What Fish Are Biting in Fort Myers Back Bay? | Fort Myers Fishing Charters Guide

If you’re planning a fishing trip in Southwest Florida and wondering what fish are biting in Fort Myers back bay, you’re in for a treat. These sheltered inshore waters are a haven for anglers of all experience levels — from first-timers to serious sport fishers. With calm waters, abundant sea life, and scenic mangrove shorelines, back bay fishing offers a unique and rewarding experience year-round.

At Luck o’ The Irish Fishing Charters, we specialize in Fort Myers back bay fishing charters that put you right on the fish. Whether you’re launching from Fort Myers Beach or exploring the waters around Estero Bay and San Carlos Bay, there’s always something biting.

Let’s take a look at the species you can expect to catch throughout the year, what’s biting right now, and why a back bay charter is the perfect way to experience Fort Myers fishing.

Why Choose Back Bay Fishing in Fort Myers, FL?

Fort Myers is famous for its pristine coastline, but the back bay areas are where the magic happens for inshore anglers. Protected from strong winds and rough water, these shallow bays and estuaries offer year-round action and a variety of species.

What makes the back bay so productive?

• Mangroves, oyster bars, and grass flats create the ideal habitat for baitfish and crustaceans.
• These attract predatory game fish, such as snook, redfish, sea trout, sheepshead, and tarpon.
• The calm, shallow waters make for an enjoyable day — even for young kids or those new to fishing.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed, scenic, and action-packed day on the water, back bay fishing charters in Fort Myers are the way to go.

What Fish Are Biting in Fort Myers Back Bay? (By Season)

Spring (March – May)

Spring is the start of peak fishing season in the back bay. As water temperatures rise, fish become more active and easier to target.

• Snook begin moving out of winter hideouts and feeding aggressively.
• Find Redfish around oyster bars and mangrove edges.
• Spotted Sea Trout stack up on grass flats, especially in the early morning.
• Tarpon start appearing in deeper channels as they begin their annual migration.

This is one of the best times of year to book a Fort Myers fishing charter and experience a mix of species and steady action.

Summer (June – August)

Summer brings warm weather and hot fishing in the back bay.

• Tarpon are a significant target — big, strong, and acrobatic, they offer an actual bucket-list experience.
• Mangrove Snapper provide fun action and tasty fillets, great for anglers of all ages.
• Snook continue to bite, especially around moving water and shaded structure.
• Jack Crevalle and ladyfish appear in large schools for fast-paced action.

Early morning trips beat the heat and offer the best bite. This is an excellent time for Fort Myers Beach fishing charters, especially for families looking for light tackle fun.

Fall (September – November)

Fall means cooler air, active fish, and less boat traffic — an excellent combo for anglers.

• Redfish school up and feed aggressively ahead of winter.
• Snook remain active and often feed on outgoing tides.
• Sea Trout return to the flats in good numbers.
• Sheepshead begin to show up near docks and rock structures.

If you’re looking to avoid crowds but still enjoy excellent fishing, fall is one of the best times to explore the Fort Myers back bay.

Winter (December – February)

Even in the cooler months, Fort Myers back bay fishing stays productive.

• Sheepshead become a prime target around docks, pilings, and rock piles.
• Black Drum and spotted sea trout are typical, especially in deeper holes and channels.
• Pompano and the occasional flounder add variety to the winter catch.

Cold fronts can affect fishing patterns, but with the right tides and a local guide, you can still enjoy a successful trip. Our Fort Myers fishing charters operate year-round, adjusting to current conditions.

What’s Biting Right Now? (July 2025 Update)

As of July 2025, the Fort Myers back bay is alive with summer action:

• Snook are hitting topwater lures at sunrise and live bait in moving water.
• Mangrove snapper are plentiful around docks and oyster bars.
• Tarpon are cruising channels and bridges in the early morning.
• Ladyfish and jack crevalle are keeping rods bent throughout the day.

This is an ideal time to book a Fort Myers Beach fishing charter for light tackle excitement and the opportunity to catch big snook or tarpon.

Essential Fishing Techniques and Gear for Fort Myers Back Bay

To have a successful Fort Myers Beach fishing trip, mastering the proper techniques and using the right gear will prove invaluable. The back bay is a saltwater fishing paradise, with an abundance of sea trout, redfish, snook, and more, as well as the occasional tarpon. Regardless of your experience level, having some of the basics will help you maximize your time, as a fisherman.

