Cape Coral Fishing Charters & Guides

Fishing Charters in Cape Coral

The water rushing through the straits on the barrier islands meant the tide was changing in the local waters. With a flip of the bail and a flick of the wrist, shrimp under popping corks were in the water. Seconds later, a cork disappeared and the angler set the hook. Fish on! The drag screamed. After about 15 minutes, the big redfish rolled onto his side at the edge of the boat, easily pushing 20 pounds. During that fight, the two other fishermen had managed to catch a few of the smaller schooling reds. This monster was carefully lifted into the boat, pictures taken and then released to fight again another day. It was just another day aboard a Cape Coral fishing charter. Big reds in the passes between the islands just east of Cape Coral are common today thanks to Florida's restrictions on the fishery. For a complete list of Florida's saltwater fishing rules and regs, click here.

Cape Coral Canal Fishing

If you’re interested in charter fishing, Cape Coral is an inshore fisherman's paradise. The numerous canals are teeming with fish, and these brackish waters often hold salt and freshwater fish, adding an element of surprise to every cast. The unpredictability is part of the thrill that keeps anglers returning for more charter fishing in Cape Coral. Fortunately, the most sought-after canal species—such as snook, largemouth bass, redfish, and juvenile tarpon—all respond to similar lures. You might also encounter black drum (a cousin to the redfish), speckled trout, and mangrove snappers. These voracious feeders strike at jigs, grubs, live and cut bait, and crankbaits. Many anglers favor topwater lures like big Hula Poppers for snook, as watching one of these large fish aggressively strike at the surface is truly heart-pounding.

Cape Coral Inshore Fishing

If you want supper, Cape Coral fishing charters offer delicacies like reds, trout and croaker (also called whiting), all excellent table fare. These species are easily caught using both natural and artificial baits, and each charter is fully equipped with all the necessary gear, allowing you to focus entirely on your fishing adventure. Whiting are a top fish for the kids because when the bite is on, it is fast and furious. Small hooks with shrimp or squid work best. 

The numerous islands and bridges in Cape Coral create bays, coves, and sounds that offer abundant habitats for fish, making them prime spots for inshore fishing trips. Bayside oyster bars are especially good for finding redfish, which often school over these structures. Observing reds tailing over oyster bars is a remarkable sight and a highlight of most Cape Coral charter fishing trips.

The inshore Gulf waters are also home to a few giants, like the Goliath Grouper capable of reaching over 500 pounds. Engaging with one can test any angler’s strength. Want to tangle with one of these giants? The good news is that these fish are typically easy to find by structure, and are not shy when it comes to inhaling your bait. Your Cape Coral fishing charter guide can put you on one of these behemoths. The bad news is, well, if you are not strong enough, then you need to stick to other fish. Goliath grouper fishing is 100 percent catch and release. Years ago, these easy-to-catch monsters were nearly fished to extinction because they are so easy to find and catch. They like to hang out over structure and don't venture far, even after being caught and released several times. That means your chances of making the catch of a lifetime are excellent.

These fish are typically found near structures and are eager to take bait, making them accessible yet challenging catches that are strictly catch-and-release. This species was nearly driven to extinction due to its vulnerability but has now become a symbol for successful conservation efforts.

Does trying to get a 300-pound fish off the bottom sound like too much? Then another inshore heavy hitter, the tarpon, may be for you. These aerial acrobats can get over 200 pounds, making them a favorite target for any seasoned angler. Your captain will cruise around, probably trolling for mackerel, while looking for the Silver Kings tailing in the shallows or chasing baitfish at the surface. When he spots them, bring in the mackerel rigs and grab a casting pole. Flip your lure or bait ahead of the fish and hang on.

Cape Coral Offshore Fishing

If you want some grouper or snapper to take home, heading offshore with a Cape Coral deep-sea fishing charter is the way to go. The deeper waters around Cape Coral have plenty of structure on the bottom, natural and man-made, perfect for attracting snapper, king mackerel, amberjack and cobia. Cape Coral fishing charter captains are extremely knowledgeable and know the best spots to drop a line. These seasoned professionals can help you get the best out of deep-sea fishing in Cape Coral, Florida.

Cobia like to hang out in groups. If you find one, your captain will rig other poles for the other anglers in your charter. When everyone is hooked up, then he'll tell you to fight one to the boat. You typically want to land the first hooked cobia before the others, as it would be more tired. The Cobia has a reputation for thrashing its muscular tail once on the boat deck, smashing around tackle boxes and fishing gear. It’s not uncommon for your guide to intentionally scare the cobia off on another run if it looks too “energetic” at boatside. One often overlooked fish found in the deeper waters but at the surface is the tripletail. For some reason these fish like to lay on their side at the surface. Your best chance at putting one of these in the boat is a live shrimp fished short under a cork.

Mahi mahi, dolphin or dorado, depending on what you want to call them, also hang out near the surface, and provide delicious fillets. Whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler, deep-sea fishing in Cape Coral offers a lifetime experience that you won't want to miss.

Book A Cape Coral Fishing Charter

Fishing charters in Cape Coral are fishing 12 months of the year. Anytime you're looking to go on an excursion is a great time to fish! Select a professional and experienced captain in the Cape Coral area here.