Best Fishing Charters in Fort Myers for Families: A Seasonal Guide for Anglers
If you’re planning a fishing trip in Southwest Florida and are wondering what fish are biting in Fort Myers back bay, you’re in the right place. Fort Myers fishing is one of the most recognized activities on this side of the state, which may take you anywhere from inshore to offshore fishing to scenic locations like Sanibel Island or Pine Island. The back bays in Fort Myers are rich waters for inshore anglers year-round. Fort Myers back bay waters have all the right ingredients: mangrove shorelines, grass flats, oyster beds, tidal creeks, and lots of species of game fish that come and go as the seasons change.
Whether you’re a local seasoned angler or a visitor wanting to catch your first snook, it sure helps to know what fish are in season. At Luck o’ The Irish Fishing Charters, we are family friendly and make it our mission to ensure every angler has a wonderful and safe experience, no matter the age. We have fished these waters every day and know precisely what is biting — and when.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect to catch in Fort Myers back bay based on each season, as well as some tips on how to do your best to boat fish and experience the beauty and abundance of nature and wildlife around you while you’re fishing.
Why the Fort Myers Back Bay Is a Fishing Hotspot
The Fort Myers back bay system encompasses Estero Bay, Matanzas Pass, and the protected waters behind Sanibel and Pine Island. Surrounded by magnificent beaches, these areas offer an exquisite environment for experiencing backcountry fishing. These shallow, calm areas can be more enjoyable than deeper offshore fishing, as you will spend less time traveling to reach a location that offers excellent opportunities to catch fish.
Mangroves, sea grass beds, and oyster bars provide a rich habitat for baitfish, which in turn brings predators (snook, redfish, sea trout, etc.) to you. Fishing is very accessible and family-friendly, and it is more productive than fishing elsewhere at any time of the year. While fishing, you will likely have a chance to see birds and dolphins, which adds to the excitement of your trip, as well as the natural beauty provided by the back bays.
Seasonal Fishing Calendar: What’s Biting and When
Spring (March – May)
As the water starts getting warm, spring generates some of the best fishing for the year in the back bay.
- Snook begin to become active again, leaving their winter hiding spots and aggressively feeding in shallow water.
- Redfish like to be around oyster beds and edges of mangroves.
- Spotted Sea Trout are abundant in grass flats, especially early in the morning.
- Tarpon also start their migration into the area, especially in late spring — a benefit for any fisherman.
- Spanish mackerel will also be an excellent catch for spring fishing – a great fighting fish that is also an excellent eating fish.
- Cobia can be caught occasionally in the spring, particularly around structures or in passes.
Top Baits: Live shrimp or topwater plugs at dawn.
Summer (June – August)
In the back bay, summer is a time for diversity and excitement.
- Tarpon are abundant in the area, famously the deeper passes and the channels.
- Mangrove snapper have schooled up to give you fun light tackle action — great for families or kids.
- Snook are still feeding heavily, especially with structure and moving water.
- Jack Crevalle, a challenging fish, usually comes in explosive schools.
- Permit, a prized catch; mainly in the summer months.
- Barracuda can be targeted on deeper wrecks and reefs offshore.
Summer nearshore trips are a fantastic way to target permits and barracuda. If you’re fishing in the summer, be sure to fish early or late in the day to avoid the heat of the day and have a better opportunity to catch feeding fish.
Best Baits: Live shrimp and pinfish, cut bait, or soft plastic swimbaits.
Fall (September – November)
As cooler weather arrives, fish begin to school up and feed in preparation for winter.
- Redfish are the highlight of the fall. Large schools chase bait across the flats and around mangroves.
- Snook are still available, especially on outgoing tides, as they are still catching snook.
- Sheepshead are starting to show next to docks and pilings.
- Sea Trout will return to the grass flats in good numbers.
Fishermen going further out in the fall might run into amberjack in deeper water; it’s a great game fish found around offshore reefs and wrecks.
This is one of the most consistent periods for inshore fishermen in Fort Myers.
Top Baits: Shrimp, jerkbaits, or live finger mullet.
Winter (December – February)
It may be getting cooler, but don’t be fooled by winter temps- back bay fishing is productive all winter long!
