If you are looking for charters in Fort Myers, then you have come to the right place. There are five charters that stand out from the rest due to their high ratings, impressive features, and low price.
When planning a fishing trip in sunny Fort Myers, you cannot go wrong with any of the charters listed below. However, you should definitely continue reading so you can compare their offering and decide which one is the best option for you.
Let’s get started.
Best Fishing Charters in Fort Myers
Indigenous Charters
One of the best fishing charters in all of Forty Meyers is Indigenous Charters with captain Tyler Carner. He is a third-generation, southwest Florida native who has been fishing these waters for more than 20 years. His experience and overall customer service will show you what a great day on the water is all about.
His charter boat is a 24’ Southern Cross bay boat powered by a 250 HP Yamaha engine that fits 5 people. He will provide the fishing licenses, rod’s & reels, bait and everything you need to have a great day out on the water.
If you are looking for the best bang for your buck I’d recommend booking an 8-hour charter. That will allow you to target a variety of species and give you enough time to hit a variety of spots and catch plenty of fish.
Location: Fort Meyers
Boat Specs
Southern Cross (Bay boat) originally built in 2019. Powered by a 250HP Yamaha engine.
- Length 24 ft
- Capacity 5 persons
Target Species
- Tarpon
- Flounder
- Gag Grouper
- Goliath Grouper
- Redfish
- Mangrove Snapper
- Snook
- Spotted Seatrout
Captain Jack’s Fishing Charters
If you are looking for an incredible time out on the water and want to catch a variety of fish than captain jack from Captain Jack’s Fishing Charters is your guy. His goal is to help you make you some memories of a lifetime.
One of his most popular trips that he offers is his 4-hour trip. On this trip you’ll the chance to catch a variety of species and get to experience all the Forty Meyer has to offer.
On his charters everything is supplied on the boat including licenses, rod & reels, tackle, bait etc. He will also bring a cooler with water and Gatorade and guest are welcome to bring any drinks or snacks.
He runs a 23’ vessel that can handle anything out on the water as is the perfect fishing boat for waters of Southwest Florida. It fits up to 5 people.
Captain Jack has been fishing these waters his whole life and has a great reputation as a great angler and guide. If you book with him, you’ll have a great time and catch a lot of fish.
Location: Fort Myers
Boat Specs
Aqua Star (Bay boat) originally built in 1977, and restored in 2017. Powered by a 250HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 45 knots.
- Length 23 ft
- Capacity 5 persons
Target Species
- Redfish
- Tarpon
- Cobia
- Goliath Grouper
- Permit
- Blacktip Shark
- Sheepshead
- Mangrove Snapper
- Snook
- Spanish Mackerel
- Spotted Seatrout
- Tripletail
Capt. Charlies Fishing Charters
Another great fishing guide in Fort Myers Florida is Charlie from Capt. Charlies Fishing Charters. He has the boat, gear and local knowledge you need if you are looking to have a great day out one the water.
One of the great things about going out with Charlie is that he realizes everyone is at a different skill level and likes to fish differently. During your trip, you can troll, jig, spin, pop, and drift your way into some great catches depending how you like to fish.
Like the other fishing charters mentioned in this list all bait, licenses, and gear come included. All you need to worry about is your food and drinks and plenty of sunscreen.
Captain Charlie is very knowledgeable, helpful and a great overall guide. Your group will enjoy your experience and it will be something they won’t forget.
Location: Fort Myers
Boat Specs
AquaSport (Center console) originally built in 1998. Powered by a 115HP Yamaha Four Stroke 2016 engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 37 knots.
- Length 20 ft.
- Capacity 5 persons
Target Species
- Cobia
- King Mackerel
- Redfish
- Mangrove Snapper
- Snook
- Tarpon
- Tripletail
Captain Jay Get Reelin’
If you are looking for a knowledgeable and personable guide who can put you on some of the hottest bites without having to go too far out, look no further. Captain Jay from Get Reelin Guide service is your guy.
Jay has quite the resume with a ton of experience and knowledge about fishing on Fort Meyers. In fact, he has even been featured on the ‘brag board’ of the ‘Costal Angler’ magazine with some of his catches.
He will take you on a fishing adventure inshore and to the backcountry waters for anything that is biting and in season. You’ll most likely be targeting Redfish, Snook, Spotted Seatrout, Sheepshead, Mangrove Snapper, and Jack Crevalle.
Regardless of your experience captain Jay run you through the basics before you make your first cast and assist you throughout the day’s adventure. He enjoys sharing is knowledge and skill with complete beginners, kids and those with a lot of experience.
