Charlotte Harbor Fly Fishing & Light Tackle Inshore Charter Fishing
Come explore the backwaters of Charlotte Harbor and chase Redfish, Snook, Sea Trout and Tarpon with Captain Andy. The best fishing close to Port Charlotte and Fort Myers. Book a Charlotte Harbor fishing charter today! Trips are for 2 anglers.
4 Hours : $500 - 2 people
6 Hours: $650 - 2 people
8 Hours: $800 - 2 people
Sight Fishing Charters in Charlotte Harbor
Charlotte Harbor offers some of the most exciting shallow-water fishing in Southwest Florida, with opportunities to pursue redfish, snook, spotted sea trout, tarpon and more on both fly and light tackle. Stretching between Pine Island, Sanibel, Captiva and the mainland, this expansive estuary is a maze of shallow grass flats, mangrove-lined islands, oyster bars, tidal creeks and deeper channels. Much of the harbor is remarkably shallow, creating ideal conditions for sight fishing from a shallow-draft skiff. On the fly, we look for cruising and tailing redfish, laid-up snook and other fish that can be spotted before making a carefully placed cast. For anglers who prefer spinning tackle, the same flats and mangrove shorelines offer exciting opportunities to cast artificial lures and light tackle to actively feeding fish. Every tide changes how fish use the flats, edges and channels, making each trip across Charlotte Harbor a new opportunity to hunt for fish in a truly unique coastal environment.
How We Fish Charlotte Harbor
Our approach changes with the species, conditions and time of year. For redfish, we commonly fish shrimp, crab and baitfish patterns across shallow grass flats and mangrove islands, while snook often respond to baitfish imitations such as Clousers, EP-style flies and other streamlined patterns worked around mangrove shorelines and current seams. Sea trout can be aggressive on the fly as well, particularly around grass flats and pot holes where small baitfish and shrimp are abundant. For anglers choosing light tackle, we use a cast net to catch fresh local bait when conditions call for it, then fish that live bait around productive flats, mangrove edges, oyster bars and tidal current. Whether we're stalking a tailing redfish with a fly rod or presenting live bait to a hungry snook, our goal is to match our technique to the conditions and give each angler the best opportunity to experience the fishery. For those simply looking for action, live bait is hard to beat with lots of opportunity for Sea Trout, Snook, Redfish, Snapper, Sheepshead and more. For those looking to have the opportunity to spot and stalk large Redfish and Snook on the fly rod, we have just the spots in mind for you as well.
Species of Charlotte Harbor
Charlotte Harbor is home to a diverse mix of inshore game fish, making it an exciting destination for both fly fishing and light tackle anglers. The shallow flats, expansive grass beds, mangrove shorelines, oyster bars and tidal channels provide habitat for a variety of species throughout the year. Depending on the season, tides and conditions, our trips may target redfish, snook, spotted sea trout, tarpon and other inshore species. One of the things that makes fishing Charlotte Harbor so exciting is that you never quite know what will appear on the next flat or along the next mangrove shoreline.
Redfish
Redfish are one of our favorite targets in Charlotte Harbor, especially when conditions allow us to sight fish the shallow flats. Most of the redfish encountered in inshore water are considerably smaller than the species' maximum size, but Florida red drum can grow to around 40 inches and 40 pounds on the Gulf Coast, with the state record weighing 52 pounds, 5 ounces. Their copper-colored bodies and distinctive spot near the tail make them easy to identify, but spotting one before it sees you is the real challenge. Tailing fish, cruising singles and small schools can provide incredible opportunities for fly anglers, while light-tackle anglers can pursue them with artificial lures or fresh live bait.
Snook
Common snook are one of Florida's premier inshore game fish and a favorite target around Charlotte Harbor's mangrove shorelines, oyster bars and moving water. Adult snook commonly encountered by anglers range from the mid-20-inch class into the 30s, while much larger fish are possible. Florida's common snook can reach 48 inches and approximately 38 pounds, with females generally growing larger than males. FWC research also shows that Gulf Coast snook are somewhat lighter at a given length than Atlantic Coast fish. On fly, we often target snook with baitfish imitations around mangroves and current seams; light-tackle anglers can use artificial lures or fresh live bait when conditions call for it.
Spotted Sea Trout
Spotted sea trout are another important part of the Charlotte Harbor fishery and are commonly found around shallow grass flats, sandy areas and other places where shrimp and small baitfish congregate. FWC lists 14 inches as a common size, while the species can reach approximately 39 inches and 17 pounds. Their willingness to eat small baitfish and shrimp makes them an excellent fly-fishing target, while light-tackle anglers can have plenty of fun casting artificial lures or fishing live bait across the flats. A trout aggressively chasing a fly in shallow water can be every bit as exciting as targeting the larger species.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the true giants of the Charlotte Harbor fishery and can turn an ordinary day into an unforgettable one. These prehistoric-looking fish are famous for their silver sides, enormous scales, explosive runs and spectacular jumps. Florida tarpon can reach 8 feet and roughly 200 pounds, although fish encountered in shallow inshore waters are often much smaller. Tarpon can be targeted with flies, streamers, jigs, lures and live bait, depending on their size, location and feeding behavior. Seeing a tarpon roll or cruising through shallow water before making a cast is one of the most exciting experiences Charlotte Harbor has to offer.
And More
While redfish, snook, sea trout and tarpon are some of our primary targets, they are far from the only fish you may encounter. Charlotte Harbor is home to a wide variety of inshore species, and jack crevalle, ladyfish, mangrove snapper, sheepshead and other species can all make an appearance depending on the season, tide and conditions. That variety is part of what makes fishing Charlotte Harbor so much fun—you may have a specific species in mind when you leave the dock, but the next flat can always bring an unexpected opportunity.
