Its a city, but it doesnt require you to bump elbows with other people, making it the low-key king of recreational fishing. Fishing has been always the number one activity in the region. 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. If youre looking for a nice sunny vacation with some fishing involved, you shouldnt sleep on Fort Myers! 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 . Fort Myers Beach, FL 46307. 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. 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. The programs offered University of North Florida (UNF) allow students, staff and visitors to learn about team work in different environment. Mound Key Archaeological State Park. Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier is another of the Fort Myers fishing spots and beaches. Or make your way into the bay for reds, trout, flounder, ladyfish, permit, spanish mackerel, and even shark! Where to stay: Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina puts you right next to the beach. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Cape Coral, please check out this helpful article. These Fort Myers-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a great service. There are also specialized fishing trips. Offshore species of snapper like to eat baitfish, mainly mullet or pinfish. Fort Myers has some of the country's best fishing spots for reeling in snook. Aside from its popularity as a recreational beach, Fort Myers Beach offers some great fishing. There are plenty of other species available as well, most of them can be caught by using either live baitfish or shrimp, so setting up a rod holder and a bell is a solid option for a relaxing night on the beach. Fort Myers' islands, beaches and neighborhoods have a way of leaving a lasting impression. 2023 Fishidy. Year-round availability. Traditionally, many anglers choose to go fishing in the Gulf waters and in deeper waters around Pine Island and Sanibel. They are most active in the spring and summer, only slowing down during the late fall and winter. I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really loved fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. We are a full time family owned Fort Myers fishing guide service. Snook fishing in Fort Myers is less productive between December and January. 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. 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. Featuring snook, redfish, seatrout, jack crevalle and many, many more and located in Fort Myers. If youre running into this issue and cant decide, it may be best to book a charter that focuses on multiple species or whatever species are in season. This ones a no-brainer. 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. So, there is no bad time to target bull shark in Fort Myers. Fishing for bull shark is excellent in the region year-round. The only question is what you want to target. Going on a charter with a captain is easily the best way to have a productive fishing experience on the water. Thats why its recommended to book full-day trips if you would like to fish in offshore waters. 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. Amazing! This site is owned and operated by Eric Matechak. The region is as close as one can get to a tropical paradise without leaving the United States. Snook tend to sit and wait for their food during the day, but are much more aggressive during the morning and evening. Want to Know the Best Time of Day to Fish? This is a more demanding way of fishing, but its also extremely rewarding. 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. Sharks become much more active at night, especially in areas with lots of artificial light. Both piers have a snack shop that sells bait. Largemouth are usually found near weed lines or docks, but can also be found on deepwater ridges as well. 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). Today we have 11:34 hours of daylight. And they have these "small" lakes right on the property that we're more allowed to fish at for free. 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! Either way, you will catch plenty of fish at the Centennial Pier. Welcome to Fort Myers. 1; 7; Details; Aug, 14, 2021 Rick S 0. nice one John Sherri Spencer. See an up close view of how it works and what's included with the Sarasota to Fort Myers Florida Fi. 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. Average Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 stars 17 ratings. 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. Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding Gulf Islands are often called southwest Floridas best-kept secret. This is your jam! Trout can be found near Midpoint Bridge and Tarpon Street Pier. So grab your favorite fly fishing rod and reel, and head out to New Pass. Go beyond the sand bar to catch some serious biguns, and dont write off any section of the coast. Anglers have logged in Fishbrain over 13,566 catches for Largemouth bass, 5,492 catches for Common snook, 2,078 catches for Mangrove snapper and many more species in the Fort Myers area. Part of the reason why is that they leap out of the water to get off the hook, making for some stunning views. There are very few fishing guides in Florida that can match our years of experience. The inlets, grass flats, and mangroves are one giant game of hide-and-seek. Fishing in Fort Myers is great for most of the day, but getting an early start may be the best choice for your trip. The Lee County area of southwest Florida includes Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Pine Island and Sanibel Island. . If you are going to be targeting offshore species, you will most likely need to book a charter. Fort Myers offers some great spots to find trophy Trout, all while enjoying a cold drink. Do not play the fish to exhaustion. Our estuaries are teaming with life. Seasonal Guide: Best Times to Catch Big Bass. I also have enjoy learning and listening to interesting people. There are four properties to choose from, each with water access and suite options leave a little time for shelling on the white-sand beaches, too. Located south of Fort Myers, this beach is located on Estero Island and offers great fishing in both the open ocean and Estero . Today, Fisherman Key is still popular among paddlers and boaters for angling Sanibels fresh and saltwater fish. Treat yourself to endless family-friendly attractions, restaurants and resorts in Fort Myers. Yes, you might give your arms a workout, but the experience more than makes up for the pain. You can certainly fish its open waters, but the real magic lies in the hidden spots near the many smaller islands. