Situated on the western shores of Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Naples, and Fort Myers, FL area is the perfect destination for anyone who loves the beach or who loves water recreational activities, such as fishing. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico are home to a wide assortment of saltwater fish, ranging from grouper to snapper, from cobia to tarpon, and even sharks (just to name a few), making both of these Sunshine State cities a haven for anglers. Whatever you’re plans entail, to increase your chances of success, you’re going to want to know when it’s the best time to go fishing in Naples and Fort Myers, FL.
Below, you’ll find an overview of the best times to go fishing for different kinds of fish in Southwest Florida.
Best Time to Go Fishing in Naples and Fort Myers, Florida
Whether you’re looking to catch your own fresh seafood (you can’t get any fresher than catching it yourself right out of the water), or you prefer the mixture of excitement and relaxation that catch-and-release fishing provides, either Naples or Fort Myers, FL – or both – would be the ideal spot for you. These two beach cities are about 40 miles apart, so fishing in both spots is easily doable.
The Best Time to Fish in Naples, Florida
Florida is home to countless fishing spots, but Naples is one of the most popular destinations, not only in Florida but in the world. Anglers travel from near and far to cast their reels along the Paradise Coast. Plentiful water reserves, great fishing spots, tons of wildlife, endless beauty, and great weather; it’s no wonder why it’s such a beloved destination for fishermen. Naples, Florida also home to a vast array of fish. Here, your chances of catching “the big one” are definitely high, as tons of large species of fish swim in the Gulf off the shores of Naples.
Naples, FL Fishing: When to Go
The best time to fish in Naples is really all year round. Anglers have a chance to catch an assortment of fish from January right through to December. With that said, however, there are certain times of the year when the chances are better. Therefore, planning to take your fishing trip to Naples, FL during the time of year the species of fish that you want to catch is most prevalent would be your best bet.
- Tarpon – year-round, though March through July is the best
- Snapper – October through March
- Permit – May through August
- Grouper – November through March
- Redfish – Year-round, but March through July is ideal
- Sharks – May through August is prime shark fishing time
- Sea trout – May through July
- Cobia – April through October
- Largemouth bass – March through June and September through November
- Peacock bass – May through September
The Best Time to Fish in Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers is also one of the most popular fishing destinations in the Sunshine State. People from around the world flock to this Gulf Coast city to try their luck at making a great catch, which is easy to do, as the fishing here is great all year long.
In Fort Myers, FL you can enjoy fishing offshore, inshore, and along the Caloosahatchee River, too. Fort Myers, Florida offers a few spots to enjoy freshwater fishing as well. Needless to say, there are ample opportunities for fishing in Fort Myers, and there are so many different species to catch.
Fort Myers, FL Fishing: When to Go
Because there are so many different varieties of fish to catch here, trying to figure out which one you want to target can be tough. With that said, however, narrowing down your options and planning your fishing trip to Fort Myers, FL around the time of the year when those species are most active is your best bet. The following is an overview of the best times to fish for the most popular types of fish in Fort Myers, Florida.
- Peacock bass – May through September
- Snapper – October through March
- Permit – May through August
- Grouper – November through March
- Cobia – April through October
- Sharks – May through August
- Redfish – year-round, but August through December is prime time
- Tarpon – year-round, but March through July is ideal
- Sea trout – May through June
- Largemouth bass – March through June and September through November
Naples and Fort Myers Fishing Charters: Best Time to Go?
When is the best time to fish in Fort Myers and Naples, Florida? Honestly, any time of the year! However, if you want to target a specific species, plan your trip around the time of the year when they’re the most active in the waters along these Floridian cities.
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