Get ready to wet a line in the fish-rich waters of Fort Myers! This 4-hour afternoon charter is your ticket to some serious angling action. Whether you're looking to bend a rod on some hard-fighting redfish or test your skills against the elusive snook, Captain Dillon's got you covered. With all the gear provided and expert guidance at your fingertips, you'll be dropping lines like a pro in no time. So grab your favorite snacks, round up the crew (or fly solo), and let's hit the water for an afternoon of rod-bending fun!
Kicking off at 1 PM, this trip is perfect for those who like to sleep in or grab lunch before hitting the flats. Captain Dillon knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll be heading straight to the honey holes where the fish are biting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, you'll feel right at home on this charter. The boat's equipped with top-notch gear, so all you need to bring is your excitement and maybe a cold drink or two. As you cruise the scenic waterways, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, and all sorts of coastal birds â it's not just about the fishing, folks!
We'll be targeting a mixed bag of inshore species, so get ready to switch up your tactics. Might be tossing soft plastics for trout one minute, then flipping jigs under mangroves for snook the next. Captain Dillon's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, whether it's live-baiting for tarpon or sight-casting to tailing reds. We'll hit a variety of spots â from grass flats and oyster bars to deep channels and bridges. The beauty of Fort Myers fishing is the diversity, so be ready for anything. And don't worry if you're new to this â the captain's got plenty of patience and will have you casting like a champ in no time.
Fort Myers is an angler's playground, with a roster of hard-fighting fish that'll put your skills to the test. Here's what's been keeping our lines tight:
The crowned prince of inshore fishing, snook are the ultimate game fish. These crafty predators love to hang around structure, so we'll be targeting mangrove shorelines and dock pilings. Snook are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps â landing one of these bad boys is a real rush! They're most active in the warmer months, but with Fort Myers' mild climate, we can target them year-round. Just remember, snook are catch-and-release only, so have your camera ready for that trophy shot!
Known as the "Silver King," tarpon are the heavyweight champs of inshore fishing. These prehistoric beasts can grow over 100 pounds and put on an aerial show that'll leave you speechless. We target them in the late spring and summer when they're cruising the beaches and passes. Hooking a tarpon is one thing, but landing one? That's a whole different ballgame. It's a test of endurance and skill that'll give you bragging rights for years to come.
Redfish, or red drum, are the bread and butter of Fort Myers inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers are known for their strong runs and stubborn fights. We'll look for them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising along oyster bars. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but we catch them year-round. And the best part? They're excellent table fare if you decide to keep your catch.
Spotted seatrout might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but they more than make up for it in numbers and taste. These speckled beauties are a blast on light tackle and are often found in schools, so when you find one, you've found a bunch. We'll drift grass flats, tossing soft plastics or live bait under a popping cork. Trout are most active in the cooler months, making them a perfect winter target.
Don't let their goofy grin fool you â sheepshead are smart, tough fighters that'll test your finesse fishing skills. These striped convicts are structure-loving fish, so we'll target them around bridge pilings, docks, and rocky areas. They're masters at stealing bait, so a quick hookset is key. Winter is prime time for sheepshead, and they're some of the best-eating fish in the ocean. If you're looking to take home dinner, these are a top pick!
Folks, it's not just about the fish â though trust me, there are plenty of those. It's about the whole package. The way the sun glints off the water as you're reeling in a fighter. The thrill of watching your line go tight and feeling that first pull. The satisfaction of learning new techniques and seeing them pay off. And let's not forget the laid-back vibe of Fort Myers itself. Whether you're a die-hard angler or just looking for a fun afternoon on the water, this trip delivers. Plus, with all gear included and Captain Dillon's know-how at your disposal, it's as easy as showing up and casting out.
Alright, anglers â ready to turn those fish tales into reality? This 4-hour afternoon trip is your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing Fort Myers has to offer. With a max of 4 guests, you're guaranteed plenty of personalized attention and ample room to cast. Remember to bring some snacks, your favorite drinks, and a good attitude â Captain Dillon will take care of the rest. Whether you're aiming to bend a rod on some bull reds, tangle with a high-flying tarpon, or just enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the water, this trip's got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give Saltwater Excursions LLC a call and get ready for an afternoon of world-class fishing in beautiful Fort Myers. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. See you on the water!
Redfish are a Fort Myers favorite, known for their copper color and black tail spot. Most run 3-8 pounds, but bulls over 20 aren't uncommon. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising mangrove edges, especially on rising tides. Reds put up a great fight and are excellent eating too. For the best shot, look for "nervous water" or tailing fish in 1-3 feet of water. Gold spoons, soft plastics, or live bait like pinfish all work well. When sight-fishing, a stealthy approach is key. Local tip: on hot days, look for reds hanging in deeper potholes on the flats. A well-placed cast can often trigger a strike from these cooling fish. It's a great way to find action when the bite seems slow elsewhere.
Sea trout, or spotted seatrout, are a Fort Myers staple. These silvery fish with spotted sides usually run 1-3 pounds but can reach 5+. You'll find them over grass flats and around mangrove edges, especially early and late in the day. Trout are known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake hooks, making them a fun challenge. They're also great eating, with delicate white meat. For best results, try live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastic jigs worked slowly over grass beds. When the tide is moving is often prime time. Local tip: listen for their distinctive "pop" as they feed on the surface - it's a dead giveaway to a feeding school. Once you find them, you can often catch several from the same spot.
Sheepshead are Fort Myers' striped tricksters. These odd-looking fish with human-like teeth usually run 1-5 pounds but can reach 15+. You'll find them around barnacle-covered structures like pilings and reefs year-round. Sheepshead are famous bait stealers, making them a fun challenge to catch. Their sweet, white meat is excellent table fare too. For best results, use small hooks with fiddler crabs or shrimp and fish right up against structure. When you feel the bite, set the hook quickly - these guys are masters at stealing bait. Local tip: scrape some barnacles off pilings to chum them up. The sound and smell will often bring sheepshead in from all around. It's a great way to locate a school and get them feeding.
Snook are a real Fort Myers favorite. These sleek, powerful fish typically run 1-3 feet long and love hanging around structures like mangroves and docks. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, especially during warmer months. Snook put up an amazing fight and are known for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Their delicate white meat is prized by locals, though catch-and-release is common to protect populations. For the best shot at landing one, try live bait like pilchards or pinfish near structure edges during moving tides. A stealthy approach is key - these fish spook easily. Pro tip: when you hook a snook, keep your rod tip up and be ready for that first big run. It's an experience you won't forget!
Tarpon are the silver kings of Fort Myers. These prehistoric-looking giants can reach 6 feet and 150 pounds, though 80-100 pounders are more common. You'll find them rolling in deeper channels and around bridges from spring through fall. Tarpon are famous for their spectacular leaps and powerful runs that'll test any angler. While not typically eaten, the thrill of the catch makes them a bucket-list fish. For the best shot, look for "daisy-chaining" schools in passes during the early summer. Live bait like crabs or pinfish works well. When you hook up, bow to the king - drop your rod tip when they jump to avoid a break-off. Just remember, even seasoned anglers only land about 1 in 5 tarpon they hook. It's all about the fight with these incredible fish.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 55
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250