on the beach at Matanzas Pass is fantastic. 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. Where to stay: A homey and well-located choice is Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa. Jack crevalle is one of the top targeted species in Fort Myers. Rodeo Clown Trent McFarland mugs for the camera during the PRCA Fort Myers Rodeo at the Lee County Posse Arena on Saturday. Different types of fishing trips are available for fishermen in the region. Also, unless youre fishing aboard a saltwater charter, youll need to get your Florida fishing license. Snook are long, slender fish that sometimes get up to 40 inches, they are almost like a saltwater species of bass. As I been writing this blog the past two weeks I have been shopping for a kayak. Fishing in Fort Myers Beach is ingrained in the very fiber of the island, and it's easy to see why. I went shopping online at 4 different online stores to find the right paddle for my kayak. Pompano Beach, FL 33062. Fort Myers isnt a very big city, so you can get around pretty easily. Favorite Lake or River Don't know yet! From freshwater superstars to some of the best saltwater game fish, its all possible in this part of Southwest Florida. 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. Lots to explore by kayak or trolling motor. Snook fishing in Fort Myers is less productive between December and January. Further up the river is where you will find species like largemouth bass and crappie. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on December 8, 2021 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. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Naples, please check out this helpful article. Lets make the best of the time in Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass). The wider your boat is, the longer your paddle needs to be. The artificial light from shore will attract gamefish to the area, and if its enough, it may even bring in offshore fish. These Amazing Spots Near Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass) Are Perfect To Go Fishing Few things in the world are more relaxing - or more exciting, depending on the day - than fishing. Cayo Costa State Park. Great place to visit !more, Fishing was even allowed. Largemouth Bass with a Crankbait. Fort Myers, FL 33908. Offshore fishing in Fort Myers allows anglers to target amberjack, cobia, grouper, mahi-mahi, marlin, tuna, snapper, and other species. May through September is the best season. Theres one aspect of the Sunshine State thats often overlooked, however, and thats its traditional charm. 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. There are a plethora of things to do here. Call (239) 823-4071 to discuss your options. Many anglers want to know how Fort Myers compares to other major fishing destinations. November through March is the best season to fish. Fishing Spots Near North Fort Myers FL. They will cruise around the flats for most of the day, and usually only move offshore for migration purposes. We were catching Mangrove and MuttonSan Carlos BayView All|Driving Directions. Offshore fishing is one of the most popular ways to fish in Fort Myers. Check out the other sections of my blog for more tips on ThebookOnGoneFishing. May through August is the best shark fishing window of the year. Welcome to Fort Myers. 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. There are canals running through the city, and you can find small lakes and ponds everywhere. For some, its the bright lights and big-city atmosphere of Miami. Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Thank you towww.fishsmart.orgor providing the following tips:. Fort Myers is a good choice for anglers, who want to find a good place to experience fishing during the winter months. Good weather and fish-rich waters create the ideal fishing conditions in the region. Use knotless, rubberized landing nets and rubberized gloves to avoid removing the slime layer from the fishs body. about the catch to FWC. Get ready to work those muscles though, cause its not going anywhere without a fight! Royal Palm Park. Using live baitfish is usually the best option for bait throughout the whole day and artificial bait tends to work better in the morning and evening. 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. If you didnt plan on angling when you packed for your trip, they have fishing equipment and bait available at their on-property stores. You can find them around mangroves, mouths of rivers, docks, and any other spot close to shore that has structure. There are countless species available at this time, and the weather will be great. Its always a good time to go fishing in Fort Myers, and theres never a low season really. Estero Bay is located south of Fort Myers, in between the mainland and Estero Island. And of course, fishermen should go fishing in Fort Myers when their target fish species are the most active. Our estuaries are teaming with life. 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. You can also target them in the estuaries and salt marshes. When booking a fishing charter, we ask that you leave your credit card number with us as a . Fishermen will find a variety of fish including snapper, amberjack, snook, redfish, tarpon, whitefish, king mackarel, shark and flounder here. No experience is necessary to enjoy deep sea fishing in Fort Myers Beach, FL. Punta Gorda, FL. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Cape Coral, please check out this helpful article. FreshwaterFishingAdvice is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. We provide the native files for your . Picture the natural views and all the memories youre going to make. TheBookOnGoneFishing.com also participates in affiliate programs with Walmart, Bestbuy, Cabela World Foremost Outfitters, and other sites. However, the best time of the year to target jack crevalle in the area is between April and November. 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. Beginner anglers, start here. 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. Tidestation: Fort Myers, Caloosahatchee River, Florida. There are now 31 documented exotic fish species reproducing in Florida's fresh waters with the addition of the Florida Snakehead. The times surrounding high tide have good fishing as well, but not as good as the peak of high tide. 