This is another Florida staple, an inshore gem for both newbies and experienced anglers. 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. America Go Fishing Online Store Lee County PDF Download [Lee-PDF] - Over 220 GPS Waypoints! May through August is the best timeframe to fish Fort Myers. These Fort Myers-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a great service. Hope this post was helpful to you and that you have a very successful trip fishing with your friends and family! In the Fort Myers area, youd do well to hit up the Caloosahatchee River, as some of the best fishing happens there. Trout can be found near Midpoint Bridge and Tarpon Street Pier. Largemouth Bass, the beloved freshwater trophy, can be found up the Caloosahatchee River, alongside colorful Peacock Bass. We were catching Mangrove and MuttonSan Carlos BayView All|Driving Directions. Anyway, to my surprise, i pulled out this 2 1/2 pounded the other day! The best time of the year to fish for tarpon in the region is between the early spring and the early fall. You can run out 30 miles, be in 60 to 70 feet of water, and catch . Tarpon like to roam the flats in the morning and move into deeper parts of the flats during the afternoon. Snapper fishing is good in the region year-round. Many anglers want to know how Fort Myers compares to other major fishing destinations. For a complete breakdown of the quality of fishing in Islamorada, please check out this helpful guide. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 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. If you are interested in a private fishing charter or a split charter, contact Queen Conch Charters today. There are a few freshwater spots located inland in Fort Myers that offer largemouth bass, but this will be focusing on saltwater fishing. Check out the best fishing spots in Fort Myers, Florida. The wider your boat is, the longer your paddle needs to be. Oct 12, 2020. When I visit a website for information I only use small part of the article or page and I encourage you to vist all websites I talk about for more information if I didnt answer your question HookandBullet.com a great website I find as a great resource for local information I cant find else where. Crabby Charters is one of Ft Myers most successful deep sea fishing charters. In fact, checking [], Fort Myers Beach Fishing: The Complete Guide. Its a city, but it doesnt require you to bump elbows with other people, making it the low-key king of recreational fishing. 1. Use circle hooks when planning to release fish and where they are required. When booking a fishing charter, we ask that you leave your credit card number with us as a . Keep the fish horizontal and support the body. Many anglers choose to target bull shark in the area. Where to stay: A homey and well-located choice is Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa. Calusa Fishing Advent List Your Fishing Services; Login; Travel & Accomodations; . You can use spinnerbaits, crankbaits, worms, frogs, live bait, and just about anything else to catch largemouth. This makes them much easier to catch than if they were all hiding under cover or scattered. 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. Offshore snapper tend to live around reefs and wrecks, they are generally in schools, so finding one can be a very good sign. Where to stay: Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina puts you right next to the beach. about the catch to FWC. One of the nicest parks I have seen. Spotted sea trout with a Popping cork with new penny 3' Gulp shrimp. 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. Its illegal to even touch this fish so size is approximate. I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really loved fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. Fort Myers has some excellent fishing that can be done 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. This is definitely backwater fishing, so grab your live bait and get ready to read the grass flats. Fort Myers always has something to offer to every angler. Check out the other sections of my blog for more tips on ThebookOnGoneFishing. Florida slam dunks on the runner-up states Texas, North Carolina, Wisconsin in terms of licenses and recreational fishing by millions. Tarpon fishing in Fort Myers is the most productive between May and July. Debbie Hanson speaker and ESPN Radio show host. If you didnt plan on angling when you packed for your trip, they have fishing equipment and bait available at their on-property stores. . Tarpon Bay. TheBookOnGoneFishing.com also participates in affiliate programs with Walmart, Bestbuy, Cabela World Foremost Outfitters, and other sites. The Lee County area of southwest Florida includes Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Pine Island and Sanibel Island. For example, anglers can consider booking Fort Myers fishing charters that specialize in targeting tarpon or sharks. Such fish species are active during certain times of the year only. All Rights Reserved. Traditionally, such places attract plenty of fish. I will share the information with you about fishing near Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass): Few things in the world are more relaxing or more exciting, depending on the day than fishing. