Fort Meyers Fishing

[teddysclaw]

Gonna hit Fort Meyers for 3 days this upcoming week. Was hoping for some advice regarding fishing in the Surf/beach/piers, inshore open boats, and offshore(blackfin tuna, wahoo) open boats.

I seem to be having a hard time finding any open boats, and I will only be going with one other friend, so we are having a difficult time justifying dropping the extra cash for an entire boat.

I'm reading online that for blackfin, it'd be much better to hit the east side of Florida though. Not sure what would equate to the longer ride+ cost, taking an offshore charter from ft meyers going deep into the Gulf of mexico, or driving 2.5 hours to the east side of florida and taking a blackfin tuna boat.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Castaway]

Look no further than capt joe miller from fish galore charters out of venice.

[tautog]

Offshore fishing is at least 40 off in Fort Myers and a lot tougher than the east coast because there are less structure and breaks.

[jiocg1181]

If you do find yourself fishing from the shore... Take the ride to Sanibel island and hit the pier by the light house... Sheepshead, ladyfish, speckled trout, jacks, and snook. Just pick up some shrimp and have a good time.

[Sharkyispy]

Tuna are pretty far out on the Gulf side, not to say they're not there but not as good as East Coast fishing. I fished near the bridge on San Carlos Blvd that goes over to the beach and had some luck with snook, sea trout (our weakfish) on shrimp. They're are a lot of boats right near the bridge but unfortunately I don't have a recommend for you. You may see pompano and other local fish off of the beach. Good luck!

[crabby]

the best offshore boat in fort meyers is capt kern he does split charters unfortunately i don't have his # call gateway marina they can find it for you…inshore try capt mike hickory bay charters 239-947-3851 30' pontoon boat real nice guy you never know what you are going to catch in the back waters… before i drive 2 1/2 hours to the other side i would drive 3 hours to key largo and fish with capt zane albury charters 305-522-9438 what ever you decide make sure you call ahead and make reservations… good luck warren

[Capt Sal]

Originally Posted by teddysclaw

Gonna hit Fort Meyers for 3 days this upcoming week. Was hoping for some advice regarding fishing in the Surf/beach/piers, inshore open boats, and offshore(blackfin tuna, wahoo) open boats.

I seem to be having a hard time finding any open boats, and I will only be going with one other friend, so we are having a difficult time justifying dropping the extra cash for an entire boat.

I'm reading online that for blackfin, it'd be much better to hit the east side of Florida though. Not sure what would equate to the longer ride+ cost, taking an offshore charter from ft meyers going deep into the Gulf of mexico, or driving 2.5 hours to the east side of florida and taking a blackfin tuna boat.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

First of all you never know what the weather will be and with only three days I would stay local. Blackfin tuna in the keys are no problem but it is not cheap and again you need the weather. I would take the suggestions on the board and try those captains.

[Papasown]

Hey Teddysclaw, I agree with jiocg. Head down to Sannibel pier near the bridge, and fish live shrimps. There's a good fishery there, and hopefully you won't have my luck when one of the locals told me " Hey mister I fish here all the time, and you caught the biggest pelican of the year ". I'd rather catch a fish......lol. Also under the bridges with live bait, and livelined ladyfish, you can catch some handsome Snook to release. Catch 'em up, we'll still be digging snow up here....Papa

[chrislars]

you might also take a look at fishing out of naples if you want to charter. in shore fishing is better down there and there are a lot of local charter captains

[Fishin Dude]

Let me know how you make out. I'm going to chase some Tarpon down that way in June, and would also like to do some backwater stuff for some Redfish, as well as a longer ride to deeper water for some Red Snapper since the season will then be open then. I'm in the process of checking out some Guides/Charters, and see a few Head Boats a well. I've heard that those Head Boats will just fish the same old daily grind, and you will have to pick through a bunch of shorts to get yourself a dinner. Yes, I'm a tourist, but I'm a FISHERMAN first!