Of all the fun Sanibel Island things to do on your vacation, fishing is an activity that you definitely don’t want to miss out on. Whether you’re new to the sport or have considered yourself an angler for years, Sanibel Island fishing is among the most fun you can have on your trip!
Here’s everything you’ll need to know before you head out of your Sanibel vacation rentals and start fishing.
Overview of Fishing in Sanibel Island
Fishing in Sanibel Island is a fun outdoor activity that the entire family can enjoy. You’ll have more than 60 square miles of water to explore around Sanibel and Captiva Islands, whether you choose to rent a boat and go out on your own or book a fishing charter with a local company. No matter what time of year you come, there will be plenty of great fish for you to keep your eye out for. Spending the day fishing on Sanibel Island is the ultimate way to relax and unwind.
Bait and Tackle Stores
Before you can get started fishing, you’ll need to visit one of the bait shops in Sanibel Island to get all your equipment. Whitney’s Bait & Tackle is a wonderful local establishment that carries everything from fresh or frozen bait to rod and reel rentals to hooks, apparel, and everything in between! The friendly staff can help you find anything you’re looking for from their wide selection of products and brands, and if you’re not sure how to use a particular piece of equipment, they can even teach you!
Another one of the best Sanibel Island tackle shops is The Bait Box, a local shop that has been serving Sanibel since 1971. They, too, carry an incredible selection of supplies from the sport’s top brands, perfect for both kids and adults to secure everything they need for a great day of fishing. This family owned and operated business can get you any piece of equipment you might be searching for.
Types of Fish
There are tons of incredible fish species near Sanibel, Florida, and the varieties you’ll be able to catch will likely depend on the season in which you’re visiting and where you choose to fish. In general, some of the most popular species in the area are pompano, snappers, hogfish, King mackerel, snook, redfish, and sea trout.
Best Time of Year
Truly, there is no “wrong” time of year to visit our Sanibel Island rentals and plan a fishing trip! Florida gets great weather all year long, and you can catch awesome fish in any season. For instance, tripletail and black drum are more likely to show up during the fall, while tarpon and pompano are more commonly seen in the summer months. Some fish like the ladyfish or the barracuda are in season almost all year long! So, while there’s no bad time to fish here, visiting anytime between March and October is sure to bring you some amazing catches.
Rules and License Information
Of course, there are some rules to follow while you’re fishing in Sanibel. Namely, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got a fishing license, no matter whether you plan to fish in saltwater or fresh water. Licenses can be easily purchased at Whitney’s Bait & Tackle or The Bait Box, as well as a number of other shops throughout the area as well as local marinas. Anglers under age 16 don’t need a fishing license. Also, before you fish, be sure to brush up on the season’s regulations as far as size, bag limits, and types of fish you can catch.
Plan Your Next Stay
There is so much to see and do while you are on the islands, now is the perfect time to plan your trip. Contact us today to start planning the ultimate fishing trip to Sanibel Island!
Where to Stay
After spending the day fishing and exploring all the other fun things to do in Sanibel, you’ll probably be pretty tired. Simply head back to our Sanibel vacation rentals or our nearby condo rentals in Captiva to relax, unwind, and spend the evening with your loved ones.
