Its worth noting that fishing in these places is very productive. The best time of the year to experience permit fishing in Fort Myers is between May and July. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Jupiter, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami all have good Florida lobstering grounds and a fraction of the divers. Royal Palm Park. The best months to catch cobia in the area are: April, September and October. Fishing in Fort Myers Beach is ingrained in the very fiber of the island, and it's easy to see why. It makes a lot of sense for anglers to target bull sharks on the flats. Eventually, youll be swimming in snook, a fairly common fish in warmer water along the Gulf and in the Caribbean. Its always a good time to go fishing in Fort Myers, and theres never a low season really. Just imagine paddling out into the waters of the broad Caloosahatchee River, casting your bait to entice the bite of those elusive underwater creatures. 6 oz. If youre feeling adventurous and want to really have an immersive experience, this is the way to go. This is another Florida staple, an inshore gem for both newbies and experienced anglers. Snook are most commonly found in shallow water areas including mangroves, inlets, rivers, and docks. Beaches and Bays are ideal places for land-based fishing. Two of America's most greatest innovators, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, chose Fort Myers as their winter homes and as an . So, i'm down here in Fort Myers, Florida vacationing with the kids (fun stuff). Meet residents and loyal visitors who are passionate about the Fort Myers area and have had great experiences here. America Go Fishing Online Store Lee County PDF Download [Lee-PDF] - Over 220 GPS Waypoints! When youre in Fort Myers, its very easy to find a spot to sink your line. Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. The park is managed by Lee County and provides bank, pier, and small boat access (canoes and paddle boat rentals are also available). Captiva Island is Sanibels sister island just a short drive over the bridge will bring you there. 50 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33931 (239) 765-6794. . If you dont see much stirring (probably trout), head toward the mouth of the creek. 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 site is owned and operated by Eric Matechak. (Note: Two sections of the Great Calusa Blueway, an epic paddling trail, converge here). The grassbeds on the east side of the bay is the best place to start casting your lines. This is where the Caloosahatchee River runs into San Carlos Bay, bringing the two environments together. Year-round availability. Sun Palace Vacation Homes 1750 Estero Boulevard Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 . Read on to figure out your preferred way of enjoying a day of fishing in Fort Myers. Picture the natural views and all the memories youre going to make. Tarpon Bay. Permit gets active in the area between March and August. 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 . Use release tools, such as dehookers and recompression tools, to minimize handling. If youre looking for a nice sunny vacation with some fishing involved, you shouldnt sleep on Fort Myers! August and September, are the hottest months of the year here in Fort Myers. Snook are easily caught from shore, but a boat can help you get to harder-to-reach spots as well. The fishing is amazing in Fort Myers, but if you don't catch anything for dinner, don't worry- we've got you covered. All full-day fishing trips run most days in Fort Myers Beach. Anglers can consider booking half-day fishing trips, full-day fishing trips, or even longer trips in Fort Myers. 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. 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. To read the rest of the article:Buyer Guide for Kayaks Paddles. And of course, anglers should explore these fishing spots during their fishing adventures in Fort Myers. Posted October 6, 2013. Be careful when unhooking a catfish they have a sharp fin you dont want to mess with. Pine Island Sound lies between Pine Island and Sanibel and Captiva islands. The Lee County area of southwest Florida includes Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Pine Island and Sanibel Island. 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. The worst times of the year to fish for tarpon in the region are: January February and October December. About. If you are going to be targeting offshore species, you will most likely need to book a charter. Aside from its popularity as a recreational beach, Fort Myers Beach offers some great fishing. Charters will usually target areas near shore by lots of city lights and use the artificial lights to find the fish. Estero, FL. Old-Florida vibes run deep, and theres four-star dining onsite. With so many freshwater lakes and rivers, fishing in Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass) is top-rated. Its the perfect place to fish during the winter months. Did you try fishing in the area? Have you been to Fort Myers before? They do offer classes, rentals, certifications, and more. Large Gator Trout can be found roaming the citys numerous canals, as well as the broad Caloosahatchee River. Inshore fishing is the most popular in Fort Myers as well as flats fishing, nearshore fishing, and offshore fishing. Know your fishing regulations and have the necessary equipment ready to release fish that you do not plan to keep. Jun 06, 2019 - Pine Island Sound. Anyone? No matter your level of experience, this is a great target to test your fishing skills against. 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. Its a good place to have a vacation and enjoy recreational fishing. #4.25.5. 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. An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. Anglers should plan their Fort Myers fishing adventures in advance. about the catch to FWC. 