Spring & Fall is the best time to catch largemouth bass in the Fort Myers-area. Fishing on beaches allows angling enthusiasts to catch snook, pompano, and other species. Anglers have logged in Fishbrain over 12,570 catches for Largemouth bass, 5,552 catches for Common snook, 2,119 catches for Mangrove snapper and many more species in the North Fort Myers area. The times surrounding high tide have good fishing as well, but not as good as the peak of high tide. 6179 Black Marlin Lane, Cape Coral, FL 33914 239-919-2626 As always, purchase with confidence from The Cosatal Fishing Group! 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. Timing can have a heavy influence on the success you have in catching bass. What makes Snook such a beloved fish in this part of the world? We have the best Fort Myers fishing spots. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out! Such species as barracuda, groupers, jack crevalle, ladyfish, permit, sharks, snappers, snook, tarpon, and tripletail are active in summer. 10 Best Beaches in Fort Myers, FL Top Public Beach Spots! 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. 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. I went online to Dicks sporting goods. And where do the tarpon run up north every season? The beach surrounding the pier is a great place for little ones to look for sand dollars and starfish in the shallow water or track the pelicans diving for their next meal. Sailing out of Fort Myers Beach, the 65-foot Sea Trek is typical of the deep-sea fishing boats that take sports fishermen on excursions into offshore waters. Here is some information from REI: Figuring out the right size (length) of paddle is surprisingly straightforward. Also, unless youre fishing aboard a saltwater charter, youll need to get your Florida fishing license. Be sure to check Groupon, sometimes there's specials! For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Naples, please check out this helpful article. View and purchase these Fishing Spots. What are people saying about lakes in Fort Myers, FL? Our native fishing guides offer generations of local fishing knowledge. This area offers great fishing for multiple species, but specifically great fishing for flats fish. Some areas may look different right now, but the way our community makes people feel hasn't changed. The large Pine Island, due north of Sanibel, has a spot where the fish just seem to stack up: Big Jim Creek Preserve. Just imagine paddling out into the waters of the broad Caloosahatchee River, casting your bait to entice the bite of those elusive underwater creatures. 1; 7; Details; Aug, 14, 2021 Rick S 0. nice one John Sherri Spencer. When fishing at night, anglers usually catch such species as ladyfish, tarpon, snook, speckled trout, and others. Seasonal Guide: Best Times to Catch Big Bass. For the rest of their lives, they enjoyed the citys incredible weather and scenery. And of course, anglers should explore these fishing spots during their fishing adventures in Fort Myers. CHUCK BALLARO. Today, Tom F. and I fished from about 9:00 am to about 4:00 pm. Redfish is inactive in the region between January and February. 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. 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. Pompano Beach, FL 33062. 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. If youre craving some freshwater action, were here to tell you it can be done in Fort Myers too! Fantastico Shipwreck. Please remember to check with the local Fish and Wildlife department to ensure the stream is open to the public. 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. Some exemptions do exist, and you can read about them in our dedicated Florida fishing license guide. Lovers Key State Park: The 712-acre preserve covering three islands is good for fishing from the shore. Facilities were clean and plentiful. Such a blend is rare, so consider making the most out of this opportunity! Release fish as soon as practical and do not keep them out of the water longer than necessary. Most of the piers and beaches in the area are public, but you will have to check regulations on fishing. October through March is the hottest snapper fishing time. . 8600 Estero Blvd, Bonita Beach. Jack crevalle fishing is less productive in Fort Myers between January and March and in December. Some fishable structures extend a few feet into the water, while others extend 2,000 or more feet into the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Well, its delicious, so thats a big factor in why Floridians enjoy it so much. Part of the reason why is that they leap out of the water to get off the hook, making for some stunning views. Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. So grab your favorite fly fishing rod and reel, and head out to New Pass. Its the time of the year when the vast majority of fish species bite well. Snook tend to sit and wait for their food during the day, but are much more aggressive during the morning and evening. Where to stay: Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina puts you right next to the beach. Most species in the area like warm water, but not the high sun. As I been writing this blog the past two weeks I have been shopping for a kayak. Fish the waters of the Gulf of Mexico for Grouper, Snapper, Mackerel, Amberjack, Shark and more! Species Caught Here:Flounder Jack Mackerel Redfish Salmon Shark Snapper Snook TarponPublic Property26.377861 -81.861755Edit Details. Are you looking for a nice day out, relaxing in nature, and catching some fish? And if you snag something, either toss it back or make sure it meets size limits for keeping. 