Fishing in Fort Myers: The Ultimate Guide

Many of us have experienced the frustration of being unable to engage in our favorite pastime for months. Finally, we have a free weekend or holiday and look forward to indulging in the much-awaited fishing gateway.

However, we often face the dilemma of choosing the perfect location for this much-awaited trip. Luckily, we have identified one of the finest fishing spots in Florida that we would like to recommend to you.

Fort Myers, a fishing paradise, beckons anglers worldwide with its pristine waters and teeming marine life. Nestled on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, this haven offers year-round fishing opportunities, thanks to Florida's mild climate.

And if you're a fan of Tarpon fishing, you're in for a treat! Fort Myers proudly holds the title of the "Tarpon Capital of the World." So, let's dive into the depths of our Fort Myers fishing guide and discover the wonders that await us!

Fish Species Found in Fort Myers

Fort Myers is an excellent location for fishing enthusiasts. It offers a mix of fresh and saltwater and is near the Gulf of Mexico. The best part? You can expect abundant fish species there, giving you hope for a successful and fulfilling fishing trip.

Native Species

Thanks to the area's rich biodiversity, Fort Myers has at least several hundred native species. We'll go over the five most targeted by fishermen. Understanding the local fish, their behaviors, preferred habitats, and how best to catch them is critical to a successful Fort Myers fishing trip.

Snook 

Snooks swim in the shallow waters of Fort Myers. However, they can be hard to find because they like to stay in the area with hiding spots like docks and mangroves so they can ambush prey. The best time to target them is during their mating season in warmer months, from May to September.

• Best Time to Catch: Late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Mangroves and docks

• Preferred Bait: Live shrimp or pilchards; jigs and swimbaits for lures

• Fishing Technique: Use live bait or lures, be mindful of their speed and strength

• Difficulty: Challenging due to strength and speed

• Depth: Up to 20 feet

Your best bet for catching them is using live bait like shrimp or small baitfish. But you can also get lucky with jigs and topwater plugs. Once you hook them, prepare for an exhilarating experience, as these fish will give an adrenaline bump due to their powerful runs and fast swimming.

Spotted Seatrout 

Let's move on to the following catch: the Spotted Seatrout. They are known for their speckled appearance, and you can usually find them in grass flats and shallow bays of Fort Myers. 

Soft plastics or spoons are best for those who prefer luring. These fish are perfect for beginners and intermediate anglers because they are fun and easy to catch. You'll probably catch a medium-sized one between 15 and 20 inches, boosting your confidence in your fishing skills.

• Best Time to Catch: All year round; prime time from December to March

• Habitat: Grass flats and shallow bays

• Preferred Bait: Use spoons and soft plastics for the best result

• Fishing Technique: Light tackle, luring

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Depth: Shallow waters

They're perfect for a casual day of fishing with a good chance of success. And did we mention that they taste magnificently?

Redfish 

Now, we come to a real fighter. A Redfish, or Red Drum, as some call it, is a native resident of Fort Myers that can be found throughout the year, peaking in the fall.

Live bait like mullet or crab works wonders, but you can also catch it with soft plastics. Pro fishermen love it because they are known for being tough fighters, so expect a sore arm after you pull it out of the water. 

• Best Time to Catch: Fall

• Habitat: Shallow waters near mangroves and flats

• Preferred Bait: Live bait like mullet or crab, soft plastics

• Fishing Technique: Sight fishing, casting in shallow waters

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: 1 to 4 feet

As for the depth, you don't need to cast too, and Redfish usually stay in water around 1 to 4 feet deep. Redfish are a perfect choice for anglers looking for a bit of a tussle on the line.

Mangrove Snapper

Mangrove Snapper is a good choice if you're a beginner due to its smaller size fish, typically 10-14 inches. Their name comes from the fact that they like hiding in docks and mangroves. The prime time for fishing them is from October to March.

Although they are not the largest fish, Mangrove Snappers can be pretty crafty and put up a good fight, especially for their size. They usually swim in depths of 5 to 15 feet. They aren't too picky about bait, but live shrimp and small fish like pilchards work best.

• Best Time to Catch: October to March

• Habitat: Docks, mangroves

• Preferred Bait: Live shrimp, small fish like pilchards

• Fishing Technique: Light tackle, bottom fishing

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Depth: 5 to 15 feet

Typically ranging from 10-14 inches, these Snappers are known for their distinctive dark stripes and keen instincts, making them a fun challenge, especially for those refining their fishing skills. Fort Myers is abundant in them, so you won't wait too long to see some action on the rod.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are a distinctive fish due to their black and white stripes, and they love hanging around oyster beds. Besides their "zebra" stripes, they are also famous for their nibbling bite. You should target them from November to April.

• Best Time to Catch: November to April

• Habitat: Oyster beds, piers, rocky areas

• Preferred Bait: Fiddler crabs, oysters

• Fishing Technique: Bottom fishing, small hooks

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: 10 to 30 feet

You shouldn't look further than fiddler crabs and oysters bait-wise. Sheepshead aren't fast swimmers – they typically move at about 5 mph, making them a manageable target for anglers of various skill levels. They tend to stick around depths of 10 to 30 feet, often closer to underwater structures.

