There is a Canal by Three Oaks its a no outlet road at the traffic light before i-75 that you can fish for Tarpon and Snook and Large mouth bass. Also, anglers can target seasonal fish species in the region. 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. You should try to book your trip according to your target species peak season. The Ten mile canal is a good place to fish as well pick up some shinners from The Bait Station in North Fort Myers, take to and fish at John Yarbrough Park from Metro Parkway all the way down to Alico Rd. Youll find them by fishing the Caloosahatchee River, as well as along the numerous little keys and islands in the area. Inshore fishing is the most popular in Fort Myers as well as flats fishing, nearshore fishing, and offshore fishing. From fly fishing to shore casting, here are some of the best spots to try your luck. There are also specialized fishing trips. I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really loved fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. Old-Florida vibes run deep, and theres four-star dining onsite. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. 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. allowed to fish at for free. There are a plethora of things to do here. Fishing in Fort Myers is a year-round affair with something always in season. Blue Tilapia?? Pompano Beach, FL 33062. 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. May through August is the best shark fishing window of the year. (Or, you know, just charter a guided expedition to handle that bit for you.). Tarpon are one of the most sought out fish in Florida. 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. Anglers can catch cobia, and gag grouper as well as permit when fishing in nearshore waters. with that said, it's difficult to navigate and can be extremely shallow on areas. The region is as close as one can get to a tropical paradise without leaving the United States. Fort Myers is also known as a shark fishing destination. Find others through search. Favorite Bass: Largemouth. Our native fishing guides offer generations of local fishing knowledge. Tell us about your experience in the comments below, and ask anything youd like to know we love hearing from you! Open from dawn to dusk, this coastal tideland is the only county-owned seaside attraction where canines are allowed. 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 . 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. Fort Myers, FL 33908. High tide can also be useful for offshore fishing in a different way, when the tide hits its peak, the water will stop moving, allowing your bait to get to the bottom and stay there much easier. 6. Sun and Moon. Fort Myers Beach. 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 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. The inlets, grass flats, and mangroves are one giant game of hide-and-seek. Change location, depth, or bait to avoid catching fish you do not intend to keep. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Pensacola, please check out this helpful article. Find unique fishing spots, catch locations and more on Fishbrain. The location is approximately 50 miles off the west coast of Fort Myers, 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. The tarpon and snook havent changed much since the old fishing days, but you probably wont be salting and curing your catch right on the sand. Fort Myers has plenty of species to choose from, sometimes making it hard to pick just one to target. Its a great idea to target snapper in the Gulf waters. The sheer volume of fishable waters can be overwhelming, but our Damn Good Guides have the lowdown on the best fishing spots Fort Myers has to offer. So lets dive into the world of Fort Myers top fishing targets! 2637 E Atlantic Blvd #34453. For some, its the bright lights and big-city atmosphere of Miami. This post is proudly produced in partnership with, Download the The other fish they might snag are often called junkfish, or fish you definitely want to catch and release. But we would be doing you a disservice by not telling you about some of the opportunities lying just a short boat ride away. Inshore species are generally smaller, so a shrimp on a jighead tends to work well. 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. 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. To read the rest of the article:How to find a good kayak rental company? Even if the storm doesnt directly hit the area you are in, it can still affect you. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Cape Coral, please check out this article. There are canals running through the city, and you can find small lakes and ponds everywhere. #4.25.5. For more information read our privacy policy. Feelin' The Mojo Fishing Charters: Full Day Trip with Sean - See customer reviews, photos and charter deals for Fort Myers, United States, at FishingBooker. This ones a no-brainer. Fishing Spots Near North Fort Myers FL. Whether youre fly fishing, baitcasting, spinning, trolling or chumming your chances of getting a bite here are good. CHUCK BALLARO. For others, its an overgrown playground, home to Disney World, and plenty of water parks. The only downside was the small cost. Professional anglers, who are interested in catching bigger fish, should book longer trips. Estero, FL. About FMB Guide. This site is owned and operated by Eric Matechak. Pine Island Sound lies between Pine Island and Sanibel and Captiva islands. 