Fort Myers Inshore Fishing | Fish Tank Charters

Published Date: July 22, 2025
Fishing

Fort Myers
$500 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Join Captain Dalton Rybka of Fish Tank Charters for a 4-hour inshore fishing trip in Fort Myers, Florida. You'll head out to prime spots in Sanibel, Captiva, and Pine Island Sound to target popular gamefish like snook, redfish, trout, and mackerel. The shallow waters here are teeming with life - keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and seabirds as you fish. This trip is great for all skill levels, from first-timers to experienced anglers. Bring the whole family or a group of friends - the boat can take up to 4 guests. Everything you need is provided, including rods, reels, bait, and licenses. Just show up ready to fish and have a good time. Captain Dalton will get you on the fish and share local knowledge about the area. It's a laid-back day on the water with plenty of action. Book your spot and get ready for some quality fishing in one of Florida's most beautiful coastal areas.

Fort Myers Inshore Fishing | Fish Tank Charters

Inshore Action Shots

Snook and smiles! #SnookFishing

Snook on the line!

Snook and redfish combo!

Two snook fish caught while fishing in Fort Myers

Double snook catch! #FishingFun

Fort Myers Inshore Fishing: Reel in the Action

Ready to get your line wet in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Captain Dalton Rybka of Fish Tank Charters is your go-to guide for an unforgettable day on the flats around Fort Myers. Whether you're chasing that trophy snook or just want to bend a rod with the family, this 4-hour trip has got you covered. We'll cruise the scenic waterways around Sanibel, Captiva, and Pine Island Sound, putting you on the fish while soaking in the natural beauty of Southwest Florida.

What to Expect on the Water

From the moment you step aboard, you'll feel right at home on Captain Dalton's well-equipped vessel. We've got everything you need for a successful day of fishing - rods, reels, tackle, and live bait are all included. No need to sweat the details; your Florida fishing license is covered too. As we head out, keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins, gentle manatees, and a variety of seabirds that call these waters home. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, Captain Dalton's got the know-how to put you on the fish and make sure you're having a blast doing it.

Techniques for Inshore Success

We'll be using a mix of tried-and-true inshore fishing techniques to target the area's most sought-after species. Expect to do some light tackle casting along mangrove shorelines for snook and redfish, or perhaps some drift fishing over grass flats for speckled trout. If the mackerel are running, we might break out the spoons for some fast-paced casting action. Captain Dalton keeps a close eye on tides, weather patterns, and seasonal migrations to maximize your chances of a successful trip. He'll gladly share his local knowledge, helping you improve your skills whether you're a novice or an old salt.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: These hard-fighting linesiders are the crown jewels of inshore fishing in Southwest Florida. Snook love to hang around structure, especially mangrove shorelines and dock pilings. They're known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. The best time to target them is during their spring and fall migrations, but they can be caught year-round in the right spots.

Goliath Grouper: True to their name, these massive fish can grow to over 800 pounds! While we catch and release these gentle giants to protect the population, hooking into one is an experience you won't soon forget. They tend to hang around structure like reefs and wrecks. The thrill of battling one of these monsters on rod and reel is hard to beat.

Tarpon: Known as the "Silver King," tarpon are prized for their spectacular leaps and challenging fights. These prehistoric fish can grow over 200 pounds and put even experienced anglers to the test. Peak tarpon season runs from late spring through summer, with May and June being prime months. Landing one of these silver beauties is often a bucket-list achievement for many anglers.

Sea Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these tasty fish are a staple of inshore fishing. They're often found over grass flats and around oyster bars. Trout are great for anglers of all skill levels and can be caught using a variety of methods, from live bait to artificial lures. They're available year-round but tend to be most active in the cooler months.

Ladyfish: Don't let their size fool you - these small but mighty fish punch well above their weight class. Often called the "poor man's tarpon" for their acrobatic leaps, ladyfish are a blast on light tackle. They school up and can provide non-stop action when you find them. Perfect for keeping kids engaged or for anglers who love a fast-paced bite.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish - though they're a big part of it! The waters around Fort Myers offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and angling opportunity. One minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in gin-clear shallows, the next you're marveling at a family of dolphins playfully riding your wake. Captain Dalton's local knowledge ensures you're not just fishing, but experiencing the best Southwest Florida has to offer. From the thrill of the catch to the serene moments between bites, this trip delivers memories that'll have you planning your next visit before you even get back to the dock.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to get in on the action? Fish Tank Charters' 4-hour inshore trip is the perfect way to experience the rich fishing grounds of Fort Myers. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to the joys of fishing, test your skills against some of Florida's hardest fighting species, or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water, Captain Dalton's got you covered. With all gear provided and his expert guidance, you're set up for a day of success on the water. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so when you're ready to commit, you're locking in your chance at some world-class inshore fishing. Don't let that trophy catch slip away - book your trip with Fish Tank Charters today and get ready for a fishing adventure you won't forget!