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. My PB: Between 10-11 lbs. Some of the bigger ones can be a real challenge to get out of the water, but dont give up! You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. Anyone? A fishing trip on a charter boat will get you to some of the best marshes and backcountry waters in a matter of minutes. Fort Myers is one of the most popular fishing locations in Florida. Tarpon, redfish, and sea trout are super common, while others like grouper, flounder, and mangrove snapper might pepper your days catch, too. The wider your boat is, the longer your paddle needs to be. Yes, you might give your arms a workout, but the experience more than makes up for the pain. Were in Florida after all! Fort Myers Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. Bonita Beach Dog Beach Park. Professional anglers, who are interested in catching bigger fish, should book longer trips. Offshore fishing in Fort Myers allows anglers to target amberjack, cobia, grouper, mahi-mahi, marlin, tuna, snapper, and other species. Lobsters are great travelers and they tend to move around more at night. 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. 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! South Florida has another advantage -- you can go lobster fishing after sundown. Develop fishing skills to target the size and species you desire. If you dont see much stirring (probably trout), head toward the mouth of the creek. Now, lets try to get the answer. Inshore anglers can target such species as snook, redfish, speckled trout, and tarpon. Beginners should consider booking short fishing charters. Artificial Reefs. Although its more costly than just sinking a line from the shore, it has its advantages. The surrounding waters are shallow and hold redfish, snook, trout, snapper and more. 7 Charlotte Harbor. Picture the natural views and all the memories youre going to make. 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. 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. The waters outside of Fort Myers hold great numbers of Redfish. Fishing in Fort Myers is great for most of the day, but getting an early start may be the best choice for your trip. Fort Myers is known for its subtropical climate and great weather conditions. Youll catch more fish and get more value out of your trip if you do this. If you are interested in a private fishing charter or a split charter, contact Queen Conch Charters today. They are most active in the spring and summer, only slowing down during the late fall and winter. Use knotless, rubberized landing nets and rubberized gloves to avoid removing the slime layer from the fishs body. Fishing Spots Near North Fort Myers FL. BOOK YOUR CHARTER TODAY. Crescent Beach Family Park is actually a little sliver of Fort Myers Beach just south of the Fort Myers fishing pier. You can bring your own, or you can rent a kayak at a number of spots down the Caloosahatchee River. Posted October 6, 2013. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Cape Coral, please check out this helpful article. If youre looking for a nice sunny vacation with some fishing involved, you shouldnt sleep on Fort Myers! Its always a good time to go fishing in Fort Myers, and theres never a low season really. Fort Myers, FL; 23 ft Center console 8 Reviews; This site is owned and operated by Eric Matechak. The fishing here is truly special if you enjoy nearshore and offshore fishing. Check out ourFishing Timeschart to determine when the fish will be most active. Well right in-between those two fishing grounds is Port Charlotte and Charlotte Harbor. The Gulf is also within reach if youre chartering a boat, so its the only way to get to those offshore monsters. 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. Tarpon fishing in Fort Myers is the most productive between May and July. One of the nicest parks I have seen. Charters will usually target areas near shore by lots of city lights and use the artificial lights to find the fish. See the boats section below to understand why only two can go. The crown jewel of Fort Myers charter fishing is the inshore trip. Inshore snappers usually like to stay in shallower water. 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. Seeing how diverse Fort Myers is in the habitats it boasts, its no surprise that there are many ways of exploring its waters. Tired of fishing the same spots? Shore Fishing at Fort Myers Beach. Basic Florida Fishing License Today's Fishing and Tide Times for Fort Myers , United States For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Naples, please check out this helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the quality of fishing in Islamorada, please check out this helpful guide. 6. You can hang around Pink Shell Beach Resort. Blue Tilapia?? So, anglers find it easy to book a charter that meets their needs and budgets. What more could you ask for? Since then, I've lived across the country and have really taken that passion for fishing to a new level. Year-round availability. Night Fishing: A night fishing trip is ideal for catching snapper. Bottom Fishing in Southwest Florida | Salt Water Sportsman is a bit of a hidden gem on Florida's Gulf Coast. Nestled on the border between a tropical savanna climate and a subtropical climate, the weather is great all year round. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Cape Coral, please check out this article. They will stay somewhat far away from shore, looking for grassy cover and deep holes to find cover from the sun. Eventually, youll be swimming in snook, a fairly common fish in warmer water along the Gulf and in the Caribbean. 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. And they have these "small" lakes right on the property that we're more allowed to fish at for free. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Captiva. To read the rest of the articleKayak Buyers Guide. 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. I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. The reality is that the destination provides angling enthusiasts with easy access to numerous fishing spots. Check it: The Sunshine State has 7,700 lakes, some 11,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline. Knowing the best and worst conditions can have an outsized impact on how many bass you will catch. Kids stand a chance of catching mangrove snapper and frozen bait as well as junk fish. Beaches and Bays are ideal places for land-based fishing. Crabby Charters is one of Ft Myers most successful deep sea fishing charters. You can also target them in the estuaries and salt marshes. So, i'm down here in Fort Myers, Florida vacationing with the kids (fun stuff). Where to stay: A homey and well-located choice is Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa. 