Snook, redfish, seatrout, tarpon. Those are just a few of the large collection of salt-water fish that call the shores of Sanibel Island home. If you're an avid angler, you've arrived at one of the top fishing areas in all of Florida...and arguably the entire country! Cruise along grass flats and oyster bars and spot large schools of fish ready to take a bite out of your bait, or inquire about deep-sea charters that explore the colorful Gulf of Mexico. There's plenty of options for all skill levels of fishermen.
Fishing Charters
Bear Charters
"Fish like a bear" and get a different perspective for salt-water fishing with Captain Chris Gillespie and Patrick Ewald. Their shallow-water skiff will take you through near-shore mangroves that lie in and around Captiva, Sanibel, Pine Island Sound, and the Caloosahatchee River. All the necessary gear is provided for a day out on the water.
Contact: (239) 225-5640
Endless Summer ChartersWith daily departures from beautiful Port Sanibel Marina, Endless Summer Charters offers private fishing charters, shelling tours and sightseeing excursions off-shore Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Boca Grande, Ft. Myers Beach (Estero Island) and the many surrounding areas of Lee County. Enjoy a spacious 25-foot bay boat (partially shaded) for up to six passengers looking for a great day on the water. Contact: Angela@EndlessSummerCharters.net; (239) 691-1966 Santiva Salt Water Fishing Team
With an "unparalleled knowledge of the local eco-system, Santiva's chartered trips range from the two-hour "Afternoon Delight," to eight-hour "Catch a Fish Guarantee," where if your crew comes back empty handed, your guide will eat a live bait fish right in front of you!
Contact: santivacharters@comcast.net; (239) 472-1779 or 1-800-671-1361
Tarpon Bay Explorers
Hop aboard a pontoon boat for six and enjoy back-bay saltwater fishing in the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Tarpon Bay's experienced captains will take you on a two-hour minimum tour of the refuge as you fish snook, redfish and spotted seatrout, all while taking in the natural beauty of this unique wildlife setting. The guided boat rental comes with rod and reel, tackle, bait, and a license for each member of your crew.
Contact: (239) 472-8900
Sanibel Island Inshore/Offshore Fishing
Experienced fishermen staying at our luxury vacation rental can take advantage of renting a private 21-foot Boston Whaler outboard motorboat, perfect for in-shore and off-shore fishing around Sanibel Island. Before you plan a day out on the water, be sure to sign-up for a fishing license. You can purchase a license at a number of Sanibel Island locations, including Bailey's General Store or the Tarpon Bay Recreation Center.
A recommendation: you're visiting between April and July, during the annual Tarpon migration, head up to the east end of Sanibel Island, anchor up, and use light to moderate tackle.
For more information on the area's artificial reefs, visit www.Lee-County.com.