Southwest Florida’s saltwater fishing scene remains one of the most dynamic and diverse in the country. Whether you’re casting off from Sanibel Island, exploring the estuaries around Captiva, or fishing near Fort Myers and Cape Coral, you’re bound to have a unique fishing experience.
Large snook are biting off Sanibel Island and Fort Myers
The inshore waters are teeming with Snook, Redfish, and Spotted Seatrout. These species are primarily found around mangroves and seagrass flats, providing exciting opportunities for light-tackle and fly-fishing enthusiasts. Snook are particularly popular targets due to their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights.
Even youngsters can catch some keeper Redfish near Fort Myers and Cape Coral
Offshore, the Gulf of Mexico offers rich fishing grounds for larger species. Anglers venturing out will encounter King Mackerel, Cobia, and even the occasional Sailfish. There’s also a healthy population of Grouper and Snapper around the numerous reefs and wrecks, making Southwest Florida a bottom fisher’s paradise.
Occasionally, Sailfish can be caught right off Sanibel Island, Florida
Don’t forget about Tarpon, the “Silver King” of Southwest Florida waters. The Tarpon migration in the late spring is a spectacle to behold. Anglers from all over the world come to Southwest Florida to hook these giants, known for their extreme fights and breathtaking leaps.
Endless Summer Charters specializes in Tarpon, March-August
The fishing in Southwest Florida is a year-round activity, with each season bringing its own unique opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, it’s a region that promises fruitful catches, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. Always remember to follow local fishing regulations to ensure sustainable fishing practices. Happy fishing!
Oh, and don’t forget about Shark!
There’s more than one reason we are called the Tarpon Capitol of the World. One reason is the fact that the first tarpon was caught right here Tarpon Bay on the bay side of Sanibel Island. It was the first tarpon caught on hook and line. That started the ball rolling. When sports fishing anglers heard about the magnificent fish and the fantastic fight they came droves. They soon found out that the migration of the tarpon took them from off Fort Myers Beach to the north tip of our county, Lee. The north tip of Lee County ends a Gasparilla Island. Gasparilla Island is known for a little town called Boca Grande. South of Boca Grand is the famous Boca Grande Pass. Boca Grand Pass is know three things, deep water, Tarpon and shark! The nutrient rich waters of Charlotte Harbor empty into the Gulf of Mexico through Boca Grande Pass. The waters carry what we call around here, pass crabs. These crabs are like candy to the tarpon and they will pile up in layers waiting for their crunchy goodness.
Because tarpon became so popular as a game fish it also became the downfall of the tarpon fishing industry. Along with the ecologically responsible anglers and guides came the money hungry tournament anglers. What was once a gentleman’s sport became a “take no prisoners” kind of fishing. The boats got faster, fishing style over the top and testosterone running higher than ever. Luckily, in recent years the efforts of the responsible anglers have won out. Sure, there’s the occasional yahoo that doesn’t know the etiquette of Boca Grande pass or tarpon fishing as a whole but for the most part we are slowly returning to responsible angling here in the Sanibel, Captiva and Fort Myers Beach areas.
