Saltwater Fishing | Tarpon | Redfish | Snook | Trout

WHAT WE CATCH

Here's an idea of what we specialize in:

REDFISH

Redfish are one of many game fish to catch along the Gulf Coast. These fish invade the shallows flats for safety until maturity. They can often be found in the same places as snook, trout and a host of other flats gamefish. As they grow, they eventually move offshore to join with the larger fish. Even though they are small compared to their seniors, they still are great tackle busters on light tackle. They range from 20 to 35 inches and there is incredible redfish fishing all over Estero Bay and the surrounding areas.

SNOOK

Snook are found from central Florida south, usually inshore in coastal and brackish waters. They are also common along mangrove shorelines, seawalls, and bridges. Snook are also on reefs and around pilings nearshore. They congregate in large schools during summer in deep passes and inlets to spawn. Snook begin life as males, but between 18 and 22 inches long some become females. They orient themselves to face moving water and wait for prey to be carried down the current. Snook jump clear of the water, and burst into long runs..

TARPON

Tarpon have a distinctive dorsal fin ray that extends into a long filament, a large upward pointing mouth and very large scales. They tolerate a wide salinity range, and as juveniles, enter fresh waters. Tarpon can gulp air and remove oxygen by means of lung-like tissue near their swim bladder. This "rolling" effect is one way to spot tarpon. We catch tarpon that weigh 50 to 175 pounds on average. Tarpon season is a fun time! If you like a thrill, just wait until you're hooked up.

GROUPER

One of our classic bottom fish is the grouper. Whether red, gag, black, yellowfin or Warsaw, a good grouper in the ice chest means a successful day for most folks. Grouper will chase a bait occasionally, but their preference is to ambush their prey. Their coloration and ability to change hues and shades to blend in with their surroundings gives them that capability. It is this ambush ability that makes them relatively easy to hook and a thrill to land. Grouper feed on other small fish, crustaceans like crabs or crawfish and squid.

TROUT

Trout can be found inshore and around seagrass meadows, mangrove-fringed shorelines, deep holes, channels and above oyster bars. Free-line live shrimp or small pinfish near the bottom are keys to success. Attaching a float allow these baits to drift over the grass beds as you search for trout. Trout are very delicate, so returning unwanted or illegal fish promptly to the water is necessary to maintain a healthy population. Spotted seatrout are also good eating fish.

PERMIT

Permit are part of the Jack family and are actually a favorite among clients. They are typically found in schools offshore and it's important to understand what they like to eat. These coastal fish inhabit tropical grass and sand flats, near reefs and wrecks. Permit have a specialized plate at the back of their mouth that helps them crush hard-shelled animals such as clams and crabs. Permit are most common in south Florida and can reach 40 inches and up to 60 pounds.