more. Very educational for fishing methods. Hunting season is the main focus right now, so I haven't been doing much by way of charters. Most of our passengers on board have never been in a dorado bite before today. The Endeavor out of Ventura Harbor Sportfishing returned from an Overnight trip with 18 passengers. A section of the causeway leading to Sanibel, Fla., in Lee County was knocked out by Hurricane Ian Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022. The Sanibel Causeway is severely damaged. There is a 5.59% catch rate for Ladyfish, based on 1314 Ladyfish counted. Our next couple trips are SOLD OUT but please call Seaforth Landing at (619) 224-3383 to get in on the action. View full Sanibel Fishing Forecast to see all species and best lures and colors to use. In this. 6 hours was perfect for our trip, we caught a a lot of fish and still had time to enjoy dolphins and other wildlife. Fishbuster Charters Capt. I'm going to print this & take it with me in March!! The post May Fishing ha. But once locals spotted the Sanibel Lighthouse from the mainland - missing a leg but still standing - it became a symbol of resilience. Snapper and Grouper are here much of the year. The snook and redfish bite are also on fire as they ramp up their summer spawn. Reports of tarpon will become more common as well as sharks and other species moving into our waters. 3/14/2017 12:47:30 AM - Fish Haven. The weather has been ideal and the fishing sensational. It was good for 20 dorado. The post 2022 was one for the books on, Hurrican Ian Barrier Islands Update Jones reports widespread but patchy red tide that has been coming and going with changes in the wind. We managed some fish each trip but it gottough towards theend of the month with extensive fresh water discharges coming from Lake Okeechobee. SANIBEL, Fla. The causeway washed out by Hurricane Ian that links Sanibel Island to the Florida mainland reopened with temporary repairs on Wednesday, Gov. A few schools of bait around the pier, birds diving on fish now and then. A boater throwing a Cotton Cordell Spoon caught a 24-inch Spanish mackerel and a couple of trout at the Sanibel. Many reports of Snook and some Reds hitting shrimp, frozen Ladyfish, threadfins, and pinfish. | fishing in Redfish Pass (Captiva Island, North End) (13 mi.) Below is a list of popular places we can guarantee a fish or two be caught! 6) Sanibel & Captiva Fishing Spots. 1/6/2023 12:59:35 PM - Captain Brad Hickman consistently produced quality fish all year. Mostly, reports are that the bite is on! The post SEEING REDS IN FALL FOR FISHING SAN, Memorable Day Fishing Sanibel Island | fishing in Fort Myers (16 mi.) Looking for the current Sanibel fishing report from those in the know? Polaris Supreme Crew. The first island has big mostly sand/muck flats on the west, which during an incoming or outgoing tide can produce fish. Spotted Seatrout being caught out in the grass flats using shrimp fished under a float. Our, This error message is only visible to WordPress admins, Sanibel fishing gear, live and frozen bait. Stronger current in the pass will require more weight than most other fishing spots. Parts of the landscape may look different right now, but the way our area makes people feel hasn't changed. The freezers are full and everything is ready for the busy season. Best live baits include pinfish, pilchards, threadfins, shrimp and Wanna see what we're catching right now? Cut bait like Pinfish and Greenbacks are a bait of choice in addition to Shrimp, which have been producing the best results. If you're looking for a Sanibel fishing report from a local and trusted source, you've come to the right spot! A few Tarpon hitting whole and cut Ladyfish and Mullet! Copyright 2023 Waterman Broadcasting of Florida, LLC, February 24 fishing report from Byron Stout, 10 people rescued from Caloosahatchee River after boat sinks, One dead in head-on crash in Glades County, New Florida bill would imposes restrictions on gender-affirmative care, North Port man crashed through FHP homicide investigation, Motorcyclist dead after crash at Fort Myers shopping center. 7/19/2022 10:17:36 AM - What a memorable day for the Jacob family! Sea Turtle Nesting Season is May through October, How do I help? Chopper flies over Sanibel, Florida, after Hurricane Ian moves out. Wade fishing from the causeway north on the sanibel side I've caught small grouper, trout, and snook. 