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Port guide / Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida / Florida

Captiva Island fishing guide

Captiva is the skinny island north of Sanibel, with Blind Pass at its south end, Redfish Pass at its north end, Gulf beaches on the west side and Pine Island Sound on the east. Most of the fishing is in those two passes, where strong tides funnel bait past snook, redfish, sheepshead and tarpon, and on the flats, oyster bars and mangrove shorelines of the Sound for redfish, trout and snook. Run a few miles out into the Gulf and the nearshore reefs hold snapper and grouper, and Boca Grande Pass and its spring tarpon are a short ride north. There is no county ramp on the island, so most anglers either fish with a guide out of McCarthy's, Jensen's or South Seas, or trailer to a mainland or Pine Island ramp.

10 ft, conditions now

Conditions now

Live from NOAA and the National Weather Service. Times show in your own time zone.

Today’s bite

A forecast built from live data and the calendar below. Not a catch report.

Working out today from the tides, water and calendar.

Tides

  1. Loading the next highs and lows from NOAA.

On the water now

Water
Checking
Wind
Checking

Marine forecast

Loading the National Weather Service forecast.

7 day forecast

National Weather Service, for Captiva Island. Updates through the day.

  1. Loading the 7 day forecast.

12 ft, the chart

Chart and depths

The official NOAA chart, centered on Captiva Island. Depths, channels, reefs and markers, live from NOAA.

The NOAA chart loads when you scroll here.

NOAA electronic navigational chart: soundings, depth contours, channels, markers and hazards. Zoom in to see more soundings. Not for navigation. Green dries out at low water, the numbers are depth at chart datum, and letters like Rk, Sh and Oys mark the hard bottom worth fishing. What the symbols mean Open NOAA ENC Online (opens in a new tab)

13 ft, the radar

Rain on the radar

Live NWS radar centered on Captiva Island. The last 50 minutes on a loop, so you can see which way the rain is moving before you launch.

The radar loads when you scroll here.

NowLightHeavy
NEXRAD base reflectivity, updated about every 5 minutes. Radar sees rain and storms, not fog or wind. Not for navigation. Open the NWS radar (opens in a new tab)

15 ft, fishing reports

Fishing reports

What people are catching, on what, and where. Every report links to whoever wrote it. We do not write these ourselves.

Latest reports

From local captains, shops and outdoor writers. Newest first, last 14 days.

  1. Checking the latest reports.

Report sources: Santiva Chronicle Island Fishing Report (opens in a new tab) Coastal Angler Fort Myers Fishing Reports (opens in a new tab) Captain Experiences Captiva area fishing reports (opens in a new tab)

Straight from the dock

Reports sent to us by shops and captains on this guide. We check each one before it posts.

Checking for reports.

Run a shop or charter here? Send a report

20 ft, what is biting

What is biting, month by month

When each fish is at its best around Captiva Island. This month is marked.

What is biting by month around Captiva Island. Peak, good and slow months for each species.
SpeciesJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
RedfishGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodPeakPeakPeakGoodGood
SnookSlowSlowGoodGoodPeakPeakGoodGoodPeakPeakGoodSlow
TarponSlowSlowSlowGoodPeakPeakGoodGoodSlowSlowSlowSlow
Spotted seatroutGoodPeakPeakGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Mangrove snapperGoodGoodSlowSlowSlowSlowSlowSlowPeakPeakGoodGood
Black drumPeakPeakSlowSlowSlowSlowSlowSlowGoodPeakGoodPeak
CobiaSlowGoodGoodSlowSlowSlowSlowSlowSlowGoodGoodSlow
Red grouperSlowSlowSlowSlowSlowGoodGoodGoodPeakSlowSlowSlow

30 ft, seasons and rules

Seasons and rules

Open and close dates we could confirm from official sources, plus where to check limits before you keep a fish.

  • Red snapper, Gulf state and federal waters (private recreational), summer

    The 2026 summer season ran daily May 22 to July 31. Anyone fishing for red snapper from a private boat, in state or federal waters, must hold the free State Reef Fish Angler designation, renewed every year, even if they do not need a fishing license.

    FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Red snapper, Gulf state and federal waters (private recreational), fall

    The 2026 fall season opened Sept. 1 and ran daily Sept. 1 to Oct. 4 and again Oct. 9 to 25. Remaining open days: Oct. 30 to Nov. 1; Nov. 7 to 8, 14 to 15 and 21 to 22; Nov. 26 to 29 (Thanksgiving weekend); Dec. 5 to 6, 12 to 13 and 19 to 20; Dec. 25 to 27 (Christmas weekend); and Jan. 1 to 4, 2027. Private-boat anglers must be signed up for the State Reef Fish Survey (State Reef Fish Angler designation). Charter boats without a federal permit may fish these days in Florida Gulf state waters only.

    FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Red snapper, Gulf federal for-hire (charter boats with a federal reef fish permit)

    The 2026 season ran 147 days, opening 12:01 a.m. June 1 and closing 12:01 a.m. Oct. 26, 2026, so Oct. 25 was the last open day.

    NOAA Fisheries, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Gag grouper, Gulf state and federal waters

    Open Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, 2026; closed at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 1 for the rest of the year. FWC says the state season matches the federal season.

    FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Red grouper, black grouper and scamp, Gulf

    Open year-round in state waters; in federal waters closed Feb. 1 to March 31 seaward of the 20-fathom break.

    FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Greater amberjack, Gulf state waters

    Open Sept. 1 through Oct. 13, 2026; closed at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 14.

    FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Gray triggerfish, Gulf state and federal waters

    Open March 1 to May 31 and Aug. 1 to Dec. 31; closed the rest of the year.

    FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Flounder, Florida state waters

    Closed every year Oct. 15 through Nov. 30.

    FWC, annual, applies to 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Snook, Charlotte Harbor region (includes Captiva)

    Harvest closed Dec. 1 through the end of February and May 1 through Sept. 30, so harvest is open in March, April, October and November. A snook permit is also required.

    FWC, current (standing rule) Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Red drum, Charlotte Harbor region

    Open year-round. Slot and bag limits are set by region on the FWC red drum page.

    FWC, current Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Spotted seatrout, Charlotte Harbor region

    Open year-round.

    FWC, current Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Tarpon

    Catch and release only. Fish over 40 inches must stay in the water unless you hold a tarpon tag for a state or world record attempt.

    FWC, current Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Boca Grande Pass gear rules

    Year-round, no gear with a weight that can hang below the hook; in April, May and June no more than three lines per boat and no breakaway gear.

    FWC, current Official page (opens in a new tab)

40 ft, where to fish

Where to fish

  • Pass

    Redfish Pass

    The pass between Captiva and North Captiva is boat access only, with strong tides from both directions; fish the shoals on either side for redfish, sheepshead and tarpon, and do not count on anchoring in the current.

    Source (opens in a new tab)

  • Pass

    Blind Pass

    The pass between Sanibel and Captiva, where The Bait Box reports snook, redfish, pompano, trout and ladyfish taking live pinfish and shrimp or cut threadfins and ladyfish; the current is strong, so bring more weight than you would elsewhere.

    Source (opens in a new tab)

  • Beach

    Turner Beach

    The beach at Blind Pass, where people surf fish for redfish and snook.

    Source (opens in a new tab)

  • Bay

    Pine Island Sound

    The calm backcountry behind Captiva, with grass flats, oyster bars and mangrove islands for redfish, trout, snook and mangrove snapper; good water for a kayak or a shallow boat.

    Source (opens in a new tab)

  • Reef

    Nearshore Gulf reefs off Captiva

    A few miles out, the nearshore reefs give up lane and vermilion snapper plus grouper, and offshore trips also target amberjack and king mackerel.

    Source (opens in a new tab)

  • Pass

    Boca Grande Pass

    Not on Captiva but a short run north and the best known spring tarpon water on the coast; FWC has special gear rules in the pass.

    Source (opens in a new tab)

  • Bridge

    Sanibel Causeway

    On the way onto the islands; fish around the causeway bridges, where grouper are a common sight.

    Source (opens in a new tab)

50 ft, launch and piers

Ramps and piers

Public launches and fishing piers. Fees and hours change, so check the link before you tow.

