Pine Island Fishing Guide: February-June

From the shallow grass flats and mangroves to the winding estuaries, Pine Island offers some of the best fishing on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Located just off Cape Coral and Fort Myers, FL,Pine Island is home to a variety of sportfish, including snook, redfish, speckled sea trout and tarpon

Best Time to Fish in Pine Island, FL

Pine Island is known for year-round action, but it really transforms into a prime location for prized gamefish from February through June. In the early season, big schools of redfish push through the backcountry, often tailing in water so shallow you can see their backs. April through June is peak time for tarpon, with 100+ lb. giants cruising the passes and flats, and speckled sea trout are extremely active this time of year, as well. Heading into summer, the snook bite heats up, with these hard-fighting sportfish ambushing bait around mangrove shorelines.

Prime Fishing Spots in Pine Island, FL

The best places to fish around Pine Island vary based on the time of year, the species you’re targeting, and the conditions. In general, the Matlacha Pass, between Cape Coral and Pine Island, is a hotspot for redfish, snook and trout, due to its endless mangrove shorelines. The calm protected waters between Pine Island and the barrier islands, known as the Pine Island Sound, are also great for targeting sea trout and redfish, while the waters around Bokeelia, Captiva Island and Sanibel Island are ideal for tarpon and snook.

Expert Fishing Techniques & Bait

Whether you’re fishing for sea trout, tarpon, redfish or snook, Captain Troy Creasy provides expert fishing techniques and bait selection, and he regularly shares fishing reports and insights so fishing charter guests and returning anglers can stay informed about what’s biting and where.

Redfish – You'll find these copper-colored beauties tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising mangrove shorelines, often in just inches of water. Sight-fishing is a favorite, but they'll readily hit artificial lures, too. For a stealthy approach in shallow water, try weedless gold spoons or soft plastics. 

Sea Trout – Look for sea trout over grass flats and around oyster bars, especially in the early mornings, and try working a popping cork with a soft plastic shrimp imitation to draw them in from a distance. For bigger trout, go with larger baits, like pinfish or mullet, around dawn and dusk.

Snook–These fighting fish love hanging around mangroves, docks, and other structure in shallow water. Try freelining live bait, like pilchards or pinfish, near structures during incoming tides, and don’t forget to use a shock leader. Snook have razor-sharp gill plates that can slice through light line.

Tarpon – These silver kings can be found in deeper channels and along the beaches. For best results, use heavy tackle and chunk baits, like mullet or ladyfish, and be ready to bow to the king when it jumps. Lowering your rod tip helps keep them hooked.

Book a Pine Island, FL Fishing Charter

From the novice to the experienced angler, a guided fishing trip ensures you have the right gear, bait, and local knowledge to ensure a fun and productive day on the water.Pine Island Sportfishing varies the location of our fishing charters based on the time of year and where the fish are biting, and Captain Troy’s extensive knowledge of the local marine environment and years of experience guarantees that you’ll always be fishing in the most opportune spots for the finest catches.

Book a 4-hour or 6-hour fishing charter with Pine Island Sportfishing, and enjoy some of the richest fishing grounds around Pine Island with an expert fishing guide. Our fishing charters depart from Monroe Canal Marina in St. James City, FL, easily accessible from Cape Coral and Fort Myers, FL via Pine Island Road.

To reserve your fishing charter, call 315-243-2389 or submit a reservation request online. You can also find additional fishing charter details in our FAQs and learn about the types of fish we target in our Fish FAQs.