5) Know your seasons. | fishing in Cape Coral (9 mi.) | fishing in Matlacha (13 mi.) New posts will not be retrieved. Florida Gov. What are the "must see's/do's" we must see and do? Double and triple hookups are always fun. Anglers report better success while wading and casting along the sandbar. Shrimp under a popping cork will get great results here. The snapper bite has also been great. ), TIDES4FISHING | WEATHER FORECAST IN SANIBEL | NEXT 7 DAYS, Plan now and enjoy your activities at sea with the tides4fishing app, fishing in Galt Island (Pine Island Sound), fishing in Tropical Homesites Landing (Pine Island), fishing in Captiva Island (Pine Island Sound), fishing in Redfish Pass (Captiva Island, North End). If you have one that is loaded with wooden docks even better. Visitor Disability and Home Care Services on Sanibel Island, Browse all 10,881 Sanibel Island topics , Lighthouse will be relit tomorrow morning, Restaurants have been full; still limited rentals, Webinar addresses rental availability, rebuild timelines, Bailey- Matthews Shell Museum offers post-Ian experience, Snorkeling and swimming with the dolphins, Sanibel vs Marco Island-which one is better for family. As you know, no current = no fish. Here are eight spots to get you started. | fishing in Coconut Point (11 mi.) Many reports of large Snook and Reds hitting cut bait as well as live Pinfish and shrimp. The Seabass are biting and the Apollo is online for LIMITED LOAD trips. If your fishing the east side its more like fishing the bay. Get Hooked Charter Capt. Home Features Fish Finder February 24 fishing report from Byron Stout. Soft plastics of all kinds will catch fish. But white can be hot on certain days. 5/22/2022 6:14:56 PM - Naples Deep Sea Fishing Charters is one of the oldest charter fishing businesses in Naples and all of Florida. They wade waist deep and then cast as far as they can. On our way to some Pine Island therapy on another awesome Captiva Fishing Charter! And Kentuckian Joey Koch used a popping cork rig to catch a 23-inch trout near Starvation Key on Wednesday. Which Island Should I Visit- Sanibel or Captiva? This is a very narrow window of opportunity, maybe the first two hours of an incoming and the last two of an outgoing tide will be the best. Even with Corona virus, Blind Pass is still open for fishing and the bite is on! Sanibel Reef 20 Check out our current fishing report for what we've seen there lately or stop in to talk to Whitney & crew! Sanibel Fishing Report OFFSHORE - Fish the wrecks and hardbottom deeper than 70 feet to find keeper Grouper and . The 2nd island closest to Sanibel has/had some nice grass flats that can hold some really nice fish, but are slowly disappearing from the lack of respect by boaters. Gafftop Catfish (Sail Cats) have a real long dorsal fin that makes them easy to recognize and are a suprisingly tasty fish. Frustrating. 4: Estero Bay for sheepshead and trout. "This has not been a decision we have taken lightly," he said, noting that he and Sanibel Police Chief William "Bill" Dalton have had lengthy conversations about when it would be possible to do . Fishing reports for sanibel causeway are updated each week, usually by Thursday morning. Blind pass is on fire all year long! Lots of fun. It's always great to introduce people to our diverse ecosystem that we're so lucky to have right on our doorstep! However, the traffic was too much for us to handle and with a declining bite, Drew made like the guy should have done for Lady Antebellum, and took us downtown. Snook, Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish, and some small Trout! It is best viewed using a computer or tablet with a larger screen. The Sanibel Causeway toll booths are now cashless, and this has caused some confusion, here is information about your payment options! Sanibel Island residents and those with businesses on the island were granted access Wednesday with the reopening of the causeway. There is excellent fishing from both sides of the causeway islands Goliath grouper have been caught under the bridges by the pilings There are very strong rip currents near the base of the causeway bridges and they can be extremely dangerous You may launch unmotorized vessels or wade into the water Other Sanibel Fishing Spots 12/10/2016 10:26:31 PM - This is the west end of one of the best ledges off Marco. For detailed information on this very popular Sanibel fishing spot, click, A saltwater fishing license is required to fish from shore. No. | fishing in Carlos Point (9 mi.) Redfish are hitting big shrimp and cut baits like Mullet. Would you have any tips on how to catch fish off the beach outside of our condo? Hoping for warmer weather and for the return of the bait! The iconic Sanibel Causeway, which was badly damaged by Hurricane Ian