Public boat ramps and fishing piers around Captiva Island
NameTypeFeeWhere
'Tween Waters Marina (boat splash) (opens in a new tab)RampPaid15951 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924
Port Sanibel Marina (opens in a new tab)RampCheck14341 Port Comfort Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Punta Rassa boat ramp (opens in a new tab)RampCheck
Sanibel Boat Ramp (City of Sanibel) (opens in a new tab)RampCheck
Pineland Marina (opens in a new tab)RampPaid13921 Waterfront Dr, Pineland, FL 33922
Lavender's Landing / Bokeelia Boat Ramp (opens in a new tab)RampPaid7290 Barrancas Ave, Bokeelia, FL 33922
Sanibel Island Fishing Pier (opens in a new tab)PierCheck

60 ft, bait, tackle and charters

Bait, tackle and charters

Where to get live and fresh bait, tackle and a guide. We are not paid to list anyone here.

Bait and tackle (6)

Showing all 6 shops

Live bait comes and goes with the weather and the season. Call before you drive.

Charters and guides (29)

Showing all 29

Fishing charters and guides around Captiva Island
CharterFishingTargetsLeaves fromCall
Captain Shawn Kelly's Fishing Charters (opens in a new tab)Inshore, nearshore and light tackle trips around Sanibel and Captiva, Pine Island Sound, Boca Grande and Cape Coral; the chamber lists him at McCarthy's Marina on Captiva.Inshoretarpon, snook, redfish, seatrout, sharks, snapper, sheepsheadMcCarthy's Marina, Captiva(239) 677-7929
Capt. Ozzie Lessinger (Fish Sanibel Captiva) (opens in a new tab)Captiva based guide listed by the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce.McCarthy's Marina, 11401 Andy Rosse Ln, Captiva(239) 910-7764
Jensen's Marina fishing guides (opens in a new tab)The marina books inshore, backwater and offshore trips a few miles out; most of its anglers want tarpon or snook.Inshore and offshoretarpon, snookJensen's Marina, 15107 Captiva Dr, Captiva(833) 668-7768
South Seas Adventures (opens in a new tab)Fishing trips from Captiva Landing at South Seas; the resort says Captiva Landing is closed for work starting October 12, so call before you plan on it.tarpon, snook, redfish, grouperCaptiva Landing Marina, South Seas, Captiva(855) 777-3625
McCarthy's Marina guide bookings (opens in a new tab)The Lee County visitor bureau listing says the marina hosts private fishing guide charters; call to book.McCarthy's Marina, 11401 Andy Rosse Ln, Captiva(239) 472-5200
The Historic Bait Box charters (opens in a new tab)The Sanibel bait shop runs half day and full day trips around Sanibel and Captiva.
Maxed Out Charters 2 (opens in a new tab)4 hour and half day trips on a 22 ft boat for up to 6, with pickups at Mainstay on North Captiva, Jensen's Marina or the Punta Rassa ramp.Captiva
Make A Wake (Captiva Island) (opens in a new tab)Year-round half day and three quarter day trips, including morning nearshore and backwater trips, on a 25 ft boat for up to 6.InshoreCaptiva
Locked In Fishing Charters (Captiva) (opens in a new tab)Half day and 4 to 8 hour trips on a 25 ft boat for up to 6.Inshoreredfish, snook, snapper, troutCaptiva
Spangler Adventures (Captiva) (opens in a new tab)Shallow water inshore and flats trips from 2 to 10 hours on a 26 ft boat for up to 6.InshoreCaptiva
Floridaze Fishing Charters (Captiva) (opens in a new tab)Half day trips on a 22 ft boat for up to 6.seatrout, sheepshead, grouper, redfish, black drumCaptiva
Reel Drag Fishing Charters (opens in a new tab)Half day, 4 hour inshore and nearshore and 6 hour inshore trips on a 25 ft boat for up to 6.Inshoreblack drum, gag grouper, red grouperCaptiva
Hooked 4 life Fishing Charters (opens in a new tab)New listing for trips on a 25 ft boat for up to 6.Captiva
Capt Charlies Fishing Charters (opens in a new tab)Custom trips on a 20 ft boat for up to 5, based on Sanibel about 8 minutes from Captiva.Sanibel
Lee Native Fishing Charters (opens in a new tab)4 and 8 hour inshore and flats trips on a 23 ft boat for up to 6.InshoreCaptiva
Thrill Of It All (Captiva) (opens in a new tab)Inshore, nearshore and backcountry trips on a 23 ft boat for up to 5, based on Sanibel with North Captiva pickups.InshoreSanibel
Nauti Knots Charters (opens in a new tab)Day trips in Captiva waters on a 25 ft boat for up to 6.Captiva
Top Slot Fishing Charters (opens in a new tab)Half day inshore and nearshore trips on a 23 ft boat for up to 5.InshoreCaptiva
Chum Crazy Charters (opens in a new tab)Listed on the Captain Experiences Captiva page; trip details not shown there.
Goodman Charters (opens in a new tab)Listed on the Captain Experiences Captiva page; trip details not shown there.
Backcountry Obsessions (opens in a new tab)Listed on the Captain Experiences Captiva page; trip details not shown there.
Squidbilly Charters (opens in a new tab)Listed on the Captain Experiences Captiva page; trip details not shown there.
Back Yard Tails Charters (opens in a new tab)Listed on the Captain Experiences Captiva page; trip details not shown there.
Capt. Ozzie Fischer (opens in a new tab)Native Captiva guide the Lee County visitor bureau recommends for trophy snook.snook
Flip Side Charter (opens in a new tab)Sanibel based (2675 Coconut Dr) member of the Sanibel and Captiva chamber fishing guides and charters list.(239) 309-8527
Endless Summer Charters (opens in a new tab)Runs from Port Sanibel Marina on the mainland side of the causeway; on the Sanibel and Captiva chamber fishing list.Port Sanibel Marina, 14341 Port Comfort Rd, Fort Myers(239) 691-1966
Hey Mon Sanibel (opens in a new tab)Sanibel based member of the Sanibel and Captiva chamber fishing guides and charters list.(612) 804-0947
Go and Get It Charters (opens in a new tab)Cape Coral based member of the Sanibel and Captiva chamber fishing guides and charters list.(239) 910-4449
Captain Paul's Yacht Charters (opens in a new tab)Cape Coral based member of the Sanibel and Captiva chamber fishing guides and charters list.(239) 540-7623

