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Sanibel Fishing

Sanibel Fishing

Sanibel has been known for the many pirates that frequented the island, like Gaspar, Useppa, Gasparilla and Black Caesar, but it is also known for its excellent fishing. With excellent inshore fishing, and plentiful nearshore/offshore reefs and ledges, Sanibel makes a top destination for many anglers.

Inshore fishing around Sanibel provides excellent Redfish, Snook, and Tarpon fishing year round. The Speckled Trout fishing is also great a good portion of the year, as well as Flounder and Sheepshead fishing.

Perhaps the best fishing can be found on the numerous artificial and natural reefs nearshore of Sanibel. Bottom fishing and trolling around these reefs will produce good catches of a variety of reef fish, including Grouper, Snapper, King Mackerel, Barracuda, and Sharks.

Offshore fishing Sanibel can produce Blackfin Tuna, Mahi-mahi (Dolphinfish), Wahoo, and occasionally some billfish. The deeper you go offshore the better the deep bottom fishing gets for many varieties of Snapper and Grouper.



Sanibel Fishing Forecast

Target Species of Fish

Based on historical data for fishing Sanibel, you should target one of the following species for this time of year:
  1. Gray Snapper

  2. Gray Snapper

    There is a 14.27% catch rate for Gray Snapper, based on 2617 Gray Snapper counted.

    Sanibel Gray Snapper Counts Chart
    Gray

    ENLARGE SANIBEL GRAY SNAPPER COUNTS CHART


  3. Scaled Sardine

  4. Scaled Sardine

    There is a 11.3% catch rate for Scaled Sardine, based on 2072 Scaled Sardine counted.

    Sanibel Scaled Sardine Counts Chart
    Scaled

    ENLARGE SANIBEL SCALED SARDINE COUNTS CHART


  5. Spotted Seatrout

  6. Spotted Seatrout

    There is a 11.28% catch rate for Spotted Seatrout, based on 2069 Spotted Seatrout counted.

    Sanibel Spotted Seatrout Counts Chart
    Spotted

    ENLARGE SANIBEL SPOTTED SEATROUT COUNTS CHART


  7. Pinfish

  8. Pinfish

    There is a 7.88% catch rate for Pinfish, based on 1446 Pinfish counted.

    Sanibel Pinfish Counts Chart
    Pinfish

    ENLARGE SANIBEL PINFISH COUNTS CHART


  9. Red Grouper

  10. Red Grouper

    There is a 6.67% catch rate for Red Grouper, based on 1224 Red Grouper counted.

    Sanibel Red Grouper Counts Chart
    Red

    ENLARGE SANIBEL RED GROUPER COUNTS CHART


  11. Thread Herring

  12. Thread Herring

    There is a 6.51% catch rate for Thread Herring, based on 1194 Thread Herring counted.

    Sanibel Thread Herring Counts Chart
    Thread

    ENLARGE SANIBEL THREAD HERRING COUNTS CHART


  13. Snook

  14. Snook

    There is a 5.13% catch rate for Snook, based on 940 Snook counted.

    Sanibel Snook Counts Chart
    Snook

    ENLARGE SANIBEL SNOOK COUNTS CHART


  15. Hardhead Catfish

  16. Hardhead Catfish

    There is a 4.83% catch rate for Hardhead Catfish, based on 886 Hardhead Catfish counted.

    Sanibel Hardhead Catfish Counts Chart
    Hardhead

    ENLARGE SANIBEL HARDHEAD CATFISH COUNTS CHART


  17. Red Drum

  18. Red Drum

    There is a 3.74% catch rate for Red Drum, based on 685 Red Drum counted.

    Sanibel Red Drum Counts Chart
    Red

    ENLARGE SANIBEL RED DRUM COUNTS CHART


  19. Bluefish

  20. Bluefish

    There is a 3.44% catch rate for Bluefish, based on 631 Bluefish counted.

    Sanibel Bluefish Counts Chart
    Bluefish

    ENLARGE SANIBEL BLUEFISH COUNTS CHART


Recommendations above based on 90 species of fish and 18339 fish counted for July around Sanibel.

To date, there are 159 species of fish and a total of 317407 fish counted for Sanibel and within a 30 mile (48 km) radius since 1/1/1859 (165 years).

