Expert-Guided Fort Myers Inshore Fishing Charter

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Fort Myers, FL
$500 - $700 price range

Summary

Looking to reel in some local favorites in Fort Myers? Captain Tommy's got you covered with a 5-hour inshore fishing trip that's perfect for anglers of all skill levels. You and a buddy will head out at 7 AM to target species like Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and Mangrove Snapper. The captain tailors each trip to match your experience and what you're hoping to catch. No need to worry about licenses or bringing water – it's all included in the $500 price tag for two people. The half-day charter gives you plenty of time to fish prime spots and learn some new techniques from an expert guide. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Captain Tommy will make sure you have a great day on the water. Remember to book early to get your preferred date, and you've got free cancellation up to three days out if plans change. Get ready for a fun, laid-back day of fishing in some of Florida's best inshore waters.

Expert-Guided Fort Myers Inshore Fishing Charter

Inshore Catches of the Day

Part 1 of the Estero slam ! #redfish

Spotted Weakfish caught in Fort Myers, Florida

Sean loves his trout

Spotted Weakfish caught while fishing in FL

Part 2 of Mr Kennys slam

Jimmy caught his 1st Redfish along with many other 1st today

Reel in Fort Myers' Finest: Inshore Fishing

Ready to chase some of Florida's most prized inshore species? Captain Tommy's got you covered with this half-day trip that'll have you casting lines in Fort Myers' most productive waters. Whether you're itching to land your first snook or you're looking to add a redfish to your personal best, this 5-hour charter is your ticket to some serious rod-bending action. We're talking about the kind of fishing that'll have you grinning from ear to ear and maybe even hollering "Fish on!" loud enough for folks back on shore to hear.

What's the Deal?

Here's the lowdown: You and a buddy will hop aboard Captain Tommy's skiff at the crack of dawn - we're talking 7 AM sharp. Don't worry, the early start is worth it when you're hooking into fish while most folks are still hitting the snooze button. This isn't some cattle boat where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers. Nope, it's just you, your fishing partner, and the Cap'n, which means plenty of one-on-one time to pick his brain about everything from reading the water to perfecting your cast. And get this - your fishing license is covered, so all you need to bring is your game face and maybe a snack to keep you going.

Flats and Mangroves: Your Playground

So what's the game plan? Well, that depends on what's biting and where they're hiding. Captain Tommy's got a sixth sense when it comes to finding the fish, and he'll adjust the tactics based on conditions and your skill level. One minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish on the flats, the next you could be pitching jigs under mangroves for snook. It's all about reading the water and staying on the move. And don't sweat it if you're new to this - the Cap'n's got patience for days and he'll have you feeling like a pro in no time. Just be ready to learn some new tricks and maybe even discover muscles you didn't know you had from reeling in the big ones.

Anglers Can't Stop Talking

"Tommy is very knowledgeable about the water ways in Southwest Florida. I booked him and caught an inshore slam! Very impressed with his knowledge and guidance!" - Angela

What's on the Line?

Snook: These bad boys are the rockstars of inshore fishing. Known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, snook will test your skills and your gear. They love to hang around structure, so get ready to make some pinpoint casts. Spring and fall are prime times, but Captain Tommy knows how to find them year-round.

Sea Trout: Don't let their name fool you - these aren't your average trout. Speckled sea trout are ambush predators with a serious appetite. They're a blast on light tackle and make for some excellent eating if you decide to keep a few. Look for them around grass flats and dropoffs, especially during the cooler months.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are the bulldogs of the flats. They'll put up a stubborn fight that'll have your drag singing. Redfish love to tail in shallow water, making for some heart-pounding sight fishing opportunities. Fall is fantastic for reds, but you can catch them all year in Fort Myers.

Crevalle Jack: Want a real workout? Hook into one of these speedsters. Jacks are pure muscle and will run you ragged. They show up in big schools and when they do, it's non-stop action. Spring and summer are your best bets for these hard-fighting fish.

Lane Snapper: These tasty little guys might not be the biggest, but they're a blast to catch and even better on the dinner plate. You'll find them around rocky bottoms and reefs. They bite well year-round, but summer can be particularly good.

