Picture this: it’s fall in Sanibel, Captiva, and Ft. Myers. You’re out on the water, and everything just clicks. The weather is perfect—cool, not too hot, but warm enough to stay comfortable. You’re surrounded by beautiful, clear water that’s not crowded because the summer tourists are long gone. You’ve basically got the place to yourself, and the fish are on fire.

Redfish are schooling up in big numbers, and you’re pulling them out of the shallows, one after the other. These aren’t small fish either—they’re solid fighters, bending your rod, and making your drag scream. You feel the power of each one, and when you bring them in, you know you’ve earned it. Then, just when you think it couldn’t get better, you see a snook lurking near the mangroves. You cast your line, give it a twitch, and BAM—the snook hits like a freight train. It’s a battle of wits, trying to keep it from darting into the cover, and when you land it, there’s nothing like that adrenaline rush.

But it's not just about the fight. You’ve got variety—from tasty speckled trout cruising the grass flats, to Spanish mackerel smashing anything shiny near the reefs, to those tricky sheepshead hiding near the docks, just waiting to be outsmarted. Every cast could bring something different, and the action is non-stop.

The best part? When you're done, you're not just heading home with a story, you're taking home some of the freshest, best-tasting fish. Redfish on the grill, trout for dinner—it's the perfect balance between sport and reward. And unlike summer, you’re not baking under the sun or dodging thunderstorms. It’s all smooth sailing, clear skies, and killer fishing.

What to Expect on the Water

Let’s talk about the climate and what you can expect so you’re prepared when you’re out there.

In the fall, around Sanibel, Captiva, and Ft. Myers, the weather starts cooling off compared to the brutal summer heat. It’s actually one of the best times to fish because the temperatures are much more comfortable—usually in the 70s and 80s during the day, with cooler mornings and evenings. You don’t have to deal with the sweltering heat, which is a win for both you and the fish. The fish are more active because they’re not sluggish from the high summer temps, and it’s just more enjoyable to be out on the water.

One thing you should definitely keep an eye on is the wind. Fall can be a bit windier than summer, especially with the occasional cold front moving in. If it’s too windy, it can make casting and controlling the boat trickier, but on most days, you’ll get a nice breeze, which actually helps keep things comfortable.

Rain isn’t as much of a problem in the fall as it is in summer, where afternoon thunderstorms are almost guaranteed, but you still might get some rainy days here and there. It’s a good idea to bring along a light rain jacket, just in case. The good news is that rain isn’t usually heavy in the fall, so it’s not going to ruin your day on the water. Just something to be prepared for.

As for the water itself, it starts clearing up a lot in the fall. Over the summer, all the rain can make the water murkier, but as we head into fall, the water gets clearer. This is a big plus because fish can see your bait better, and it’s just a prettier time to be out there.

Now, in terms of what to wear, I’d suggest layering. Mornings can be a bit chilly, especially if you’re heading out early to catch that major bite. A lightweight jacket or hoodie is great for the cooler part of the day, but as the sun comes up, you’ll probably want to peel off a layer and just wear a t-shirt or long-sleeve fishing shirt. Oh, and don’t forget sunscreen—the sun can still be strong even though it feels cooler. A hat and polarized sunglasses are also a must. The sunglasses not only protect your eyes but help you see fish in the water better because they cut through the glare on the surface.

  • Layered clothing (lightweight jacket/hoodie, t-shirt or long-sleeve)
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Comfortable shoes (waterproof if possible)
  • Lightweight rain jacket (for unexpected showers)
  • Fishing gloves (optional, for better grip and hand protection)
  • Buff or neck gaiter (for sun protection)
  • Water

What to Expect IN the Water

Now that you're set with what to wear and how to prepare, let’s dive into the exciting part: the different fish species you’ll be targeting and how to catch them.

