Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Captiva, FL (Complete Guide)
Captiva offers some of the best fishing in Florida that is often very overlooked by anglers and tourists alike. Knowing the best times and seasons to fish these rich waters can really help your success rates.
The best time to fish near Captiva, Florida is from April through November for amberjack, cobia, grouper, jack crevalle, kingfish, snapper, tarpon, trout, redfish, snook as well as spotted seatrout.
Fishing in Captiva is diverse, exciting, and very productive. It’s possible to fish on shallow flats, in narrow passes, and in mangroves.
Best Time to Fish near Captiva
The weather is warm in the area throughout the year making it a destination offering excellent year-round fishing. However, fish are more active in the local waters during warmer months. On the other hand, fish stay inactive during the colder months.
The weather is getting warmer and the activity of fish increases in Captiva in the early spring. The fishing season begins in April. Water temperatures rise and fishing is getting better in summer. The vast majority of fish species are active in the region during the summer months. It’s getting colder and the fishing season ends in November.
Captiva Species Breakdown: Best Times
Amberjack
Amberjack is active in Captiva during the cold months. The best times of the year to target amberjack in the region are between January and February and between October and December.
Morning and evening hours are the best times of day for amberjack fishing in the area. It’s possible to catch amberjack near St. James City.
Cobia
Cobia fishing is most productive in Captiva between March and April and between October and December. Cobia bites well in the middle of the day. Cobia is one of the top targeted species in Matlacha.
Goliath Grouper
Goliath grouper is active in Captiva throughout the year. A high goliath grouper fishing in the region is between April and October.
Goliath grouper bites well in the area in the early morning and in the late afternoon. Bokeelia is one of the best places to target goliath grouper near Captiva.
King Mackerel
King mackerel is active in Captiva when the weather is cold. The best times of the year to target king mackerel are between January and February and between October and December. King mackerel feed actively at dawn or at dusk. King mackerel can be found in the waters near St. James City.
Redfish
Redfish are active in the waters around Captiva throughout the year. A high season to catch redfish in the region is between March and December.
The best time of the year to target redfish in the local waters is between April and October. Redfish are the most active in the area during the morning hours. Matlacha is a good place to catch redfish near Captiva.
Snook
Snook is more active in Captiva between February and November. Snook fishing is best in the region between March and October. Snook bites well at dawn and at dusk. It makes a lot of sense to fish for snook near Matlacha.
Tarpon
Tarpon fishing is good in Captiva year-round. A high season to target tarpon in the region begins in April and ends in August.
The best time of the year to go fishing for tarpon in the area is between May and July. Tarpon is the most active in the early morning. Sanibel is a popular tarpon fishing destination near Captiva.
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove snapper bites well in Captiva throughout the year. However, mangrove snapper fishing is best in the region between April and November.
Mangrove snapper bites well in the early morning and in the late afternoon. Sanibel is the right place to go fishing for mangrove snapper near Captiva.
Jack Crevalle
It’s possible to catch jack crevalle in Captiva each month of the year. However, jack crevalle fishing is the most productive in the region between April and November. Sanibel is one of the best places to target jack crevalle near Captiva.
Spotted Seatrout
Spotted seatrout fishing is good in Captiva year-round. The season to fish for spotted seatrout in the region is high between January and October. The best time of the year to catch spotted seatrout in the area is between April and June.
Oftentimes, spotted seatrout bites well in the evening. It would be great to go fishing in the waters around Cape Coral if you would like to catch spotted seatrout during your angling adventures.
Recommended Fishing Guides/Charters in Captiva
These Captiva-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
| Catchin’ Jiants Fishing Charter | Captiva, FL |
| Make A Wake – Captiva Island | Captiva, FL |
| Spangler Adventures – Captiva | Captiva, FL |
| Thrill Of It All – Captiva | Captiva, FL |
| Catchin’ Jiants – Sanibel | Captiva, FL |
| Locked In Fishing Charters – Captiva | Captiva, FL |
| Santiva Charters | Captiva, FL |
| Capt Matt’s Island Charters – Captiva | Captiva, FL |
| Sir Reel Fishing Charters | Captiva, FL |
| Top Slot Fishing Charters | Captiva, FL |
| Go & Get It Charters – Captiva | Captiva, FL |
| Catchin’ Jiants – North Captiva Island | Captiva, FL |
| Blue Line Fishing Charters | Captiva, FL |
I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.
