Welcome to Fort Myers. Today, Tom F. and I fished from about 9:00 am to about 4:00 pm. Offshore fishing in Fort Myers allows anglers to target amberjack, cobia, grouper, mahi-mahi, marlin, tuna, snapper, and other species. There are a few freshwater spots located inland in Fort Myers that offer largemouth bass, but this will be focusing on saltwater fishing. See the boats section below to understand why only two can go. 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! This ones a no-brainer. There are both offshore and inshore species of snapper in Fort Myers, the main ones being yellow and mangrove snappers. Boca Grande, the Tarpon Capital of the World, is a boat ride away from Fort Myers, so if youve got your sights set on the Silver King, its the place to be! For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Fort Myers, please check out this helpful guide. Estero Bay 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 . 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. Your fishing map files for your purchased area will be emailed in Google Earth, Android . For a list of the best charters in Fort Myers, check out this guide. Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. The wider your boat is, the longer your paddle needs to be. Become a Pro subscriber to see when and where fish are being caught and logged in Fishbrain. So, there is no bad time to target bull shark in Fort Myers. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Booking a charter makes it possible for anglers to explore many great spots and experience fantastic fishing in the region. 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. So, i'm down here in Fort Myers, Florida vacationing with the kids (fun stuff). Its the perfect place to fish during the winter months. The Fort Myers/Sanibel area offers myriad inshore and offshore fishing opportunities, from shorelines, bridges and piers to deep sea casting and backcountry boating. I'm having a hard time identifying it lol. Facilities were clean and plentiful. Download over 7090+ fishing spots in Fort Myers, Florida, US. Fort Myers is also known as a shark fishing destination. Looking to unwind and have a relaxing day by the water? 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. There are canals running through the city, and you can find small lakes and ponds everywhere. There will be more oxygen and the water and a current that pushes baitfish towards the shore, cornering them for the gamefish to eat. 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. Fish tend to hang out wherever there are structures, rocks and oyster bars. Tarpon like to roam the flats in the morning and move into deeper parts of the flats during the afternoon. In the morning, the sun will be low enough to allow gamefish to roam around and look for food. #4.25.5. A storm hitting the keys or even Texas could have an impact on your fishing in Fort Myers. Large Gator Trout can be found roaming the citys numerous canals, as well as the broad Caloosahatchee River. Florida slam dunks on the runner-up states Texas, North Carolina, Wisconsin in terms of licenses and recreational fishing by millions. The big question is where to go fishing in Fort Myers? The region is as close as one can get to a tropical paradise without leaving the United States. Picture the natural views and all the memories youre going to make. It can send high-power winds straight across the Gulf of Mexico and make the water in the area very rough. There are other species, like catfish, in the river, but the bulk of the fish you will catch will be snook and trout. Snapper are more active in the morning as there is more baitfish activity, making them come out from hiding. Tarpon Bay. Species Caught Here:Flounder Jack Mackerel Redfish Salmon Shark Snapper Snook TarponPublic Property26.377861 -81.861755Edit Details. 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). Lee County, Florida is a special, sunny place that sits along the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The sun will be at it's highest point at 12:40 pm. Either way, you will catch plenty of fish at the Centennial Pier. Tarpon Street Pier and Midpoint Bridge are great fishing spots to target snook in the area. Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding Gulf Islands are often called southwest Floridas best-kept secret. Fishing the waters of Fort Myers on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida can prove a highly productive adventure. Night Fishing: A night fishing trip is ideal for catching snapper. Caught this LM before hurricane Fred arrives. Fishing for bull shark is excellent in the region year-round. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Cape Coral, please check out this helpful article. Contact Info: Gene Beachguide. Knowing the best times to come fish these rich waterways will make a huge difference. It takes anglers some time to get to their fishing spots in offshore waters. And of course, fishermen should go fishing in Fort Myers when their target fish species are the most active. In fact, checking [], Fort Myers Beach Fishing: The Complete Guide. All rights reserved. If youre looking for a nice sunny vacation with some fishing involved, you shouldnt sleep on Fort Myers! This is another Florida staple, an inshore gem for both newbies and experienced anglers. Land the fish quickly and if possible, release them while still in the water. Well, its delicious, so thats a big factor in why Floridians enjoy it so much. 