nearly two weeks ago and left impossible to drive on, is expected to reopen to drivers next week. We strive to provide the latest and most accurate fishing information available to our users. We had to stay out a little longer so this young lady could catch her first fish. Commissioners approved a $285.3 million resiliency plan for a reconstructed Sanibel Causeway. SANIBEL, Fla. - Five months ago, Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida, leaving widespread damage in its wake. With resilience and optimism, our community is working hard to rebuild. Now we're going to catch our yellows. Released this beautiful 27 inch redfish. But so far, no massive fish kills reported. It means the county will pick up $46 million of the cost, with the Federal Highway Administration . No. If the tide is running real high, the fish will actually move to the inside of the grass in low light conditions. I highly recommend covering your neck with a buff and wearing long sleeves whenever possible. Fishing around docks, structure, and mangroves produces the best sheepshead bite, although they can also be caught on oyster bars at high tide. Deadly Combo have been super effective throughout the refuge. The move paid off, somewhat. Beautiful Copper colored Redfish caught near Sanibel Island This time of year as we approach the heart of Fall months. Deer season was rewarding, yet again. Tight lines! Mangrove Snapper along with Redfish, Snook, Jacks, and Juvenile Tarpon can be found along most of the culverts. | fishing in Tropical Homesites Landing (Pine Island) (8 mi.) FISHING FORECAST Sanibel Forecast in Sanibel for the next 7 days FORECAST 7 DAYS FISHING ACTIVITY OF FISH SANIBEL NEXT 7 DAYS 10 FEB Friday Fish activity in Sanibel ACTIVITY OF FISH AVERAGE + INFO 11 FEB Saturday Fish activity in Sanibel ACTIVITY OF FISH HIGH + INFO 12 FEB Sunday Fish activity in Sanibel ACTIVITY OF FISH HIGH + INFO 13 FEB After the new year fishing took a pretty good hit with cold temperatures dropping the water temp to the low 60's. Not to mention putting up some numbers on snook daily! Snook and reds will sometimes push bait into these areas and can be caught on soft plastics in baitfish patterns. Anglers fishing the beaches have been catching whiting and a few snook. Ron DeSantis said Friday. Among fake baits, metal spoons and nylon jigs hold up best against their razor dentition, and leaders of steel or relatively heavy monofilament help to prevent cutoffs. lee.tom@flsenate.gov, Fishing will be different, I figure. Sand fleas or shrimp a distant 2nd choice. Look for a group of small ripples on the surface or what sometimes looks like rain on the water, the fish will be in that area. White likes black-and-blue swim jigs, Gambler Big EZs rigged for topwater, and Senkos. The bait has been spotty but it's there if you work for it at the bridges. Artificial baits are hot too! Mullet, Spanish Mackerel, Threadfins, and chunks of Stingray are what the shark are biting. Seatrout, lots of Ladyfish and Whiting caught on live Bait Box shrimp, have come in recently. My father in law and I are novice anglers and Capt Anthony made it look easy for us. Permanent repairs continue and the causeway, the only link between Sanibel . Get answers to your questions about Sanibel Island. Sanibel Toll Plaza 2 axles - $6.00 3 axles - $9.00 4 axles - $12.00 5 axles - $15.00 +$3.00 . 19931 Sanibel Causeway . You also can get helpful information from the Fishing Forecast. Create Custom Mapsof fishing spots. .fukyocouch span { display: none; } ENLARGE SANIBEL GRAY SNAPPER COUNTS CHART. Field staff The reports are compiled by an outside contractor who receives the Tonight will be surf and turf, steak and lobster. After much debate and repairs, the original bridges were retired, and the current structures were completed in 2007. Anyhow, we did manage to scratch up a couple of Bluefin late in the day but before we could get a beat on 'em, darkness fell and we had to turn downswell again so that everyones dinner plates stayed on their table. Captain Mike Pritchard called in from the Tribute last night updating us about the 1.5 day trip returning this AM. Keep it simple with a small circle hook and a split shot. Book a charter with Crushing it Fishing Charters. And, if you'd rather follow our lead in person, book one of our Sanibel fishing charters by inquiring online! We have water temps in the 60s still but that should pick up as Spring kicks in. Beaches and Bays are ideal places for land-based fishing. ESTERO BAY: Last Friday on an inshore Fishbuster Charter, Dave Knoll and family and friends combined