Time to Wet a Line

Look, here's the deal - fishing with Captain Tommy isn't just about catching fish (though you'll do plenty of that). It's about soaking in the beauty of Fort Myers' waterways, learning from a local expert, and maybe even surprising yourself with what you can do with a rod and reel. At $500 for two anglers, it's a steal for a private, tailored experience that'll leave you with stories to tell and skills to show off. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and Captain Tommy's ready to put you on 'em. Book your spot now and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner.

Customer Review

Inshore Slam Success

Tommy is very knowledgeable about the water ways in Southwest Florida. I booked him and caught an inshore slam! Very impressed with his knowledge and guidance!

Angela Hernandez

April 29, 2024

Learn more about the species

Crevalle Jack

Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our bay waters. These aggressive predators typically run 3-10 pounds, but 20+ pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them busting bait schools in open water or around bridge pilings. They feed aggressively year-round but are most active in warmer months. Jacks aren't known for subtle takes - they absolutely crush lures and bait. Once hooked, they pull like a freight train. While not the best table fare, they're one of the hardest fighting fish pound-for-pound. To find them, watch for diving birds or bait spraying on the surface. Throw a topwater plug or silver spoon into the fray and hang on. Quick tip: Use a wire leader to prevent cutoffs from their sandpaper-like mouths.

Lane Snapper

Lane snapper are a great eating fish we catch around reefs and hard bottom areas. They average 10-14 inches but can reach up to 20 inches. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water, often mixed in with other snapper species. Lane snapper feed most actively at night, so evening trips can be productive. They put up a decent fight for their size with quick bursts and head shakes. The real draw is their sweet, mild meat - perfect for a fish fry. To target them, use small hooks with cut bait or squid near the bottom. A hot tip is to chum heavily to draw them in, then drop your bait right into the feeding frenzy. When you find a school, you can often catch your limit quickly.

Redfish

Redfish are one of our most popular inshore species, and for good reason. These bronze bruisers average 22-27 inches in the bay, but bull reds over 40 inches cruise the passes. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or prowling mangrove shorelines in 1-3 feet of water. They're most active spring through fall. Redfish put up a stubborn fight, using their broad tails to power away from the boat. They're also great eating, with a sweet, mild flavor. For sight fishing, look for their copper bodies or waving tails in clear shallows. A gold spoon or weedless jerk bait worked slowly is hard to beat. Pro tip: When you spot a school, cast well beyond them and drag your lure into the group to avoid spooking them.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a blast to catch in our shallow waters. Most run 14-20 inches, but gator trout over 24 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them over grass flats and sandy potholes in 2-6 feet of water. They love to ambush bait, so a slow retrieve with a soft plastic or live shrimp is deadly. Fall and winter are prime time as the trout school up. These fish aren't known for long runs, but they'll shake their heads and make quick dashes. The meat is delicious - light and flaky. For consistent action, try drifting grass flats at dawn or dusk. A popping cork rig with a live shrimp is tough to beat. When you find a school, you can usually catch several before they wise up.

Snook

Snook are one of our top inshore targets here in Fort Myers. These sleek predators average 24-36 inches but can grow over 4 feet long. Look for them around mangroves, docks, and other structure in 1-4 feet of water. They're ambush feeders, so work your lure or bait right along the edges. Snook fishing is best spring through fall when water temps are warm. They put up an amazing fight with powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. The meat is excellent too, with a mild flavor similar to sea bass. For the best shot at a trophy, fish the outgoing tide with large live baits like mullet or pinfish. Cast right up against the mangroves and hold on tight - when a big snook hits, you'll know it!

About the 2 Fish Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 60

Ready for some laid-back inshore fishing in Fort Myers? Join Captain Tommy for a 5-hour private charter that's all about having a good time on the water. You and a buddy can hop aboard to target local favorites like snook, redfish, tarpon, and mangrove snapper. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, Captain Tommy's got you covered. He'll tailor the trip to match your skills and what you want to catch. No need to worry about licenses or staying hydrated - they're included in your $500 total for two people. The boat heads out at 7 AM, giving you prime morning fishing time. And if plans change, no sweat - you can cancel up to three days before without any hassle. Book your spot now to get the best of Fort Myers fishing with a knowledgeable local guide.

Sitemap