We are not paid to list anyone. Rates, boats and trips change, so confirm when you book.

70 ft, on the calendar

Tournaments and events

Annual events on this water. Dates move, so confirm with the organiser.

80 ft, asked and answered

Fishing Captiva Island, asked and answered

Is there a boat ramp on Captiva?

Not a public county ramp. 'Tween Waters will splash a boat for $25 and charges $25 a day for trailer parking. Off the island, Port Sanibel Marina and the Punta Rassa ramp sit at the foot of the Sanibel Causeway, and the Pineland and Bokeelia ramps on Pine Island put you right across the Sound.

When do tarpon show up around Captiva?

The bite heats up around April and runs into summer, with May and June the best months at Blind Pass, off the beaches and at Boca Grande Pass. Tarpon are catch and release only. The South Seas Tarpon Tournament runs Memorial Day weekend (May 28, 2027) and the Ding Darling and Doc Ford's tournament is set for May 7, 2027.

Where can I fish from shore on Captiva?

Blind Pass and Turner Beach at the south end, where people surf fish for redfish and snook and fish the pass with live pinfish and shrimp. The current in the pass is strong, so bring extra weight. Redfish Pass at the north end is boat access only.

Can I keep a snook at Captiva?

Captiva is in FWC's Charlotte Harbor region, where snook harvest is open only in March, April, October and November. You need a snook permit on top of your saltwater license, and limits are on the FWC snook page.

Where do I get live bait for a Captiva trip?

On Sanibel, The Historic Bait Box sells live and frozen bait caught fresh nightly, and the Sanibel Marina ship store carries live bait. Jensen's Marina on Captiva stocks tackle and fuel but does not list bait, and Pine Island Bait & Tackle in St. James City sells live bait across the Sound.

