However, once you do manage to reel one in, your sore arms will thank you, and youll get to have an entirely new experience. This is a city that boasts great weather, calm waters, and prolific fisheries, making it a year-round fishing destination. Fort Myers Beach, FL 46307. data-event-category="Navigation header guest" . Inside the massive J.N. This is another Florida staple, an inshore gem for both newbies and experienced anglers. Some areas may look different right now, but the way our community makes people feel hasn't changed. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is Tarpon Bay, where more than 200 species can be found in the salt- and -freshwater ecosystem. 8. Theyre all breathtaking! A trout fishing season in Fort Myers starts in January and ends in October. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reaching out! 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. Permit gets active in the area between March and August. Has many 5 star review on the Lews Webpage. Rigging any one of those up to either a jig head or a rig with a decent amount of weight should do the trick. Debbie Hanson speaker and ESPN Radio show host. Yes, you might give your arms a workout, but the experience more than makes up for the pain. Knowing the best times to come fish these rich waterways will make a huge difference. Fort Myers offers some great spots to find trophy Trout, all while enjoying a cold drink. Contact Info: Gene Beachguide. Its a good idea to target permit in nearshore waters of Fort Myers. 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) We fish for Snook, Trout, Redfish and Shark with the spotlight being on the water temperature. 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. Weve covered the top species in Fort Myers. 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. You cover a lot more ground, youre able to get to some sweet honey holes, and you get the help of a professional captain. Fishing was even allowed. Check out this review of Feelin' The Mojo Fishing Charters from Jul 26th in Fort Myers, United States! Posted October 6, 2013. Jupiter, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami all have good Florida lobstering grounds and a fraction of the divers. Land the fish quickly and if possible, release them while still in the water. I like to see programs like that be very success like it is at our local university. There is a botanic garden which looked like it was being expanded.more, People are fishing from the boardwalk. Fort Myers is one of the most popular fishing locations in Florida. There were also water fountains available. 1. A few spots for parking and some shade." more. I fish here every year and Ive caught tons of sheepies, mackeral and drum out here but it just gets a little crowded sometimes and it can become hard to find a fishing spot on the pier (sometimes). The best time of the year to fish for trout in the area is between April and June. Fishing the waters of Fort Myers on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida can prove a highly productive adventure. Both piers have a snack shop that sells bait. 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 . I also have enjoy learning and listening to interesting people. There are very few fishing guides in Florida that can match our years of experience. Get ready to work those muscles though, cause its not going anywhere without a fight! Rooms are suites and studios with kitchenettes and free wifi, and the aforementioned and nearby boat ramp means easy water access. I went online to Dicks sporting goods. 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. However, the list of the best species to fish for in Fort Myers could go on and on. This area offers great fishing for multiple species, but specifically great fishing for flats fish. Its family-friendly, with a themed pool and easy access to the pier, the sand, and the water. The fish get bigger out here, like the goliath grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, and even some species of shark. You can hang around Pink Shell Beach Resort. 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. But we would be doing you a disservice by not telling you about some of the opportunities lying just a short boat ride away. Fort Myers and surrounding Islands Inshore Fishing SpotsOnly $99.99. Sanibel Island fishing is a top year-round fishery. 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. Redfish. Another popular option for night fishing is surf fishing for sharks. Fishing for bull shark is excellent in the region year-round. Experts recommend a rod length of 6.5 to 7.5 feet and lures from 1/8 to an ounce for successful fishing in the area. Best Fishing Spots in Fort Myers Surf/Shore Fishing. Sun Palace Vacation Homes 1750 Estero Boulevard Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 . Whether youre fly fishing, baitcasting, spinning, trolling or chumming your chances of getting a bite here are good. In the winter we start fishing from 9:30 - 11: . 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. 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. So much life out there and very little boat traffic since it's a mangrove estuary. Knowing the best and worst conditions can have an outsized impact on how many bass you will catch. Many anglers plan ahead and incorporate best fishing practices using tips to ensure safe and responsible angling. For a list of the best charters in Fort Myers, check out this guide. Sharks become much more active at night, especially in areas with lots of artificial light. Gary Ch. There are plenty of beaches and piers to keep you busy for a few days. 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. Jack crevalle fishing is less productive in Fort Myers between January and March and in December. For the rest of their lives, they enjoyed the citys incredible weather and scenery. May through August is the best shark fishing window of the year. Winter and early spring is great for redfish and grouper in Fort Myers waters. 