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Fort Myers, FL 33908. BOOK YOUR CHARTER TODAY. Develop fishing skills to target the size and species you desire. I have enjoy good food, good weather, roof top bars, and the beach. Here you can get the information you need about fishing near Fort Myers (Florida). If you are fishing in a shallow area, the weight may not be necessary, but a jighead would work just fine. Snapper tend to be more active during the early summer, but inshore species are usually biting year-round. That is a relatively short drive that can easily be one in 1 day from Fort Myers and you have a excellent chance of catching your first peacock bass there. 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. Fort Myers is a good choice for anglers, who want to find a good place to experience fishing during the winter months. Use knotless, rubberized landing nets and rubberized gloves to avoid removing the slime layer from the fishs body. A four-year old could probably guess that Florida is prime fishing territory. Since then, I've lived across the country and have really taken that passion for fishing to a new level. On the other hand, its not easy to catch. Rodeo Clown Trent McFarland mugs for the camera during the PRCA Fort Myers Rodeo at the Lee County Posse Arena on Saturday. Crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife, and beautiful sandy beaches all [], Florida represents many different things to many different people. 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. Spring & Fall is the best time to catch largemouth bass in the Fort Myers-area. Beach Spots - Almost any spot on the beach will do. Bass are one of the least picky fish out there. Tarpon are one of the most sought out fish in Florida. May through September is the best season. You can certainly fish its open waters, but the real magic lies in the hidden spots near the many smaller islands. They will stay somewhat far away from shore, looking for grassy cover and deep holes to find cover from the sun. There are many reasons why anglers prefer to fish in Fort Myers. Use Fishbrain to view local fishing regulations, read reviews of local fishing spots, and learn what lures are most successful in Fort Myers. 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 . Eventually, youll be swimming in snook, a fairly common fish in warmer water along the Gulf and in the Caribbean. Located south of Fort Myers, this beach is located on Estero Island and offers great fishing in both the open ocean and Estero . Nestled on the border between a tropical savanna climate and a subtropical climate, the weather is great all year round. The programs offered University of North Florida (UNF) allow students, staff and visitors to learn about team work in different environment. Lay of the Land. 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. Call (239) 823-4071 to discuss your options. Change location, depth, or bait to avoid catching fish you do not intend to keep. August and September, are the hottest months of the year here in Fort Myers. Nearby reservoirs and lakes of Fort Myers. Fort Myers offers some great spots to find trophy Trout, all while enjoying a cold drink. Estero Bay Preserve State Park. Blue Tilapia?? Thats why fishermen find it easy to get fish to bite in the places around the lights. 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. Fishing in Fort Myers Beach is ingrained in the very fiber of the island, and its easy to see why. There are also specialized fishing trips. And if you snag something, either toss it back or make sure it meets size limits for keeping. We provide the native files for your . I also have enjoy learning and listening to interesting people. They stand a chance of catching their own mangrove snapper right off the pier with most any kind of rod, some frozen bait, and a pinch of luck. Snook fishing is excellent in the waters around Fort Myers. There are piers, bridges, and beaches abundantly available, and there are always people fishing in their favorite spots. Fort Myers Beach Fl Fishing: A Classic Florida Beach Town With Amazing Fishing Spots. The fishing around Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach is amazing, with thousands of acres of shallow water to fish. Have you been to Fort Myers before? The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Naples, please check out this helpful article. Kids stand a chance of catching mangrove snapper and frozen bait as well as junk fish. 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 article:Buyer Guide for Kayaks Paddles. For some, its the bright lights and big-city atmosphere of Miami. If you know anything about SW Florida anglers, you know they love a kayak! I'm having a hard time identifying it lol. Inside the massive J.N. 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. 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). Here are eight spots to get you started. Also, unless youre fishing aboard a saltwater charter, youll need to get your Florida fishing license. Beginner anglers, start here. 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. All full-day fishing trips run most days in Fort Myers Beach. Promotes Catch and Release and wildlife conservation. You can cast your line in this force of nature, and have a nice Snook at the end of it in minutes. A trout fishing season in Fort Myers starts in January and ends in October. Find many different fishing hot spots with GPS coordinates. Fort Myers offers some great spots to find trophy Trout, all while enjoying a cold drink. 