At West Gulf, the fishing action remains robust:
Species: Snook, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, and small trout, with exciting opportunities for shark fishing.
Baits: Cut bait (live pinfish, shrimp), frozen squid, mullet, and threadfins are popular choices. Anglers are reporting impressive catches as the area shows signs of renewed activity.
This scenic stretch offers consistent surf fishing potential:
Species: Whiting, pompano, sheepshead, and sea trout, with occasional redfish.
Bait & Techniques: Sand fleas, peeled shrimp, live shrimp, and fishbites. Early morning and dusk have been the most productive times.
A hotspot due to strong tidal flows near the pass:
Species: Snook, tarpon (especially in summer), mangrove snapper, jack crevalle, and ladyfish.
Baits: Live shrimp, pinfish, greenbacks, and cut bait. Lures like DOA shrimp and spoons also see success.
Fast water and rocky structure make this a go-to for serious anglers:
Species: Snook, flounder, redfish, snapper, and big jacks.
Baits: Live shrimp, pilchards, and cut bait fished around the bridge and along the rocks. Best on moving tides.
Similar to the Sanibel side but with calmer access from the beach:
Species: Snook, pompano, ladyfish, and sea trout.
Baits: Shrimp under popping corks, sand fleas, and artificial jigs. Great for walk-up fishing at dawn or dusk.
Just north of Blind Pass on Captiva, this area shines for surf fishing:
Species: Spanish mackerel, bluefish, whiting, and snook.
Baits: Silver spoons, Got-Cha plugs, shrimp, and squid. Look for bird activity and bait schools close to shore.
A quieter location ideal for shore casting:
Species: Sea trout, ladyfish, catfish, and occasional flounder.
Baits: Shrimp, squid strips, and soft plastics bounced along the bottom. Perfect for casual anglers and families.
Known for its sheltered waters and kayak-friendly access:
Species: Tarpon (seasonally), redfish, snook, sheepshead, and mangrove snapper.
Baits: Live shrimp, finger mullet, and pinfish work well near mangroves and oyster bars. Soft plastics and topwater plugs are effective in the early morning.
Accessible and productive spots along the Sanibel Causeway:
Species: Ladyfish, jacks, sea trout, and occasional snook and bonnethead sharks.
Baits: Cut bait, shrimp, and squid. Silver spoons and jigs also work well. Best during tidal changes and just after sunrise.
A lesser-known gem with wide sand and shallow flats:
Species: Pompano, whiting, small sharks, and redfish are common along the surf.
Baits: Sand fleas, shrimp (peeled or live), and Fishbites. A great location for casting jigs or spoons when fish are feeding near the surface. Best action during rising tides.
A haven for inshore and backwater fishing, especially for kayak anglers:
Species: Redfish, snook, mangrove snapper, black drum, and sheepshead.
Baits: Live shrimp, pinfish, and soft plastic jerkbaits. Fish tight to the mangroves and oyster beds. Quiet waters and minimal pressure make it a favorite for stealthy approaches.