Red Grouper Fishing: Targeting the Gulf's Most Popular Bottomfish
Red Grouper rank among the most sought-after saltwater species along the American coast. Whether you are an experienced ...
Read MoreFlorida · Southwest
FORT MYERS
FISHING CHARTERS
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About
Fort Myers Fishing
Fort Myers is the gateway to some of Southwest Florida's most legendary fishing waters, including Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, and the islands of Sanibel and Captiva. These protected backwaters are a paradise for light-tackle anglers targeting snook, redfish, tarpon, and seatrout among the mangroves, oyster bars, and grass flats. The Caloosahatchee River adds freshwater influence that creates unique brackish-water fisheries.
Nearshore and offshore, the Gulf waters off Fort Myers are loaded with grouper, snapper, kingfish, and cobia over natural and artificial reefs. The area's charter fleet is highly experienced and offers everything from backcountry skiff trips to full-day offshore excursions. Fort Myers' central Southwest Florida location, warm year-round climate, and diverse fishing environments make it a versatile destination for anglers of all skill levels.
Fishing Calendar
What's Biting in Fort Myers?
See which species are available each month, color-coded by activity level.
Color Key
Peak
Good
Fair
Off Season
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Inshore
|
G | G | F | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | F | G |
|
Nearshore
|
F | F | G | G | P | F | - | - | - | G | P | G |
|
Inshore
|
F | F | G | G | G | P | P | G | G | F | F | F |
|
Inshore
|
F | G | G | P | G | F | - | - | - | F | G | F |
|
Nearshore
|
G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G |
|
Inshore
|
G | G | G | G | P | G | G | G | P | P | G | G |
|
Inshore
|
P | P | G | G | F | - | - | - | - | - | G | P |
|
Inshore
|
F | G | G | P | P | P | G | G | P | P | G | F |
|
Inshore
|
G | G | G | G | G | F | F | F | G | G | G | G |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
F | F | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | F | F |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | F | G | G | P | G | G | F | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | G | P | G | F | - | - | - | - | - | - |
|
Inshore
|
- | - | F | F | F | F | F | F | G | G | F | - |
|
Inshore
|
- | - | - | G | P | P | P | G | F | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | - | F | G | G | G | P | P | G | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | F | G | G | F | F | - | - | - |
Species Glossary
View Full Species Guide
Fort Myers Fish Species
16+ species organized by fishing type. Click any species to learn more.
Inshore Species
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore.
Nearshore Species
Target reefs, wrecks, and structure within a few miles of land.
Deep Sea Fishing Species
Head to deep water for big game and bottom species.
Charter Guide
Fishing Charter Types in Fort Myers
Understanding the different charter types will help you book the perfect trip for your group.
INSHORE
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
View Inshore ChartersNEARSHORE
Fish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
View Nearshore ChartersDEEP SEA FISHING
Deep sea fishing 20+ miles out. Chase tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and other pelagic gamefish in blue water.
View Deep Sea Fishing ChartersTROLLING
Cover water by dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat to target pelagic species.
View Trolling ChartersBOTTOM FISHING
Drop baits to the ocean floor to target snapper, grouper, and other reef dwellers.
View Bottom Fishing ChartersFLY FISHING
Sight-cast with fly rods on the flats for redfish, trout, and tarpon.
View Fly Fishing ChartersSURF FISHING
Fish from the beach or wade into the surf to target pompano, whiting, and redfish.
View Surf Fishing ChartersKAYAK FISHING
Paddle out for a more intimate fishing experience on bays and nearshore waters.
View Kayak Fishing Charters
Fishing Tips & Guides
View All Articles
Fort Myers Fishing Blog
Local insights, seasonal reports, and expert tips for fishing in Fort Myers.
Guest Reviews
5
based on 6 reviews
Fort Myers Fishing Reviews
Snook were loaded in the Caloosahatchee
Fished the docks, seawalls, and bridge pilings along the Caloosahatchee River and the snook were stacked up thick. Threw live shiners tight to the structure and caught 11 snook, releasing everything over 28 inches. Fort Myers river snook fishing is incredible.
C
Captain Roberto
August 2025
Snook
Jack Crevalle
Tarpon chaos at Boca Grande Pass
Made the run to Boca Grande Pass and set up for tarpon during the peak migration. The pass was absolutely loaded with silver kings. Jumped eight tarpon and landed four, with the biggest going about 140 pounds. Boca Grande is the tarpon capital of the world.
C
Captain Shannon
June 2025
Tarpon
Redfish blitz in Matlacha Pass
Found big schools of redfish pushing bait through Matlacha Pass on the falling tide. Cast gold spoons into the frenzy and it was fish-on every cast. Landed 15 reds, most of them gorgeous slot fish. Pine Island Sound and Matlacha are redfish heaven.
C
Captain Jamal
October 2025
Redfish
Speckled Trout
Snook
Grouper limits out of San Carlos Bay
Fished the nearshore reefs and hard bottom out of San Carlos Bay and the gag grouper were fired up on live pinfish. Boxed four nice gags and released a few short ones. Also caught some fat mangrove snapper. Fort Myers has fantastic bottom fishing.
C
Captain Monica
December 2025
Gag Grouper
Mangrove Snapper
Pine Island backcountry was loaded
Explored the mangrove backcountry around Pine Island and every shoreline held fish. Caught snook, redfish, and mangrove snapper on every point and pocket. The Pine Island Sound ecosystem is one of the most productive fisheries in Southwest Florida.
C
Captain Tobias
April 2025
Snook
Redfish
Mangrove Snapper
Goliath grouper on the bridges
Fished the bridges in San Carlos Bay for goliath grouper and these monsters did not disappoint. Hooked into three goliath grouper over 200 pounds on heavy tackle. Even catch-and-release, fighting a 300-pound goliath is an experience you will never forget.
C
Captain Valerie
September 2025
Goliath Grouper
Snook
Redfish
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