Reef fishing is hot today.
October 22, 2023 Fort Myers Beach 7 photos
Snapper (Lane)
Snapper (Lane)
Snapper (Mutton)
Snapper (Mutton)
Grunter (Javelin)
Grunter (Javelin)
Bonito
Bonito

Trip Summary

Fishing Report: Date: [Insert Date] Location: Gulf Waters Today's fishing excursion on the Gulf was eventful, with a total of three reef stops and some notable sightings. The weather conditions were near perfect, contributing to a great day on the water. On our way to the second reef, we encountered a promising sign – birds diving and fish jumping, indicating active marine life in the area. Almost immediately, we had a hookup, landing a Bonita from the tuna family. When prepared correctly, Bonita can offer a delicious meal. Throughout the day, we had some challenging moments with three line breaks caused by large, powerful fish. These encounters added an extra layer of excitement to our trip. Our last stop of the day yielded some good results. We successfully caught several lane snappers, totaling over 30, along with more than 20 white grunts. Among our catches, there was an encounter with a massive fish, estimated to be between 4 to 5 feet long. Unfortunately, this elusive fish managed to break our 30-pound fluorocarbon line, leaving us to wonder if it was a formidable shark or perhaps a giant grouper. Weather-wise, we experienced smooth seas with 2-3 foot swells during the initial part of the trip. However, the return journey provided an almost flat sea, making for a delightful and comfortable ride back. Overall, it was an exciting day filled with action and intrigue, showcasing the diverse marine life of the Gulf.
Mike Chandler
Fort-myers-beach, Florida, United States
Charters N Paradise thumbnail
Charters & Fishing Trips (now Federally Licensed) 4-Hour Trip Perfect for families and beginners, these trips offers a fun introduction to Gulf Coast fishing. Venture either backwaters (no waves) or nearshore reefs just offshore for an exciting catch....

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January fishing report Fort Myers Beach
January fishing report Fort Myers Beach
January 7, 2025
**Fort Myers Beach January Fishing Report** January brings cooler waters and some of the best fishing opportunities of the year to Fort Myers Beach, Florida. This month, anglers are thrilled to see the **sheepshead** making their return in big numbers. These hard-fighting, stripe-patterned fish are congregating around docks, pilings, and jetties, especially in areas rich with barnacles and oysters. Live shrimp or fiddler crabs are the go-to baits to hook these delicious fish, known for their challenging bite and excellent flavor. The backwaters are alive with action, as **ladyfish**, affectionately known as "mini tarpon" by locals, are providing non-stop fun. These feisty fish are abundant and put on a spectacular aerial show, much like their larger namesakes. They’re a perfect target for light tackle anglers looking for fast-paced action. Small jigs, soft plastics, or live shrimp under a popping cork will keep your rod bent all day. Meanwhile, **snook** remain a popular target despite the cooler water temperatures. They’re hanging out in deeper holes, warm canals, and near mangroves, where they wait to ambush prey. Focus on fishing during sunny afternoons when the water warms slightly, and use live bait like shrimp or pilchards, or slow-rolled soft plastics and jerkbaits to entice a bite. With plenty of sheepshead, "mini tarpon," and snook biting, January is shaping up to be a fantastic month for fishing in Fort Myers Beach. Whether you’re looking for a great fight or something for the dinner table, the waters are full of opportunity. Tight lines!
Continue reading
January fishing report Fort Myers Beach
January fishing report Fort Myers Beach
January 7, 2025
**Fort Myers Beach January Fishing Report** January brings cooler waters and some of the best fishing opportunities of the year to Fort Myers Beach, Florida. This month, anglers are thrilled to see the **sheepshead** making their return in big numbers. These hard-fighting, stripe-patterned fish are congregating around docks, pilings, and jetties, especially in areas rich with barnacles and oysters. Live shrimp or fiddler crabs are the go-to baits to hook these delicious fish, known for their challenging bite and excellent flavor. The backwaters are alive with action, as **ladyfish**, affectionately known as "mini tarpon" by locals, are providing non-stop fun. These feisty fish are abundant and put on a spectacular aerial show, much like their larger namesakes. They’re a perfect target for light tackle anglers looking for fast-paced action. Small jigs, soft plastics, or live shrimp under a popping cork will keep your rod bent all day. Meanwhile, **snook** remain a popular target despite the cooler water temperatures. They’re hanging out in deeper holes, warm canals, and near mangroves, where they wait to ambush prey. Focus on fishing during sunny afternoons when the water warms slightly, and use live bait like shrimp or pilchards, or slow-rolled soft plastics and jerkbaits to entice a bite. With plenty of sheepshead, "mini tarpon," and snook biting, January is shaping up to be a fantastic month for fishing in Fort Myers Beach. Whether you’re looking for a great fight or something for the dinner table, the waters are full of opportunity. Tight lines!
Continue reading