Fishing has always been a way of life around Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. Our area offers a healthy aquatic environment with an exciting array of fish species, some of which are year-round regulars and some who’s fishing season only lasts a month or two. You can fish from the shores, try your hand at fly fishing, take a deep-sea fishing charter or cruise through grass flats to find your prey.
Sanibel Snook, Tarpon, and More
Around Sanibel and Captiva, Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Sea Trout, Pompano, Snappers, Grouper, King Mackerel, and more can all end up on your line. The area is renowned for fishing Snook, a feisty and flavorful game fish that make for a lively catch. Thanks in part to the protection of inlet river mouths, oyster bars and mangrove shorelines, Snook fishing can be plentiful year-round. Difficult to land and tasty to enjoy, people come from all over to try their hand at catching these fast and powerful fish.
Tarpon fishing is also spectacular in Sanibel, especially during their annual migration from April through July. These giant-mouthed fish can grow to 60-150lbs, and even weigh up to 200lbs, but are quite the aquatic acrobats and are known for leaping out of the water.
Where can you fish on Sanibel Island?
The areas to fish are almost as numerous as the types of fish to target. A few of the more popular areas include:
Blind Pass – If you’re looking to get someone hooked on fishing, Blind Pass and Turner Beach just might be your best bet. The mornings of the warmer months can often yield a feverous success rate with each cast, thanks to strong currents bringing in an abundance of white fish to these waters.
J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge – This quintessential island fishing spot provides a variety of scenic settings, from creeks and bayous of the mangroves to extensive grass flats. You can fish from the shore or try renting a boat and cruising on top of the water.
Sanibel Fishing Pier – Recently refurbished complete with larger cleaning stations and covered areas, the Sanibel Fishing Pier can be a hot spot for all kinds of fish. The channel that runs in front of the pier provides deep and fast currents, and a ton of bait fish.
Sanibel Locals Know Best
Once you get here, be sure to stop in our local bait and tackle shops or consider going out on a Sanibel fishing charter such as Conway Charters or one of the other knowledgeable fishing guides on the island. And, easily stay-up-to date on the current fishing report courtesy of the Bait Box.