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). There are very few fishing guides in Florida that can match our years of experience. No fishing from the docks but fishing on the beach at Matanzas Pass is fantastic. Fish from the shoreline or take your rod with you on a kayak tour for better water access. November through March is the best season to fish. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! This is an awesome place to learn and go fishing inshore, where waters are calm and you are near land! Great place to visit !more, Fishing was even allowed. A recent addition is 10 boat docks for day use so boaters can stop and enjoy the park. 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. Inshore species are generally smaller, so a shrimp on a jighead tends to work well. However, once you do manage to reel one in, your sore arms will thank you, and youll get to have an entirely new experience. Fishing at night is also a viable option. Tarpon mainly like to feed on baitfish like pinfish and pogies, but will sometimes eat shrimp as well. Hands down the best way to get the most out of your fishing trip in Fort Myers is to hop aboard a charter boat. 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. When I go fishing I really enjoy having the peace, quiet and some space to myself. You can rent one and head down to Sanibel and Pine Island for a chance to battle some big fish. Fort Myers and surrounding Islands Inshore Fishing SpotsOnly $99.99. In the morning, the sun will be low enough to allow gamefish to roam around and look for food. Located south of Fort Myers, this beach is located on Estero Island and offers great fishing in both the open ocean and Estero Bay. 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. Offshore snapper tend to live around reefs and wrecks, they are generally in schools, so finding one can be a very good sign. If you know anything about SW Florida anglers, you know they love a kayak! Beyond that, youre out into the deep sea of the Gulf. Two of America's most greatest innovators, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, chose Fort Myers as their winter homes and as an . There are countless species available at this time, and the weather will be great. Fishing has been always the number one activity in the region. Initially, fishermen need to study the bite times of their favorite fish species and select the best time of the year to fish in the area. 2. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Bookelia, check out this article. Parks & Recreation - Lee County Southwest Florida I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. Inshore fishing is the most popular in Fort Myers as well as flats fishing, nearshore fishing, and offshore fishing. The Fort Myers/Sanibel area offers myriad inshore and offshore fishing opportunities, from shorelines, bridges and piers to deep sea casting and backcountry boating. data-event-category="Navigation header guest" 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. Fort Myers is home to a great variety of fish species. We're a 15 Year Verified Seller and Merchant with 100% Positive seller Feedback. 1. Anglers can target trout in Fort Myers at any time of the year. Snakehead Fishing | How To Catch Snakehead In Florida - Bass Online Land the fish quickly and if possible, release them while still in the water. Prolly worth the admission. Full-Day Fishing: A full-day fishing trip runs 8 to 10 hours, during which you can catch a variety of Grouper, Grunts, and Snapper. These Fort Myers-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a great service. Beginner anglers, start here. 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 . If youre running into this issue and cant decide, it may be best to book a charter that focuses on multiple species or whatever species are in season. I like traveling and trying new things. The fish get bigger out here, like the goliath grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, and even some species of shark. There are a few spots on the island that are open to fishing and there are spots on both sides. This pier is located right in the heart of Fort Myers, on the Caloosahatchee River. 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. (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. Fort Myers Fishing Hot Spots - FishingProGuide.com "Extending out into the Gulf of Mexico, this concrete fishing pier is perfect for looking at the." more. Tidestation: Fort Myers, Caloosahatchee River, Florida. Lee County, Florida is a special, sunny place that sits along the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Fort Myers Inshore GPS Fishing Spots (Or, you know, just charter a guided expedition to handle that bit for you.). Tides will always have an impact on fishing, but that shouldnt steer you away from ocean fishing. Cayo Costa State Park. In fact, Lee County is considered one of the greatest areas in . And while you could just fish in one of the channels along the road, youll have a better time if you paddle alongside the trout deeper into the bay. They will cruise around the flats for most of the day, and usually only move offshore for migration purposes. Good weather and fish-rich waters create the ideal fishing conditions in the region. FreshwaterFishingAdvice is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Learn More about Dr Carl Bamlet health system. Best fishing spots near me in Fort Myers, Florida. Pine Island Sound lies between Pine Island and Sanibel and Captiva islands. You can cast your line in this force of nature, and have a nice Snook at the end of it in minutes. Whether you are going inshore offshore, or fishing from shore, there will be plenty of species available to catch. I like to see programs like that be very success like it is at our local university. Fishing in Fort Myers Beach is ingrained in the . In addition to fishing, people can enjoy many other interesting activities such as hiking and kayaking in the area. About Us. 