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. Jack crevalle fishing is less productive in Fort Myers between January and March and in December. This, however, is made harder by the sheer amount of water in and outside of its borders! Largemouth are usually found near weed lines or docks, but can also be found on deepwater ridges as well. I like traveling and trying new things. Fishing in the area is good at any time of the year. Be sure to check Groupon, sometimes there's specials! In addition to daily half-day trips . (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. Snook fishing in Fort Myers is less productive between December and January. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Pensacola, please check out this helpful article. Whatever you decide to do, the best beaches in Fort Myers are sure to provide amazing beach day spots. Fort Myers is also known as a shark fishing destination. Nearby reservoirs and lakes of Fort Myers. Well, its delicious, so thats a big factor in why Floridians enjoy it so much. This site is owned and operated by Eric Matechak. Black grouper, gag grouper, goliath grouper as well as red grouper can be caught in the waters of Fort Myers. Fans like Fabio Ramos and Claudia Sofia have been . Spotted sea trout with a Popping cork with new penny 3' Gulp shrimp. I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. 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. See an up close view of how it works and what's included with the Sarasota to Fort Myers Florida Fi. 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. 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. Tarpon like to roam the flats in the morning and move into deeper parts of the flats during the afternoon. Trout fishing is great in the region. 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. Snook fishing is excellent in the waters around Fort Myers. Sharks will also move much closer to shore than normal and feed there for most of the night. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Fort Myers, please check out this helpful guide. Since then, I've lived across the country and have really taken that passion for fishing to a new level. Its not easy figuring out where to drop your bait, so we did the work for you. 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. Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Artificial Reefs. No matter your level of experience, this is a great target to test your fishing skills against. Fort Myers is one of the most popular fishing locations in Florida. By choosing the right paddle you can save yourself a lot energy. We specialize in offering a range of fishing charters, including offshore fishing, inshore fishing, dolphin tours, sunset cruises, and much more. "Extending out into the Gulf of Mexico, this concrete fishing pier is perfect for looking at the." more. The secord place I looked online for the best fishing spots to check out near and one of the top google searchesYoutube.com video title A few days a few Reds Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Florida. I use a video because some of us would like to watch a video and see what it looked like before we book our stay and drive to a location we have never been before, I will share the information with you about fishing near Fort Myers, Florida (New Pass): Average rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars, based on 265 reviews. Best Water Temperatures for Perch Fishing (Complete Guide). Its illegal to even touch this fish so size is approximate. 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. There are also specialized fishing trips. 2023 FishingBooker.com. Offshore snapper tend to live around reefs and wrecks, they are generally in schools, so finding one can be a very good sign. Promotes Catch and Release and wildlife conservation. Favorite Bass: Largemouth. This is a more demanding way of fishing, but its also extremely rewarding. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on December 8, 2021 Fort Myers, FL 33916 View map Enjoy!". The region is as close as one can get to a . Fishing during a nearby tropical storm is not a safe choice. The times surrounding high tide have good fishing as well, but not as good as the peak of high tide. Sight-casting is possible here, too, as the fish often tail in the shallows. I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. Caught this LM before hurricane Fred arrives. Anyway, to my surprise, i pulled out this 2 1/2 pounded the other day! For a complete breakdown if fishing is good in St. Augustine, please check out this article. 8600 Estero Blvd, Bonita Beach. Inshore snappers usually like to stay in shallower water. There are also specialized fishing trips. You can expect to see all of the usual inshore species, and maybe even some offshore species as well. You can use spinnerbaits, crankbaits, worms, frogs, live bait, and just about anything else to catch largemouth. November through March is the best season to fish. One of the nicest parks I have seen. This ones a no-brainer. Tarpon, redfish, and sea trout are super common, while others like grouper, flounder, and mangrove snapper might pepper your days catch, too. 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. We're a 15 Year Verified Seller and Merchant with 100% Positive seller Feedback. There are canals running through the city, and you can find small lakes and ponds everywhere. A Fort Myers fishing season is high between April and August. Its family-friendly, with a themed pool and easy access to the pier, the sand, and the water. Where to stay: Toward the western side of the sound is Cabbage Key, and Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant is a regional icon. But we would be doing you a disservice by not telling you about some of the opportunities lying just a short boat ride away. And if you snag something, either toss it back or make sure it meets size limits for keeping. 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. We are a full time family owned Fort Myers fishing guide service. Offshore fishing in Fort Myers allows anglers to target amberjack, cobia, grouper, mahi-mahi, marlin, tuna, snapper, and other species. 