for 11 sheepshead, three black drum and a puffer on an all release trip. Check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions (FWC) Florida Fishing Pier Finder, an interactive map that allows anglers to find publicly-accessed fishing piers, jetties and fishing-specific bridges in freshwater and saltwater locations throughout the state. Our morning whack yielded us 24 Bluefin, with most being in the 30-plus pound class, so that was just dandy. Hurricane Ian has had far-reaching effects throughout the greater Fort Myers area. Upon the recent announcement that the Sanibel Causeway will reopen to all vehicles on January 2, 2023, I'll bring you up to speed on the status of tourism on my home island of Sanibel. Tide Reports, Fishing Reports & Fishing License Information, Hurricane Ian Recovery Resources For Residents and Businesses, Hurricane Ian Updates From The Town of Fort Myers Beach, Town of FMB 'Key Questions With Key Staffers' Video Series, Hurricane Ian Relief Other Ways You Can Help, Fort Myers Beach Chamber Water Foundation, FMB Chamber Board of Directors and Staff Directory, 2023 Spring Break Schedule for Major Universities, Web Support & Maintenance by Island IT Pros. The bait has been excellent and easy to get with scaled sardines and pinfish being the bait of choice for most of my Captiva Fishing Charter customers lately. 6/8/2022 5:57:58 PM - Fishing has been amazing this month of May! LAKE TRAFFORD: Theres been a paradox on the Immokalee lake, where Its been crazy dead, with one five-fish day representing the weeks angling highlights. If you have a fishing report or for charter information, contact Gulf Coast Guide Service at 239-410-8576 (call or text); on the web at www.fish pineisland.com; or via email at gcl2fish@live.com. The 3-mile . Warming waters have Spanish mackerel moving into local waters as they head for parts north in Spring. Spotted Seatrout being caught out in the grass flats using shrimp fished under a float. It was unknown how many heeded orders to evacuate, but Charlotte County. 1/13/2018 11:04:05 PM -. With the Fall pattern approaching I expect the redfish bite to only get better and better. Give Southwest Florida anglers some decent weather, and fish beware! The snapper and Redfish bite over the last few weeks has continued to be great. No. Mangrove Snapper and Redfish are being caught as well as Snook, and Pompano. Wildlife Drive in Ding Darling is often very good in the winter and spring for redfish, snook, sheepshead, and juvenile tarpon or decent snapper. A lot of the locals refer to October as "Red October" as many of our upper and over slot Redfish Snook, Ladyfish, Spanish Mackerel, Jacks, Tarpon, and some Redfish in the surf west of the pier along with Mangrove Snapper. Check out our Photo Gallery! Many reports of Sharks being caught here. ENLARGE SANIBEL THREAD HERRING COUNTS CHART. Our summer time rain patterns have been pretty steady with the occasional storm system moving in to mess things up for us for a few days. Despite some shop days we put a hurting on some fish! Fisherman can be found out on the beach or beneath the bridge along the pilings. Howdy partners. Capt. "It washed away roads, it washed away . Police patrol the entrance to the bridge, checking that car . Told Ya So West Access to Sanibel is via the 3-mile-long Sanibel Causeway, which remains closed to anyone who isn't a worker or property owner. These guys caught so many Redfish that we had to leave them biting! Another 1/2 hour later and so on and so on. Web: Contact Form 7"Feeling Better" "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is Tarpon Bay, where more than 200 species can be found in the salt- and -freshwater ecosystem. Today Thursday, 2 nd of March of 2023, the sun will rise in Sanibel at 6:50:34 am and sunset will be at 6:29:48 pm. The wrinkle is, boaters are reporting the lake has been alive with grass shrimp and shad, on which its denizens including crappie, bluegill and bass have been dining exclusively. Book your Captiva Fishing Charter today! 