Last Update: 7/1/2024 4:56:30 PM

*** PLEASE NOTE ***
Please check local, state/province, and federal laws before fishing for any species found on this site. All data is based on historical data found for this area, and in some cases as far back as the year 1600.

View full Sanibel Fishing Forecast to see all species.

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Top Sanibel Fishing Spots

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The Top 10 Fishing Spots for Sanibel are the following:

  1. Doc Kline Artificial Reef 30
    About 6 miles south of Sanibel, the Doc Kline reef sits in approximately 30 feet of water. Snapper, amberjack, redfish, grouper, and sharks are frequent residents of th


  2. Lighthouse Hole
    This hole is one of the most popular spots to catch Tarpon around Boca Grande


  3. Sanibel Reef 20
    Started on 15-Jun-77 Concrete Rubble artificial reef.  


  4. KEEWAYDIN 3 MILE C AND D REEF 01
    Name KEEWAYDIN 3 MILE C AND D REEF 01  Depth (in feet) 28 Relief (in feet) 10 Description RUBBLE AND CULVERTS COUNTY FUNDED Date of Deployment June 19 2003 Pr


  5. Wiggins Pass 3 Mile - ECA Reef


  6. Eugenes Ledge
    Good ledge for snapper and gags


  7. NAPLES PIER REEF
    Name NAPLES PIER REEF County COLLIER Depth (in feet) 22 Relief (in feet) 3 Description "WIDELY SCATTERED PILES CONFIRMED BY RBF GRANT FWCC-01002" Date of Deployment June 17 19


  8. Fish Haven
    Fish Haven


  9. Told Ya So West
    This is the west end of one of the best ledges off Marco. Snapper and Grouper are here much of the year.


  10. Told Ya So
    This is the east end of one of the best ledges off Marco. The ledge runs over a quarter mile. Snapper and Grouper are here much of the year.


View more Top Sanibel Fishing Spots


Latest Sanibel Fishing Reports

  • Fishing Naples & Marco Island
    Fishing in the Naples and Marco Island area has been great with tarpon running the beaches snook redfish snapper mackerel and sharks all active. The post Fishing Naples & Mar


  • Cape Coral Fishing: Goliath Grouper & More
    Key Highlights  Cape Coral is a prime boating destination with 400 miles of canals and beautiful homes.  The city offers a variety of family-friendly attractions and over 1 50


  • Tarpon fishing Naples & Marco Island Florida
    Peak tarpon season is here! Click here to see our Instagram account with videos and pictures of recent catches. Everglades Guide Service Instagram Tarpon are migrating along


  • Naples FL Tarpon Fishing April 2024
    Tarpon have shown off the beaches as well some backcountry bays and some in the passes. The annual tarpon spring migration has started with tarpon starting to move up the bea


  • APRIL ON THE WATER
    April may be our top month fishing the coastal waters of southwest Florida. As we transition into spring our waters are warming bait have moved in and fish are hungry. Weathe


  • Lets go Fishing
    The water temps are on the rise and we are beginning to see the return of a variety of bait and pelagic fish to this area. This African Pompano was caught April 1 2024 on a j


  • Red Grouper Bite Has Been Insane
    The red grouper bite has been insane this month.   Large mangrove snapper have been plentiful.  And as water temps continue to rise the pelagic fish are showing up everyday!


  • Fishing Report Late March 2024
    TARPON FISHING & MORE! Tarpon and sharks have shown up in the backcountry and I’m also seeing tarpon off the beaches. As is the norm for this time of year tarpon and sharks h


  • WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
    Please click Fishing Report for our weekly fishing column (On the Water) that appears in Pine Island and Sanibel Island papers The post WEEKLY FISHING REPORT appeared first o


  • MARCH ON THE WATER
    Please click Fishing Report for our weekly or monthly fishing column (On the Water) that appears in Pine Island and Sanibel Island papers The post MARCH ON THE WATER appeared


View Sanibel Fishing Reports

Top Sanibel Bait & Tackle Stores

  1. Bait N Wait
    The number one spot in Southwest Florida for all your fishing needs.With in house reel repair and rod repair. Need a custom rod? not a problem.We also have gifts for all occasions for that fisher person in your life. Located minutes from both Fort My

  2. Capt. Rob's Bait & Tackle
    Bait & Tackle Store and Fishing Charters in Cape Coral, Florida.

  3. Catch'um Bait & Tackle
    WE HAVE A BOAT FRINDLY WRAP AROUND DRIVEWAY EASY IN EASY OUT

  4. Rite Angler


  5. Venture Out
    Venture Out is a charter company with a full tackle/bait shop and bar. Come visit us before you go out and after you come back in for the right supplies you'll need or be wanting. We are open everyday from 7AM-7PM or later.

