As the weather continues to warm up, it's the perfect time to get out on the water.
Florida is home to a ton of saltwater fish. Living in Southwest Florida grants you a great opportunity to try your luck with fishing.
So where do you start? We've got you covered. Here's our guide with everything you need to know about saltwater fishing in Lee County this summer.
How do I get a fishing license?
To fish in Florida, you'll need a license. Here's a few ways to go about getting one.
- Apply for it online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
- Visit your local tax collector's office.
- Call 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888) 347-4356
- Download the Fish|Hunt FL app on your Apple or Android device.
What kind of fish can I find in the Gulf?
With easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, it's a great idea to get out on our local Lee waters. But what kind of fish will you find during which seasons? Here's what the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says:
INSHORE/COASTAL:
- Gulf flounder: Fall through spring
- Mangrove Snapper: Summer
- Red drum: Year-round
- Spanish mackerel: Winter through early summer
- Tarpon: Spring through mid-summer
OFFSHORE:
- Groupers: Winter and late summer through early fall
- King mackerel: Fall through winter
- Snappers: Summer
Where can I fish in Lee?
The FWC lists seven locations as popular places to fish within Lee County. Two are currently closed, but we've included some updates on them. Here's the locations and what to know about them.
- Boca Grande Pass: 880 Belcher Road, Boca Grande
- Best for tarpon fishing
- Connects the Charlotte Harbor to the Gulf of Mexico
- Hours: 8 a.m. until sundown
- Horton Park and boat ramp: 2628 SE 26 Place, Cape Coral
- $15 per day boat trailer parking fee, but Cape Coral residents can get an annual parking decal for $75
- Lovers Key State Park: 8700 Estero Blvd
- Boat trailer parking is limited
- $8 fee for vehicles with two or more occupants, $4 for single person vehicles
- Hours: 8 a.m. until sundown
- Matlacha Community Park: 4577 Pine Island Road, Matlacha
- Fishing pier is open, but Community Center is closed until further notice
- Park has a boat ramp, kayak launch, and fishing pier
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Stay alert and watch for the draw signal
- The Sanibel Lighthouse Pier reopened briefly after Hurricane Ian wrecked it in 2022. It's closed again as the city repairs the lighthouse.
What are some ways to fish safely and ethically?
The FWC has put together a list of some of the best things to practice to keep fishing safe and respectful. Here's their best tips!
- Be an ethical angler: Know when to keep and when to release your catch. Make sure you can identify the fish you're targeting and always abide by state regulations.
- Be ready at the ramp: Make sure your boat and equipment are ready to go before you launch.
- Wear a life jacket.
- Watch the wake: Stay 200 feet or more from the shoreline and other boaters. Make sure to follow no wake zones and yield to wade fishermen.
- Boat safely: Make sure you're aware of who was the right of way and when.
- Be courteous on shore: Don't throw a line while there's a lot of swimmers and don't crowd anglers who are fishing from shore.
- Don't litter: Recycle your fishing line and dispose of your trash in the proper place onshore.
- Practice safe docking: Watch how other boats tie off and do the same. Keep a safe distance from other boaters and anglers.
- Keep quiet: Sound is amplified over the water which can disturb other boaters or those who live by the water.
- Keep your distance: Sounds or wake from your boat may cost another angler their catch.
How can I take part in a fishing charter locally?
Lee County is home to several fishing charter companies that allow you to go on a guided fishing experience. Here's a few options to book a charter locally.
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