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Five Ways to Catch a Fish in Fort Myers & Sanibel

From piers, bridges and shorelines, to deep sea casting and backcountry boating, the Fort Myers and Sanibel region can spoil you with its fishing opportunities, so it really is no surprize that the area has gained a reputation as a ‘fisherman’s paradise’. Here are five satisfying ways to catch a fish in Fort Myers and Sanibel…

1. Inshore Fishing

Looking for snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, sheepshead, jack crevalle or mangrove snapper? Inshore fishing in Fort Myers and Sanibel offers some simply superb year-round in shore fishing opportunities, so make your way to the mangrove shorelines, beaches, open flats, bridges, piers, docks and the many passes and inlets to the Gulf of Mexico.

2. Offshore Fishing

Want to hook shark, grouper, bonito, barracuda, permit, black fin tuna, cobia or Sapanish and king mackerel? There are plenty of natural and artificial reefs offshore for this kind of fishing.

3. Tarpon Fishing

Sports-fishing for tarpon is a big hit in this part of the world because of the largest tarpon migrations in the world takes place off the shores here each April, May and June. Some even reside here year-round, but migration season is the best time to ensure success at this sport. Boca Grande Pass is even known as ‘The Tarpon Capital of the World’.

4. Freshwater Fishing

You can freshwater fish all year long here, and you’ll be spoilt for choice with the bass, crappie, blue gill and catfish. Anglers use cane poles, plug casting outfits, spinning reels or fly rods. Baits of choice include plastic worms, wild shiners, artificial lures, crickets (in the spring) and fly-fishing flies.

5. Boat Fishing

Looking for grunts, grouper, lane and mangrove snapper or Spanish and king mackerel? Then find the party… Offshore commercial party boats post no age limits, do not require a fishing license and supply all the tackle.

Don’t let the big one get away: book yourself a stay at the beachfront Best Western PLUS Beach Resort Hotel. When you’re not busy fishing, you can soak up uninterrupted views of the Gulf of Mexico from your private balcony.