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. And you should aim for areas with plenty of cover and deep water if you are fishing a different type of area from shore. Fort Myers offers well-lit piers that are open 24/7 and also plenty of beaches that you can fish from at night. Anyone?? (219) 663-3256. 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 . For Sale: 1 bed, 2 baths 979 sq. Toll Free: 877-217-0099 Local: 239-314-0240; Fax: 239-471-3114 Lovers Key State Park: The 712-acre preserve covering three islands is good for fishing from the shore. While fishing from shore, you can target snook, trout, snapper, shark, and a couple of other species as well. Deep Sea Fishing Charters in Ft Myers & Cape Coral | Grouper | Snapper Fort Myers is popular for its top-notch beaches, fishing and shopping. Definitely go with a guide unless youre an absolute pro. I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really loved fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. March through July is the best timeframe. Beaches give anglers an opportunity to experience shore fishing in Fort Myers. As long as you have the right equipment, you can catch tons of fish either from shore or a boat, all night long. Have you been to Fort Myers before? Theres an amazing variety of fish you can catch in Fort Myers! Catch Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Spec Trout, Sharks and more. The best months to catch cobia in the area are: April, September and October. As always, purchase with confidence from The Cosatal Fishing Group! There, youll find several options managed by Resort Harbour Properties, all in large, airy towers with views over San Carlos Bay. Caught this LM before hurricane Fred arrives. Cobia is one of the main targets in Fort Myers. Snook fishing in Fort Myers is less productive between December and January. What might interest you is that Edison enjoyed local recreational fishing here, and Fort Myers gained a national reputation for it! I tried to load the Live Photo but it would only load a still picture to this site. 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. Largemouth Bass, the beloved freshwater trophy, can be found up the Caloosahatchee River, alongside colorful Peacock Bass. Cobia, snook, and tarpon plaster the waters here on a good day make it a paddling expedition, or get out and wade in the shallows. Its not easy figuring out where to drop your bait, so we did the work for you. 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. Do not play the fish to exhaustion. Fishing in Fort Myers - Find Spots, Species & Tips - Fishbrain North Fort Myers is a populated place in US with an estimated population of 39407 and an average elevation of 4 meters above sea level, located in the America/New_York timezone. Offshore species of snapper like to eat baitfish, mainly mullet or pinfish. Its a great idea to target snapper in the Gulf waters. In the Fort Myers area, youd do well to hit up the Caloosahatchee River, as some of the best fishing happens there. Check out the best fishing spots in North Fort Myers, Florida. This river is saltwater and has great fishing for snook and trout. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Florida, please check out this helpful article. Florida Inshore Fishing: Fort Myers & Sanibel Island (Multi-Species) Use line strong enough to minimize playing time. Trout fishing is great in the region. Snook like to feed on shrimp, pinfish, and pogies. Sight-casting is possible here, too, as the fish often tail in the shallows. The worst time of the year to experience trout in the region is between November and December. No matter your level of experience, this is a great target to test your fishing skills against. mobile app. There are many reasons why anglers prefer to fish in Fort Myers. Keep on reading for the best fishing spots in the area. Fishing in Fort Myers Beach is ingrained in the very fiber of the island, and it's easy to see why. Traditionally, many anglers choose to go fishing in the Gulf waters and in deeper waters around Pine Island and Sanibel. 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. Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding Gulf Islands are often called southwest Floridas best-kept secret. Its possible to target snook in the region year-round. Fort Myers has a lot to offer to fishermen of any skill level. Fort Myers is also known as a shark fishing destination. In the Fort Myers/Sanibel Island area, great fishing spots are everywhere you look! Enjoy!". Fort Myers Florida - Attractions & Things to Do in Fort Myers FL A Fort Myers fishing season is high between April and August. Sharks will also move much closer to shore than normal and feed there for most of the night. You should aim your bait on the other side of a dropoff if you are fishing from the surf. Administration Office Terry Park 3410 Palm Beach Blvd. allowed to fish at for free. With so many freshwater lakes and rivers, fishing in Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass) is top-rated. Explore all of your options and book a charter that works best for you. . It was $1/hour or $5/day. Mound Key Archaeological State Park. 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. Find many different fishing hot spots with GPS coordinates. Anyway, to my surprise, i pulled out this 2 1/2 pounded the other day! Plenty of Snook are there. Download over 7090+ fishing spots in Fort Myers, Florida, US. For others, its an overgrown playground, home to Disney World, and plenty of water parks. Even if the storm doesnt directly hit the area you are in, it can still affect you. Today's Fishing and Tide Times for North Fort Myers , United States Anglers can consider booking half-day fishing trips, full-day fishing trips, or even longer trips in Fort Myers. Fishing The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel - 8 Great Spots - Matador