7 Charlotte Harbor. Release fish as soon as practical and do not keep them out of the water longer than necessary. Now, lets try to get the answer. I'm having a hard time identifying it lol. By this time of summer, the heat has really warmed up the water which can make the fish and your live bait a little lethargic. You'll find snook mostly in the shallower saltwater flats, along the Caloosahatchee River, at the many piers beneath the bridges in Fort Myers, and also right off the beaches. Snook tend to sit and wait for their food during the day, but are much more aggressive during the morning and evening. 6179 Black Marlin Lane, Cape Coral, FL 33914 239-919-2626 We're a 14 Year Verified Seller and Merchant with 100% Positive seller Feedback. If you dont see much stirring (probably trout), head toward the mouth of the creek. Also, unless youre fishing aboard a saltwater charter, youll need to get your Florida fishing license. 6. We have the best Fort Myers fishing spots. Fishing on beaches allows angling enthusiasts to catch snook, pompano, and other species. (Note: Two sections of the Great Calusa Blueway, an epic paddling trail, converge here). 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. 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. Best Water Temperatures for Perch Fishing (Complete Guide). For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Cape Coral, please check out this article. (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. Either way, you will catch plenty of fish at the Centennial Pier. The higher oxygen levels mean that the fish will be feeding much more actively as well. The city has access to some of the most bountiful waters in the US. Fort Myers Beach is a small beach town on Estero Island that was only incorporated in 1995. Tell us about your experience in the comments below, and ask anything youd like to know we love hearing from you! 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. 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. It was an absolute once in a lifetime experience. Download over 7090+ fishing spots in Fort Myers, Florida, US. 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. There are a plethora of things to do here. It can send high-power winds straight across the Gulf of Mexico and make the water in the area very rough. 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. Come by Three . Weather in Fort Myers is tame for most of the year, but hurricane season starts in late summer and usually ends in October. The only downside was the small cost. Know your fishing regulations and have the necessary equipment ready to release fish that you do not plan to keep. Most species in the area like warm water, but not the high sun. The first store I went to was REI to get more infomation about buying the right paddle for my new kayak. There are also specialized fishing trips. There, youll find several options managed by Resort Harbour Properties, all in large, airy towers with views over San Carlos Bay. Location Fort Myers. The best months to target redfish in the area are: May and between September and November. When youre in Fort Myers, its very easy to find a spot to sink your line. Check out the other sections of my blog for more tips on ThebookOnGoneFishing. I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. "Extending out into the Gulf of Mexico, this concrete fishing pier is perfect for looking at the." more. 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. 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. I have been to 20 different city this past month. Anglers can consider booking half-day fishing trips, full-day fishing trips, or even longer trips in Fort Myers. What might interest you is that Edison enjoyed local recreational fishing here, and Fort Myers gained a national reputation for it! Two- and three-bedroom condos are the name of the game, and the Harbour and Bay View Towers include access to a private beach. It was $1/hour or $5/day. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on December 8, 2021 Use release tools, such as dehookers and recompression tools, to minimize handling. Crabby Charters is one of Ft Myers most successful deep sea fishing charters. About Us. 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. Premier charter fishing guide service in Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound. Spotted sea trout with a Popping cork with new penny 3' Gulp shrimp. . 1. 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. You can run out 30 miles, be in 60 to 70 feet of water, and catch . I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. Find others through search. Offshore fishing is one of the most popular ways to fish in Fort Myers. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! 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. I'm having a hard time identifying it lol. Caught this LM before hurricane Fred arrives. This is a more demanding way of fishing, but its also extremely rewarding. Fish for monster grouper in the Gulf of Mexico when you book a deep sea fishing charter with Crabby Charters of Cape Coral and Ft Myers. Oct 12, 2020. Use Fishbrain to view local fishing regulations, read reviews of local fishing spots, and learn . Fans like Fabio Ramos and Claudia Sofia have been . With that in mind, there are strict regulations to follow when it comes to fishing for certain species. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. 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). They will cruise around the flats for most of the day, and usually only move offshore for migration purposes. Fort Myers, FL 33916 View map Jack crevalle is one of the top targeted species in Fort Myers. Offshore species of snapper like to eat baitfish, mainly mullet or pinfish. This river runs right next to Fort Myers and offers great brackish, salt, and freshwater fishing. 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. This is your jam! One thing they have in common? When I go fishing I really enjoy having the peace, quiet and some space to myself. Where to stay: There are no accommodations on Fisherman Key itself, so instead stay just across the channel near Johnathon Harbour. Anyone? 