Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Englewood, FL (Full Guide)

Englewood is one of the best fishing locations in Florida due to its abundant coastline and rich fish populations. Knowing the best times to come fish these rich waterways will make a huge difference.

Even though the best fishing season in Englewood is from April to October, the best times to catch a lot of fish with reduced crowds are in April & May as well as September & October.

Englewood is one of the better places to go fishing on the gulf coast of Florida. Located in the southwest part of Florida, Englewood is home to some great fishing. Most of the fishing is done inshore, offshore, or within the Caloosahatchee River.

barracuda caught
(Image courtesy of HammerTime Saltwater Adventures (Englewood, FL) & Fishing Booker)

Best Times to Fish Englewood

It’s crucial for anglers to fish Englewood at the right time. Anglers can go fishing in the local waters at any time of the year. However, fishing in Englewood is best between the late spring and the late summer. So, anglers achieve the best results between May and August. The vast majority of fish species are active in the region during these months.   

The best time of the year to go fishing in the area depends a lot on the targeted fish species. A fishing trip in Englewood requires meticulous planning. Fishermen should study the bite times of their favorite species ahead of time. 

Englewood is home to many fish species. Some fish species are active throughout the year. So, anglers can target them all year round. However, seasonal fish species are active at certain times of the year only. Of course, anglers should go fishing in Englewood when they have a chance to get excellent results.       

Englewood Species Breakdown: Best Times

It’s necessary to prepare for Englewood fishing adventures in advance. Anglers need to decide what species they will target during their Englewood fishing trip. They also need to find out when it’s the best time to catch targeted species and where they should go fishing in the region.  

Amberjack

Amberjack is getting active during the cold season. A season to target amberjack in Englewood starts in the late fall and ends in the early spring.

Winter is the best time of the year to catch amberjack in the region. Amberjack is active in the early morning or in the evening. Boca Grande is one of the best places to fish for amberjack in the area.    

Barracuda

Barracuda fishing is good in Englewood throughout the year. The best time of the year to target barracuda in Englewood is between the early spring and the late fall. Barracuda bites well in the early morning and late evening. It makes sense to go fishing for barracuda in Venice. 

Cobia 

A cobia fishing season in Englewood starts in the late winter and ends in the late fall. The best months to target cobia in the region are April, September, and October. Oftentimes, fishermen get a bite of cobia in the middle of the day. Cobia can be found in the waters near Placida. 

Tarpon 

A tarpon fishing season in Englewood is high between the early spring and the early fall. The best time of the year to catch tarpon in the region is between May and July.

Fishing for tarpon in the region is the most productive in the early morning and the late afternoon. It’s recommended to go fishing for tarpon in North Port.  

Redfish

A season to catch redfish in Englewood starts in the early spring and ends in the early winter. Redfish bite well in the morning and in the afternoon. The best times of the year to target redfish in the region are May and between September and November. It’s possible to target redfish in the area of Port Charlotte. 

Mangrove Snapper

Fishermen can target mangrove snapper in Englewood throughout the year. However, the best time of the year to fish for mangrove snapper in the area is between April and November.

Mangrove snapper is active in the early morning and in the evening. It’s a good idea to target mangrove snapper in the waters near Boca Grande. 

King Mackerel

The best times of the year to fish for king mackerel in Englewood are between January and April and between October and December. Venice is one of the best places to target king mackerel in the region.  

Goliath Grouper

Fishing for goliath grouper in Englewood is productive year-round. However, the best time of the year to target goliath grouper in the region is between April and October.

Oftentimes, fishermen catch goliath grouper during morning hours. Boca Grande is the perfect place to fish for goliath grouper in the area.    

Jack Crevalle

Jack crevalle fishing in Englewood is good year-round. So, there is no bad time to target jack crevalle in the region. A peak season to fish for jack crevalle in the area is between April and November.

Jack crevalle bites well in the early morning and late evening. It would be great to go fishing for jack crevalle in Englewood.  

Spotted Seatrout 

Spotted seatrout fishing is good in Englewood year-round. So, anglers can target spotted seatrout in the local water at any time of the year. The best time of the year to fish for spotted seatrout in the region is between April and June.

Spotted seatrout bites well in the late evening and at night. Spotted seatrout can be caught in the waters near Port Charlotte. 

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.