View more Sanibel Bait & Tackle Stores

Top Sanibel Fishing Charters & Guides

  1. Captain Paul's Sanibel & Captiva Charters
    Back Bay and Gulf of Mexico fishing for Redfish, Snook Trout, Mackerel Cobia, Kingfish, and Manatee/Dolphin trips, lunch and shelling trips to the out island of Cayo Costa and Upper Captiva

  2. Captain Joe's Charters
    I’m Captain Joey Burnsed and I’m committed to delivering a great Sanibel & Captiva Islands fishing experience for you.

  3. FishSkinner Fishing Charters
    FishSkinner Charters is an inshore and nearshore fishing guide and charter service in Fort Myers, Fl.

  4. SaltyNative Charters
    We are proud to be one of southwest Florida’s premier fishing, boating and outdoor outfitters. Whether you’re looking to catch that trophy fish, enjoy the beauty of our natural habitat or just relax on the water for a few hours or all day, we have t

  5. Catch Me If U Can Fishing Charters
    Whether you're looking for a guide to show you the best fishing in Fort Myers, Sanibel's shelling beaches, or hidden bayous full of birdlife, we've got your trip.

  6. AquaCulture Outfitters
    AquaCulture Outfitters offers guided fishing charters services near Fort Myers Beach for The Best Inshore fishing or offshore fishing experience. Book Online Now! More - https://www.beaquacultured.com/

  7. Blackwater Charters
    If you're looking for a fishing charter in the Ft Myers area then you have come to the right place. All of my fishing charters in Fort Myers, Pine Island, Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor are No Fish! No Pay! Which means that if you don't cat

  8. Gulf Coast Guide Service
    Custom Charters specializing in light tackle fishing for Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Trout, Sharks and many other Species on the beautiful waters of southwest Florida

  9. Sea Reed Charters
    We have been guiding on the local water for over 10 years. If you want a chance to catch big Snook and Redfish, we know were they live and will give you that opportunity. While we prefer to fish live bait, we also offer fly fishing and artificial fis

  10. Endless Summer Charters
    Leaving daily from beautiful Port Sanibel Marina, Endless Summer Charters offers private fishing charters, shelling tours and sightseeing excursions in S.W. Florida including Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Boca Grande, Ft. Myers Beach (Estero Island

View more Sanibel Charters & Guides

Top Sanibel Marinas

  1. Fish Tale Marina
    Come in to our piece of paradise and experience for yourself a fun-filled day boating, kayaking, fishing or sightseeing in Estero Bay and Fort Myers Beach with Fish-Tale Marina.

  2. Legacy Harbour Marina
    Situated just east of Marker 49 on the Okeechobee Waterway is Legacy Harbour Marina. Its central location along the Caloosahatchee River makes it the ideal spot for stopovers or extended stays. Just a few blocks from the historic Edison & Ford Wi

  3. Port Sanibel Marina
    Port Sanibel Marina is a beautiful “Old Florida-style” full service marina. The marina offers guests rentals of boats, kayaks, canoes and paddle boards to enjoy Southwest Florida. Also find a variety of fishing charters and other actives to experienc

  4. Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
    Our easy-access Fort Myers Beach marina is on Estero Bay, just 6 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. Dock overnight and enjoy our Fort Myers Beach villas at discounted rates as well as access to our three pools, two restaurants, full-service spa and qua

  5. Salty Sam's Marina
    Salty Sam's is a full service marina with boat service & repairs, boat sales and wet slips and dry storage. Voted Best Marina, Salty Sam's is truly what boating in Southwest Florida is all about. To start your adventure, call us today! Fo

  6. Olde Fish House Marina
    You'll find a boat ramp and fuel dock at Olde' Fish House Marina, we're just minutes from Matlacha pass and our fuel is "non ethanol". To check on our Marina hours of operation call 239-282-9577. You can Rent Kayaks here at th

View more Sanibel Marinas

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