50 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33931 (239) 765-6794. March through July is the best timeframe. Playgrounds, water park, paved walkways, open fields, exercise stations, bikes for rent and much more. Redfish is inactive in the region between January and February. Reef Site Coordinates in PDF Format for Lee County Fort Myers, Ft Myers Beach, Sanibel, Captiva, Cape Coral, Pine Island and more We compiled this downloadable Lee County PDF file, loaded with popular fishing & dive site GPS coordinates, ready to use on your computer or portable device. Fort Myers is a beautiful town in Florida. 2023 Fishidy. Nearby reservoirs and lakes of Fort Myers. Promotes Catch and Release and wildlife conservation. Captiva Island is Sanibels sister island just a short drive over the bridge will bring you there. Visit in the fall, and youre bound to come across schools of this beautiful species, making them easy to spot and hook. Some the places I looked online and in person near Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass) to fish are: I first looked online for the best fishing spots to check out nearby and one of the top google searches was HookandBullet.com. For example, anglers can consider booking Fort Myers fishing charters that specialize in targeting tarpon or sharks. 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 . Spring & Fall is the best time to catch largemouth bass in the Fort Myers-area. Lee County, Florida is a special, sunny place that sits along the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The kids are going to love this one. What are people saying about lakes in Fort Myers, FL? 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. 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. Fish the 865 overpass that connects the island to the mainland and to Fort Myers Beach for sheepshead. I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. In the Fort Myers/Sanibel Island area, great fishing spots are everywhere you look! They are most active in the spring and summer, only slowing down during the late fall and winter. Seagrass beds, oyster bars, and mangrove-lined creeks have way more action beneath the surface than you might realize. You should aim your bait on the other side of a dropoff if you are fishing from the surf. Largemouth Bass with a Crankbait. If you are going to be targeting offshore species, you will most likely need to book a charter. There are other species, like catfish, in the river, but the bulk of the fish you will catch will be snook and trout. They like to live around places that have plenty of cover from the sun in the afternoon but can be found roaming for food in the morning and evening. Trout fishing is great in the region. Its possible to target mangrove snapper, mutton snapper as well as yellowtail snapper in the waters of Fort Myers. Where to stay: A five-minute car ride from the preserve will land you at the waterfront Tarpon Lodge and Restaurant. You will be fishing the calm inshore waters from Estero Bay south to the 10k Islands. 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. Etommy is right. Snapper are more active in the morning as there is more baitfish activity, making them come out from hiding. Fish from the shoreline or take your rod with you on a kayak tour for better water access. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is Tarpon Bay, where more than 200 species can be found in the salt-and-freshwater ecosystem. Its always a good time to go fishing in Fort Myers, and theres never a low season really. As long as you have the right equipment, you can catch tons of fish either from shore or a boat, all night long. Seasonal Guide: Best Times to Catch Big Bass. Fort Myers is known for its subtropical climate and great weather conditions. 2. Favorite Lake or River Don't know yet! Theyre also one of the top game fish in the world when it comes to saltwater fishing. I tried to load the Live Photo but it would only load a still picture to this site. Fort Myers is home to a great variety of fish species. Best fishing spots near me in Fort Myers, Florida. If youre looking to do this, the summer months offer the best multi-species fishing. If you know anything about SW Florida anglers, you know they love a kayak! Youll find them by fishing the Caloosahatchee River, as well as along the numerous little keys and islands in the area. The surrounding waters are shallow and hold redfish, snook, trout, snapper and more. The best tide to fish is high tide. Our Fort Myers Peacock Bass fishing trips are 3 hours long with a 2 person maximum. If youre craving some freshwater action, were here to tell you it can be done in Fort Myers too! 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 . This site is owned and operated by TheBookOnGoneFishing.com. A cobia fishing season starts in Fort Myers in the late winter and ends in the late fall. New Pass is a channel located just 5.4 miles from Estero, in Lee County, in the state of Florida, United States, near Coconut, FL. Large Gator Trout can be found roaming the citys numerous canals, as well as the broad Caloosahatchee River. 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. On the other hand, its not easy to catch. 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. Located south of Fort Myers, this beach is located on Estero Island and offers great fishing in both the open ocean and Estero . This is definitely backwater fishing, so grab your live bait and get ready to read the grass flats. Most of the fishing is done inshore, offshore, or within the Caloosahatchee River. All full-day fishing trips run most days in Fort Myers Beach. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Today, Fisherman Key is still popular among paddlers and boaters for angling Sanibels fresh and saltwater fish. Anyone?? The location is approximately 50 miles off the west coast of Fort Myers, Florida. 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. Redfish is active in the region between the early spring and the early winter. A recent addition is 10 boat docks for day use so boaters can stop and enjoy the park. 