Recommended Fishing Guides/Charters in Englewood

These Englewood-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 ChartersLocation
MM Fishing ChartersEnglewood, FL
Whipp It Reel Good ChartersEnglewood, FL
Boca Grande Flats FishingEnglewood, FL
HammerTime Saltwater AdventuresEnglewood, FL
Outdoor AdrenalineEnglewood, FL
Divergent Fishing ChartersEnglewood, FL
Capt Dave Spargurs ChartersEnglewood, FL
Man Overboard ChartersEnglewood, FL
Fin Crazy ChartersEnglewood, FL
High Class Hooker Charters – VeniceVenice, FL
Fun Day Charters – 32′Venice, FL
Shallow Water Experience LLCPlacida, FL
Reel Charter Fishing Kevin LuboldEnglewood, FL

Best Seasons to Book an Englewood Charter

Generally speaking, fishing in Englewood is good year-round. Different fish species are active in the area at different times of the year. Fishing is more productive during certain times of the year. Below, we’ll explain what species anglers can catch in spring, summer, fall, and winter.  

Spring

It’s getting warmer in spring. That’s why Englewood fishing is getting better during the spring months. The weather is comfortable in the region in spring.

It’s not hot in spring. Spring is a great time to target such species as great barracuda, black drum, cobia, black grouper, goliath grouper, jack crevalle, red grouper, king mackerel, ladyfish, mangrove snapper, spotted seatrout, yellowtail snapper, redfish, permit, tarpon as well as tripletail.   

Summer

The weather is hot and fishing is more productive in Englewood during the summer months. Many fish species are active in the local waters in summer.

Among the species of fish that anglers can target in summer are great barracuda, goliath grouper, red grouper, jack crevalle, ladyfish, permit, mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, spotted seatrout, tarpon as well as tripletail.    

Fall 

It’s a great idea to go fishing in Englewood in the fall. It’s not too hot already, but fishing is still very productive in the area during the fall months. Fishermen can catch such species as great barracuda, black drum, cobia, red grouper, goliath grouper, jack crevalle, ladyfish, king mackerel, redfish as well as mutton snapper and mangrove snapper during the fall months.  

Winter

Winter fishing is less productive in Englewood. However, some species of fish are still active in the local waters in winter. Anglers can target amberjack, black drum, black grouper, gag grouper, red grouper, king mackerel, and ladyfish during the winter months.  

redfish caught
(Image courtesy of MM Charters (Englewood, FL) & Fishing Booker)

Best Time of Day to Fish Englewood

The best time of day to go fishing in Englewood mainly depends on such factors as the time of year, your targeted fish species, and weather conditions.  

Anglers in Englewood choose to experience fishing in the morning or in the evening during the summer months. It’s necessary to book a half-day fishing trip. Englewood fishing trips of this type allow anglers to beat the summer heat. It’s also important to note that water cools down during morning and evening hours. As a result, many fish species begin to feed actively. 

It would be better to go fishing in the afternoon in spring, fall and winter. Fish get active later during colder months. The water heats up and fishing is becoming more productive.

If you book an afternoon trip, you’ll have an opportunity to experience fishing during the evening hours and enjoy a beautiful sunset. Also, anglers can consider booking full-day trips during colder months. It’s not hot in spring, fall and winter. So, anglers find it comfortable to fish.      

Englewood Fishing & Tidal Impacts

There has been a lot of talk about the effects of tides on fishing. It’s important to note that fishing times depend a lot on tide times. That’s why it’s so important for anglers to study the tide times for Englewood carefully ahead of time.

So, you’ll know when tides are high and when tides are low in the region. This will help you plan your fishing trip to Englewood successfully. 

It would be better to go fishing in Englewood during the incoming tides. Rising tides are good for fishing activities. Tides bring oxygen-rich waters to the area. As a result, fish begin to feed actively. The movement of water increases the activity of fish. That’s why anglers get better results when fishing on rising tides in the area.       

Storms & Englewood Fishing

Storms as well as rainstorms create problems for anglers and make fishing challenging. It’s dangerous to go fishing during storms. Strong winds and high waves pose a risk to anglers. That’s the reason why fishing trips in Englewood are canceled before storms.

Fish go to deep waters during storms. However, it’s possible to fish after storms. Fish actively search for food and anglers find it easy to catch it.   

Anglers should take into consideration the local weather conditions when preparing for a fishing trip in Englewood. It’s important to know that Englewood has never been a rainy place.

