Sanibel Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Sanibel fishing trip is US $607, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $1,020 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

What are the top fish species I can catch in Sanibel?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Sanibel are:

What are the top fishing techniques in Sanibel?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Sanibel are:

What are the top types of fishing in Sanibel?

The top 3 types of fishing in Sanibel are:

Fishing in Sanibel

Sanibel fishing charters offer visiting anglers access to one of the best inshore fisheries in the country. This lucky island is surrounded by endless mangroves, grassy flats, oyster bars, and murky bayous. All just a short boat ride away, this variety of rich fishing grounds means that the hardest thing about fishing here is going to be choosing where to wet your lines!

The island is a true playground for inshore fanatics and boasts an impressive list of prized species year-round. Whether it’s Redfish, Sheepshead, and Speckled Trout – perfect for novice anglers – or tougher targets like Snook, Permit, Pompano, and Tarpon, the area’s experienced captains will put you on some excellent action within minutes of setting off.

A half day trip here has a good shot of giving you one of the most productive mornings of your fishing career. In the winter, the long low tides and clearer waters can give you a solid six hours of shallow-water sight casting bliss. In the summer, a broad range of species come barreling into town, and if you’re in pursuit of your next trophy catch, a full day trip is worth the money.

The fierce competition around Sanibel breeds skilled, dedicated captains and guides whose families have often been working these waters for generations. From Redfish Pass to the Sanibel Lighthouse, you’ll be able to find charter boats anywhere on the island. Simply decide where you’d like to go and book a charter nearby to maximize your fishing time.

Rules & Regulations

All registered Sanibel fishing charters will include licenses for everyone onboard. If you’re striking out on your own though, you will need a saltwater fishing license for anyone aged 17 or over. Also, keep in mind that certain species have strict bag limits and seasons so be sure to get informed before booking your trip.

Sanibel

4.8 / 5

Based on 28545 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Sanibel Fishing Seasons

January

January may be "low season" for many inshore species, but that means little in an area with such great fishing as Sanibel! Snook, Redfish, Trout, and Ladyfish are all here year round, so go get 'em!

February

The low tides and rainfall make flats fishing great this time of year. There are plenty of great fish to target, and the water clarity makes for some unbeatable sight fishing.

March

The first schools of migratory Tarpon roll into town in March. The low rainfalls also make for perfect sight casting. This all rolls together to make some of the best Tarpon fishing you could ask for!

April

The Edison Big Snook Tournament kicks off at the beginning of April, with anglers arriving from all over to enjoy the great catches and fun fishing atmosphere the event promises. Why not give it a shot?

May

May is peak Tarpon season and is the time for the Ding Darling & Doc Ford Tarpon Tournament. Sign up for the chance to catch the biggest Silver Kings and being rewarded for your efforts.

June

June is an awesome time to head out past the shallow flats and hit the local reefs instead. You will be met by a ton of tasty Grouper and Snapper, and will have a great time catching them!

July

The Tarpon are still biting strong well into July, and the Redfish, Snook, and Trout are all going crazy, too. This makes it a great time for almost any style of angling if you don't mind a bit of rain.

August

Many of the migratory Tarpon start to move off in August, but can still kick around way after this. August is the hottest and wettest month of the year in Sanibel, so sight casting may be rained out on the flats.

September

The sheer variety of species you can target in September is staggering: Redfish, Trout, Snook, Tarpon, Permit, Pompano, Sheepshead, Ladyfish - it's surprising there's any space left in the shallows!

October

By October the very last of the migratory Tarpon move on, but it is still peak season for big Snook. Fancy something a little different? Try heading to slightly deeper waters to target Goliath Grouper!

November

Pompano hit the water in big numbers in November, so why not join them? You will also find plenty of Spanish Mackerel, as well as great catches of all the permanent species.

December

low rains, low tides, and lower temperatures make for dream conditions in December. The whole family will love relaxing on Bowman's Beach while you enjoy the great fishing right alongside them!

Sanibel Fishing Calendar

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What anglers said about fishing in Sanibel

Not worth trolling in the beginning to mid-June—we tried for an hour fishing for mahi and didn’t get a single bite—end up bottom fishing and had a blast for the next 2.5 hours.

5.0 / 5

Not worth trolling in the beginning to mid-June—we tried for an hour fishing for mahi and didn’t get a single bite—end up bottom fishing and had a blast for the next 2.5 hours.

Lip’n Lees Charters Kansas City, MO

Plan a second day of fishing if you have time. Great experience.Wonderful location.Captain Mike picked us up at the boat dock at Tween Waters on Sanibel where we were lodging. No wasted time getting started.Every minute counts when your having this much fun.

4.7 / 5

Inshore Excursions LLC - Sanibel Fountain, Colorado

Plan a full day and spend the money! Be flexible and Let the captain do his thing!

5.0 / 5

Plan a full day and spend the money! Be flexible and Let the captain do his thing!