Migratory Species

Fort Myers is also rich in migratory species thanks to the fresh waters of the Caloosahatchee River and the salty waves from the Gulf of Mexico.

Now, we'll explore every traveler – from the world-famous Tarpon entering the warmer months to the King Mackerel arriving as the waters get colder.

Tarpon

Finally, we come to the main treat of Fort Myers fishing – Tarpon. Fishermen all across the globe travel to this haven in Florida because of it. These giants are known for their impressive speed; they can weigh over 200 pounds.

• Best Time to Catch: May to July

• Habitat: Inshore and offshore waters

• Preferred Bait: Live bait like crabs or mullet, artificial lures

• Fishing Technique: Casting, live bait fishing

• Difficulty: Hard

• Depth: 15 to 30 feet

You can find them both in inshore and offshore waters, around 15 to 30 feet deep. You can bring your family here too because they reside here during the sunny months from May to July. They can enjoy sandy beaches while you look for this crown jewel. Catching them is a challenge, but trust us, you'll have a story for life once you do it. 

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel is at its peak in Fort Myers twice a year: from March to May and from September to November. These fast swimmers, reaching speeds up to 30 mph, are a blast to catch, especially on light tackle. 

• Best Time to Catch: March to May, September to November

• Habitat: Nearshore waters

• Preferred Bait: Live bait (shrimp, small fish), shiny spoons, jigs

• Fishing Technique: Trolling, light tackle

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: 10 to 40 feet

You can find them in nearshore waters; trolling is the best method of catching them. Their agility and aggressiveness make them a genuinely skill-testing catch.

Kingfish 

Kingfish, or King Mackerel, are in season from late fall to early spring. They're one of the fastest fish in Fort Myers, hitting speeds up to 40 mph. Renowned for their lightning speed and powerful runs, they can reach up to 40 mph, making them a formidable opponent. 

• Best Time to Catch: Late fall to early spring

• Habitat: Offshore waters

• Preferred Bait: Live bait (blue runners, ballyhoo)

• Fishing Technique: Trolling with live bait

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Depth: 20 to 40 feet

Anglers target them offshore, usually in depths of 20 to 40 feet. Similar to Spanish Mackerel, trolling is an excellent method to hook one. They are typically targeted in most of the tournaments in Fort Myers.

Pompano

Did you know Fort Mayer is home to some fantastic game fish? One of the most commonly found here is the Pompano. These fish are known as tough catch due to their size and speed – they can move at around 25 mph and reach 3.9 feet in length.

• Best Time to Catch: November to April

• Habitat: Inshore waters, sandy bottoms, near passes

• Preferred Bait: Small jigs, live shrimp

• Fishing Technique: Spinning with light tackle

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

• Depth: Shallow waters

Their habitats are coastal waters, around passes, and sandy bottoms. You want to go for spinning reels that can hold a 12-15 pound test line. Pompano is highly prized for its delicious taste, making it a favorite among culinary anglers.

Prime Fishing Spots in Fort Myers

Fort Myers covers a large area, so you might lose yourself when you first get there. That's why we prepared a comprehensive list of the best fishing spots and which fish you can expect there:

Fort Myers Beach Pier

When you travel to Fort Myers, the beach pier should be the first stop. It is truly an iconic fishing spot that tourists and locals adore. 

It extends into the Gulf and offers access to deep waters where you can catch numerous species from Spanish Mackerel to Pompano and even some sharks if you are ready. Shore fishermen won't be disappointed fishing at the pier, but beware that it can often get crowded.

With restaurants and shops nearby, it's a perfect location for families and individuals who want to enjoy a day of fishing combined with the amenities of a beachside community.

Estero Bay

Estero Bay offers one of the most protected marine habitats in Florida, and it was the first Aquatic Preserve on the peninsula. The bay's oyster bars and seagrass fields provide excellent habitat for fish. 

It's a prime spot for targeting Snook, Redfish, and Spotted Seatrout. In the Bay Channel, you'll also get a chance to catch Tarpon and the occasional Barracuda. The scenery there is as beautiful as it gets so you can enjoy both the fishing and the view. 

Sanibel Island

Here, we come to another beautiful spot, just a short drive from Fort Myers, called Sanibel Islands. It is east-west oriented, making it a perfect place for catching Redfish, Seatrout, and Snook. There is also a nearby J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge that's perfect for both boat and shore fishing.

If you bring your family along, your kids will love Sanibel due to the island's numerous pirate legends.

Pine Island Sound 

Those who prefer inshore fishing should head straight to the Pine Island Sound. It is located between Pine Island and the mainland, which makes it perfect for fishing Tarpon, Snook, and an occasional Redfish. The island is rich with mangrove forests and seagrass beds. 