Rainstorms can be expected in Englewood at any time of the year. However, it’s often raining in the region in the late summer and in the fall. On the other hand, there is almost no rain in Englewood in November.    

Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Englewood? 

Winter fishing in Englewood is less productive. However, it’s possible to experience fishing in the region during the winter months. It’s the time of the year when anglers can target year-round species and species which are active in winter.

December is a good time of the year to target such species as amberjack, black drum, black drum, gag grouper, king mackerel, and ladyfish. Such species as amberjack, black drum, black grouper, gag grouper, red grouper, king mackerel, and ladyfish are active in the local waters in January.

Among fish species that angling enthusiasts can target in Englewood in February are amberjack, black drum, black grouper, gag grouper, red grouper, king mackerel, and ladyfish.  

Night Fishing in Englewood

Many anglers choose to hook in the dark in Englewood. Night fishing trips are available for anglers in the area. Night fishing is mysterious and productive. 

The night is a good time of the day to fish for tarpon. Fishermen catch tarpon in the local waters at night between May and June. Angling enthusiasts can also catch groupers and snappers during night fishing trips in Englewood. Night trips give fishermen a chance to land a trophy.     

Top 5-10 Fishing Spots in Englewood

1. North Port

North Port is one of the best fishing spots near Englewood. The destination is well-known for its inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing grounds. The fishing season in North Port starts in April and ends in December.

The best months to experience fishing in the area are between May and June. Among the targeted species in North Port are tarpon, mangrove snapper, redfish as well as black drum. 

2. Placida

Placida Harbour is located near Englewood. Fishing around Placida provides anglers with an amazing experience. Fishing in the area is best between May and August. Placida is a great time to target such species as cobia, redfish, spotted seatrout, mangrove snapper, tarpon, goliath grouper, gag grouper, and king mackerel. 

3. Boca Grande

Boca Grande is known among anglers as the “Tarpon Capital of the World”. The fishing location gives anglers an opportunity to enjoy beautiful natural views and watch rich wildlife. A lot of fish can be found near the flats and mangroves. Such places attract cobia, flounder, permit, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and tripletail.

A lot of fishing trips are available for anglers in the area. When fishing in Boca Grande, anglers can catch such species as amberjack, cobia, goliath grouper, king mackerel, mangrove snapper, tarpon, and redfish as well as permit.  

4. Venice

Fishing in Venice is fantastic. Here, anglers can target a vast variety of fish species and spend a relaxing day in nature. The destination is well-known for its diverse fishery. Anglers can fish near grass flats, go fishing near offshore reefs, explore the wrecks of the Gulf, or experience fishing in freshwater rivers.

Offshore waters give anglers a good chance to catch trophy fish. The best time to fish in the region is between May and July. Venice is home to such species as amberjack, cobia, great barracuda, red grouper, gag grouper, king mackerel, mahi-mahi, and tarpon.  

5. Nokomis

Anglers can also go fishing in Nokomis. It’s a good place to enjoy fishing and have a good time with a family. Here, angling enthusiasts can fish in crystal-clear waters and relax on beautiful sandy beaches. The destination impresses fishermen with its rich marine life.

While fishing in Nokomis, anglers can explore the flats, reefs as well as shallow bays. Fishing in Nokomis is best between March and November. Nokomis is the place where anglers can target such species of fish as amberjack, cobia, great barracuda, gag grouper, king mackerel, red grouper, redfish, and yellowtail snapper.

Shore/Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons

There are many places where anglers can do shore/surf fishing in Englewood. For example, Lemon Bay is a popular fishing spot that attracts a lot of surf anglers. Fishing in Lemon Bay is possible between May and October. Here, anglers can target such species as red drum, spotted seatrout, and snook. 

Englewood is another fishing destination that has gained popularity among anglers who give a preference to shore/surf fishing in the region. It’s the place where anglers can target snook, trout, ladyfish, jacks, and other species of fish. 

Fishing on Englewood beach is good between March and October. However, anglers should go fishing when there are no swimmers on the beach. So, the best time of the day to surf fish on Englewood beach is around dawn and around dusk.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Cape Coral, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Fort Myers, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in St. Augustine, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Big Pine Key, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Bookelia, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Captiva. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Placida, check out this helpful guide. To learn the best times to fish in Venice, check out this helpful guide.

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