Ready to hit the water for a full day of fishing action in Fort Myers? This 8-hour trip with Saltwater Excursions LLC is your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing Southwest Florida has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we've got you covered with all the gear, know-how, and prime fishing spots to make your day on the water unforgettable.
We'll kick things off bright and early, meeting at the dock where your captain will be prepping the boat for a day of non-stop fishing. As we push off, you'll feel the excitement building â there's nothing like that first cast of the day. We'll cruise through the scenic waterways of Fort Myers, hitting up honey holes known for producing trophy-sized catches. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a treat as we target some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish. From the backwaters to the flats, we'll go where the fish are biting. And don't worry about bringing gear â we've got top-notch rods, reels, and bait all ready to go. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat!
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of techniques to land the big ones. Sight fishing is a favorite around here â nothing beats the thrill of spotting a tailing redfish and making that perfect cast. We might do some drift fishing over grass flats for trout, or work the mangrove shorelines for snook. If the tarpon are rolling, get ready for some high-flying action! Your captain will show you the ropes if you're new to these methods, or help you fine-tune your skills if you're an old hand. We'll hit up some local hotspots like Matlacha Pass, Pine Island Sound, or the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River â wherever the bite is on. And remember, it's not just about the catch (though that's pretty awesome). You'll also get to soak in the natural beauty of the area, maybe spot some dolphins or manatees, and enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among Fort Myers anglers. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish put up a great fight and can be found year-round in our waters. They love hanging around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines, often giving themselves away with a tell-tale tail sticking out of the water as they feed. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but you can catch slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) throughout the year. There's nothing quite like the pull of a redfish on light tackle!
Snook: The legendary snook is a bucket-list fish for many, and for good reason. These ambush predators are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. We target them around structure like docks, mangrove roots, and bridge pilings. Snook fishing is hot in the warmer months, especially during their spawning season from May to September. Just remember, these guys are catch-and-release only in most areas, so have your camera ready for a quick photo before we send them back.
Tarpon: If you're looking for the fight of your life, look no further than the "Silver King." Tarpon, with their massive size (often over 100 pounds) and spectacular aerial displays, are the ultimate game fish. We typically see them roll through our waters from late spring through summer. Hooking one is exciting; landing one is an accomplishment. Even if you don't boat a tarpon, just seeing these prehistoric giants in action is worth the trip.
Sea Trout: Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call them, are abundant in the grass flats around Fort Myers. They're great eating and fun to catch, often hitting topwater lures with exciting surface strikes. We can catch them year-round, but the bigger "gator" trout tend to show up in the cooler months. Trout are perfect for anglers of all skill levels and make for some fast-paced fishing action.
Bull Shark: For those looking for a real adrenaline rush, we might target some bull sharks. These powerful predators can grow up to 8 feet long and put up one heck of a fight. We often find them in the bays and estuaries around Fort Myers, especially in the warmer months. Hooking into one of these guys on light tackle is an experience you won't soon forget. It's catch-and-release for these apex predators, but the thrill of bringing one boatside is hard to beat.
Fort Myers isn't just another fishing destination â it's a year-round angler's paradise. The diversity of species and fishing environments means every trip is a new adventure. One day you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, the next you could be battling a monster tarpon in the pass. Our captains are always dialed into the latest patterns and hotspots, so you're getting the benefit of local expertise that only comes from years on these waters. Plus, the natural beauty of the area â from the mangrove tunnels to the white sand beaches â makes for a stunning backdrop to your fishing adventure. Whether you're after a cooler full of tasty fillets or the photo of a lifetime with a trophy catch, Fort Myers delivers time and time again.
Listen, if you're still on the fence about this trip, let me tell you â there's no better way to experience the real Florida than a full day on the water with a local guide. We're talking 8 solid hours of fishing action, with all the gear provided and a captain who knows how to put you on the fish. Whether you're a serious angler looking to cross some species off your list or a family wanting to make some lasting memories, this trip checks all the boxes. And hey, even if the fish aren't jumping in the boat (which rarely happens), you're still in for a fantastic day exploring the beautiful waters of Fort Myers. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot now before someone else does. Just remember to bring some snacks, drinks, and your sense of adventure. We'll take care of the rest. See you on the water!
Snook are one of our most popular inshore species. They typically run 24-28 inches and 5-15 pounds, but trophies over 40 inches aren't unheard of. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and in coastal rivers. These fish are ambush predators with a big appetite. They'll hit just about any lure that mimics their prey, but live bait like pilchards or pinfish is hard to beat. Snook are famous for their explosive strikes and powerful runs. The best fishing is usually early morning or evening, especially around tide changes. Spring and fall are prime as snook move between their summer and winter haunts. A local trick is to fish the shadow lines of docks or bridges - snook love to hide in those dark spots. Snook put up an incredible fight and they're excellent table fare too. Just be sure to check regulations as there are strict season and size limits to protect the population. Landing a big snook is a real accomplishment - they're smart, strong, and not easy to fool.
Tarpon are the silver kings of sportfishing. These prehistoric-looking fish can reach 8 feet and 280 pounds, though 4-5 footers are more common. They're famous for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs that'll test any angler. You'll find tarpon in coastal waters, often rolling on the surface. They migrate through our area in late spring and summer, following bait schools. The best fishing is usually around full and new moons. Live bait like pinfish or crabs works well, but nothing beats the thrill of a tarpon crushing a topwater lure or fly. When you hook up, be ready for some spectacular aerial displays. Just remember to bow to the king when they jump to avoid breaking them off. Tarpon aren't considered good eating, so we practice catch and release. But the fight alone is worth it. There's nothing quite like battling a hundred-pound fish that can clear the water by 10 feet. It's an experience you won't forget.
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a fun inshore target. They usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters over 40 pounds have been caught. Look for them around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. These fish are great fighters and tasty too. Their meat is white, flaky, and mild - just be careful not to overcook it or it'll get mushy. They're also packed with healthy omega-3s. For the best action, try fishing cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. Use artificial lures like jerkbaits, topwater plugs, or soft plastics that mimic shrimp. A local trick is to troll slowly along grass edges if you're having trouble finding them. Sea trout aren't the biggest fish out there, but they're a blast on light tackle and make for some fantastic eating. Plus, you can usually catch good numbers of them, which keeps the action steady all day.
Bull sharks are tough customers, typically 8-12 feet long and 200-300 pounds. You'll find them cruising shallow coastal waters and even up freshwater rivers. These guys can handle both salt and fresh water, which is pretty unique. They're aggressive predators, so be ready for a serious fight if you hook one. Your best bet is to fish for bulls in summer using natural bait like whole fish or cut mackerel. Chum helps bring them to the surface where you can target them with topwater lures. If you really want to up your chances, try using freshwater eel as bait. The high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible to bull sharks. Just remember, these aren't your average fish. They're powerful and can be dangerous, so always follow safety protocols. But if you're looking for an adrenaline rush and bragging rights, bull shark fishing is hard to beat.
Redfish are a blast to catch and great eating too. They typically run 28-33 inches, but can get up to 45 inches and 50 pounds. Look for them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs sticking out! They love hanging around oyster reefs, seagrass, and muddy bottoms. These guys will eat just about anything when they're hungry. Try topwater lures like walk-the-dog style baits for some explosive strikes. Jerkbaits, crankbaits, and shrimp imitation jigs work well too. If you're fly fishing, go for a weedless 3-inch fly. Fall is prime time for reds as they school up. The shallow water sight fishing is incredible - nothing beats seeing a big red tail in ankle-deep water. For the best shot at a trophy, size up your lures to 5-6 inches. Just be ready when they hit - redfish put up one heck of a fight!
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