Matlacha Pass is ideal for fly and bait fishing. Unlike the Fort Myers Beach Pier, many visitors choose Pine Island because of the calm fishing.

Caloosahatchee River

Let's zero in on an unbeatable spot in Fort Myers: the Caloosahatchee River. This isn't just any river – it's a unique blend of brackish waters where freshwater champs like largemouth bass and saltwater stars like snook and tarpon mingle. 

Picture yourself fishing off one of its many docks or piers or settling along its welcoming riverbanks. 

Here, the interplay between tidal movements and fresh water from inland creates an extraordinary fishing playground. Imagine reeling in an impressive catch with the picturesque Fort Myers scenery as your backdrop. So, whether you're casting from the shore or a boat, the Caloosahatchee River offers a serene yet exciting fishing experience.

Fishing Tournaments in Fort Myers

Fort Myers gets you covered if you want to try more competitive fishing. The best part is that your skill level doesn't matter. Everyone can find a good fit for themselves here – from casual, family-friendly gatherings to pro tournaments that only the best of the best attend. 

Here's a quick rundown of the most notable fishing tournaments in Fort Myers:

Ding Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament

This one is one of the most prestigious tournaments here in Fort Myers. As the name suggests, it's all about catching and releasing Tarpons. The tournament started in 2012 and has raised over $750,000 for conservation efforts in Fort Myers. Also, there is some jaw-dropping money to be made in this one as all entry fees go to the winners.

Fort Myers Beach Lion's Club Annual Fishing Tournament

The Fort Myers Beach Lion's Club Annual Fishing Tournament is a well-known event in the Fort Myers area. The organizers are a part of the charity, helping the local community in numerous ways, from solving environmental issues to solving the hunger problem – a family-friendly tournament for those who want to enjoy a casual day of fishing.

The Redfish Cup

As we said, there are pro tournaments in Fort Myers, and The Redfish Cup is a part of a more extensive series. It's known for its high level of competition and professional atmosphere. As the name suggests, you'll be catching Red Drum. Despite its competitive nature, the tournament emphasizes sustainable fishing practices.

The Snook Challenge 

This tournament honors one of the familiar residents of Fort Myer's waters – hence the name. The Snook Challenge is popular among beginner and intermediate fishermen and a local favorite.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses in Fort Myers

There is one thing that can ruin your fishing trip more than the wind – getting a couple of hundred dollars worth of fines for fishing without the proper license. 

Your potential fine will be issued by the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), so here's a brief overview of the regulations currently active in Fort Myers:

• Fishing License: You'll need a fishing license. You're required to get a separate permit for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Fort Myers has resident and non-resident licenses for different durations – short-term and lifelong. 

• Exemptions: However, some of you might not require a license. These include Floridians below 16 or above 65, active-duty military men and women, and people fishing from a pier holding licenses or licensed charter boats.

• Species-Specific Regulations: Florida also provides particular regulations such as size and bag limits for each fish species, and seasons that one has to consider. However, Such regulation may differ from one place or water to another.

• Catch and Release: Some areas and species are catch-and-release only, particularly for protected species or undergoing conservation efforts.

• Gear Restrictions: Some regulations govern the type of equipment you can use and the specific fishing methods. Some of these regulations protect particular species and their habitats.

• Conservation Efforts:  Florida has many conservation initiatives, such as protecting areas with restricted fishing or no fishing to protect marine species and habitats.

• License Purchase: You can get your license from numerous outlets in Fort Myers, through the FWC website, or by phone and have it sent to your email.

These are just some of the regulations active at the time of writing. Remember that these can change over time, so always check the FWC websites before you cast your line into the water.

Protected Fish Species in Fort Myers

Let's not forget that you can't keep everything you pull out of the water. Some species are overfished and endangered, so FWC had to prohibit these fish from being harvested: 

• Goliath Grouper: This species is fully protected and cannot be harvested in Florida waters. It is illegal to keep a Goliath Grouper, and it must be released if caught.

• Sawfish: All species of sawfish are critically endangered and protected under the Endangered Species Act. If accidentally caught, they must be released immediately.

• Nassau Grouper: This species is protected and cannot be harvested in Florida waters. Nassau Groupers are endangered due to overfishing and habitat destruction.

• Spotted Eagle Ray: Eagle Rays are also protected in Fort Myers waters due to their low reproductive rate, which makes population recovery extremely slow.

• Bonefish: Another species that is primarily catch-and-release in Florida. Harvesting bonefish is typically not allowed. 

These regulations may change over time, and new species may be added to the list. So, checking the FWC regulations is vital before your trip.

Final Thoughts

As we reel in the final lines of our Fort Myers fishing guide, we can guarantee a superb experience, an abundance of fish, and beautiful scenery.

One place can rarely provide so many opportunities for fishing – the sunlit Florida coastline is a haven for both beginners and pros.

Our ultimate guide has given you a good overview of fishing in Fort Myers, but if we need to include something else or have any questions, feel free to contact us in the comments below.