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. The best time of the year to fish for snapper in the region is between April and November. Mound Key Archaeological State Park. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Cape Coral, please check out this helpful article. Just head out to the mangroves and grass flats, and youll be greeted with a great fight. Some of the bigger ones can be a real challenge to get out of the water, but dont give up! For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish in Punta Gorda, please check out this helpful guide. Where to stay: Sitting just north of San Carlos Bay and Bunche Beach Preserve, with easy access to Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island as well, is the Marriott Residence Inn Fort Myers Sanibel. You can certainly fish its open waters, but the real magic lies in the hidden spots near the many smaller islands. There are a few spots on the island that are open to fishing and there are spots on both sides. Also, anglers can target seasonal fish species in the region. Read on to figure out your preferred way of enjoying a day of fishing in Fort Myers. Fort Myers Fishing Charters. For those fishing piers where a fee is required, almost all have a pier license that covers anglers, resident and non-resident, that fish on the pier. For more information read our privacy policy. Capt. Fishing enthusiasts often catch permit in Fort Myers. Fort Myers isnt a very big city, so you can get around pretty easily. There are piers, bridges, and beaches abundantly available, and there are always people fishing in their favorite spots. with a Crankbait. Check out the best fishing spots in Fort Myers, Florida. For others, its an overgrown playground, home to Disney World, and plenty of water parks. Fishing in Fort Myers is great for most of the day, but getting an early start may be the best choice for your trip. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Bookelia, check out this article. Where to stay: The Inns of Sanibel lie a few minutes drive from Tarpon Bay. Catch Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Spec Trout, Sharks and more. They like warmer water, but dont like when the sun is directly on them, so if you go fishing anytime other than the afternoon, you should have good luck. There is a botanic garden which looked like it was being expanded. Keep on reading for the best fishing spots in the area. Offshore fishing offers a wider variety of fish, that tend to get much bigger than inshore species. Its illegal to even touch this fish so size is approximate. Oftentimes, anglers catch redfish during their Fort Myers fishing adventures. Trout is the one for you! The best time of the year to fish for tarpon in the region is between the early spring and the early fall. Cayo Costa, FL. The worst times of the year to fish for tarpon in the region are: January February and October December. The park is managed by Lee County and provides bank, pier, and small boat access (canoes and paddle boat rentals are also available). 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. The waters outside of Fort Myers hold great numbers of Redfish. 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. Fishing during a nearby tropical storm is not a safe choice. Charters in Florida tend to be pretty busy year-round, but especially so in the winter, and over spring break. Largemouth Bass, the beloved freshwater trophy, can be found up the Caloosahatchee River, alongside colorful Peacock Bass. To read the rest of the article:Buyer Guide for Kayaks Paddles. Both piers have a snack shop that sells bait. Much of the area remains natural and offers excellent habitat for the many plants and animals Naples is considered by many to be the crown jewel of southwest Florida. Calusa Fishing Adventures and Captain Mark Yimin have a fishing adventure waiting for you on the Southwest Coast of Florida in Fort Myers. Inshore fishing is the most popular in Fort Myers as well as flats fishing, nearshore fishing, and offshore fishing. The Lee County area of southwest Florida includes Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Pine Island and Sanibel Island. Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier is another of the Fort Myers fishing spots and beaches. Be sure to check Groupon, sometimes there's specials! . Use Fishbrain to view local fishing regulations, read reviews of local fishing spots, and . Toll Free: 877-217-0099 Local: 239-314-0240; Fax: 239-471-3114 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). I tried to load the Live Photo but it would only load a still picture to this site. You can find plenty of fish by using a standard live bait rig with either a pinfish or shrimp. Fish tend to hang out wherever there are structures, rocks and oyster bars. Inside the massive J.N. Fort Myers is one of the best fishing locations in Florida due to its abundant coastline and rich fish populations. Nearshore waters of Fort Myers also provide fishing enthusiasts with great opportunities. As always, purchase with confidence from The Cosatal Fishing Group! We were catching Mangrove and MuttonSan Carlos BayView All|Driving Directions. You can also target them in the estuaries and salt marshes. Tides will always have an impact on fishing, but that shouldnt steer you away from ocean fishing. For more information visit Lee County Parks Bowditch Point Park >. Find many different fishing hot spots with GPS coordinates. While fishing from shore, you can target snook, trout, snapper, shark, and a couple of other species as well. Great place to visit !more, Fishing was even allowed. Since then, I've lived across the country and have really taken that passion for fishing to a new level. Average Rating: (4.4) stars out of 5 stars 154 ratings, Buyer Guide Fishing Poles and Reels This Holiday Season Walmart, Buyer Guide Tackleboxes This Holiday Season Walmart, Buyers Guide To Cuda Fillet Knives & Accessories From Walmart, Buyers Guide To Holiday Shopping For Tackle And Bait At Walmart, Buyers Guide For Boat Batteries Updated 7/2021, Buyers Guide To Boat Trolling Motors Updated 7/2021, How To Choose The Right Fishing Line (Updated 8/13/2021).