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. The Gulf is also within reach, where you can catch monsters like Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Sailfish, and Marlin. On the other hand, its not easy to catch. There are different rental programs across the country at universities and colleges. Knowing the best times to come fish these rich waterways will make a huge difference. 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. Hands down the best way to get the most out of your fishing trip in Fort Myers is to hop aboard a charter boat. America Go Fishing Online Store Lee County PDF Download [Lee-PDF] - Over 220 GPS Waypoints! Offshore spots in Fort Myers tend to be offshore reefs and wrecks, but there are a few open water offshore species as well. So, anglers find it easy to book a charter that meets their needs and budgets. Premier charter fishing guide service in Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound. Toll Free: 877-217-0099 Local: 239-314-0240; Fax: 239-471-3114 Theres an amazing variety of fish you can catch in Fort Myers! Seasonal Guide: Best Times to Catch Big Bass. Located in the southwest part of Florida, Fort Myers is home to some great fishing. The worst times of the year to fish for tarpon in the region are: January February and October December. If you are fishing in a shallow area, the weight may not be necessary, but a jighead would work just fine. Explore all of your options and book a charter that works best for you. This makes them much easier to catch than if they were all hiding under cover or scattered. To read the rest of the articleKayak Buyers Guide. Information on Shore Fishing at Fort Myers Beach including list of popular spots. In the morning, the sun will be low enough to allow gamefish to roam around and look for food. Largemouth are usually most active during the spring and fall and tend to fall off some during the summer. Since then, I've lived across the country and have really taken that passion for fishing to a new level. Tired of fishing the same spots? Before you head out for your slice of fishing heaven, be sure to consult the FWC website for information on seasons, as well as the size and bag limits. 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. Ft myers sucks if you bank fish. For a list of the best charters in Fort Myers, check out this guide. Seagrass beds, oyster bars, and mangrove-lined creeks have way more action beneath the surface than you might realize. Feelin' The Mojo Fishing Charters: Full Day Trip with Sean - See customer reviews, photos and charter deals for Fort Myers, United States, at FishingBooker. #4.25.5. 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. Although its more costly than just sinking a line from the shore, it has its advantages. You should try to book your trip according to your target species peak season. For example, anglers can consider booking Fort Myers fishing charters that specialize in targeting tarpon or sharks. Its not easy figuring out where to drop your bait, so we did the work for you. There are canals running through the city, and you can find small lakes and ponds everywhere. 1. With so many freshwater lakes and rivers, fishing in Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass) is top-rated. Fantastico Shipwreck. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on December 8, 2021 Fishing Spots Near North Fort Myers FL. Professional anglers, who are interested in catching bigger fish, should book longer trips. Being in Florida has plenty of pros and cons, with tropical storms being one of the biggest cons. TheBookOnGoneFishing.com is a participant in the Clickbank affiliate marketing program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to clickbank offers. Cayo Costa State Park. Keep on reading for the best fishing spots in the area. 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. Snapper are more active in the morning as there is more baitfish activity, making them come out from hiding. 2637 E Atlantic Blvd #34453. No matter your level of experience, this is a great target to test your fishing skills against. Doing this will bring more fish into the boat and make your trip more successful. From long, sandy beaches to inshore bays and bayous, fishing in Sanibel has everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water. And you should aim for areas with plenty of cover and deep water if you are fishing a different type of area from shore. Sitting on the mighty Caloosahatchee River, youll find a beautiful historic place with rich nature and tradition. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Englewood, check out this article. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is Tarpon Bay, where more than 200 species can be found in the salt-and-freshwater ecosystem. 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 . 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. Prolly worth the admission. Winter and early spring is great for redfish and grouper in Fort Myers waters. Timing can have a heavy influence on the success you have in catching bass. Theyre also one of the top game fish in the world when it comes to saltwater fishing. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charters respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate. Lakes Regional Park is located at 7330 Gladiolus Drive in Fort Myers, just west of US 41. Its a good place to have a vacation and enjoy recreational fishing. This is a review for lakes in Fort Myers, FL: "Wow! Royal Palm Park. 2. mobile app. There is a botanic garden which looked like it was being expanded.more, People are fishing from the boardwalk. 6. Open from dawn to dusk, this coastal tideland is the only county-owned seaside attraction where canines are allowed. Call (239) 823-4071 to discuss your options. There, youll find several options managed by Resort Harbour Properties, all in large, airy towers with views over San Carlos Bay. Cobia is one of the main targets in Fort Myers. 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. Estero Bay is located south of Fort Myers, in between the mainland and Estero Island. The reality is that the destination provides angling enthusiasts with easy access to numerous fishing spots. Well, its delicious, so thats a big factor in why Floridians enjoy it so much. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. I tried to load the Live Photo but it would only load a still picture to this site. This is where the Caloosahatchee River runs into San Carlos Bay, bringing the two environments together. Definitely go with a guide unless youre an absolute pro. Pine Island Sound lies between Pine Island and Sanibel and Captiva islands. 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. Anglers choose to fish near artificial sources of light during night trips. I went shopping online at 4 different online stores to find the right paddle for my kayak. 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). I tried to load the Live Photo but it would only load a still picture to this site. Fans like Fabio Ramos and Claudia Sofia have been . Beach Spots - Almost any spot on the beach will do. There are boats and kayaks going down the river.more, I'm 32 years old and am a born and raised Floridian who has never gone fishinguntil Jimmy Zhoumore, Done this tour twice with family in town! Also, anglers can target seasonal fish species in the region. Whether youre fly fishing, baitcasting, spinning, trolling or chumming your chances of getting a bite here are good. Fish from the shoreline or take your rod with you on a kayak tour for better water access. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charters respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate. When it comes to seasonality, all we can say is its Florida! Fort Myers is one of the best fishing locations in Florida due to its abundant coastline and rich fish populations. Its possible to target snook in the region year-round. In addition to the inn rooms, there are several cottage-style options on the water attached to boat docks, and the restaurant is legendary. There are other species, like catfish, in the river, but the bulk of the fish you will catch will be snook and trout. Are you looking for a nice day out, relaxing in nature, and catching some fish? 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. For a complete breakdown if fishing is good in Fort Myers, please check out this article. Data collection radius: ~30 miles from the city boundaries. 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. Trout fishing is great in the region. Some areas may look different right now, but the way our community makes people feel hasn't changed. Your height is also a factor, especially for a narrower boat: Taller paddlers need longer paddles. Its always a good time to go fishing in Fort Myers, and theres never a low season really. March through July is the best timeframe. Change location, depth, or bait to avoid catching fish you do not intend to keep. Species Caught Here:Flounder Jack Mackerel Redfish Salmon Shark Snapper Snook TarponPublic Property26.377861 -81.861755Edit Details. Keep the fish horizontal and support the body. Snook are easily caught from shore, but a boat can help you get to harder-to-reach spots as well. Best Fishing Spots in Fort Myers Surf/Shore Fishing. For more information read our privacy policy. Fort Myers is home to a great variety of fish species. And if you are using artificial bait, you should try anything flashy, topwater baits and flies work as well. Also, unless youre fishing aboard a saltwater charter, youll need to get your Florida fishing license. 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). Fort Myers, FL; 23 ft Center console 8 Reviews; Since then, I've lived across the country and have really taken that passion for fishing to a new level. It was an absolute once in a lifetime experience. A four-year old could probably guess that Florida is prime fishing territory. Either way, as long as you are prepared with the right equipment or the right charter, you can expect to catch lots of fish at night. 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. about the catch to FWC. You can find plenty of fish by using a standard live bait rig with either a pinfish or shrimp. 6179 Black Marlin Lane, Cape Coral, FL 33914 239-919-2626 For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Naples, please check out this helpful article. Groupers are the most active in the region between April and September. Redfish is active in the region between the early spring and the early winter. 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. This delicious fish loves the warm waters of the Gulf Coast. Tarpon Street Pier and Midpoint Bridge are great fishing spots to target snook in the area. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. Largemouth Bass, the beloved freshwater trophy, can be found up the Caloosahatchee River, alongside colorful Peacock Bass. Its the perfect place to fish during the winter months. For Sale: 1 bed, 2 baths 979 sq. The park is managed by Lee County and provides bank, pier, and small boat access (canoes and paddle boat rentals are also available). The worst time of the year to fish for cobia in the region is between December and January. Booking a charter makes it possible for anglers to explore many great spots and experience fantastic fishing in the region. Has many 5 star review on the Lews Webpage. Further up the river is where you will find species like largemouth bass and crappie. This pier is located right in the heart of Fort Myers, on the Caloosahatchee River. Inshore anglers can target such species as snook, redfish, speckled trout, and tarpon. Learn More about Dr Carl Bamlet health system. I've done this tour with amore, There is a fishing pier here though not much else. This post is proudly produced in partnership with, Download the 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. Youll find them by fishing the Caloosahatchee River, as well as along the numerous little keys and islands in the area. Snapper tend to be more active during the early summer, but inshore species are usually biting year-round. Here is some information from REI: Figuring out the right size (length) of paddle is surprisingly straightforward. Fort Myers has a rich history that can be felt just by walking down the streets of this beautiful place. The best months to target redfish in the area are: May and between September and November. Enjoy!". In fact, checking [], Fort Myers Beach Fishing: The Complete Guide. 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)