Sanibel's Best 3/4 Day Inshore Fishing | Fish Tank

Published Date: October 29, 2025
Fishing

Fort Myers
$550 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Join Captain Dalton Rybka for a 6-hour inshore fishing trip in the beautiful waters of Sanibel, Captiva, and Matlacha. You'll be in for non-stop action as you target snook, redfish, trout, and other local species. This trip is great for families, solo anglers, or small groups looking to experience some of Southwest Florida's best fishing spots. Captain Dalton provides all the gear, bait, and licenses you'll need, so you can focus on reeling in the big ones. As you cruise the waters, keep an eye out for dolphins and manatees - they're frequent visitors in these parts. The trip leaves at 8 am from various convenient locations, giving you a full day on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, you'll get expert guidance and plenty of opportunities to hook some impressive catches. It's a perfect way to spend a day enjoying the natural beauty and abundant fishing of this special coastal area.

Sanibel's Best 3/4 Day Inshore Fishing | Fish Tank

Rods Bent, Lines Tight

Snook slam in Fort Myers! The fight was real.

Snook caught while fishing in Fort Myers

That Fort Myers Snook grin! A beautiful catch.

Three Black Drum fish caught during a fishing trip in Fort Myers

Targeting Snook & Redfish today. Fort Myers is hot!

Two spots are better than one! Snook action in FL.

Reel in the Action: 3/4 Day Inshore Adventure

Get ready to experience some of the hottest inshore fishing Southwest Florida has to offer with Fish Tank Charters LLC. Captain Dalton Rybka knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the fish. This 6-hour trip covers the prime spots around Sanibel, Captiva, and Matlacha, targeting the hard-fighting inshore slam: snook, redfish, and trout. But don't be surprised if you hook into something unexpected – that's the beauty of these waters!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off bright and early, meeting up at 8 AM. The beauty of inshore fishing is you're never far from the action. We'll cruise through mangrove-lined channels, skirt oyster bars, and work the flats – all prime territory for our target species. Captain Dalton's got a sixth sense for where the fish are holding, and he'll have you on them in no time. Expect a mix of sight fishing and working structure, depending on conditions. And keep your eyes peeled – it's not uncommon to spot dolphins playing in the wake or a manatee lumbering by. This trip is perfect for anglers of all levels, from first-timers to seasoned pros looking to refine their inshore techniques.

Gear and Tactics

We'll be using light to medium tackle, perfect for the inshore species we're after. Captain Dalton provides top-notch equipment, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you prefer. We'll be employing a variety of techniques throughout the day. Expect to throw soft plastics, work topwater lures, and maybe even do some live bait fishing if that's what's getting the job done. The captain will show you the ropes on everything from proper casting techniques to reading the water. And don't worry about licenses or bait – it's all included in your trip. Just bring your game face and be ready to land some fish!

Top Catches This Season

While we can't guarantee what'll be biting on any given day, our recent trips have been on fire. Anglers have been hauling in slot-sized redfish left and right, with a few gators (oversized reds) mixed in for good measure. The snook bite has been insane during the early mornings and late afternoons, with fish crushing topwater lures. And let's not forget about the trout – we've been finding some real gators lurking on the deeper grass flats. It's not uncommon for clients to hit the inshore slam (snook, redfish, and trout) on these trips. Who knows, you might even run into a bonus tarpon or shark to really get your drag screaming!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: These are the rock stars of inshore fishing. Known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, snook will test your skills and your gear. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be working mangrove shorelines and oyster bars. The bigger ones can top 40 inches, and trust me, when a big snook decides to eat, it's a moment you'll never forget.

Redfish: Ah, the beloved red drum. These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among inshore anglers for good reason. They pull like a freight train and can be sight-fished in shallow water, which is always a rush. We find them tailing on the flats or cruising the mangroves. Redfish in our area typically range from 18 to 30 inches, but don't be surprised if we run into some bigger bulls.

