The Best Fishing in Southwest Florida

One of the best things about living in Southwest Florida is the water. And in that water are all types of fish just waiting to be caught! From snapper to tarpons, the offshore waters are teaming, if you know where to look. Here are a few of the spots to get you started.

Looking for tarpon? The Boca Grande Pass hosts The World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament every year. It has long been considered by fishing enthusiasts to be the Holy Grail of tarpon fishing. This large pass is a destination in the tarpon’s migration pattern during the months of May and June.

How about snook and redfish? The Blind Pass between Sanibel and Captiva Islands is an ideal spot for catching both. Being one of the best shelling spots in Florida is an added bonus. The blue waters yield seashells that inhabit both the bay and gulf in one location.

The newly renovated, landmark Naples Pier is a popular destination because of the variety of fish in the area. Conveniently, there is a snack shop that sells bait and the pier is a beautiful place to watch the sunset as you reel in your catch.

Get in touch with nature and make the drive down to Everglades City to fish the 10,000 Islands. You can fish from your boat or kayak amid the mangroves. The area boasts freshwater, brackish, and saltwater ponds with several hundred species of fish.

Once you’ve caught your meal, pull the boat up to these restaurants who will cook it up just right for you:

The Boathouse in Naples, 239.643.2235

Nauti Mermaid in Cape Coral, 239.541.5600

Oyster House Restaurant in Everglades City, 239.695.2073 

Parrot Key Carribean Grill at Fort Myers Beach, 239.463.3257

Riverwalk at Tin City, 239.263.2734

Snook Inn on Marco Island, 239.394.3313

Stan’s Idle Hour in Goodland, 239-394-3041