2022. There is a 12.68% catch rate for Sheepshead, based on 2982 Sheepshead counted. CNN Sanibel Island residents on Wednesday were crossing the causeway for the first time since Hurricane Ian damaged the only road onto the popular Gulf Coast destination. Between 600 and 700 people have been rescued, Sheriff . We are only taking 20 people. There's supposed to be a strong cold front coming at the end of this week (week 3), so we'll see how week 4 and the first week of the newyear go! Wade fishing from the causeway north on the sanibel side I've caught small grouper, trout, and snook. Look for grass and any type of structure like rocks, docks, or depth changes. There have been a lot of really nice kingfish and cobia caught lately offshore, from what others are saying. There is a 5.01% catch rate for White Grunt, based on 1178 White Grunt counted. However it was short lived. Check out our photo gallery for pics of the latest catches! Oh well, maybe when the weather subsides, this area will be productive, but today, we can't quite justify saying that it was. Unseasonably warm temperatures and high winds have been less than stellar lately but the bite has been persistent to those that have been diligent in their pursut of fish! We even have rod & reel rentals for those traveling without their own equipment. We have been operating offshore fishing charters in Naples Flori, Catch More Fish Download GPS Files Create Custom Maps Future Predictions Featured Listings. Captiva Island Fishing Charters Fishing Reports from Sanibel and Captiva March (weeks 1 and 2) Fishing has been picking up steadily with warming trends around Sanibel and Captiva. Please check local, state/province, and federal laws before fishing for any species found on this site. benacquisto.lizbeth@flsenate.gov, | fishing in Hendry Creek (Estero Bay) (9 mi.) Hurricane Ian has left at least two people dead on Sanibel Island and ripped away several parts of the causeway that was the island's only access to Florida's mainland. We have been working hard on getting the boat upgraded with the addition of a powerpole and a brand new trolling motor had to be installed after I smoked the board on the first one. Canals are great this time of year. Check our photo gallery! Weather patterns have been normal for summer with rain in the afternoons mostly. Ron DeSantis said temporary repairs have been made to the . What are some "kid-friendly" activities to do? Seatrout and Spanish Mackerel being caught along with some Blues on the beach as well. December has been great fishing so far! 1. A A. SANIBEL, Fla. The Sanibel Causeway is expected to be repaired and accessible by the end of October, according to a statement from the Florida Department . Capt. Whiting and Flounder are being caught. A saltwater fishing license is required to fish from shore. There is no fee for Florida residents. We hit a few kelps for some action on some Yellowtails and a crazy Mahi-Mahi, but the weather made it tough to go any direction but downswell. If you can make it happen.have them turn the light on about a week before you come down. What is the best part of the island to stay-eat-shop? Another bull Redfish released near Captiva Island aboard a fishing charter. To the Reds fan. altman.thad@flsenate.gov, Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time. Stay tuned for some crazy days of fishing! All were released for another day! A t-shaped, free-entry boardwalk can be found lively at all hours of the day. Fishing has been picking up steadily with warming trends around Sanibel and Captiva. 0 Fishing Predictions served for Sanibel. | fishing in North Captiva Island (16 mi. Fisherman can expect to catch snapper, redfish, snook, sheepshead and more. THANKS!! The current Sanibel Causeway toll is $6.00 for automobiles and motorcycles traveling from Punta Rassa to the island. Bennett Wong caught this toothy beauty with Capt. Sanibel is an island and city in Lee County, Florida, United States.The population was 6,382 at the 2020 census. Sheepshead should be around the dock pilings at high tide. The bait has been great on the flats so live chumming and live bait fishing has been the ticket to a successful day. Areas within Lee County, including Sanibel Island and Fort Myers, are facing major . We will be staying on East Gulf Drive on the east side of the island. Now is the time to get in on some of the best redfishing of the year so book your trip with confidence because the bite is redhot. Matzui (sp?) Book Captain Anthony with Crushin it Fishing Charters he was great! For up-to-date information, look up the fishing report for the water of your choice. Cut frozen Threadfins and Ladyfish are super effective right now along with live Pinfish and Shrimp. Redfish have really started to show up in larger numbers and schooling fish are appearing in our area. In between hunting trips I ran a few goliath grouper charters out of Sanibel. Read More, Support: Fishing Status Support Snook fishing has been great over the last couple months. 9/3/2022 1:22:35 AM - We are on the cusp of fall down here in SWFL and its a great time to be on the water! We are used to fishing high mountain lakes in Colorado.