Best Seasons to Book a Captiva Fishing Charter
There are also seasonal species that are active in the area at certain times of the year. Now, let’s try to find out what species can be caught in the local waters during the spring, summer, fall, and winter months.
Spring
Fishing in Captiva is good during the spring months. Some fish species migrate to the area in spring. Spring is a good time of the year to fish in the shallows and near the reefs in offshore waters.
Anglers can target barracuda, black drum, cobia, grouper, jack crevalle, ladyfish, snapper, snook, redfish, tarpon as well as trout during spring fishing trips in Captiva.
Summer
Fishing is becoming more productive in the region during the summer months. Many species of fish get active in the waters around Captiva in summer.
Popular targets in summer include barracuda, goliath grouper, red grouper, jack crevalle, ladyfish, mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, permit, snook, redfish, tarpon, tripletail, trout, and others. The late summer is giving anglers a chance of landing a monster.
Fall
Water cools down in Captiva during the fall months. Cooler weather affects fishing in the region. However, anglers can still enjoy fishing and get great results in the area. The deepest reefs and shallowest flats attract plenty of fish in the fall.
It’s possible to target many species in the local waters during the fall months. Among fish species that anglers can catch in the fall are amberjack, barracuda, black drum, cobia, jack crevalle, grouper, ladyfish, snapper, redfish, trout, permit, and snook.
Winter
A lot of fishermen come to Captiva from the northern regions in winter. It’s possible to enjoy fishing and escape from the cold weather. Calm flats as well as reefs are great fishing spots in the area during colder months.
Fish tend to be less active in the cold. However, it’s possible to catch something. Angling enthusiasts can target such fish species as amberjack, barracuda, black drum, cobia, groupers, snappers, king mackerel, ladyfish, redfish, snook, speckled trout as well as tripletail in the winter.
Best Time of Day to Fish in Captiva
In summer, it would be better to fish Captiva during the morning and evening hours. Fishing in the morning and evening allows anglers to avoid the summer heat. It’s also important to note that many fish species get active in the area in the morning and in the evening. The water cools down and the activity of fish increases in the area.
On the other hand, it would be great to fish Captiva in the afternoon during the spring, fall, and winter months. The water heats up and the activity of fish increases in the afternoon. As a result, fish start feeding actively.
The vast majority of anglers choose to go fishing in Captiva during the morning hours. However, there are also fishermen who don’t like to wake up in the early morning. So, they prefer to go fishing in the local waters in the afternoon and in the evening. Afternoon and evening hours cater to any angler.
Captiva Fishing & Tidal Impacts
Anglers should plan their fishing adventures in Captiva with tide times in mind. So, they need to know what time is high tide and what time is low tide in the region. Fishing in the region is best during incoming tides.
When tides are rising, nutrients as well as oxygen-rich waters are brought to the area. As a result, the activity of fish increases. Outgoing tides are also good for fishing.
What is great about outgoing tides is that they make it possible for anglers to fish the deeper areas. Both incoming and outgoing tides cause movement of water. When water moves, fish begin to search for food actively and the ideal conditions for fishing are created.
Storms & Captiva Fishing
Storms affect fishing in Captiva and its surrounding areas. Storms have an impact on fish and create difficulties for anglers. Fish move deeper during storms.
It’s also important to note that fishing is dangerous during storms because waves are high and winds are strong. Fishing trips in Captiva are canceled when storms are expected in the area.
It’s recommended to check the weather forecasts for Captiva before you head out for a day of fishing. The month with the most rain in Captiva is June.
It also rains a lot in the region in August. That means that tropical storms, as well as rainstorms, can be expected in the region in the early summer and in the late summer.
Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Captiva?
The weather is warm in Captiva year-round. It’s not cold in the region during the winter months. If the weather allows, anglers can go fishing in the area in winter. It’s worth noting that winter fishing trips in Captiva can be very productive.
