Sanibel & Captiva Fishing Report – Nearshore Reef Fishing is Red Hot with Capt. Hunter Tinsley! According to Capt. Hunter Tinsley of Endless Summer Charters, “The water has never looked better—and the nearshore bite is on fire.” Just a few miles off Sanibel and Captiva, the reefs are loaded with life. From snapper and Permit to grouper, mackerel, and the occasional snook, anglers are finding nonstop action. “We’ve had days where it’s fish-on as soon as the bait hits the bottom,” says Capt. Hunter. “The reefs are super productive right now—perfect for people who want steady action without going too far offshore.” Capt. Hunter adds that nearshore trips are ideal for families, especially those returning to Sanibel for the first time since Hurricane Ian. “There’s something about being out there on a calm day, clear water all around you, with the rods bent and everyone smiling. That’s what it’s all about.” These reef trips aren’t just about fishing—they’re a great way to reconnect with the water, see dolphins, spot sea turtles, and enjoy the incredible recovery of Sanibel’s coastline. ?️ Endless Summer Charters offers private charters with experienced, local captains, Bill, CJ & Hunter, who love what they do. Whether you’re looking to fill the cooler, catch-and-release, or just enjoy the ride, each trip is tailored to your crew. ? Let your guests know that Sanibel’s nearshore reefs are thriving. Endless Summer Charters is the go-to for families, couples, and groups looking for fun, safe, and exciting adventures on the water. ? Ready to go? Book now! The water is beautiful. The reefs are alive. And the fish are biting—come see it for yourself! Angela Hammond Charter Coordinator Endless Summer Charters, Inc

Tarpon season is in full swing along the waters of Sanibel and Captiva Islands, and Endless Summer Charters is making waves with its exceptional success targeting the prized “Silver King.” Known for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs, tarpon are a bucket-list catch for anglers, and this year’s migration is offering some of the best action in recent memory. Led by the seasoned team of Captain Bill Hammond, Captain CJ LaFauci, and Captain Hunter Tinsley, Endless Summer Charters has been consistently hooking into tarpon during the peak of their migration along the Gulf Coast. With decades of combined experience, these captains have honed their expertise in reading tides, tracking bait schools, and understanding the subtle patterns of tarpon behavior that change with the season. “We’ve been on the fish every day,” said Capt. CJ. “They’re moving through the passes and staging off the beaches. Knowing when and where to be is everything, and this year, the timing has been spot-on.” Captain Bill, known for his calm demeanor and strategic instincts, added, “The tarpon started showing strong in April, and the bite has only improved. We’re seeing solid numbers from Captiva Pass down to Knapps Point, and the early morning outgoing tides have been lights out.” Captain Hunter, who specializes in nearshore and beachside approaches, noted the importance of adapting to the tarpon’s ever-shifting habits. “They’re keyed in on crabs and threadfins this year. Matching that bait profile and presenting it just right has made all the difference.” Endless Summer Charters’ success is no accident. Their intimate knowledge of tarpon migratory routes, behavior patterns, and local waters sets them apart as one of the premier charter operations in Southwest Florida. The team focuses not just on putting clients on fish, but creating an unforgettable experience for seasoned anglers and first-timers alike. Tarpon season near Sanibel and Captiva typically peaks from May through early July — so the time to book is now. Ready to hook the Silver King? Book your tarpon adventure today with Endless Summer Charters.

Great news! Big 200 pound plus Tarpon are showing up in the Caloosahatchee River. Book your charter now through end of July for the chance to reel in this sought after beauty beauty of a fish they call “Silver King”. Spring is almost here which means Tarpon are making their way back to SW Florida! Tarpon are sought after for not only for their beauty but the pure adrenaline rush you get once you hook in to one. Tarpon, of course, being only a sport fish. The SW Florida coast is a unique experience. Here in the Lee County Gulf of Mexico coast we have a shallow and slowly sloping bottom. We don’t have the large reefs of the Florida Keys or the huge drop-offs of the East Coast of Florida. What we do have is Tarpon and LOTS of them. There’s more than one reason we are called the “Tarpon Capitol of the World”. One reason is the fact that the very first tarpon was caught right here Tarpon Bay on the bay side of Sanibel Island. It was the first tarpon caught on hook and line. That started the ball rolling. When the word got out sports fishing anglers from around the globe came in droves to catch this magnificent fish and have the fight of their lives. They soon found out that the migration of the tarpon took them from off Fort Myers Beach to the north tip of our county, Lee. At the north end of Lee County is Gasparilla Island, home of Boca Grande. South of Boca Grand is the famous Boca Grande Pass. Boca Grand Pass is know for three things, deep water, Tarpon and lots of shark! The nutrient rich waters of Charlotte Harbor empty into the Gulf of Mexico through Boca Grande Pass. The waters carry what we call around here, pass crabs. These crabs are like candy to tarpon and they will pile up in layers waiting for their crunchy goodness. Boca Grande Pass actually has Rules and Regulations of fishing. Along with the ecologically responsible anglers and guides came the money hungry tournament anglers. What was once a gentleman’s sport became a “take no prisoners” kind of fishing. The boats got faster, fishing style over the top and testosterone running higher than ever. Luckily, in recent years the efforts of the responsible anglers have won out! Sure, there’s the occasional yahoo that doesn’t know the etiquette of Boca Grande. For the most part we are returning to responsible angling here in the Sanibel, Captiva and Fort Myers Beach areas. Capt. Bill and Capt. Matt practice responsible angling. This means you’ll get the best experience while fishing the fair and guilt-free way. We respect tarpon as one of the greatest species of fish in the oceans. Our Silver Kings are something to admire and we want to see them coming back to SW Florida for generations to come. Anglers can spend thousands, tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars in pursuit of the famed Tarpon off Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers Beach, Cayo Costa and Gasparilla islands. Hiring a Tarpon guide affords you the best opportunity to catch this magnificent fish and check it off your bucket list as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Presidents and Billionaires have for decades. All with little effort on your part by having the best Tarpon guides Southwest Florida. Capt. Bill and Capt. CJ have put many anglers on these elusive fish and released hundreds if not thousands of the chrome beauties for numerous seasoned as well as amateur anglers. To book your Sanibel flats fishing charter please go to our BOOK NOW page and simply choose a 6 or 8 hour tarpon charter in April, May, June or July. You will not be disappointed in your hunt and catch of a lifetime. Go to Endless Summer Charters to make reservations for the 2021Tarpon Season - Dates are going fast.