Choosing the Right Gear: Selecting the proper fishing gear is key to targeting the diverse species found in the back bay. Light to medium spinning rods are ideal for inshore and backwater fishing, giving you the sensitivity needed for sea trout and the backbone to handle hard-fighting snook or redfish. For those looking to catch snook or target redfish, braided line paired with fluorocarbon leaders offers the stealth and strength needed in these clear, shallow waters. Suppose you’re heading out on nearshore fishing charters. In that case, your captain will often provide specialized tackle for species like king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, grouper, and snapper.

Techniques That Work:

Live bait such as shrimp or pilchards is a go-to for many local guides, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs can also be highly effective, especially at sunrise or sunset. Drifting over grass flats in Estero Bay or casting near mangrove edges in the Caloosahatchee River are proven methods for catching trout and redfish. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, nearshore trips out of Salty Sam’s Marina can put you on larger species like cobia, kingfish, and even red snapper.

Licenses and Local Knowledge:

Don’t forget—Florida law requires a valid fishing license for most anglers, whether you’re a resident or visiting from out of state. The good news is that most fishing charters, including those departing from Fort Myers Beach, provide all necessary fishing licenses so that you can focus on the fun. Booking with a local guide not only ensures you’re fishing legally, but also gives you access to the best fishing spots and up-to-date techniques for the season.

Comfort and Convenience:

Many unique charter services offer amenities like a private marine toilet on board, making your trip more comfortable—especially for families or longer outings. Whether you’re planning a single charter for a solo adventure or a family-oriented trip, you’ll find options to suit every group. Charters often supply all the necessary fishing gear, bait, and tackle, so all you need to do is show up and enjoy the experience.

Famous Destinations and Sustainable Fishing:

The back bay isn’t the only action destination. World-famous destinations like Cayo Costa and Sanibel Island are also close by with beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and tons of fish. When fishing these spots, always handle your catch respectfully and follow local regulations regarding size and bag limits to help maintain these amazing fisheries for future generations. In addition, don’t use Peiko illegal substances and use reef-safe sunscreen instead of spray sunscreen when fishing to protect the marine environment.

Tips for a Memorable Experience:

To make your Fort Myers fishing trip truly unforgettable, bring along essentials like water, snacks, and sun protection. Ask your captain about the best times and techniques for the species you want to catch, and don’t hesitate to let them know if you’re interested in targeting something specific—like a trophy snook or a family-friendly day catching snapper and trout.

Fort Myers Beach fishing charters provide a distinctive combination of adventure, comfort, and world-class fishing. Whether you are exploring the back bay, headed out to offshore fishing hotspots or simply enjoying a day with family, fishing trips with Fort Myers Beach fishing charters are sure to get your excitement flowing. With the right gear, expert guidance, and a spirit of fun, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Why Book a Back Bay Fishing Charter?

Sure, you can launch your boat or fish from shore, but nothing beats the expertise and convenience of a local fishing guide. At Luck o’ The Irish Fishing Charters, we take the guesswork out of your trip.

• All bait, tackle, licenses, and gear included
• Friendly, experienced captains who fish these waters daily
• Private charters tailored to your group’s goals and skill level
• Departures from Fort Myers Beach — just minutes from hot fishing spots

Luck o’ The Irish Fishing Charters is a unique charter service, offering personalized experiences and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Our charters feature high-quality boats, perfect for both fishing and boat tours, ensuring comfort and reliability on every excursion. We can help you plan the perfect trip, tailored to your preferences and fishing goals. Our Fort Myers Fishing Adventures is a professional charter service offering inshore and back bay trips. During your fishing or sightseeing trip, you may even spot dolphins in their natural habitat. Anglers are encouraged to try to break some personal fishing records on their next charter adventure.

Whether you’re targeting your first snook or planning a family-friendly outing, our Fort Myers fishing charters offer the perfect day on the water.

Book Your Fort Myers Back Bay Adventure Today!

Now that you know what fish are biting in Fort Myers back bay, it’s time to grab your spot on the boat. At Luck o’ The Irish Fishing Charters, we run back bay and inshore charters daily — and the fish are waiting!

• Departing from Fort Myers Beach
• Half-day and full-day options available
• Back bay, inshore, and nearshore trips
• Family-friendly and beginner-welcoming

Visit luckycharters.com to book online or call us today to check availability.

Tight lines, and we’ll see you out there!