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Ready to reel in some serious action on the waters of Fort Myers? Captain Dalton Rybka and Fish Tank Charters have got you covered with a killer half-day trip that'll have you hooked from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this is the perfect chance to tangle with some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. We're talking Snook, Redfish, Trout, and more – all while soaking in the stunning scenery of Sanibel, Captiva, and Pine Island Sound.
From the moment you step aboard, you're in for a treat. Captain Dalton knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about putting you on the fish. We'll cruise through the crystal-clear shallows, hitting up all the local hotspots where the big ones love to hang out. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in our wake, manatees lazily cruising by, and all sorts of seabirds diving for their next meal. It's not just about the fishing – it's a full-on Florida nature experience.
No need to stress about bringing your own tackle – we've got you covered from rod to reel. Fish Tank Charters provides all the top-notch gear you'll need to land that trophy catch. We're talking light tackle setups perfect for battling inshore species, and live bait that'll have the fish going crazy. Captain Dalton will show you the ropes if you're new to the game, or swap stories and techniques if you're an old pro. And hey, no worries about licenses – we've got that sorted too. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a snack to keep your energy up.
Fort Myers is an angler's paradise, and we're right in the thick of it. Snook are the local celebrities, known for their acrobatic jumps and hard-fighting spirit. Redfish are always a crowd-pleaser, with their distinctive spot and bulldog determination. And let's not forget about the Sea Trout – these guys might not be the biggest, but they're a blast to catch and tasty to boot. Ladyfish, often called the "poor man's tarpon," will give you a run for your money with their speedy runs and aerial displays. And if you're lucky, you might even get a shot at the silver king himself – the mighty Tarpon. These monsters can top 100 pounds and will test every ounce of your fishing skills.
Snook: These linesiders are the pride of Florida's inshore waters. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be targeting mangrove shorelines, docks, and oyster bars. Spring and fall are prime Snook seasons, but they can be caught year-round. When a big Snook hits, hold on tight – they're known for explosive strikes and powerful runs.
Tarpon: The silver king is the ultimate game fish. These prehistoric beasts can grow over 6 feet long and put on a show like no other. We typically target them in late spring and summer when they're on their annual migration. Watching a 100-pound Tarpon go airborne is something you'll never forget.
Redfish: Also known as Red Drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. They've got a sweet spot on their tail that makes them easy to identify. Redfish love to cruise the flats and hang around oyster bars. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but we catch them year-round. They pull hard and don't give up easily – perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Sea Trout: Spotted Seatrout are abundant in the grass flats around Fort Myers. They're great for beginners because they're eager biters and put up a decent fight. Winter is the best time for gator trout (the big ones), but we catch them all year. These guys are a favorite for the dinner table too.
Ladyfish: Don't let their size fool you – Ladyfish are pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish in the bay. They're lightning fast and love to jump, earning them the nickname "poor man's tarpon." We catch these speedsters year-round, and they're a great way to keep the rod bent between bigger catches.
There's something special about fishing the waters around Fort Myers. Maybe it's the variety – where else can you target so many different species in a single trip? Or perhaps it's the breathtaking scenery, with white sand beaches and mangrove islands as far as the eye can see. But if you ask our regulars, they'll tell you it's the whole package. Captain Dalton's local knowledge, combined with the sheer abundance of fish and the natural beauty of the area, makes for an experience that's hard to beat. And let's be honest – there's nothing quite like the thrill of feeling that first tug on the line, not knowing if it's a feisty Ladyfish or a trophy Snook.
Look, we could go on all day about how awesome this trip is, but the truth is, you've gotta experience it for yourself. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, impress your buddies with your angling skills, or just escape the grind for a few hours, this half-day trip with Fish Tank Charters is the ticket. Captain Dalton's got room for up to four guests, so bring the whole crew or make some new friends on board. Just remember – the fish are always biting, but our calendar fills up fast. Don't miss out on your chance to make some serious fishing memories. Book your trip today, and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget. Tight lines and see you out there!
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.
July 19, 2022
Ladyfish might not be the biggest catch, but they're a blast on light tackle. These slender, silvery fish usually run 12-24 inches and are known for their acrobatics. You'll find them in shallow bays, canals, and along beaches, often in big schools. They're around year-round but really fire up when bait is thick. Anglers target ladyfish for their aggressive strikes and wild jumps when hooked. While not great eating, they make excellent cut bait for other species. To get into some ladyfish, try casting small jigs or spoons and retrieving quickly. Or use live shrimp under a popping cork. Watch for them skipping across the surface chasing bait - it's a sure sign they're feeding. These "poor man's tarpon" might not be glamorous, but they're guaranteed to put a bend in your rod and a smile on your face.

Spotted seatrout, or "specks," are a Fort Myers favorite. These silvery fish typically run 15-20 inches and are known for their speckled sides and canine teeth. You'll find them over grass flats and around docks in 3-6 feet of water. They're active year-round but really fire up in spring and fall. Anglers target trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor. They're not the biggest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers. To get into some trout, try drifting live shrimp under a popping cork over grass flats. Or work a soft plastic jig with a slow, twitching retrieve. Early mornings and late evenings are prime time. Listen for their distinctive "pop" as they attack bait on the surface - it's a dead giveaway. There's nothing like a mess of fresh trout for dinner after a day on the water.

Snook are a prized inshore catch around Fort Myers. These sleek, powerful fish typically run 1-3 feet long and put up an exciting fight. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structure in shallow coastal waters. They love ambushing bait, so look for snook hanging out in current seams or eddies. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temps warm up. Anglers chase snook for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Their light, flaky meat is also excellent eating when in season. To land a big one, try working a large topwater plug or live bait along mangrove shorelines early in the morning. Just watch out for their razor-sharp gill plates when handling them. Snook can be tricky, but hooking into a big one makes it all worthwhile.

Tarpon are the ultimate bucket list fish in Fort Myers. These massive silver monsters can top 100 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other. You'll find them rolling and gulping air in deeper channels and passes, especially on incoming tides. Spring and early summer are prime time as they migrate through. Anglers target tarpon for the thrill - their hard-hitting strikes and spectacular leaps make for an unforgettable battle. While not great eating, they're strictly catch and release. To hook up, try drifting live crabs or mullet on the tide. Tarpon have bony mouths, so a good hook set is key. Be ready to chase them down - these fish will run you all over the bay. Patience and persistence pay off when it comes to landing the "silver king." It's an experience you won't soon forget.

Redfish are a Fort Myers staple, known for their copper color and distinctive tail spot. Most run 18-27 inches, though bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water, often less than 2 feet deep. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love reds for their hard fights and excellent table fare. They'll crush topwater lures, making for exciting sight fishing. To land a big one, try working a gold spoon or soft plastic jerk bait along the edges of grass flats on an incoming tide. Keep an eye out for their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs - it's a dead giveaway. There's nothing quite like the thump of a big red inhaling your bait.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
Great Trip. Wish I had booked the whole day