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Fort Myers Beach Half-Day Inshore Fishing Trip
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Fort Myers Beach
- $650 - $1,000 price range
- Updated Date: August 24, 2025
Summary
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Inshore Action Shots
Smiles and fish for miles
Lines in—let’s go!
Our favorite fishing spot - Redfish Fishing
Fishing Fort Myers flats
Fort Myers Beach Inshore Fishing
Cravalle Jack Fishing Fort Myers Beach
Family Fishing Charters Florida
Catch Snook in Fort Myers Beach
Nearshore Fishing Trips Florida
Bay boat, big catches
Smiles and fish for miles
Lines in—let’s go!
Our favorite fishing spot - Redfish Fishing
Fishing Fort Myers flats
Fort Myers Beach Inshore Fishing
Cravalle Jack Fishing Fort Myers Beach
Family Fishing Charters Florida
Catch Snook in Fort Myers Beach
Nearshore Fishing Trips Florida
Bay boat, big catches
Smiles and fish for miles
Lines in—let’s go!
Our favorite fishing spot - Redfish Fishing
Fishing Fort Myers flats
Half-Day Fort Myers Beach Fishing: Inshore Action
Looking for a top-rated fishing experience in Fort Myers Beach? Our half-day guided trip is the perfect way to get your line wet and reel in some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, you're in for a treat with Shallow Action Fishing Charters. We'll cruise the rich waters around Fort Myers Beach, targeting everything from hard-fighting redfish to the elusive peacock bass. With all gear provided and a knowledgeable captain at the helm, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a lucky hat!
What to Expect on the Water
Our 4-5 hour trip is the sweet spot for most folks visiting Fort Myers Beach. We'll head out early to beat the heat and catch the fish when they're most active. Your experienced captain will navigate the local waterways, from grass flats to mangrove shorelines, pinpointing the best spots where the fish are biting. We provide top-notch gear, so you'll be fishing with quality rods, reels, and bait. No need to worry about licenses either – we've got you covered. And here's a pro tip: if the bite is hot and you're having a blast, don't be shy about asking to extend your trip. If the schedule's open, we're always game to keep the lines in a little longer.
Techniques for Inshore Success
Inshore fishing in Fort Myers Beach is all about versatility. We'll likely start with some light tackle casting, perfect for targeting redfish and trout along the flats. If the tide's right, we might switch to sight fishing – spotting fish and making precise casts to entice a strike. For the bigger game like bull sharks or goliath grouper, we'll beef up the tackle and maybe even do some bottom fishing. Throughout the trip, your captain will be right there, offering tips on casting, setting the hook, and playing your fish. It's hands-on learning that'll up your fishing game in no time.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Captain Brent was fantastic—what an incredible day out on the water! He really went the extra mile to make sure we found the fish, and thanks to his effort, we landed our very first peacock bass!" - Jacob
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a Fort Myers Beach staple. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish put up a great fight on light tackle. They love to cruise the shallows, especially during high tide. Anglers go nuts for the "tailing" reds – when their tails break the surface as they feed in shallow water.
Spotted Seatrout: Often called "specks" by the locals, these fish are abundant in our waters year-round. They're known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake the hook, making them a fun challenge. Early mornings and evenings are prime time for trout, and they're suckers for a well-presented topwater lure.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are sometimes called "convict fish." They're notorious bait stealers, making them a true test of an angler's finesse. Winter is the peak season for sheepshead, and they love hanging around structure like pilings and oyster bars.
Peacock Bass: Originally from South America, these colorful fighters have found a home in Florida's warmer waters. They're known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Peacock bass fishing is hot in the summer months, and landing one is often a trip highlight for many anglers.
Tripletail: These odd-looking fish are prized for both their fight and their taste. They have a habit of floating near the surface, mimicking floating debris. Sight fishing for tripletail is a blast, requiring stealth and accuracy. They're most active in our waters from late spring through fall.