Customer Reviews

Great Trip. Wish I had booked the whole day

Eric Doerper

July 23, 2022

We had a wonderful time with Captain Dalton. And he worked hard to put us on the fish and avoid the weather that came in unexpectedly. We will use him again next time we come to SW Florida.

Marcus James

July 19, 2022

Learn more about the species

Goliath Grouper

Goliath Grouper are the giants of our local waters. These massive fish can grow over 8 feet long and weigh up to 800 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and other structure in depths from 20 to 100 feet. Summer is prime time when they gather to spawn. Goliaths are catch-and-release only, but hooking one is an experience you won't forget. They put up a stubborn, powerful fight - be ready for your arms to burn. We target them with heavy tackle and big baits like large jacks or stingrays. My tip is to use circle hooks to make release easier. When you see that huge brown shape come up, it's pretty awe-inspiring. Just remember to keep them in the water for a quick photo before letting them go. These prehistoric-looking fish are a unique part of our ecosystem here.

Ladyfish

Ladyfish might not be the biggest catch, but they're one of the most fun. These slender, silvery fish typically run 1-3 pounds and are found in our bays and passes year-round. They're most active in summer and fall, often schooling up and feeding on the surface. Ladyfish are famous for their acrobatics - they'll leap and tail-walk across the water when hooked. Light tackle is the way to go for maximum enjoyment. Try small jigs or spoons and retrieve them quickly. My tip is to use a long-shank hook to prevent cutoffs from their sharp teeth. While they're not great eating, ladyfish make excellent cut bait for other species. When you see a school busting bait on top, cast into the frenzy and hold on - it's non-stop action that's perfect for getting kids excited about fishing.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore fishery here. Most run 15-20 inches, though gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them on grass flats, around oyster bars, and near mangroves in 2-4 feet of water. They're active year-round but really turn on in spring and fall. Trout are great for both novice and experienced anglers - they're aggressive feeders and put up a nice fight on light tackle. The meat is delicious too, with a mild, sweet flavor. I like to target them with soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. Work it with quick jerks to mimic a fleeing baitfish. When you see that flash of silver and spots, you know you're in for some fun. Sea trout are a perfect species to introduce kids to saltwater fishing.

Snook

Snook are one of our top inshore targets here in Fort Myers. These powerful fish typically run 24-36 inches and put up an amazing fight. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and other structure in the shallows. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are just right. Snook are prized for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps - they'll test your skills for sure. The meat is excellent too, with a delicate flavor. When targeting snook, I like to use live pilchards or pinfish on a circle hook. Let that bait swim naturally by the structure and hold on tight when a snook slams it. Just remember, these guys are catch-and-release only from December through February to protect the spawning population. Landing a big snook is definitely a highlight for many of our guests.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of Florida fishing. These prehistoric beasts can top 6 feet and 150 pounds, with most running 80-100 pounds. You'll find them rolling in our passes and backcountry from spring through fall. May and June are peak months as they migrate through. Tarpon are famous for their spectacular aerial displays - when one goes airborne, it's a sight you won't forget. They're pure muscle and will test your stamina during long battles. We typically sight fish for them in 3-6 feet of water using live bait or artificial lures. My go-to rig is a circle hook with a live crab - let it drift naturally in the current. Patience and stealth are key. Hook into one of these giants, and you'll see why tarpon are a bucket-list fish for many anglers.

About the Sea Chaser

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready for some laid-back fishing fun in Fort Myers? Hop aboard with Captain Dalton Rybka of Fish Tank Charters for a 4-hour inshore adventure. You'll cruise the scenic waters around Sanibel, Captiva, and Pine Island Sound, casting lines for prized catches like snook, redfish, trout, and mackerel. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife too – dolphins, manatees, and seabirds often make guest appearances. This trip is perfect whether you're a fishing pro or trying it for the first time. Bring along family, friends, or come solo – the boat comfortably fits up to 4 guests. Captain Dalton provides all the gear, bait, and licenses you'll need, so you can focus on relaxing and reeling in some great fish. Soak up the Florida sunshine, enjoy the coastal breeze, and create some fantastic memories out on the water. Just remember to book in advance and note that deposits can't be refunded. Get ready for a chill day of fishing in one of Florida's most beautiful spots!