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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. Spotted Seatrout

  2. Spotted Seatrout

    There is a 13.86% catch rate for Spotted Seatrout, based on 2406 Spotted Seatrout counted.

    Sanibel Spotted Seatrout Counts Chart
    Spotted

    ENLARGE SANIBEL SPOTTED SEATROUT COUNTS CHART


  3. Gray Snapper

  4. Gray Snapper

    There is a 10.41% catch rate for Gray Snapper, based on 1807 Gray Snapper counted.

    Sanibel Gray Snapper Counts Chart
    Gray

    ENLARGE SANIBEL GRAY SNAPPER COUNTS CHART


  5. Ladyfish

  6. Ladyfish

    There is a 9.85% catch rate for Ladyfish, based on 1710 Ladyfish counted.

    Sanibel Ladyfish Counts Chart
    Ladyfish

    ENLARGE SANIBEL LADYFISH COUNTS CHART


  7. Snook

  8. Snook

    There is a 8.82% catch rate for Snook, based on 1532 Snook counted.

    Sanibel Snook Counts Chart
    Snook

    ENLARGE SANIBEL SNOOK COUNTS CHART


  9. Scaled Sardine

  10. Scaled Sardine

    There is a 8.74% catch rate for Scaled Sardine, based on 1517 Scaled Sardine counted.

    Sanibel Scaled Sardine Counts Chart
    Scaled

    ENLARGE SANIBEL SCALED SARDINE COUNTS CHART


  11. Red Drum

  12. Red Drum

    There is a 7% catch rate for Red Drum, based on 1215 Red Drum counted.

    Sanibel Red Drum Counts Chart
    Red

    ENLARGE SANIBEL RED DRUM COUNTS CHART


  13. Pinfish

  14. Pinfish

    There is a 6.11% catch rate for Pinfish, based on 1061 Pinfish counted.

    Sanibel Pinfish Counts Chart
    Pinfish

    ENLARGE SANIBEL PINFISH COUNTS CHART


  15. Gag Grouper

  16. Gag Grouper

    There is a 5.03% catch rate for Gag Grouper, based on 873 Gag Grouper counted.

    Sanibel Gag Grouper Counts Chart
    Gag

    ENLARGE SANIBEL GAG GROUPER COUNTS CHART


  17. Red Grouper

  18. Red Grouper

    There is a 4.24% catch rate for Red Grouper, based on 736 Red Grouper counted.

    Sanibel Red Grouper Counts Chart
    Red

    ENLARGE SANIBEL RED GROUPER COUNTS CHART


  19. Crevalle Jack

  20. Crevalle Jack

    There is a 4.21% catch rate for Crevalle Jack, based on 731 Crevalle Jack counted.

    Sanibel Crevalle Jack Counts Chart
    Crevalle

    ENLARGE SANIBEL CREVALLE JACK COUNTS CHART


Recommendations above based on 77 species of fish and 17361 fish counted for November around Sanibel.

To date, there are 154 species of fish and a total of 314300 fish counted for Sanibel and within a 30 mile (48 km) radius since 1/1/1859 (164 years).

Last Update: 11/27/2023 2:17:39 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. 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


  7. Eugenes Ledge
    Good ledge for snapper and gags


  8. 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.


  9. Fish Haven
    Fish Haven


  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

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    2023 is coming to an end but not before we offer our loyal customers some year end deals. Currently we are offering a Black Friday Sale with all charters tours and trips at 1


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  • SW Florida Fishing Report from Endless Summer Charters
    Southwest Florida’s saltwater fishing scene remains one of the most dynamic and diverse in the country. Whether you’re casting off from Sanibel Island exploring the estuaries


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    Fishing embodies tranquility and enjoyment encapsulating the thrill of navigating the waters and casting your fishing rod for an unforgettable experience. Yet when venturing


  • Naples & Marco Island Fishing Report
    Tarpon fishing is where it’s at right now. We’re in peak tarpon season and so far it’s not been disappointing.  There are fish off the beaches some in the passes and a few in


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    Now that season is coming to an end and summer is right around the corner it’s time for the locals to get out and play. Reel1Ip has always been there for our local community


  • Diving after Hurricane Ian
    Now that we have made it through the cleanup efforts from Hurricane Ian we are getting out diving more and surveying the damage on the reefs on the Gulf of Mexico. Fortunatel


  • Naples & Marco Island Fishing Report
    My favorite time of the year is here May & June the weather is typically nice consistent and stable the tarpon are running peak time for snook sharks are around reds mackerel


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        Sanibel Island Tarpon Fishing   Tarpon fishing is an exciting activity that can provide a challenge even for experienced anglers. Here are five tips to help increase your


  • Naples & Marco Island Spring Fishing Report
    Spring is here in SW Florida. Sharks and tarpon have showed in the backcountry snook are showing in the passes and adjacent bays mackerel and sharks are off the beaches mixed


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. 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/

  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. 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

  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. 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

  9. 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

  10. Captain Daniel Andrews Fishing Charters
    Join me as we fish the waters of Pine Island Sound, Sanibel, and Captiva in search of Tarpon, Snook, Redfish and Seatrout. My 19' ActionCraft flats boat gets us to the fish comfortably, quietly, and safely. Whether you are looking to catch your f

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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Download Sanibel Fishing Spots

Latest Fishing Spots

Yellowtail Snapper

Gray Triggerfish

Gray Triggerfish

Gray Triggerfish

Gray Triggerfish

Gray Triggerfish

Gray Triggerfish

Gray Triggerfish

Black Seabass

Black Seabass

View more Sanibel Fishing Spots

Bouy Conditions

Station 42023 - C13 - WFS South Buoy, 50m Isobath
November 30, 2023 7:35 am CST
Location: 26.01N 83.086W
Wind Direction: E (90°)
Wind Speed: 17.5 knots
Wind Gust: 21.4 knots
Atmospheric Pressure: 30.13 in (1020.4 mb)
Air Temperature: 70.9°F (21.6°C)
Dew Point: 65.7°F (18.7°C)
Water Temperature: 76.8°F (24.9°C)


Current Moon Phase

Waning Gibbous Moon

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