Time to Book Your Spot
A half-day fishing trip with Shallow Action Fishing Charters is more than just a few hours on the water – it's a chance to make memories, learn new skills, and hopefully land the catch of a lifetime. Our trips are perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo anglers looking to hone their craft. With all gear provided, species like redfish and peacock bass waiting to be caught, and the beautiful backdrop of Fort Myers Beach, there's no better way to spend a morning or afternoon. Don't let the big one get away – book your trip now and get ready for some real shallow water action!
Customer Review
Peacock Bass Bliss
Jacob W
December 26, 2024
Learn more about the species
Peacock Bass
Peacock bass aren't native to Florida, but they've made themselves at home in our warmer southern waters. These colorful fighters usually run 12-14 inches, though they can get much bigger. Look for them in canals, ponds, and slow-moving creeks, especially in shaded spots under bridges or overhanging trees. They're aggressive predators and put up a great fight for their size. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch them year-round as long as water temps stay above 60°F. Anglers love their beautiful colors and hard-hitting strikes. They'll smash topwater lures, making for some exciting visual action. Here's a local tip: use golden shiners as bait - they're nicknamed "peacock shiners" for a reason. Just remember, peacock bass can't handle cold, so you won't find them much north of Palm Beach County.
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are a staple of Fort Myers Beach fishing. These copper-colored beauties, known for the black spot near their tail, typically range from 20-35 inches in our inshore waters. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, often in just 1-4 feet of water. They love hanging around oyster bars, mangroves, and grass flats. Fall and winter are prime seasons when they school up. Redfish put up a great fight and are prized for their light, sweet flavor on the dinner table. Anglers love sight-fishing for them - watching a big red crush a topwater lure is hard to beat. Here's a tip: on really shallow flats, look for their backs sticking out of the water. Move in quietly with a trolling motor or push pole, and you might get into some exciting skinny-water action.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, also called spotted or speckled trout, are a favorite inshore target here in Fort Myers Beach. These silvery fish usually run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hang out in 1-4 feet of water, often in bays and around seagrass. Winter's your best bet - that's when they school up in deeper channels. Anglers prize sea trout for their mild, flaky white meat. They'll hit a variety of lures, but topwater plugs in shallow water can make for some exciting strikes. Here's a local tip: troll slowly along grass flats if you're having trouble locating them. And remember, they're delicate - handle them carefully if you're planning to release. Sea trout fishing here is good year-round, but regulations change, so always check the current limits.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are a unique catch around Fort Myers Beach. These striped fish, nicknamed "convict fish," typically weigh 1-8 pounds and grow to 14-20 inches. You'll find them hanging around structures like docks, bridges, and oyster reefs. They're notorious bait stealers with human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. Spring is prime time, as they form large spawning groups offshore. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these crafty fish, and their white, mild-flavored meat makes great table fare. To land one, use light tackle and set the hook fast - they're quick to nibble without committing. Try scraping some barnacles off pilings to chum them up. It's a trick that often brings them right to you. Just be careful cleaning them - those tough scales and spines can be tricky to handle.
Tripletail
Tripletail are an odd-looking but prized catch around Fort Myers Beach. These olive-colored fish with their distinctive three-lobed tail usually weigh 2-13 pounds, though they can get up to 40. Look for them near the surface around floating debris or buoys - they're masters of disguise, often mimicking floating leaves. Summer's the best time, with spawning peaking in July and August. Anglers love sight-casting to these acrobatic fighters. They're also excellent eating, with firm, tasty meat similar to snapper. Here's a tip: approach them quietly. Once you spot one, cast past it and slowly retrieve your bait. Live shrimp or small crabs work great. Be careful handling them though - their gill plates are razor-sharp. Tripletail fishing here is a unique experience that combines the thrill of the hunt with some tasty rewards.
About the Shallow Action
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
Captain Brent was fantastic—what an incredible day out on the water! He really went the extra mile to make sure we found the fish, and thanks to his effort, we landed our very first peacock bass!