Ready to chase some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species on the fly? Captain Tommy's got you covered with this half-day trip that'll have you casting to snook, reds, and maybe even tarpon in the rich waters around Fort Myers. Whether you're a seasoned fly angler or looking to try it for the first time, this charter is tailored to give you the best shot at hooking into some serious action.
You'll be hitting the water bright and early at 7 AM for a 5-hour run with Captain Tommy, one of Fort Myers' top fly fishing guides. This private charter is perfect for up to two anglers, so bring a buddy or have the boat to yourself. The captain's got licenses and cold water covered, but make sure to pack your fly gear - we're talking 8-weight rods for most of the action, maybe a 10-weight if the big tarpon are around. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility; Captain Tommy will read the tides, wind, and your skill level to put you on the fish that are biting best that day.
Fort Myers is a fly angler's paradise, with miles of pristine flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars that hold fish year-round. You'll likely start by poling the shallows, looking for tailing redfish or snook cruising the mangrove edges. Expect to do a mix of sight-fishing when conditions allow and blind-casting to likely holding spots. The captain might also run you to some deeper holes or passes if the tarpon are rolling. It's all about reading the water and adapting - that's the fun of inshore fly fishing.
Fort Myers has earned its stripes as a top-notch fly fishing destination for good reason. The diversity of species and habitats means you're always in the game, no matter the season. Spring and fall can be absolute fire for big snook and reds on the flats. Summer brings the tarpon migration, with shots at fish from 20 to 150 pounds. Even in winter, you can find tailing reds in skinny water on calm days. The year-round potential for an inshore slam (snook, redfish, and trout) keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Snook: The crowned prince of inshore fly fishing in Florida. These hard-fighting, line-stripping predators love to ambush bait around mangroves and docks. Watching a big snook crush your fly on the surface is pure adrenaline. They're most active in warmer months, with the fall mullet run being prime time.
Redfish: The bulldogs of the flats. Sight-fishing to tailing reds in skinny water is a fly angler's dream. These copper-colored brutes will test your drag system and your nerves. Look for them year-round, with fall being particularly good as they school up.
Tarpon: The silver king. Hooking into one of these prehistoric beasts on fly tackle is the pinnacle for many anglers. Fort Myers sees good numbers of tarpon from late spring through summer. Even smaller 20-40 pounders will give you the fight of your life on an 8-weight.
Sea Trout: Often overlooked but incredibly fun on light tackle. These speckled beauties have soft mouths and acrobatic fights. They're abundant year-round and make for great action when other species are being stubborn.
Crevalle Jack: The freight trains of the flats. When a school of jacks blows up on bait, it's chaos in the best way possible. These bruisers will test your backing knots and your stamina. They show up sporadically but are always a welcome surprise.
At $500 for two anglers, this 5-hour fly fishing adventure with Captain Tommy is a solid deal for a private, guided experience in one of Florida's best inshore fisheries. The early start means you're on the water during prime feeding times, and the flexible approach ensures you're always fishing the best pattern for conditions. Whether you're looking to check off your first inshore slam or just want to improve your fly casting in a target-rich environment, this Fort Myers charter delivers. Don't forget to pack sunscreen, polarized glasses, and a camera - you're gonna want proof of that monster snook or your first tarpon on fly. Book your spot now and get ready for some reel-screaming action!
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These aggressive fighters average 5-15 pounds but can top 30. You'll often spot them busting bait on the surface - just look for the birds diving. Jacks roam from the flats to nearshore reefs, always on the hunt. They'll hit just about any fast-moving lure or bait. Anglers love targeting jacks for their sheer power and stamina - be ready for long, blistering runs. To get in on the action, keep an eye out for feeding frenzies. Then cast a silver spoon or topwater plug into the fray and hang on. My go-to move is to work a popper walk-the-dog style right through the commotion. When a big jack slams it, you'll know why we call them "tuna with teeth"!
Redfish are one of our most popular inshore species. These bronze bruisers average 3-10 pounds but can top 40. You'll spot them tailing in shallow water or cruising mangrove shorelines. They love to root around oyster bars and grass flats for crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time as big schools gather to spawn. Anglers prize redfish for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To target them, look for nervous water or "push" wakes in skinny areas. A gold spoon or scented soft plastic worked slowly along the bottom often does the trick. My favorite tactic is sight-fishing to tailing reds with a weedless gold spoon - there's nothing like watching one pounce on your lure. Just be ready for that initial surge when they realize they're hooked!
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore fishing. These spotted beauties average 1-3 pounds but can reach over 5. You'll find them over grass flats and around oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Trout are fun light-tackle targets that'll hit a variety of lures and baits. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and decent fight for their size. Plus, they make great eating. To dial in the bite, try a popping cork rig with a shrimp or soft plastic underneath. Work it with sharp jerks to mimic fleeing bait. When you find one trout, there's usually more nearby. A limit of fat specks makes for a great day on the water.
Snook are a prized inshore species here in Fort Myers. These sleek, powerful fish typically run 1-3 feet long and put up an amazing fight. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and other structure in shallow water. They love ambushing bait, so casting close to cover is key. Spring and fall are prime seasons as snook move between backcountry areas and beaches. Anglers enjoy targeting them for the challenging sight fishing and acrobatic jumps when hooked. To up your odds, try free-lining live bait like pilchards or pinfish. Just remember, snook can be finicky - patience and stealth are crucial. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big snook crushing a topwater lure at dawn.
Tarpon are the kings of our inshore waters. These prehistoric giants can top 150 pounds and put on a show with their explosive strikes and wild aerial leaps. We find them rolling in deeper channels and basins or cruising the flats in 3-6 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time as tarpon migrate through. Anglers come from all over to battle these bucket-list fish on fly or light tackle. The fight can last over an hour with a big one. To hook up, we'll often sight-cast to rolling fish or soak live bait in likely spots. My top tip: when you see one coming, don't get rattled - make a smooth cast well ahead of the fish and let it find your bait. Landing a tarpon is an unforgettable rush.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 60