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. In the Fort Myers/Sanibel Island area, great fishing spots are everywhere you look! 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. Where to stay: Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina puts you right next to the beach. is a bit of a hidden gem on Florida's Gulf Coast. 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! Want to Know the Best Time of Day to Fish? 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. Theres one aspect of the Sunshine State thats often overlooked, however, and thats its traditional charm. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Florida, please check out this helpful article. Lay of the Land. The location is approximately 50 miles off the west coast of Fort Myers, Florida. Fort Myers always has something to offer to every angler. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Bookelia, check out this article. Anglers can target such species as amberjack, black drum, groupers, king mackerel, ladyfish as well as bull shark during the winter months. Go beyond the sand bar to catch some serious biguns, and dont write off any section of the coast. 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. This is a city that boasts great weather, calm waters, and prolific fisheries, making it a year-round fishing destination. Check out the best fishing spots in Fort Myers, Florida. Tired of fishing the same spots? This pier is located right in the heart of Fort Myers, on the Caloosahatchee River. Trout is the one for you! Fort Myers offers excellent tarpon fishing trips. All rights reserved. This area includes the waters off of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. For both kinds of snapper, you should have your bait low in the water column and slowly jig it back to you. Cobia is one of the main targets in Fort Myers. Theres an amazing variety of fish you can catch in Fort Myers! For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Cape Coral, please check out this helpful article. Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding Gulf Islands are often called southwest Floridas best-kept secret. Keep on reading for the best fishing spots in the area. A few spots for parking and some shade." more. It was an absolute once in a lifetime experience. Redfish is inactive in the region between January and February. The artificial light from shore will attract gamefish to the area, and if its enough, it may even bring in offshore fish. Spring & Fall is the best time to catch largemouth bass in the Fort Myers-area. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. As always, purchase with confidence from The Cosatal Fishing Group! Cayo Costa State Park. I'm having a hard time identifying it lol. Many anglers choose to target bull shark in the area. April through October is the best time to catch cobia in Fort Myers. A storm hitting the keys or even Texas could have an impact on your fishing in Fort Myers. North Fort Myers, FL; Fishing ; 10 Awesome Vacations Your Fishing Family Will Love . The region is as close as one can get to a tropical paradise without leaving the United States. I have enjoy good food, good weather, roof top bars, and the beach. Fort Myers Beach, FL 46307. Some fish species are active in the local waters year-round. They will cruise around the flats for most of the day, and usually only move offshore for migration purposes. Visit in the fall, and youre bound to come across schools of this beautiful species, making them easy to spot and hook. Inside the massive J.N. The only question is what you want to target. Where to stay: A five-minute car ride from the preserve will land you at the waterfront Tarpon Lodge and Restaurant. FreshwaterFishingAdvice is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. I like to see programs like that be very success like it is at our local university. 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. Tarpon fishing is excellent in such places as Tarpon Street Pier and Midpoint Bridge. 6. Timing can have a heavy influence on the success you have in catching bass. Beaches give anglers an opportunity to experience shore fishing in Fort Myers. Oftentimes, anglers catch redfish during their Fort Myers fishing adventures. 1. However, the town and the island on which it sits have had a long history, dating back to the Calusa Indian tribe that used to inhabit the rich and wonderful barrier . 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. Offshore fishing is one of the most popular ways to fish in Fort Myers. Lee County has had an active artificial reef . Booking a charter makes it possible for anglers to explore many great spots and experience fantastic fishing in the region. Where to stay: The Inns of Sanibel lie a few minutes drive from Tarpon Bay. . Beach Spots - Almost any spot on the beach will do. 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 . Crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife, and beautiful sandy beaches all [], Florida represents many different things to many different people. A majority of these structures are free to use. The City of Palms has something to offer to everyone. 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. The worst time of the year to experience trout in the region is between November and December. The fishing here is truly special if you enjoy nearshore and offshore fishing. Your height is also a factor, especially for a narrower boat: Taller paddlers need longer paddles. This is a real light tackle game fish, and its perfect for spending a sunny day out with your friends, bonding over some fishing. Etommy is right. Lovers Key State Park: The 712-acre preserve covering three islands is good for fishing from the shore. This makes them much easier to catch than if they were all hiding under cover or scattered. Capt. Change location, depth, or bait to avoid catching fish you do not intend to keep. Rooms are suites and studios with kitchenettes and free wifi, and the aforementioned and nearby boat ramp means easy water access.