Which marine forecast should I check for Captiva?

Use NWS zone GMZ856, Coastal waters from Bonita Beach to Englewood out 20 NM, for the Gulf side and the passes, and GMZ836, Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound, for the back side of the island. Tides come from the Captiva Island, Pine Island Sound prediction station, with water temperature and wind from Fort Myers.

90 ft, the kit

What we would take to Captiva Island

Sources for this guide (38), last checked 2026-10-30
  1. tarponsnookredfish.com (opens in a new tab)
  2. bocagrandechamber.com/worlds-richest-tarpon-tournament/ (opens in a new tab)
  3. captainexperiences.com/locations/florida/captiva (opens in a new tab)
  4. coastalanglermag.com/?p=248109 (opens in a new tab)
  5. coastalanglermag.com/calusa-blueway-tournament/ (opens in a new tab)
  6. dingdarlingsociety.org/tarpon-tournament (opens in a new tab)
  7. fishingbooker.com/blog/?p=48705 (opens in a new tab)
  8. fishingbooker.com/destinations/location/us/FL/captiva (opens in a new tab)
  9. fishingbooker.com/destinations/region/us/captiva-island (opens in a new tab)
  10. gis.myfwc.com/boating_guides/charlotte_harbor/pages/boat_ramps.html (opens in a new tab)
  11. jensensmarina.com/fishing-guides/ (opens in a new tab)
  12. jensensmarina.com/marina-services/ (opens in a new tab)
  13. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/flounder/ (opens in a new tab)
  14. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/groupers/ (opens in a new tab)
  15. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/red-drum/ (opens in a new tab)
  16. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snappers/ (opens in a new tab)
  17. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snook/ (opens in a new tab)
  18. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/spotted-seatrout/ (opens in a new tab)
  19. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/tarpon/ (opens in a new tab)
  20. myfwc.com/news/all-news/efp-snapper-0526/ (opens in a new tab)
  21. myfwc.com/news/all-news/gag-grouper-0826/ (opens in a new tab)
  22. myfwc.com/news/all-news/gray-triggerfish-0226/ (opens in a new tab)
  23. myfwc.com/news/all-news/greater-amberjack-0826/ (opens in a new tab)
  24. sanibel-island.sanibel-captiva.org/list/category/fishing-guides-charters-709 (opens in a new tab)
  25. santivachronicle.com/news-category/outdoor/feed/ (opens in a new tab)
  26. santivachronicle.com/news/sanibel-fishing-pier-restoration-breaks-ground-thanks-to-communi (opens in a new tab)
  27. thebaitbox.com/ (opens in a new tab)
  28. thebaitbox.com/blind-pass/ (opens in a new tab)
  29. captivasanibel.com/news/2023/07/city-sanibel-boat-ramp-use-requires-permit/ (opens in a new tab)
  30. captivasanibel.com/news/community-news/2016/03/redfish-pass-poses-challenges-but-rewards-a (opens in a new tab)
  31. fisheries.noaa.gov/bulletin/noaa-fisheries-announces-2026-gulf-america-red-snapper-recreat (opens in a new tab)
  32. fox4now.com/sanibel/largest-boat-ramp-in-lee-county-reopens-ahead-of-schedule-in-punta-ras (opens in a new tab)
  33. pineislandchamber.org/member/pine-island-bait-tackle/ (opens in a new tab)
  34. southseas.com/marinas/ (opens in a new tab)
  35. southseas.com/tarpon-tournament/ (opens in a new tab)
  36. visitfortmyers.com/index%2Ephp/listing/mccarthys-marina-inc/42766 (opens in a new tab)
  37. visitfortmyers.com/visit/editorial/go-fish-fort-myers (opens in a new tab)
  38. waterwayguide-data.com/knowledge-center/news-post/12531/an-inside-look-sanibel-marina (opens in a new tab)

100 ft, the seabed

Gear up for Captiva Island

UPF 50+ fishing shirts, hats and gloves for the Gulf Coast. Free shipping over $100. Ships from Texas, usually within 1 to 2 business days.

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