Fishing charters in Sanibel, FL

Sanibel fishing charters have easy access to the salt marshes, grassy shallows, bays, nearshore reefs, and deep sea waters.

You can land Snook, Redfish, Mangrove Snapper, Tarpon, and many more.

Inshore fishing charters in Sanibel

Sanibel inshore fishing charters offer easy access to some of the best fishing grounds. Bays, inlets, and shallow flats provide excellent fishing opportunities for a great trip.

These waters will yield anything from Snook and Redfish to Mangrove Snapper and Tarpon.

Inshore fishing trips are very popular with families, couples, and small groups of friends.

Inshore fishing trip prices

$465 is the average base price for a private 4-hour inshore fishing charter and 2 anglers. Add $50 for an each additional person. Fishing charters can accommodate up to 6 persons depending on the capacity of the boat.

The cheapest rates start at $200 for a 2-hour inshore fishing trip near Sanibel.

There are about 41 fishing guides in Sanibel and nearby cities. You will have a lot of choices to book your next fishing retreat.

Best time for inshore fishing

April, June and September are the best months for inshore fishing near Sanibel.

Popular inshore fish species

• Snook
• Redfish
• Mangrove Snapper
• Tarpon
• Spotted Seatrout

Popular inshore fishing charters

• Fort Myers Fishing Adventures from $500.00
• Lucky Anchor Charters from $500.00

Offshore fishing charters in Sanibel

While it might be famous for its inshore fishing trips, Sanibel offshore fishing charters have plenty to offer offshore anglers.

There are a variety of options for your next fishing trip near Sanibel. These waters are filled with Cobia, Jack Crevalle, Gag Grouper, King Mackerel, and many more.

Offshore fishing trips are good for experienced anglers, groups for friends, and those who want to reel in a bigger catch. Be ready to travel into the federal waters miles off the coast.

Offshore fishing trip prices

$770 is the average base price for a private 4-hour offshore fishing charter and 2 anglers. An extra person fee is $50. Fishing charters can accommodate 4-6 anglers depending on the size of the vessel.

The cheapest rates start at $595 for a 4-hour offshore fishing trip near Sanibel.

You can find 29 fishing charters in Sanibel and nearby cities. It’s easy to find your next fishing trip in Sanibel.

Tip: It takes some time to get to the offshore fishing spots. So it’s better to take a 6-hour or 8-hour offshore fishing trip for the best fishing experience.

The average tips are 15-20% of the total fishing charter price.

Best time for offshore fishing

The best time to go offshore fishing in Sanibel are considered to be April, June and September.

Popular offshore fish species

• Cobia
• Jack Crevalle
• Gag Grouper
• King Mackerel
• Blacktip Shark

Popular offshore fishing charters

• Fort Myers Fishing Adventures from $900.00
• Honey Badger Fishing Charters from $1600.00
• Blind Date Charters from $1800.00

Family-friendly fishing charters in Sanibel

Sanibel family fishing charters allow families to have a fantastic fishing experience on a budget. Local Captains know a lot about the species of fish you will be targeting. They can answer your questions about fishing and show you various fishing techniques.

Try inshore fishing because it takes place in waters like bays, harbors, flats, and creeks. Inland waters provide consistent fishing even on windy days.

Family-friendly fishing trip prices

Take a short half-day inshore fishing trip. This short trip is perfect for kids because they will learn something new and won’t get tired.

On average, the base price for a private 4-hour family-friendly fishing charter is $436 for 2 anglers. An extra person fee is $50. Captains can take 4-6 anglers depending on the length of the boat.

Popular family-friendly fishing charters

Shark fishing charters in Sanibel

Sharks are one of the most famous game fish in the waters of Sanibel. Sanibel shark fishing charters have vast experience in targeting different shark species.

Sanibel is home to many different shark species: Blacktip Shark, Bull Shark, Bonnethead Shark, Nurse Shark, and many more.

Note: not all shark species can be caught or landed in Florida. Some species are considered prohibited. These sharks have to be released. Fishing charter Captains will help you with shark identification.

Sharks inhabit various waters, from shallow to deep. Pups and juveniles occur in shallow waters, while larger sharks can be found in offshore waters.

The best bait for shark fishing is any fresh bloody fish. Some of the most popular are Ladyfish, Bonita, Mullet, and Blue Runner. Usually, fishing charter Captains prepare the bait depending on the season and targeted shark species.

Shark fishing trip prices

$522 is the average price for a 4-hour shark fishing trip and 2 guests. Add $50 for each additional person. Fishing charters can accommodate 2-6 anglers depending on the size of the craft.

You can find more than 13 fishing charters in Sanibel and nearby cities. So you'll have plenty of options to find your next fishing break.

Best time for shark fishing in Sanibel

You can catch sharks all year round. March-October can be an optimal time for shark fishing in Sanibel.

Popular shark species

• Blacktip Shark
• Bull Shark
• Bonnethead Shark
• Nurse Shark

Popular shark fishing charters

Tarpon fishing charters in Sanibel

Sanibel is one of the best Tarpon fishing destinations. Local fishing charters specialize in Tarpon fishing. They will show you various fishing methods and productive spots.

Tarpon reside in shallows, bays, inshore waters, and even rivers. The best fishing baits are shrimp, pinfish, mullet, and crabs.

Note: Tarpon are a catch-and-release-only species. And keep in mind that Tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water. So be careful with your trophy, take a photo of a lifetime, and let it go.

Tarpon fishing rates

On average, the price for a 6-hour Tarpon fishing trip is $580 for 2 guests. Add $50 for each additional guest.

15 fishing companies can help you with Tarpon fishing in Sanibel and nearby cities.

Best time for Tarpon fishing in Sanibel

Late spring and summer are the best seasons to go after Tarpon in Sanibel waters. The best months are July, June, and May.

Popular Tarpon fishing charters

FAQ

What is included in the price?

Most trips are all-inclusive. You will have everything you need for a fishing trip: rods, reels, tackle, lures, and cooler with ice. Usually, Captains clean the catch with no additional payments.

The trip price includes a saltwater fishing license. This license covers all the anglers on the vessel.

A Fishing charter has to have a federal permit if you are planning to fish in the federal waters.

What to bring on a fishing charter trip?

Depending on the weather, Captains recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, long sleeve shirt, hat, windbreaker, waterproof jacket, waterproof pans, appropriate non-skid footwear, gloves, your medicines, bug bite cream, sanitizer, drinks, and snacks.

Bring your freshwater license if you are planning to fish in the freshwater.

Some Captains don’t recommend bringing spray sunscreen, liquor, weapons, fireworks, and inappropriate footwear.

How to book a fishing charter trip?

You can book a trip with a 10-20% deposit.

The remaining balance has to be paid directly to the Captain on the day of your trip or upon arrival.

The deposit could be refunded if you cancel the trip before the cancellation deadline. The cancellation deadline is usually 2-14 days before your trip date. Keep in mind that some of the bookings could be non-refundable.

What are the closest boat ramps and marinas to Sanibel?

Here is the list of popular meeting points near Sanibel:

• Salty Sam's Marina, 2500 Main Street — 23 mins from Sanibel
• Frizzell-Kontinos Boat Ramp at Punta Rassa, 15001 Punta Rassa Road — 11 mins from Sanibel
• Cocohatchee River Park Marina - Boat Ramp, 13531 Vanderbuilt Drive — 56 mins from Sanibel