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 . It takes anglers some time to get to their fishing spots in offshore waters. Beginners should consider booking short fishing charters. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Englewood, check out this article. Fishing on beaches allows angling enthusiasts to catch snook, pompano, and other species. Estero, FL. Many anglers plan ahead and incorporate best fishing practices using tips to ensure safe and responsible angling. 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 . I like traveling and trying new things. Edison and his wife loved Fort Myers so much that they decided to build a lodge here in 1886. Tropical storms can ruin an entire trip, but you would have to be very unlucky to book a trip when one happens. The beaches and marinas make for easy shore and surf casting conditions, and the number of available fishing charters should give away just how common angling is around these parts. The fishing here is truly special if you enjoy nearshore and offshore fishing. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Fishing in Fort Myers is an experience that you dont come across too often. Be careful when unhooking a catfish they have a sharp fin you dont want to mess with. What might interest you is that Edison enjoyed local recreational fishing here, and Fort Myers gained a national reputation for it! 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). You can run out 30 miles, be in 60 to 70 feet of water, and catch . Timing can have a heavy influence on the success you have in catching bass. 1. Best Water Temperatures for Perch Fishing (Complete Guide). (219) 663-3256. So, there is no bad time to target bull shark in Fort Myers. When youre in Fort Myers, its very easy to find a spot to sink your line. No matter your level of experience, this is a great target to test your fishing skills against. In the winter we start fishing from 9:30 - 11: . 1. 7 Charlotte Harbor. North Fort Myers is also known as: North Ft. Myers Best Fishing Spots in the greater North Fort Myers area. This is a review for lakes in Fort Myers, FL: "Wow! Fishing spots in Sarasota, Venice and Fort Myers Florida. Offshore spots in Fort Myers tend to be offshore reefs and wrecks, but there are a few open water offshore species as well. When I go fishing I really enjoy having the peace, quiet and some space to myself. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Naples, please check out this helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish in Punta Gorda, please check out this helpful guide. Blue Tilapia?? The best months to catch cobia in the area are: April, September and October. spots 248 waterbodies 47 fishes Waterbodies Fish Weather To map. 2637 E Atlantic Blvd #34453. John M. Aug, 14, 2021 - Fort Myers. In fact, Lee County is considered one of the greatest areas in . Tarpon Bay. But we would be doing you a disservice by not telling you about some of the opportunities lying just a short boat ride away. This site is owned and operated by TheBookOnGoneFishing.com. For shallow water fishing the twilight periods are often the most productive fishing times, especially on days when a major or minor time will coincide with twilight. The artificial structure rests on her starboard side in about 105 ft. to 115 ft. of water and is home to an abundant assortment of fish . Largemouth Bass, the beloved freshwater trophy, can be found up the Caloosahatchee River, alongside colorful Peacock Bass. Charters will usually target areas near shore by lots of city lights and use the artificial lights to find the fish. And if you are using artificial bait, you should try anything flashy, topwater baits and flies work as well. Best fishing spots near me in Fort Myers, Florida. Check it: The Sunshine State has 7,700 lakes, some 11,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline. 8. Just beyond our white-sand beaches, a network of artificial reefs provide diving, snorkeling, boating and fishing opportunities for residents and visitors of Southwest Florida. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out! There are plenty of beaches and piers to keep you busy for a few days. Fort Myers Fishing Charters. The programs offered University of North Florida (UNF) allow students, staff and visitors to learn about team work in different environment. You will be fishing the calm inshore waters from Estero Bay south to the 10k Islands. No matter your level of experience, this is a great target to test your fishing skills against. Best Fishing Spots in Fort Myers Surf/Shore Fishing. Facilities were clean and plentiful. Calusa Fishing Advent List Your Fishing Services; Login; Travel & Accomodations; . The Ten mile canal is a good place to fish as well pick up some shinners from The Bait Station in North Fort Myers, take to and fish at John Yarbrough Park from Metro Parkway all the way down to Alico Rd. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Captiva. We offer affordable Fort Myers fishing charters. Seagrass beds, oyster bars, and mangrove-lined creeks have way more action beneath the surface than you might realize. Keep on reading for the best fishing spots in the area. This park features 158 acres of freshwater quarry lake that is ideal for catching largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish. By choosing the right paddle you can save yourself a lot energy. While visiting Fort Myers, you can also explore the rich history of the town. Part of the reason why is that they leap out of the water to get off the hook, making for some stunning views. This post is proudly produced in partnership with, Download the What more could you ask for? Fantastico Shipwreck. Use line strong enough to minimize playing time. I've done this tour with amore, There is a fishing pier here though not much else. Redfish is inactive in the region between January and February. Change location, depth, or bait to avoid catching fish you do not intend to keep. The worst time of the year to fish for cobia in the region is between December and January. There are different rental programs across the country at universities and colleges. Since then, I've lived across the country and have continued learning about fishing. 3. A few spots for parking and some shade.more, Extending out into the Gulf of Mexico, this concrete fishing pier is perfect for looking at themore, He took us to a number of great fishing spots where we caught sharks, grouper, red snapper, amongstmore.