Reel Time
Cast into waters known for snook, redfish, tarpon and other prize catches.
In the Fort Myers Beach area, you can fish your way – from shoreline casts at sunset to early morning offshore pursuits. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned angler, our Gulf, bays and inland waters offer plenty of opportunity.
Captiva Island
Explore Our Prize Catch Gallery
What’s biting in the Fort Myers area? From hard-fighting favorites to dinner-worthy catches, these waters deliver. Browse a few of the most sought-after fish you might reel in – and get ready to tell your own fishing stories.
Redfish, @tjones
Florida pompano, @black_girls_fish
Spotted sea trout, @lizzyreinholt
Snook, @fishingwithbrycin
Black drum, @capt.tadem
Spotted scorpionfish, @tarponbayexplorers
Tarpon, @capt_banks
Mackerel, @ashhhx13
Hogfish, @capt.tadem
See Why Fort Myers Fishing is Unique
What makes fishing in the Fort Myers area stand out? Year-round sunshine, warm waters and an incredible variety of catches. Watch our video to see why anglers return again and again – no matter the season.
Pine Island
Local Fishing Spots and Ways to Fish
From tranquil lakes to open Gulf waters, you’ll find countless ways to fish in the Fort Myers area. Reel in bass at Lakes Park in Fort Myers or cast a line in the brackish waterways of J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, where nature surrounds you at every turn.
You can fish from many public beaches, including Dog Beach in Bonita Springs and Lighthouse Beach Park on Sanibel Island. Try your luck from a bridge or pier in Matlacha, home to the “Fishingest Bridge in the World.”
For offshore adventure, head into the Gulf in search of top catches like grouper, cobia and amberjack. Or make your way to Boca Grande – the “Tarpon Capital of the World” – where you can battle the legendary Silver Kings from late spring through early fall.
Prefer calmer waters? Explore inshore areas and mangrove-lined shorelines, where you can hook spotted seatrout, mangrove snapper, redfish and snook. Kayak or paddleboard fishing lets you get even closer to the action in these shallow waters.
Tip: To land your best catch yet, book an inshore or offshore charter with an experienced captain who can guide you to the area’s top hidden spots.
Fishing by the Season
Changing temperatures, tides, weather and seasonal spawning patterns all shape what’s biting throughout the year. From April to October, you can target species like red grouper, king mackerel, tarpon and snapper, as warmer waters bring fish closer to shore. As the Gulf cools from November to March, you might reel in amberjack, black grouper, drum and pompano.
Something is always biting in the Fort Myers area – and there’s a good chance you’ll be snapping photos of your catch by sunset.
Fishing Licenses
Before you start reeling in your big catch, make sure you’re prepared. Florida residents ages 16 to 65 and nonresidents over 16 generally need a fishing license. Separate licenses are required for freshwater and saltwater fishing – freshwater for species like bass and catfish, and saltwater for catches such as snapper, grouper or mackerel. One exception is fishing from a charter boat, where you’re covered under the captain’s license.
Licenses are available at local bait and tackle shops or online at myfwc.com/license.
Captiva Island, @dwellcollectiveco
Did You Know?
Ospreys are expert fish hunters that can dive feet-first into the water and rotate their catch mid-flight so it’s perfectly streamlined for flying.
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