Trout: Spotted seatrout might not have the glamour of snook or redfish, but they're a blast to catch and great eating if you're looking to take some fish home. We usually find them over grass flats, and they're suckers for a well-presented soft plastic. The average size is 15 to 20 inches, but gator trout pushing 25 inches or more aren't uncommon.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. The waters around Sanibel, Captiva, and Matlacha are some of the most beautiful you'll ever wet a line in. Crystal clear flats, winding mangrove tunnels, and the occasional glimpse of Florida wildlife make every trip unique. Captain Dalton's laid-back attitude and wealth of local knowledge ensure you're not just catching fish, but learning about the ecosystem and picking up tips to improve your angling skills. Many clients walk away with not just a cooler full of fish, but a deeper appreciation for this slice of fishing paradise.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about the fishing, but at some point, you've just got to experience it for yourself. This 3/4 day trip with Fish Tank Charters LLC is the perfect way to get a real taste of what Southwest Florida inshore fishing is all about. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some world-class gamefish or a family wanting to make some lasting memories, Captain Dalton will put you on the fish and ensure you have a blast doing it. The boat's limited to 4 guests, so you get plenty of personal attention and fishing time. Just remember to bring some sunscreen, a hat, and your favorite pair of polarized sunglasses – the Florida sun can be intense out on the water. Oh, and don't forget your camera – you're gonna want proof when you're telling your buddies about the monster snook you landed. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Give Fish Tank Charters LLC a call and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, after one trip, you'll be hooked!

Learn more about the species

Snook

Snook are a prized catch in our local waters. These sleek, powerful fish typically run 1-3 feet long, with some monsters pushing 4+ feet. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structure in shallow inshore areas. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temps change. Snook put up an amazing fight - they're known for explosive runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your skills. Their firm white meat is delicious too, though most anglers do catch-and-release. To boost your odds, try fishing the outgoing tide with live bait like pinfish or pilchards. Work your bait right up against the mangroves - that's where the big ones hide. And be ready when they hit - snook have sandpaper-like mouths that can wear through lighter line fast.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the kings of our inshore waters. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow over 6 feet long and 150 pounds. You'll find them rolling and gulping air in deeper channels and along beaches, especially in late spring and summer. Tarpon fishing is all about the thrill - when hooked, they put on an aerial show like no other, leaping and thrashing. It's pure adrenaline. While not great eating, the fight alone makes them a bucket-list catch for many anglers. To up your chances, fish the early morning hours with live mullet or crabs. Look for "laid up" tarpon in backcountry basins on hot days. When you hook one, bow to the king - lower your rod tip when they jump to avoid a break-off. Be ready for a long battle - these fish don't give up easily.

Redfish

Redfish are one of our most popular inshore targets. Also called red drum, these copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches, with some bulls pushing 40+ inches. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water, often with their backs out of the water as they root for crabs. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Reds put up a great fight, with strong runs and head shakes. They're also excellent eating fish. To land more reds, try sight-fishing with light tackle and small soft plastics. When you spot a tailing fish, make a quiet cast well ahead of it and slowly work your lure into its path. And watch for that distinctive tail - it's often the first thing you'll see.

About the Sea Chaser

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Get ready for 6 hours of non-stop fishing action with Captain Dalton Rybka of Fish Tank Charters LLC. This 3/4 day inshore trip takes you to the best spots around Sanibel, Captiva, and Matlacha, targeting snook, redfish, trout, and other local species. Perfect for families, solo anglers, or groups of up to 4, you'll benefit from expert guidance and quality gear while soaking in the beauty of Southwest Florida's waters. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins and gentle manatees as you cast your line. All the essentials are covered - bait, licenses, and equipment. The adventure kicks off at 8am from various convenient locations. A non-refundable deposit secures your spot. Don't miss this chance to create lasting fishing memories in one of Florida's most scenic coastal areas.