Winter is the time of the year when anglers can target amberjack, black drum, cobia, groupers, king mackerel, ladyfish, tripletail, and other species.
Night Fishing in Captiva
Captiva is known for its tropical climate and warm temperatures. So, it’s possible to experience nighttime fishing in the region throughout the year.
Many anglers choose to fish at night because they would like to avoid crowds during a peak fishing season. Night allows anglers to avoid fishing in hot weather. It’s important to note that night fishing adventures in Captiva are very productive.
Top night fishing targets in Captiva include black drum, grouper, snapper, snook, redfish, tarpon, and spotted seatrout.
Top 5 Fishing Spots in Captiva
1. St. James City
St. James City is the place where anglers can experience fishing in inshore and offshore waters. Freshwater fishing is also possible in the region. The fishing destination has gained huge popularity among fly anglers. Waters around St. James City impress angling enthusiasts with their abundance of fish.
Fishing in the region is best between March and June. When fishing in St. James City, anglers can target such fish species as largemouth bass, peacock bass, flounder, king mackerel, snook, spotted seatrout, redfish, mahi-mahi, tuna, sailfish, and wahoo.
2. Matlacha
Matlacha is another good fishing destination near Captiva. It’s the place where anglers can fish on the grass flats. Anglers can also go fishing in the open waters of the Gulf.
Matlacha is well-known for its sub-tropical climate. So, fishing in the region is excellent year-round. However, the best time of year to fish Matlacha is between April and July.
Among fish species that anglers can target in the local waters are amberjack, black drum, cobia, grouper, king mackerel, grouper, snapper, jack crevalle, redfish, sheepshead, snook, speckled trout as well as sharks.
3. Sanibel
Sanibel is one of the top fishing spots near Captiva. The destination has a lot to offer to anglers. Both beginners and experienced anglers can enjoy fishing in the local waters. There are grassy flats, mangroves as well as oyster bars in the region. Such areas attract plenty of fish.
Fishing in Sanibel is the most productive between March and September. Angling enthusiasts can catch speckled trout, sheepshead, snook, pompano, permit, redfish, tarpon, and other species during their fishing trips.
4. Boca Grande
Boca Grande is famous for its fish-rich waters. It’s more than just a fishing destination. The location impresses anglers with its natural beauty. When fishing in the area, it’s possible to enjoy beautiful natural views and rich wildlife. Anglers can fish close to shore, near reefs and wrecks.
Fishing in Boca Grande is the most productive between April and July. The most popular species that anglers can catch in the local waters include cobia, grouper, king mackerel, red snapper, redfish, snook, trout, and pompano.
5. Cape Coral
Cape Coral attracts both freshwater and saltwater anglers. The destination offers excellent fishing and stunning views. A lot of anglers prefer to go fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.
Plus, it’s possible to fish on the reefs. There are also many canals in the region. Cape Coral is also famous for the Caloosahatchee River which offers great fishing opportunities. The best time of the year to fish in Cape Coral is between April and June.
Amberjack, catfish, cobia, king mackerel, mahi-mahi, tarpon, snook, and redfish as well as bluegill, largemouth bass, carp, and tilapia can be targeted in the area.
Shore/Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons
Fishing in Captiva is not only about offshore adventures. It’s the ideal place for surf fishing as well. Shore fishing allows anglers to catch grouper, king mackerel, snapper, snook, redfish, tarpon, trout, and many other species.
Captiva provides anglers with easy access to many great shore fishing spots. Beaches in the region allow anglers to enjoy surf fishing. However, the local beaches can be busy.
That’s why anglers should go fishing when there are no swimmers on beaches. It’s important to know that beaches get crowded in the afternoon. That’s why shore anglers should visit beaches either in the early morning or in the late evening.
Anglers can also do surf fishing on the bridges, from the rocks, and from piers. The most popular fishing piers in Captiva and its surrounding areas include Sanibel City Pier, Cape Coral Yacht Club Park Fishing Pier, Fort Myers Fishing Pier as well as Tarpon Street Pier.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Fort Myers. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Bookelia. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Englewood. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Placida, check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Matlacha, check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Homestead, check out this helpful guide.
