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Top-Rated Inshore Fishing in Fort Myers Beach
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Latitude 26- Fort Myers Beach FL
- $550 - $2,030 price range
Summary
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Rods, Reels, and Catches
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Reel in the Big Ones: Full Day Inshore Fishing
Trip Overview
Hey there, fellow angler! Ready to hit the inshore waters of Fort Myers for some serious fish action? Outlaw Charters has got you covered with our full day trip that'll have you casting lines and hauling in trophy catches before you know it. We're talking about 8 solid hours on the water, targeting all the hot spots where the fish are biting. Whether you're dreaming of battling a hard-fighting redfish or outsmarting a sneaky snook, we've got the local know-how to put you on the fish. And get this - it's just you and your fishing buddy with the captain, so it's like having your own private guide. No overcrowded boat here, folks. Just pure, personalized fishing bliss.
What to Expect on the Water
Alright, let's break down what your day's gonna look like. We'll kick things off early, loading up the boat with all the gear you need - rods, reels, bait, the works. As we cruise out, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or manatees - they love these waters too. Once we hit our first spot, it's game on. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. Might be tossing soft plastics for trout one minute, then switching to cut bait for grouper the next. And don't worry if you're new to this - Captain Dalton's got patience for days and will show you the ropes. Just a heads up, bring some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. Trust me, when you're reeling in fish after fish, you'll work up an appetite!
Top Catches This Season
Listen up, because this is where it gets good. The inshore waters around Fort Myers are on fire right now. We're talking about gag grouper hugging the structure, ready to test your arms. Snook are slinking around the mangroves, just waiting for the perfect cast. And don't even get me started on the redfish - they've been tailing in the shallows like crazy. Sheepshead? Oh yeah, they're here too, picking off barnacles and giving anglers a run for their money. And let's not forget about the sea trout - these guys have been schooling up and providing non-stop action. Bottom line? No matter what's on your bucket list, we've got a good shot at making it happen.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
You know what keeps our customers coming back for more? It's not just the fish (though that helps). It's the whole package. It's feeling that first tug on the line as the sun's coming up over the water. It's the thrill of not knowing what's on the other end - could be a monster red or a feisty snook. It's learning new tricks from a captain who's been doing this his whole life. And let's be real, it's the bragging rights you get when you show off your photos back home. Our regulars tell us there's nothing like the rush of battling a big fish in these waters. Plus, with only two guests max, you're getting the VIP treatment all day long. No wonder folks keep coming back year after year.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Let's dive into the stars of the show, shall we? First up, we've got the gag grouper. These bruisers love to hang around structure and can put up one heck of a fight. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but man, are they tasty. Best time to target them is fall through winter when they move closer to shore.
Next, we've got the snook - the unofficial mascot of Florida inshore fishing. These silver torpedoes are ambush predators with a serious attitude. They love to hang around mangroves and docks, and when they hit, hold on tight! Spring and summer are prime time for snook action.
Sheepshead might look goofy with those human-like teeth, but don't let that fool you. These striped convicts are masters at stealing bait and can be tricky to hook. Winter is when they really show up in force, gathering around pilings and oyster beds.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They're abundant, eager to bite, and put up a decent fight on light tackle. Look for them over grass flats, especially during the cooler months. And here's a tip - a popping cork rig can be deadly for trout.
Last but definitely not least, we've got redfish. These copper-colored beauties are what inshore dreams are made of. They can be found tailing in shallow water or cruising the flats. Fall is prime time for reds, but honestly, you can catch them year-round here. And when they're on, it's non-stop action.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Fort Myers' finest fish, you know what to do. Our full day trip is the perfect way to experience everything these inshore waters have to offer. Remember, we're talking about 8 hours of dedicated fishing time with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. All the gear is provided, so all you need to bring is your game face (and some snacks). Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Give Captain Dalton a ring at 239-628-0534 and let's get your adventure on the books. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're reeling in that trophy catch. See you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper are tough customers, usually hanging around rocky bottoms and reefs in depths of 60 to 250 feet. They're not the prettiest fish, with a drab gray color, but what they lack in looks they make up for in fight. Most are 20 to 30 inches long and weigh 3 to 10 pounds, though big ones can hit 50 pounds. These grouper love structure, so we target wrecks, ledges, and artificial reefs. Live bait like pinfish or mullet works best. Use heavy tackle - you'll need it when they try to dive back into their hideyholes. Gags are most active in cooler months from fall through spring. They put up a great battle and the meat is excellent - firm, white, and mild. Just be careful of those teeth when you're unhooking them. One local trick: If you're having trouble getting bites, try slow-trolling live bait near the bottom. The movement often triggers their predatory instincts.
Redfish
Redfish, also called red drum, are one of our most sought-after inshore species. They're easily identified by their copper color and black spot near the tail. Most are 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, but bull reds over 40 inches do show up. You'll find reds in very shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water as they hunt. They love to cruise mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and grass flats looking for crabs and baitfish. Spring and fall are peak seasons as water temperatures are ideal. Reds will hit a variety of lures, but it's hard to beat a gold spoon or scented soft plastic. Live bait like pinfish or cut mullet works great too. Redfish are known for their strong, determined fights and excellent table fare. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is an unforgettable experience. Local trick: On windy days, focus on mud flats. The wind stirs up crabs and shrimp, attracting hungry redfish to these areas.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, also called spotted seatrout, are a favorite inshore species here. Most run 15-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them over grass flats, channels, and potholes in 3-6 feet of water. These fish are active year-round but really turn on in spring and fall as water temperatures are moderate. They'll hit a variety of lures - topwaters, soft plastics, and jigs all work well. Live shrimp under a popping cork is always a good bet too. Trout are great fighters on light tackle and make excellent eating. Their delicate white meat is a local favorite. They're also one of the easier species for beginners to target successfully. Guide's tip: On sunny days, focus on potholes in grass flats. The trout use these as ambush points to attack bait fish moving across the flat.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are odd-looking fish with human-like teeth and black stripes that earned them the nickname "convict fish." They typically run 2-5 pounds but can reach 15+ pounds. You'll find them around any hard structure - docks, bridges, reefs - where they use those teeth to crunch barnacles and crabs. Winter and early spring are prime sheepshead seasons when they school up to spawn. They can be tricky to hook, often stealing bait without getting caught. Use small, sharp hooks and set quickly at the slightest tap. Fiddler crabs, oysters, and shrimp are top baits. Fish as close to the pilings or structure as you can - that's where they feed. Sheepshead fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Local secret: Scrape some barnacles off the pilings to create a chum slick. The sheepshead will come investigate the easy meal, making them easier to target.
Snook
Snook are one of our most popular gamefish here in Southwest Florida. They're sneaky ambush predators that love to hang around mangroves, docks, and other structure in shallow water. Most are 24-34 inches and 5-15 pounds, but big ones over 40 inches aren't unheard of. These fish are temperature sensitive, so we target them in warmer months from spring through fall. They're most active at dawn and dusk. Snook put up an amazing fight - expect drag-screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish is deadly, but artificials like jerkbaits and swimbaits work great too. Cast right up against the mangroves or structure and be ready for explosive strikes. Snook are prized for both their fighting ability and tasty white meat. Just remember they're catch-and-release only most of the year to protect the population. Pro tip: On windy days, focus on the lee side of points and islands where bait gets pushed up against the shore. That's where hungry snook will be waiting.
About the 26’ Twin Vee
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 140
