Ready for some serious afternoon action on the water? Join us at ThinLine Charters for a 4-hour fishing trip that'll have you reeling in some of Fort Myers' most sought-after catches. We're talking Redfish, Permit, Cobia, Florida Pompano, and Snook – the kind of lineup that'll make any angler's heart race. Our trips kick off at 1:00 PM, perfect for those who like to sleep in or grab lunch before hitting the waves. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our expert guides will make sure you're in the right spots at the right times. And the best part? We'll clean your catch so it's ready for the dinner table. Just remember, spots fill up fast, so don't sleep on booking your adventure!
Picture this: You're cruising out from Fort Myers, the afternoon sun warming your face as the shoreline fades behind you. Our captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a treat. We'll hit up some prime fishing spots – maybe some grass flats for those tailing Redfish, or near structures where the Snook love to hang out. You'll be using top-notch gear, and our guides are always ready to share a tip or two to help you land the big one. It's a laid-back vibe out here, but don't be fooled – when a fish strikes, the excitement kicks into high gear. And with a max of 2 guests, you're guaranteed plenty of personalized attention and fishing time.
On our half-day trips, we mix it up to maximize your chances of a great catch. We might start with some light tackle casting along mangrove shorelines for Snook, or try sight fishing for Redfish in shallow waters. If the Cobia are running, we'll break out the heavier gear and chum the waters to bring them in close. For Pompano, we often use jigs bounced along sandy bottom areas. Our guides are masters at reading the water and conditions, so they'll adjust tactics on the fly to put you on the fish. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques – we'll walk you through everything, from bait selection to the perfect cast. By the end of the trip, you'll be handling that rod like a pro.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a Fort Myers favorite. They love to cruise the flats and hang around oyster beds. Redfish put up a great fight, especially when you spot them tailing in shallow water. They're most active in the fall, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love 'em for their powerful runs and the satisfying "thump" when they hit your lure.
Permit: The holy grail for many inshore anglers, Permit are notoriously picky eaters and tough fighters. They've got great eyesight and spook easily, so landing one is a real trophy. Spring and summer are prime Permit seasons in Fort Myers. When you hook one, be ready for some serious reel-screaming action as they make blistering runs.
Cobia: These curious fish often swim right up to the boat, which can make for some heart-pounding sight fishing. Cobia are migratory, showing up in Fort Myers waters in spring and fall. They're strong swimmers and can grow to over 100 pounds, so hooking a big one is like trying to reel in a torpedo. Plus, they're delicious – perfect for the grill.
Florida Pompano: Don't let their size fool you – Pompano punch above their weight class when it comes to fighting spirit. These silvery speedsters are often found in the surf and near passes. They're most abundant in spring and fall, but you can catch them year-round in Fort Myers. Anglers love their acrobatic leaps and delicate flavor.
Snook: The legendary Snook is a Fort Myers staple. These ambush predators love to hang around structure like mangroves and docks. They're known for their distinctive black lateral line and powerful strikes. Snook fishing is hot in the warmer months, especially at night. Landing a big Snook is a real rush – they're famous for their drag-stripping runs and airborne acrobatics.
Folks who fish with us at ThinLine Charters don't just come for the fish – they come for the experience. Our half-day afternoon trips are perfect for fitting some quality angling into a busy vacation schedule. You'll be out there during the golden hours when the fish are often most active, and the lighting is perfect for those "catch of the day" photos. Our guides aren't just experts at finding fish; they're passionate about sharing their knowledge. You'll learn about the local ecosystem, pick up new fishing techniques, and maybe even hear a few salty tales along the way. And let's not forget the convenience – we provide all the gear, clean your catch, and get you back in time for dinner plans. It's no wonder we see so many repeat customers year after year.
Alright, let's cut to the chase – if you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Fort Myers' finest fish, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our half-day afternoon charters are the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement, whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to try something new. Remember, we've only got room for 2 guests per trip, so these slots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Don't let that "one that got away" be your chance to fish with us. Grab your spot now, and get ready for an afternoon of rod-bending, drag-screaming action. Just a heads up – the deposit is non-refundable, but trust us, once you're out there feeling that first tug on the line, you'll be glad you committed. So what are you waiting for? Let's make some fishing memories!
Cobia are odd-looking fish that pack a serious punch. Often mistaken for sharks, they're dark brown with a white belly and can grow over 6 feet long. You'll find them around structures like reefs, wrecks, and buoys, typically in 30-70 feet of water. Spring is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Cobia are curious fish - they'll often investigate anything unusual in the water, which can make for some exciting sight fishing. They're prized for both their fight and their excellent meat. When targeting cobia, I like to use large jigs or live eels. Here's a local trick: if you spot one, toss out a bright-colored jig and reel it in fast. Their curiosity often gets the better of them, and they'll chase it down.
Florida Pompano are a real treat - both to catch and to eat. These silvery, disk-shaped fish usually run 1-3 pounds, though bigger ones do show up. You'll find them cruising the surf zone and sandy flats, often in water less than 10 feet deep. They're most active in warmer months, from spring through fall. Pompano are lightning-fast and put up a spirited fight on light tackle. Their meat is delicious, with a sweet, delicate flavor that's hard to beat. When targeting pompano, I like to use small jigs tipped with shrimp or sand fleas. Here's a tip: look for darker patches in the surf - that's where pompano often feed on sand fleas. Cast just beyond these areas and work your jig slowly along the bottom.
Permit are the holy grail for many anglers - tough to find, tougher to catch. These silvery, disk-shaped fish usually run 15-25 pounds, but 40-pounders aren't unheard of. You'll spot them tailing on shallow flats, often in just a foot or two of water. They're notoriously picky eaters, making them a real challenge. Spring and fall are your best bet, when water temps are just right. Permit offer an incredible fight, with blistering runs that'll test your drag. For the best shot at hooking one, you'll want to sight-cast using live crabs or crab-like flies. My top tip? Move slow and quiet on the flats. These fish have eyes like eagles and spook easily. When you see one, make a long, accurate cast well ahead of its path.
Redfish are a local favorite, known for their copper-colored backs and signature black spot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, but trophy fish over 40 inches aren't unheard of. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster beds, and near mangroves - often in water so shallow their backs break the surface. They're aggressive feeders, making for exciting sight fishing. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round here. Redfish put up a great fight and make excellent table fare. When targeting them, I like to use a gold spoon or a soft plastic shrimp imitation. Work it slowly along the bottom, and be ready for that telltale thump when they strike. Keep an eye out for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the shallows - that's a dead giveaway.
Snook are one of our most popular gamefish, and for good reason. These sleek predators can grow over 40 inches long, with most catching falling in the 20-30 inch range. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and in coastal rivers. They love structure and use it to ambush prey. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but summer nights can be red hot too. Snook are famous for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They're also excellent eating, though highly regulated. When targeting snook, I like to use live bait like pilchards or pinfish. Free-line it near structure and hold on tight. Here's a local secret: on incoming tides, focus on points where water is funneling into mangrove areas. Snook often set up shop there to pick off bait being swept in with the current.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300