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. Edison and his wife loved Fort Myers so much that they decided to build a lodge here in 1886. Fort Myers Beach Fl Fishing: A Classic Florida Beach Town With Amazing Fishing Spots. The other fish they might snag are often called junkfish, or fish you definitely want to catch and release. Weve just described the top species of fish to target in the local waters. Tropical storms can ruin an entire trip, but you would have to be very unlucky to book a trip when one happens. Crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife, and beautiful sandy beaches all make it paradise on Earth. Snook are most commonly found in shallow water areas including mangroves, inlets, rivers, and docks. Administration Office Terry Park 3410 Palm Beach Blvd. North Fort Myers, FL; Fishing ; 10 Awesome Vacations Your Fishing Family Will Love . Try fishing in deeper water where the temp is . While visiting Fort Myers, you can also explore the rich history of the town. When it comes to seasonality, all we can say is its Florida! From fly fishing to shore casting, here are some of the best spots to try your luck. The Gulf is also within reach if youre chartering a boat, so its the only way to get to those offshore monsters. According to the opinions of many fishing experts, Fort Myers is a paradise for inshore fishermen. These Fort Myers-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a great service. With so many freshwater lakes and rivers, fishing in Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass) is top-rated. Snapper fishing is good in the region year-round. For both kinds of snapper, you should have your bait low in the water column and slowly jig it back to you. Catch Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Spec Trout, Sharks and more. 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. Year-round availability. There are very few fishing guides in Florida that can match our years of experience. Both piers have a snack shop that sells bait. Its family-friendly, with a themed pool and easy access to the pier, the sand, and the water. TheBookOnGoneFishing.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Snook tend to sit and wait for their food during the day, but are much more aggressive during the morning and evening. Snook like to feed on shrimp, pinfish, and pogies. Youll get a hefty reward in the form of a delicious meal, as these are some of the tastiest fish found in all of Florida. There are now 31 documented exotic fish species reproducing in Florida's fresh waters with the addition of the Florida Snakehead. We fish for Snook, Trout, Redfish and Shark with the spotlight being on the water temperature. There are always a lot of fishing charters available in Fort Myers and its surrounding areas. Yes, as you said, these species have been catch and release only through May 31, 2021. Average Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 stars 17 ratings. To read the rest of the articleKayak Buyers Guide. 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. Keep on reading for the best fishing spots in the area. When I go fishing I am looking for that out of the way secret place if you will fishing spot that the locals know as good if I am only visit the area once in my life. There are also specialized fishing trips. Fort Myers is a beautiful town in Florida. Inside the massive J.N. Offshore fishing is one of the most popular ways to fish in Fort Myers. By choosing the right paddle you can save yourself a lot energy. 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. Estero Bay is located south of Fort Myers, in between the mainland and Estero Island. And if you are using artificial bait, you should try anything flashy, topwater baits and flies work as well. The crown jewel of Fort Myers charter fishing is the inshore trip. Its a city, but it doesnt require you to bump elbows with other people, making it the low-key king of recreational fishing. Fishing spots in Sarasota, Venice and Fort Myers Florida. Favorite Lake or River Don't know yet! It all depends on what fish species you are targeting, where, and how long you are going to fish in the area. October through March is the hottest snapper fishing time. 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. Anyone thinking of having a tasty dinner after catching and keeping one of these fish may face a hefty fine if caught, and possible toxic health effects if eaten. As always, purchase with confidence from The Cosatal Fishing Group! Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier is another of the Fort Myers fishing spots and beaches. Beaches give anglers an opportunity to experience shore fishing in Fort Myers. TheBookOnGoneFishing.com also participates in affiliate programs with Walmart, Bestbuy, Cabela World Foremost Outfitters, and other sites. Timing can have a heavy influence on the success you have in catching bass. Theres an amazing variety of fish you can catch in Fort Myers! There are also specialized fishing trips. 2023 FishingBooker.com. As for night fishing from a boat, it is possible through some charters. Now, lets try to get the answer. Our files contain artificial and natural reefs, buoys, ledges, rocks, shipwrecks, and many other types of structures that hold fish, in a 100 miles radius of Fort Myers. Rodeo Clown Trent McFarland mugs for the camera during the PRCA Fort Myers Rodeo at the Lee County Posse Arena on Saturday. Featuring snook, redfish, seatrout, jack crevalle and many, many more and located in Fort Myers. I'm having a hard time identifying it lol. So grab your favorite fly fishing rod and reel, and head out to New Pass. Use line strong enough to minimize playing time. Use Fishbrain to view local fishing regulations, read reviews of local fishing spots, and learn . The surrounding waters are shallow and hold redfish, snook, trout, snapper and more. Just remember to stay safe on the water and pay attention to the weather before you go out. Fishing in Fort Myers Beach is ingrained in the very fiber of the island, and it's easy to see why. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Bookelia, check out this article. The worst time of the year to fish for cobia in the region is between December and January. 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. No matter your level of experience, this is a great target to test your fishing skills against. Where to stay: The Inns of Sanibel lie a few minutes drive from Tarpon Bay. Sarasota to Fort Myers Fishing Spots -. Thats why its recommended to book full-day trips if you would like to fish in offshore waters. Pine Island Sound lies between Pine Island and Sanibel and Captiva islands. Use knotless, rubberized landing nets and rubberized gloves to avoid removing the slime layer from the fishs body. 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. View and purchase these Fishing Spots. Fort Myers night fishing charters are also available. 9. Release fish as soon as practical and do not keep them out of the water longer than necessary. Anyone?? The artificial light from shore will attract gamefish to the area, and if its enough, it may even bring in offshore fish. Lovers Key State Park: The 712-acre preserve covering three islands is good for fishing from the shore. data-event-category="Navigation header guest" 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. If youre looking to do this, the summer months offer the best multi-species fishing. The region is as close as one can get to a . Learn More about Dr Carl Bamlet health system. The Fantastico was a 200 foot Honduran freighter ship that sank in the Gulf of Mexico in March of 1993. Black grouper, gag grouper, goliath grouper as well as red grouper can be caught in the waters of Fort Myers. For more information visit Lee County Parks Bowditch Point Park >. Its not easy figuring out where to drop your bait, so we did the work for you. Change location, depth, or bait to avoid catching fish you do not intend to keep. I also have enjoy learning and listening to interesting people. 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. For the rest of their lives, they enjoyed the citys incredible weather and scenery. Located in the southwest part of Florida, Fort Myers is home to some great fishing. The Lee County area of southwest Florida includes Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Pine Island and Sanibel Island. Both piers have a snack shop that sells bait. And you should aim for areas with plenty of cover and deep water if you are fishing a different type of area from shore. However, once you do manage to reel one in, your sore arms will thank you, and youll get to have an entirely new experience. 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. If youre feeling adventurous and want to really have an immersive experience, this is the way to go. Best Fishing Spots in Fort Myers Surf/Shore Fishing. See if you can hook the Inshore Slam: a spotted seatrout, redfish, and snook, all in the same day. Send in your conventional tackle to catch the smaller species in the tight, closed-off mangroves, or kayak out to the larger, more open waterways around the inlets for bigger prizes (where you can fly fish). This park features 158 acres of freshwater quarry lake that is ideal for catching largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish. Tarpon are mainly found in the flats. Both have a different feel you may like the difference I end up in Marco more because i have friends nearby and I know more of the fishing spots. A Fort Myers fishing season is high between April and August. No fishing from the docks but fishing on the beach at Matanzas Pass is fantastic. Fort Myers - where inshore fishing is king! 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 . 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. Some exemptions do exist, and you can read about them in our dedicated Florida fishing license guide. Where to stay: There are no accommodations on Fisherman Key itself, so instead stay just across the channel near Johnathon Harbour. Doing this will bring more fish into the boat and make your trip more successful. 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 kids are going to love this one. With so many freshwater lakes and rivers, fishing in Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass) is top-rated. Best fishing spots near me in Fort Myers, Florida. Fort Myers Beach, FL 46307. For the true Pine Island Sound experience, this place is it. You can expect to see all of the usual inshore species, and maybe even some offshore species as well. Prolly worth the admission. 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. My PB: Between 10-11 lbs. Offshore species of snapper like to eat baitfish, mainly mullet or pinfish. Night fishing has become very popular in the Fort Myers area. Tired of fishing the same spots? And they have these "small" lakes right on the property that we're more allowed to fish at for free. Best Water Temperatures for Perch Fishing (Complete Guide). 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. Its worth noting that fishing in these places is very productive. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Pensacola, please check out this helpful article. Jun 06, 2019 - Pine Island Sound. There were also water fountains available. Fort Myers has some of the country's best fishing spots for reeling in snook. They can usually be found migrating into the flats of southwest Florida in the late spring and early summer and departing by late August. 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. Our Fort Myers Peacock Bass fishing trips are 3 hours long with a 2 person maximum.