Hey there, angler families! Ready for a day of sun, sea, and serious fish action? Captain Brent here, and I've got just the trip for you. We're talking 8 full hours of rod-bending excitement right off the shores of Fort Myers Beach. Whether you're seasoned pros or first-timers, this full-day adventure is tailored to get everyone hooked on fishing. From the kiddos to grandma, we'll make sure everyone's reeling in memories (and hopefully some monsters from the deep).
Picture this: You and your crew, up to four of you, stepping aboard at 8 AM sharp. We're not messing around – this is a full 8-hour day on the water. But don't worry, it's not all serious business. We keep things light, fun, and perfect for families. We're after the big guns like Redfish, Snook, Sharks, and Jacks, but the real catch? Those smiles when someone yells "Fish on!" I've got all the gear you need, from rods to reels, and even pint-sized life jackets for the little ones. Oh, and those fishing licenses? Consider 'em covered. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks – fishing works up an appetite!).
Alright, let's talk shop. We'll be hitting both inshore and nearshore spots – that means we could be casting in the backwaters one minute and drifting along the beachfront the next. I'll show you the ropes on everything from live bait fishing to artificial lures. For the newbies, we'll start with the basics – how to cast, when to set the hook, and the all-important art of reeling in your catch without losing it (trust me, it's harder than it looks). For you more experienced anglers, we might try some sight fishing for those tailing Redfish or work the mangroves for sneaky Snook. And when a shark decides to crash the party? That's when the real excitement begins!
Let's chat about what's biting. Fort Myers Beach is a year-round fishing paradise, but each season brings its own superstars.
Snook: These bad boys are the rock stars of our waters. They're crafty, they're strong, and boy, do they put up a fight. Spring and fall are prime Snook time, but we can find 'em year-round if you know where to look (and lucky you, I do). They love to hang out near structures, so we'll be working those mangroves and bridge pilings.
Tarpon: The "Silver King" is the holy grail for many anglers. These massive fish can top 100 pounds and when they jump? It's like watching a Volkswagen do a backflip. Late spring through summer is Tarpon central here. They're not the easiest to hook, but land one, and you've got bragging rights for life.
Redfish: Ah, the reliable Redfish. These copper-colored beauties are a favorite for good reason. They put up a solid fight, and they're around all year. In the cooler months, we might find them in big schools in the flats. When it heats up, they'll be prowling the mangroves. Either way, they're a blast to catch and great for beginners.
Crevalle Jack: Want a workout? Hook into one of these guys. Jacks are like the freight trains of the fish world – they hit hard and run fast. They school up, so when we find them, it can be non-stop action. Great for kids who want that big fish experience without the wait.
Lemon Shark: Now we're talking some real excitement. Lemon Sharks are common in our waters, especially in the warmer months. They're not the biggest sharks out there, but at 5-6 feet, they're plenty big enough to get the adrenaline pumping. Don't worry, they're more bark than bite, but the thrill of reeling one in? Unforgettable.
Look, I've been running these trips for years, and there's nothing quite like seeing a kid's face light up when they feel that first tug on the line. Or watching parents forget about their phones and just be in the moment with their kids. Out here, it's all about making memories. Maybe it's little Timmy landing his first Snook, or mom unexpectedly out-fishing dad (happens more than you'd think!). We keep things relaxed, so there's no pressure – just good times and great fishing. And at the end of the day, when I'm cleaning your catch and you're all swapping stories about the one that got away? That's what it's all about.
So, what do you say? Ready to make some waves (and maybe catch some dinner while you're at it)? This full-day family fishing trip is more than just dropping a line in the water. It's about spending quality time together, learning new skills, and maybe even discovering a new passion. Whether you're looking to start a new family tradition or just want to try something different on your Fort Myers Beach vacation, I've got you covered. We'll have you casting like pros in no time, and who knows? You might just end up with a new favorite hobby (and some epic fish stories to tell). So grab the family, slap on some sunscreen, and let's hit the water. The fish are waiting, and trust me, this is one day out you won't forget. Book now, and let's make some memories!
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our bays - stocky, powerful fish that pull like freight trains. They average 5-15 pounds but can top 30. You'll spot them busting bait on the surface, often with birds working above. Jacks love fast-moving lures and live bait. We find them around bridges, in passes, and on open flats year-round, but they're most active in warmer months. What makes jacks fun is their aggressive feeding and incredible stamina - expect long, drag-screaming runs. While not great eating, pound-for-pound they're some of the hardest fighting fish out there. My advice: when you see a school busting bait, cast beyond them and retrieve fast. The competition in the school will trigger savage strikes. Just hang on tight!
Lemon sharks are one of our most common inshore shark species, typically running 4-8 feet long. We find them in our bays and passes year-round, but they're especially active in spring and summer. These sharks prefer shallow, warm waters and often cruise right along the beach. They're not picky eaters - cut bait, live bait, or even big lures will get their attention. What makes lemons fun to catch is their initial fast run followed by a dogged fight. While we always release sharks, just seeing one of these apex predators up close is a rush. My tip: use wire leader and strong hooks. When you hook up, keep steady pressure and be ready for some powerful head shakes. It's an experience the whole family will remember!
Redfish are a staple in our inshore waters year-round. These copper-colored brutes typically run 20-30 inches and put up a stubborn, bulldogging fight. We find them tailing on shallow flats, prowling mangrove shorelines, and hanging around oyster bars. They'll eat just about anything, but love shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Reds are most active on moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes them fun is their willingness to eat artificial lures - topwaters, soft plastics, and gold spoons all work well. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you keep a slot-sized fish. My tip: look for their telltale copper color or spot-tailed fins pushing water on the flats. A stealthy approach is key to not spooking these wary fish.
Snook are one of our most popular inshore targets here in Fort Myers Beach. These sleek predators typically run 24-36 inches and put up an acrobatic fight. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structure in shallow waters, especially during warmer months. Snook love to ambush bait, so we'll often use live pilchards or lures that mimic their prey. The bite is best on moving tides. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and powerful runs - they'll test your drag for sure. While they're catch-and-release only right now, just landing one of these bruisers is a thrill. My tip: work your bait or lure right up against structure, that's where the big ones hide. And set the hook hard, their bony mouths can be tough to penetrate.
Tarpon are the silver kings of our waters - true bucket list fish that put on an amazing aerial show. These prehistoric beasts can top 150 pounds and stretch over 6 feet long. We find them rolling and feeding in our passes and along beaches, usually from spring through fall. Tarpon love to eat crabs, pinfish, and mullet, so that's what we'll use for bait. The fight is legendary - expect multiple jumps and long, powerful runs that'll test your stamina. Landing one is a real accomplishment. While we practice strict catch and release, just getting one boatside for a photo is unforgettable. My advice: use circle hooks to improve hookups, and bow to the king when he jumps to give some slack. Patience and persistence pay off with these giants.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250