8 Southwest Florida Fishing Spots to Add to Your Rotation

Do you want to be like the lucky Florida man who caught a potentially world record-breaking 124.18-pound Black Grouper? Well, it was caught right here in Fort Myers, Florida! Whether you’re a casual beginner fisherman or a seasoned veteran, it always helps to switch things up occasionally and visit some new places. Here are some popular local fishing spots to check out on your next fishing trip.

1. Tigertail Beach | Marco Island, FL

Located at the northern end of Marco Island, Tigertail Beach offers easygoing fishing opportunities and, from June to September, it’s a Snook wonderland. Tigertail is a level beach with a variety of fishing spots, from tidal pools to wading across the lagoon to casting a line in the Gulf on Sand Dollar Island.

2. Matanzas Pass Preserve | Fort Myers Beach, FL

This spot is only for flatboats or other shallow-water vehicles, but it offers a variety of fish and a quiet escape. Matanzas Pass is located on the back end of Fort Myers Beach, hidden amongst the mangroves and local wildlife. For the best results, go at high tide and ditch the engine for a pole.

3. Bokeelia | Pine Island, FL

All the way at the northern tip of Pine Island (passed Matlacha) is the little area of Bokeelia. According to local fisherman, this is the place for authentic back-water fishing. Some of the best places to cast are Big Jim Creek, Little Bokeelia Bay, and Bocilla Island, home of the Bokeelia Fishing Pier.

 4. Boca Grande Pass | Boca Grande, FL

For any experienced fisherman (especially for tarpon fishing), this name will definitely sound familiar. Not only is this area known in Southwest Florida, but its rich history of tarpon fishing is recognized worldwide. Boca Grande is the location of the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament each year.

5. Fishing Piers | Naples & Fort Myers, FL

These local piers offer beautiful sunsets, easy access, and a chance to meet fellow fishermen! The Naples and Fort Myers Piers are also great spots for beginners to get comfortable before taking to the waves. As an added bonus, they both have convenient bait shops for any last-minute restocking.

6. Punta Rassa Cove | Punta Rassa, FL

This spot provides an easy way to get on the water quick with a newly rebuilt launch ramp and trailer parking. The best fishing, according to locals, is in Punta Rassa Cove, the preserve, and near Connie Mack Island. These spots are most successful when the tide is coming in or out.

7. Tarpon Bay | Sanibel Island, FL

This is a favorite for local casting fisherman. Tarpon Bay is a protected, mangrove-lined cove on the north side of Sanibel Island. Flatboats are best for this trip because the shallow water is only about three-to-four feet deep. During this fighting trip, remember to be cautious not to snag the mangroves!

8. Roosevelt Channel | Captiva Island, FL

Named for President Teddy Roosevelt’s fishing visits, Roosevelt Channel is narrow and fast during tides, but great for fishing. The mangroves are perfect for fishing along and the channel has a grassy bottom. Also, Wulfert Channel leads to Blind Pass and offers good fishing if you’re looking to escape the wind from the north.

The Southwest Florida area is a paradise for any type of fishing. It offers a place for everything from kayak fishing to the biggest deep-sea fishing rig. The best ways to find the hidden spots are to talk around the piers and docks to get the latest, but these spots should provide a good start.