Alright, let’s start with redfish. These guys are bronze-colored, with a distinct black spot near their tail. They’re great fighters and a popular fish to target, especially in the fall because they school up. You’ll find them in shallow areas near mangroves and oyster bars. The easiest way to catch them is with live shrimp or soft plastic lures. You can rig the shrimp under a popping cork about 1-2 feet down. Cast near the structure, give the cork a pop, and just wait—redfish will come investigate. They hit hard, so be ready for a good fight!

Snook are another fun fish, sleek and silver with a bold black line down their side. They love structure—docks, mangroves, and bridges—especially early in the morning or at night. Snook are aggressive, so live bait like pilchards or pinfish works great, but they’ll also smash topwater lures or jigs. They’re strong and like to run for cover, so the challenge is keeping them out of the mangroves or pilings when you hook them. You can eat snook, but only during certain seasons, so check the regulations.

Next up is speckled trout. These guys are a bit smaller, silver with black spots along their back. They’re usually hanging out in grassy flats in 3-5 feet of water. They love live shrimp, but artificial lures like soft plastics also work great. If you fish for them early in the morning or just before sunset, try using a topwater lure—that’s always fun because you can see them strike right on the surface. They’re good eating too, so they’re a solid fish to target if you want something for dinner.

On to sheepshead—they’ve got these crazy, human-like teeth because they eat crustaceans like shrimp, crabs, and barnacles. You’ll find them around docks, bridges, or other structure. The thing with sheepshead is they bite really lightly, so it’s all about feeling for that subtle tap. Use a small hook with shrimp or fiddler crabs, and fish right up against the structure. Once you feel the bite, set the hook fast. They’re tricky, but once you get the hang of it, they’re super rewarding to catch. Plus, they’re delicious!

Now, for Spanish mackerel, these are fast, silver fish with yellow spots. They love flashy things and are usually found nearshore around reefs or where baitfish are hanging out. The trick with mackerel is using shiny lures like spoons or small jigs because they’ll strike at anything that reflects light. You can either cast and reel in quickly or troll your lure behind the boat. When you hook into one, they’ll take off fast, so they’re a blast to catch. And yep, you can keep them—they’re decent to eat if you cook them fresh.

For kingfish (king mackerel), these are larger, fast-moving fish found near reefs and wrecks a bit offshore. They’re a real challenge because of their speed. You’ll often catch them by trolling live bait or using shiny lures like big spoons or plugs. Kingfish are known for making long, fast runs when hooked, so it’s a great fight. If you want to go after them, you’ll need to head a bit further out, usually in nearshore waters a mile or two from land. They’re good to eat if you can handle their strong flavor, especially smoked.

Now, cobia are another nearshore species that hang out around buoys, wrecks, and sometimes you’ll even see them cruising by the surface. They’re dark brown with a white belly, and they can get pretty big. They’re curious fish, so sometimes they’ll even come right up to your boat. You can catch them with live bait like crabs or eels, but they’ll also go for artificial lures. When you hook a cobia, be ready for a long, tough fight—they’ve got a lot of strength. And the best part? They’re fantastic eating, with firm, white meat.

Finally, let’s talk about tarpon. These are the giants of the inshore waters, silver fish that can grow over 100 pounds. In the fall, they’re less common than in the summer, but some still hang around in nearshore waters. Tarpon are known for their acrobatic jumps when hooked, and they’ll put up an epic fight. The trick to catching tarpon is using live bait like crabs or mullet. You’ve got to be patient though, and when they strike, it’s all about keeping them on the line during those crazy jumps. You can’t keep tarpon; they’re catch and release only, but they’re definitely a bucket-list fish for most anglers.

What to Make of It

Fall fishing in Sanibel, Captiva, and Ft. Myers is all about being out there in the perfect conditions, targeting fish that are hungry and ready to bite. It’s a time when the crowds are thinner, the water is clearer, and you’ve got plenty of opportunities to reel in something memorable. Whether you’re after the challenge of hooking a big one or just want to bring home some great-tasting fish, the fall season around these waters offers the best of both worlds. You’ll have your hands full with action, and you’ll leave with more than just a good story. It’s the kind of fishing that keeps you coming back.