- Sheepshead grow into a regular catch. With black stripes and great tasting fillets, they tend to “hang” around structures.
- Black Drum are regularly seen, confused with redfish and get big in the winter.
- Spotted Sea Trout school in deeper holes or channels.
- Pompano and flounder appear, though these are less frequent.
Grouper and goliath grouper are popular targets with anglers who take offshore trips in the winter.
Cold fronts can slow things down for a short time, but as soon as the weather settles, the action returns.
Top Baits – Live shrimp on jig heads or bottom rigs.
What’s Biting Right Now in Fort Myers Back Bay? (July 2025 Update)
As of July 2025, anglers fishing in the Fort Myers back bay are hooking into:
- Large snook with early morning topwater plugs and live whitebait
- Mangrove snapper around docks and oyster bars, a good way to have some light tackle fun
- Tarpon still around in deeper channels and passes
- Much jack crevalle and ladyfish to keep the rods bent
Bringing the correct fishing equipment is very important in order to maximize your chances of success and get the most out of your time.
Our guests at Luck o’ The Irish Fishing Charters are experiencing consistent action on half-day trips, especially during the sunrise/break of the day. Each trip is a single charter trip, so your group is the primary focus of attention and safety. Don’t wait too long to book to get the best tides! We are committed to delivering a memorable experience for all our guests on every fishing charter.
Fishing Trips and Regulations in Fort Myers Back Bay
Fishing trips in the Fort Myers back bay are a true saltwater fishing dream for anglers of all backgrounds. Here’s how to enjoy an exciting day of fishing in Fort Myers: Since the back bays provide an abundance of sheltered waters with Sanibel Island and Captiva Island behind them, you may encounter hidden mangrove creeks, scenic grass flats, and the wildlife that is special to the area. Regardless of whether you’re casting from your own boat or taking a guided charter, the back bay offers opportunities for fishing many different species, such as sea trout and snook.
Before you cast your next line, it is important to note the local regulations. The communities and waterways of Fort Myers and the surrounding bay are managed effectively to preserve fish stocks and wildlife, which is a big reason fisher people come from far and wide to the area. The Florida state fisheries license states that all anglers over the age of 16 years must have a valid Florida fishing license. Some species of fish have a bag and size limit or a variation depending on the time of year. Regulations are important to remember so you can continue to enjoy and sustain fishing trips that will last for years to come.
Tips for Back Bay Fishing Success
Fishing the back bay is about more than just dropping a line — here are a few local tips to increase your odds:
- Tide Timing Matters: Fish bite best around moving water. Incoming and outgoing tides trigger feeding activity.
- Stay Stealthy: Shallow-water fish, such as snook and redfish, spook easily—quiet approaches and long casts help.
- Use Live Bait: Shrimp, pilchards, and finger mullet are top producers in these waters.
- Book a Charter: Fishing with a local captain provides expert guidance and puts you on fish faster. We handle the bait, gear, and all fishing licenses — show up ready to catch!
Plan to ensure the perfect trip by considering the distance from your lodging to the marina and making arrangements accordingly.
Fish with Luck o’ The Irish Fishing Charters
Ready to see what’s biting in Fort Myers back bay for yourself? At Luck o’ The Irish Fishing Charters, part of the Fort Myers Fishing Adventures experience, we offer private back bay, inshore, and nearshore fishing charters year-round. Our unique charter service features amenities like a private marine toilet on board for your comfort. Whether you’re chasing snook, heading offshore into the Gulf of America, or want a relaxing day on the water, we’ve got a trip that fits your crew. Trips can depart from Salty Sam’s Marina or Punta Rassa, with destinations like Cayo Costa available for fishing, shelling, or eco-tours. You can even have an enjoyable combined trip of fishing and shelling day. Remember to take a pause so you can enjoy the views or grab a bite. If you are on our website or exploring the local attractions, enjoy your slice of Paradise!
- Family-friendly and beginner-welcoming
- All gear, bait, and licenses included
- Local guides with years of experience
- Departing daily from Fort Myers Beach
Let’s go fishing — book your Back Bay adventure today at luckycharters.com or give us a call to check availability.
Tight lines, and we’ll see you on the water! 🎣