Location: Fort Myers
Boat Specs
Sea Ox (Center console) originally built in 1990. Powered by a 150HP Yamaha engine.
- Length: 21 ft
- Capacity: 4 persons
Target Species
- Jack Crevalle
- Redfish
- Sheepshead
- Mangrove Snapper
- Snook
- Spotted Trout
Fish Getter Charters
If you are looking for a knowledgeable guide and a good time than book a trip with captain Lance from Fish Getter Charters for a personalized fishing experience in Cape Coral Florida which is about 8 miles from Fort Meyers.
When fishing with captain lance you can choose from a variety of family friendly outings, from inshore fishing to dolphin watching and local sightseeing. He is happy to customize your trip and ensure you have a great experience.
His boat comfortably fishing up to four anglers. Children of all ages are welcome and will especially enjoy targeting speckled trout and sheepshead. More experienced anglers looking for a challenge might prefer hunting down some Redfish and Snook.
Location: Cape Coral (8 miles away from Fort Myers)
Boat Specs
Tide Water (Center console) originally built in 2011. Powered by a 150HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 35 knots.
- Length: 21 ft.
- Capacity: 4 persons
Target Species
- Cobia
- Flounder
- Jack Crevalle
- Permit
- Redfish
- Mangrove Snapper
- Snook
- Speckled Trout
Guide to Fishing in Fort Myers
Fort Myers is one of Florida’s top fishing destinations. Fort Myers offers year-round access to some of the most productive salt and freshwater fisheries in the state of Florida. Making it a hard location to be pretty much any time of the year. Whether you want to fish from shore, head out on a charter boat to the gulf or spend the day out on a freshwater lake. There is a lot of great fishing to discover.
Best time to Fish Fort Myers
Fort Myers offers some great fishing opportunities year-round. The best time to fish Fort Myers will depend on what species you are targeting. The best time to fish for Cobia, Sharks, Tarpon, Sea Trout is May to September. The late winter and early spring is a great time to target Redfish and Grouper.
What You Can Expect to Catch
Snook
One of the most prized catches of Fort Myers inshore fishing is Snook. The brackish waters of the Caloosahatchee River are overflowing with Snook. Snook are known for being a great tasting fish but also for being a challenge to catch.
Redfish
Redfish are a popular and fun fish to target in Fort Myers. Their size and fight make it a rewarding and challenging experience. The best season to target redfish in is May to September to November. There isn’t a closed season for Redfish however January to February that can be more challenging to catch.
Mangrove Snapper
Another fun fish that you might run into while fishing in Fort Myers is Mangrove Snappers. The best time to fish for these Snappers are April to November. There isn’t a closed season but they are harder to catch December through March.
Tarpon
Famously known as the “Silver King,” the Tarpon is one most popular and fun fish to target. They average around 12- lbs in size, with some even weighing in way past 200 lbs. These fish will be sure to give you a catch of a lifetime.
The best time to target Tarpon in Fort Myers is May to July. If you want to catch tarpon be sure to book well in advance as the high season is a super popular time to go. Low season for these fish is considered to be January to February and October to December. There also isn’t a closed season for Tarpon.
Spotted Seatrout
If Spotted Seatrout is your desired catch the best time to go is April to June. Low season for these fish is considered to be November to December. However, you can target and catch them throughout the year. They are a popular fish to target and are fairly easy to catch.
Cobia
Much like other species fishing for Cobia can vary throughout the year. The best time to target them is April and September to October. The most difficult time to catch them is January and December.
Jack Crevalle
Another fun fish to catch and one that you might run into while out on the water is Jack Crevalle. Jack Crevalle fishing in Fort Myers varies through the year. The best time to target these fish is April to November. Low season for is considered to be January to March and December. However, you can catch and target them throughout the entire year.
Goliath Grouper
Goliath Groupers are another popular and big fish to target in Fort Myers. The best time to fish for these big fish is April to October. January to March tends to be a bit more challenging part of the year to catch Goliath Grouper but it can certainly be done.
For more information about fishing in Fort Myers, Florida check out this article: What to Know about Fort Myers Fishing for some great insight. You can also learn more about booking a fishing charter at fishingbooker.com
Cost of a Fishing Charter
If you are looking to book a fishing charter in Fort Myers, you might be wondering what you should expect to pay. Much like most things the prices will vary depending on the trip length, target species/techniques and the time of the year.
With that being said on average you can expect to pay around $500 for a 4-hour private fishing charter. For an 8-hour private charter your trip will cost around $700.
Also keep in mind that the average sized boat in Fort Myers is a 23 ft. and the most common type of vessel is a Bay boat.
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