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. Cobia is one of the main targets in Fort Myers. For both kinds of snapper, you should have your bait low in the water column and slowly jig it back to you. Whatever you decide to do, the best beaches in Fort Myers are sure to provide amazing beach day spots. Fishing for jack crevalle is good in the region year-round. A cobia fishing season starts in Fort Myers in the late winter and ends in the late fall. The Lee County area of southwest Florida includes Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Pine Island and Sanibel Island. Just remember to stay safe on the water and pay attention to the weather before you go out. There are islands and grassy flats in the area, making it the perfect home for tarpon when they migrate into the area. 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). Crescent Beach Family Park is actually a little sliver of Fort Myers Beach just south of the Fort Myers fishing pier. From freshwater superstars to some of the best saltwater game fish, its all possible in this part of Southwest Florida. Fort Myers is one of the best fishing locations in Florida due to its abundant coastline and rich fish populations. I went shopping online at 4 different online stores to find the right paddle for my kayak. This river runs right next to Fort Myers and offers great brackish, salt, and freshwater fishing. No matter your level of experience, this is a great target to test your fishing skills against. The first store I went to was REI to get more infomation about buying the right paddle for my new kayak. 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. As always, purchase with confidence from The Cosatal Fishing Group! We see dolphins, manatees, birds of prey and all kinds of different fish. Thank you towww.fishsmart.orgor providing the following tips:. 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. Jack crevalle is one of the top targeted species in Fort Myers. Anyone?? 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) This site is owned and operated by Eric Matechak. They will stay somewhat far away from shore, looking for grassy cover and deep holes to find cover from the sun. The best time of the year to fish for trout in the area is between April and June. 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. Use release tools, such as dehookers and recompression tools, to minimize handling. 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. Best Water Temperatures for Perch Fishing (Complete Guide). It all depends on what fish species you are targeting, where, and how long you are going to fish in the area. 2 lb. Fishing in Fort Myers Beach is ingrained in the very fiber of the island, and it's easy to see why. Traditionally, such places attract plenty of fish. 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. FreshwaterFishingAdvice is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Mark Combs, who manages the Fish Tale Marina, has 35 years of bottomfishing experience off Fort Myers. Tidestation: Fort Myers, Caloosahatchee River, Florida. Fishing spots in Sarasota, Venice and Fort Myers Florida. This area offers great fishing for multiple species, but specifically great fishing for flats fish. Call (239) 823-4071 to discuss your options. Lobsters are great travelers and they tend to move around more at night. They will cruise around the flats for most of the day, and usually only move offshore for migration purposes. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Naples, please check out this helpful article. On the other hand, its not easy to catch. Fishing during a nearby tropical storm is not a safe choice. This is a city that boasts great weather, calm waters, and prolific fisheries, making it a year-round fishing destination. Data collection radius: ~30 miles from the city boundaries. Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. Theyre also one of the top game fish in the world when it comes to saltwater fishing. Fort Myers offers well-lit piers that are open 24/7 and also plenty of beaches that you can fish from at night. Night Fishing: A night fishing trip is ideal for catching snapper. North Fort Myers is also known as: North Ft. Myers Best Fishing Spots in the greater North Fort Myers area. And if you are using artificial bait, you should try anything flashy, topwater baits and flies work as well. Theres a couple of tranquil wildlife-viewing decks and fishing piers inside the nature reserve, too, and you can switch between the different landscapes to keep it varied. While in open water, snook are usually going to be just outside of a drop off waiting for food to go by them. Trout is the one for you! Both piers have a snack shop that sells bait. I've done this tour with amore, There is a fishing pier here though not much else. Crabby Charters is one of Ft Myers most successful deep sea fishing charters. Tarpon Bay. When booking a fishing charter, we ask that you leave your credit card number with us as a . Either way, you will catch plenty of fish at the Centennial Pier. Amazing! About Us. Fort Myers night fishing charters are also available. Etommy is right. Oftentimes, anglers catch redfish during their Fort Myers fishing adventures. 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. When I go fishing I really enjoy having the peace, quiet and some space to myself. Tiny yet mighty, this preserve on Captiva Island should be saved for when you need some R&R. There are other species, like catfish, in the river, but the bulk of the fish you will catch will be snook and trout. There are many reasons why anglers prefer to fish in Fort Myers. A trout fishing season in Fort Myers starts in January and ends in October. It is a good place to visit by both family and friends, with pools that are easy to access . . Saw an osprey catch a fish and a very large alligator. Wherever you go in the area, you can expect to run into this Florida staple. Use knotless, rubberized landing nets and rubberized gloves to avoid removing the slime layer from the fishs body. Well right in-between those two fishing grounds is Port Charlotte and Charlotte Harbor. 