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. ft. 14831 Park Lake Dr #105, Fort Myers, FL 33919 $199,900 MLS# 222079196 The Park at Lakewood is a quiet gated condo community in four-story buildings wi. November through March is the best season to fish. However, the list of the best species to fish for in Fort Myers could go on and on. 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. 2 lb. Tarpon fishing is excellent in such places as Tarpon Street Pier and Midpoint Bridge. The Fantastico was a 200 foot Honduran freighter ship that sank in the Gulf of Mexico in March of 1993. 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. 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. Use release tools, such as dehookers and recompression tools, to minimize handling. We have the best Fort Myers fishing spots. They can usually be found migrating into the flats of southwest Florida in the late spring and early summer and departing by late August. This is your jam! Anyone? 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. 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. Theres one aspect of the Sunshine State thats often overlooked, however, and thats its traditional charm. Jack crevalle fishing is less productive in Fort Myers between January and March and in December. 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. Some of the bigger ones can be a real challenge to get out of the water, but dont give up! Its the time of the year when the vast majority of fish species bite well. The Gulf is also within reach, where you can catch monsters like Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Sailfish, and Marlin. There are both offshore and inshore species of snapper in Fort Myers, the main ones being yellow and mangrove snappers. Snook are most commonly found in shallow water areas including mangroves, inlets, rivers, and docks. Anyone? Nearshore waters of Fort Myers also provide fishing enthusiasts with great opportunities. With Fort Myers being on the Gulf of Mexico, it is susceptible to tropical storms. 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. Fort Myers is a beautiful town in Florida. Fort Myers Fishing Charters provides the city's most-trusted and exciting fishing services to accommodate your skill level, fishing enthusiasm, and your desire for a day of fun. Florida fishing trips are the perfect private expedition for solo fishermen, couples, a family outing, or groups. Tarpon Street Pier and Midpoint Bridge are great fishing spots to target snook in the area. This ones a no-brainer. Best Water Temperatures for Perch Fishing (Complete Guide). 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. Offshore species of snapper like to eat baitfish, mainly mullet or pinfish. Doing this will bring more fish into the boat and make your trip more successful. We're a 15 Year Verified Seller and Merchant with 100% Positive seller Feedback. The best time to fish near Fort Myers is between May and September for cobia, permit, sharks, tarpon, sea trout, and peacock bass. Theyre all breathtaking! Wherever you go in the area, you can expect to run into this Florida staple. There are plenty of beaches and piers to keep you busy for a few days. 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. Yes, as you said, these species have been catch and release only through May 31, 2021. Lets make the best of the time in Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass). Snook like to feed on shrimp, pinfish, and pogies. Gary Ch. Fort Myers is the perfect place to experience grouper fishing. You should try to book your trip according to your target species peak season. And of course, fishermen should go fishing in Fort Myers when their target fish species are the most active. This post is proudly produced in partnership with, Download the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier is another of the Fort Myers fishing spots and beaches. You can bring your own, or you can rent a kayak at a number of spots down the Caloosahatchee River. Its a legit challenge, whether youve been angling for 30 years or whether you just like to try everything once. Become a Pro subscriber to see when and where fish are being caught and logged in Fishbrain. 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. The best time of the year to fish for snapper in the region is between April and November. 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. And where do the tarpon run up north every season? From fly fishing to shore casting, here are some of the best spots to try your luck. The artificial light from shore will attract gamefish to the area, and if its enough, it may even bring in offshore fish. Going on a charter with a captain is easily the best way to have a productive fishing experience on the water. Open from dawn to dusk, this coastal tideland is the only county-owned seaside attraction where canines are allowed. Where to stay: The Inns of Sanibel lie a few minutes drive from Tarpon Bay. Fort Myers is home to a great variety of fish species. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. Even if the storm doesnt directly hit the area you are in, it can still affect you. Tropical storms can ruin an entire trip, but you would have to be very unlucky to book a trip when one happens. If you are using live bait, you should use a lightweight, heavyweights that will spook the fish. TheBookOnGoneFishing.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. 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. Different types of fishing trips are available for fishermen in the region. . A Fort Myers fishing season is high between April and August. There are a few spots on the island that are open to fishing and there are spots on both sides. 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. Sharks become much more active at night, especially in areas with lots of artificial light. It is a good place to visit by both family and friends, with pools that are easy to access . Keep on reading for the best fishing spots in the area. 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. Facilities were clean and plentiful. Fishing in Fort Myers is a year-round affair with something always in season. 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. Such a blend is rare, so consider making the most out of this opportunity! But we would be doing you a disservice by not telling you about some of the opportunities lying just a short boat ride away. The storm will also cause high pressure across the entire gulf, which generally makes fish scatter. Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Fishing in Fort Myers is an experience that you dont come across too often. Fishing was even allowed. Professional anglers, who are interested in catching bigger fish, should book longer trips. 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 . August through December is the best timeframe. Here are the top 20 (or less) reservoirs by area. Ft myers sucks if you bank fish. Caught this LM before hurricane Fred arrives. 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 . A storm hitting the keys or even Texas could have an impact on your fishing in Fort Myers. There, youll find several options managed by Resort Harbour Properties, all in large, airy towers with views over San Carlos Bay. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Pensacola, please check out this helpful article. Youll catch more fish and get more value out of your trip if you do this. 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). with that said, it's difficult to navigate and can be extremely shallow on areas. Where to stay: At the end of the small island is South Seas Island Resort, upscale accommodations sitting against some of Captivas best onshore fishing spots. And you should aim for areas with plenty of cover and deep water if you are fishing a different type of area from shore. Plenty of Snook are there. Lovers Key State Park: The 712-acre preserve covering three islands is good for fishing from the shore. Land the fish quickly and if possible, release them while still in the water. Fort Myers, FL; 23 ft Center console 8 Reviews; While visiting Fort Myers, you can also explore the rich history of the town. 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. This is an awesome place to learn and go fishing inshore, where waters are calm and you are near land! Fish the 865 overpass that connects the island to the mainland and to Fort Myers Beach for sheepshead. What makes Snook such a beloved fish in this part of the world? Fort Myers Beach, FL 46307. Seasonal Guide: Best Times to Catch Big Bass. Snook are legal to keep at the time of my comment as long as they meet FWCs regulations. It is not uncommon to see 10, 15 even 20 of them out walking in a line . Beyond that, youre out into the deep sea of the Gulf. 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). 6. Year-round availability. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Bookelia, check out this article. There are a plethora of things to do here. The City of Palms is also rich in activities such as hiking and kayaking, but fishing takes the number one spot! 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). The sun will be at it's highest point at 12:40 pm. Tiny yet mighty, this preserve on Captiva Island should be saved for when you need some R&R. Its a good idea to target permit in nearshore waters of Fort Myers. Jun 06, 2019 - Pine Island Sound. Rigging any one of those up to either a jig head or a rig with a decent amount of weight should do the trick. Great place to visit !more, Fishing was even allowed. According to the opinions of many fishing experts, Fort Myers is a paradise for inshore fishermen. Just head out to the mangroves and grass flats, and youll be greeted with a great fight. Snook are long, slender fish that sometimes get up to 40 inches, they are almost like a saltwater species of bass. Generally speaking, a peak fishing season in Fort Myers starts in the late spring and ends in the early fall. Please note, that these arent ranked in any particular order, but we have mentioned some of the fish youre most likely to catch. 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. So much life out there and very little boat traffic since it's a mangrove estuary. Booking a charter makes it possible for anglers to explore many great spots and experience fantastic fishing in the region. 2023 FishingBooker.com. Offshore fishing is one of the most popular ways to fish in Fort Myers.