Cape Coral is a hotspot for snowbirds, and with its relatively warm winter temperatures, it's easy to see why. Trout and Redfish are biting well on the flats. Otherwise, test your strength against a Goliath Grouper in the backcountry.

February is one of the coldest months of the year, and a lot of fresh and saltwater favorites will make the most of the warmer waters in Cape Coral's extensive canal system. Look for Snook, Sheepshead, and Largemouth Bass.

As the waters warm up, nearshore and offshore fishing improves. Cobia follow the current northwards past the local reefs and can be great fun to catch. Red Grouper move closer in and can be caught on full day trips.

Head to Fort Myers Beach and the back bays to catch the influx of Tarpon, which becomes the talk of the town. Hungry Snook, Trout, and Redfish emerge from their winter hideouts and cause mayhem in the backcountry and flats.

Tarpon fishing gets even better as they move northwards towards Boca Grande Pass. Watch out as anglers jostle to catch a Silver King 24/7. The local artificial reefs are bustling with Kingfish, Cobia, and Permit.

Temperatures get very hot during the day, and both fish and people tend to run for cover. Look for fish in the colder waters by creek mouths or head out to the flats to target Sharks. Offshore, the Snapper and Grouper bite is excellent.

This is the rainy season, and afternoon showers can come and go quickly but intensely. The best fishing is in the early morning when fish gather around jetties and piers. The offshore bottom fish bite remains very good. 

The fish can be lethargic in hot shallow water. Look for Snook on the flats as they travel towards the backcountry lakes, or try night fishing around deep channels and bridges in the Caloosahatchee River. Bottom fishing is good offshore.

September is the end of the rainy season in Southwest Florida, but there is a risk of hurricanes. The water temperatures are still hot, but cold fronts may start to appear. Look out for Redfish spawning at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. 

October is a transition month for fishing in Cape Coral. As the temperatures drop, Redfishing picks up. The tides are low, making flats fishing extra rewarding. At the end of the day, visit Florida's largest Oktoberfest.

The weather settles into its fall patterns. Cobia are migrating southwards back down the coastline, and Tarpon fishing comes to a close with the cold fronts. The Redfish bite is extremely good in the backcountry and flats.

This is a good time for inshore fishing – the waters are clear and January's cold fronts have not yet arrived. Catch Snook and Redfish if it's warm and big Trout if it's not. Get in the festive spirit at the Christmas Boat Parade.