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. Fort Myers Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. Check out the best fishing spots in Fort Myers, Florida. Now get out there and fish! Traditionally, many anglers choose to go fishing in the Gulf waters and in deeper waters around Pine Island and Sanibel. 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. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in the Gulf of Mexico, please check out this article. I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. 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. Fort Myers Beach is a small beach town on Estero Island that was only incorporated in 1995. If you didnt plan on angling when you packed for your trip, they have fishing equipment and bait available at their on-property stores. Inshore fishing trips in Fort Myers are recommended for beginners, families, children, and anglers who cant spend too much time on the water. Mound Key Archaeological State Park. Read on to figure out your preferred way of enjoying a day of fishing in Fort Myers. Snook fishing is excellent in the waters around Fort Myers. Grouper fishing is often successful in the Gulf waters. It looked like there was some basic food items but I did not stop. August through December is the best timeframe. What makes Snook such a beloved fish in this part of the world? Playgrounds, water park, paved walkways, open fields, exercise stations, bikes for rent and much more. Fort Myers - where inshore fishing is king! Snook tend to sit and wait for their food during the day, but are much more aggressive during the morning and evening. No fishing from the docks but fishing on the beach at Matanzas Pass is fantastic. Two- and three-bedroom condos are the name of the game, and the Harbour and Bay View Towers include access to a private beach. Tarpon are 40-100lb in that Canal its also full of cichlids and red ear sun fish and Blue Tilapia. Night fishing trips run from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Meet residents and loyal visitors who are passionate about the Fort Myers area and have had great experiences here. Fort Myers, FL 33916 View map With so many freshwater lakes and rivers, fishing in Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass) is top-rated. For a list of the best charters in Fort Myers, check out this guide. Just head out to the mangroves and grass flats, and youll be greeted with a great fight. Where to stay: A homey and well-located choice is Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa. "Extending out into the Gulf of Mexico, this concrete fishing pier is perfect for looking at the." more. I like to see programs like that be very success like it is at our local university. Fort Myers offers some great spots to find trophy Trout, all while enjoying a cold drink. You can expect to see all of the usual inshore species, and maybe even some offshore species as well. 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. And if you snag something, either toss it back or make sure it meets size limits for keeping. Punta Gorda, FL. Generally speaking, a peak fishing season in Fort Myers starts in the late spring and ends in the early fall. Visit in the fall, and youre bound to come across schools of this beautiful species, making them easy to spot and hook. You can find them around mangroves, mouths of rivers, docks, and any other spot close to shore that has structure. This is a real light tackle game fish, and its perfect for spending a sunny day out with your friends, bonding over some fishing. Fort Myers Beach, FL 46307. 8600 Estero Blvd, Bonita Beach. 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. Rigging any one of those up to either a jig head or a rig with a decent amount of weight should do the trick. 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. The Fantastico was a 200 foot Honduran freighter ship that sank in the Gulf of Mexico in March of 1993. Details: 5 lb. There are countless species available at this time, and the weather will be great. Weve covered the top species in Fort Myers. Black grouper, gag grouper, goliath grouper as well as red grouper can be caught in the waters of Fort Myers. Many anglers give a preference to shore fishing in the area. Most of the piers and beaches in the area are public, but you will have to check regulations on fishing. While visiting Fort Myers, you can also explore the rich history of the town. This is a review for lakes in Fort Myers, FL: "Wow! The summer is also busy, but its hard to find a time when the charters arent busy when the fishing is so good. 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. You can find plenty of fish by using a standard live bait rig with either a pinfish or shrimp. 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. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is Tarpon Bay, where more than 200 species can be found in the salt-and-freshwater ecosystem. 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. Anyway, to my surprise, i pulled out this 2 1/2 pounded the other day! 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. Largemouth Bass with a Crankbait. Anyone? Tarpon mainly like to feed on baitfish like pinfish and pogies, but will sometimes eat shrimp as well. Lakes Regional Park is located at 7330 Gladiolus Drive in Fort Myers, just west of US 41. Offshore species of snapper like to eat baitfish, mainly mullet or pinfish. 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. Weve just described the top species of fish to target in the local waters. Part of the reason why is that they leap out of the water to get off the hook, making for some stunning views. This delicious fish loves the warm waters of the Gulf Coast. The wider your boat is, the longer your paddle needs to be. Its a legit challenge, whether youve been angling for 30 years or whether you just like to try everything once. 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.