Fishing for redfish inshore off the coast of Ft. Myers is a solid experience any time of year, but it takes a bit of knowledge to make the most of it. Ft. Myers is a prime location because redfish are comfortable in these waters and tend to hold around structure and shallow flats. Redfish, also called red drum, are tough, smart, and a favorite for many inshore fishermen because of the fight they put up and the skill it takes to target them.

This guide is all about getting you familiar with where to find redfish, how they behave in Ft. Myers, and what you should focus on when you’re out on the water. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know to go after them in Ft. Myers.

Understanding Redfish Behavior in Ft. Myers

One of the most important things when fishing for redfish is understanding their behavior and patterns. These fish are drawn to certain habitats based on things like water temperature, tides, and availability of food. The good news is that Ft. Myers provides just about everything redfish need, which makes them reliable targets if you know where to look.

Seasonal Movement Patterns

Redfish in the Ft. Myers area move seasonally, often based on water temperature. In warmer months, you’ll find them spread out over shallower flats and in areas with plenty of cover, such as mangroves or grass beds. When the water cools down in the winter, they often gather in deeper holes or channels where temperatures stay a little more stable.

Spring and fall are especially good times for redfish fishing here, as they’re more active in the shallows and often feed more aggressively. During these seasons, you’ll notice them moving around more as they follow schools of baitfish or crustaceans, which can make for a productive day if you’re in the right place.

Feeding Behavior

Redfish are bottom feeders, but they aren’t just interested in anything that hits the sand. They tend to focus on crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, along with baitfish like mullet and pinfish. One thing that helps when fishing for redfish in Ft. Myers is knowing how they use their sense of smell and vibration to track down prey. Redfish have a keen sense of smell, so once they’re onto something, they’re likely to keep investigating until they find it.

You’ll often see them “tailing” in shallow water—this is when they’re feeding nose-down on the bottom, and their tails break the surface. If you spot a group of tails breaking the water, you’re likely in for a good time because it means they’re actively feeding.

Where to Find Redfish in Ft. Myers

Ft. Myers has several productive spots for inshore redfish fishing. Redfish like areas with structure, current, and plenty of food, so focus on places where these factors come together.

Mangroves and Grass Flats

The mangroves and grass flats around Ft. Myers are ideal spots for redfish, especially in the warmer months. Redfish love these areas because they offer food, cover, and stable conditions. Mangrove shorelines, in particular, are good because they provide protection, attract baitfish, and hold more stable water temperatures.

The grass flats in Ft. Myers are also worth your attention. Flats provide an open area where redfish can hunt for baitfish and crustaceans. Look for flats with varying depths and patches of grass mixed with sandy bottom areas—this variety tends to attract more redfish because it offers both cover and open space for hunting.

Oyster Beds and Rock Piles

Redfish are known to congregate around oyster beds and rock piles, especially when there’s a good current moving through. These spots offer plenty of food sources, and the structure makes it easier for redfish to hide from predators and ambush prey. In Ft. Myers, there are a number of oyster beds that redfish frequent, especially during high tides when water covers the beds, allowing redfish to access crustaceans and other food sources.

When fishing oyster beds, it’s smart to pay attention to the tides. Redfish are more likely to be actively feeding around these areas during an incoming tide, as it brings in baitfish and covers the beds with enough water to allow them to move freely.

Channels and Deep Holes

When the water cools down, redfish in Ft. Myers will move into deeper areas like channels and holes to avoid the temperature drops in the shallows. This is especially true in winter. Channels and deeper holes can be productive spots throughout the year, but they’re particularly valuable in the cooler months when redfish are less active in the shallows.

In these deeper spots, redfish may be a bit more lethargic, but they’re still likely to bite if you can get bait close to them. You might have to adjust your technique to account for the slower-moving fish, but deeper areas are worth it if the shallows aren’t producing.

Timing Your Redfish Trip in Ft. Myers

While redfish can be caught year-round, there are some key times when they’re more likely to be active. Timing your trip around tides, seasons, and daily patterns can make a big difference.

Seasonal Considerations

Fall and spring are often the best seasons for redfish in Ft. Myers because the fish are more likely to be in the shallows, feeding actively. During these seasons, redfish are also more likely to form schools, which means once you find one, you’re likely to find more. In summer, you’ll find them deeper or shaded in grass flats and mangroves, while winter pushes them into deeper holes and channels to escape the cold.

Tides

Tides are key to finding redfish. In general, an incoming tide is one of the best times to fish, especially around mangroves and oyster beds, because the rising water brings baitfish into shallow areas where redfish can easily ambush them. On a falling tide, look for redfish in channels or along sandbars where the dropping water pushes bait into areas where redfish can pin them.

An outgoing tide can be productive around deeper areas as well, where redfish wait for bait to be pushed off the flats and into their reach. In Ft. Myers, tidal changes often mean big shifts in where fish will be, so knowing the tide schedule and adjusting your location accordingly is essential.

Time of Day

Redfish are most active during low-light periods, so early morning and late evening are prime times for fishing. The cooler temperatures at these times make redfish more comfortable moving around and feeding. If you’re fishing in the middle of the day, aim for areas with deeper water or heavy cover, as redfish will often seek out these spots to escape the heat.

Reading the Water and Finding Redfish

When fishing for redfish, paying attention to the water’s color, clarity, and movement can help you locate fish. Here are a few pointers for reading the water in Ft. Myers:

  • Water Color: Clear water can make redfish more cautious, so you’ll need to approach carefully. On the other hand, slightly murky water can make redfish less wary, as they feel more hidden from predators. If the water is too murky, though, they may rely more on smell and vibration to find food.
  • Water Movement: Look for places where water movement creates breaks, eddies, or changes in direction. These areas often trap baitfish or push food towards redfish, making them likely ambush spots.
  • Signs of Activity: Watch for disturbances on the water’s surface, like ripples, baitfish jumping, or even “tailing” redfish. These are all good indicators that fish are feeding nearby.

Strategies for Catching Redfish

When it comes to targeting redfish, patience and technique matter more than anything. Here are some strategies to increase your chances of success:

Approach and Stealth

Redfish can be sensitive to movement and noise, especially in clear or shallow water. When you’re getting into position, approach quietly, using the current to drift if possible. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises, as this can scare them off.

If you’re fishing from a boat, keep your distance and try to position yourself so you can cast ahead of the fish. In kayaks or wading, the same rules apply—slow, deliberate movements will keep you from spooking redfish, giving you better odds at a bite.

Using the Right Presentation

Redfish aren’t as flashy as some other fish, so they tend to go for bait that looks natural in the water. Mimicking the movement of shrimp or small baitfish works well. Let the bait settle on the bottom, then give it small movements to mimic a crustacean or wounded fish. Redfish are bottom feeders, so keeping your bait close to the sand or grass where they’re searching is essential.

If you’re seeing them tailing, keep your bait in front of them, so they don’t have to divert too much from their path. Redfish respond well to a natural presentation, so aim to keep things realistic and let the bait do the work.

Be Patient and Persistent

Redfish aren’t always going to strike immediately. If you’re in a good area but haven’t had any action, give it a bit of time. Sometimes, a slight shift in the tide or a bit of patience is all you need for redfish to come through. Being observant, patient, and willing to stick around in a spot you know has potential can pay off.

Experience the Best Redfish Fishing in Ft. Myers with KingFisher Charters

Ft. Myers is known for its exceptional redfish fishing, and there’s no better way to dive into the experience than with a local guide who knows these waters inside out. KingFisher Charters, led by Captain Patrick King, offers inshore fishing charters tailored to bring out the best of what Ft. Myers, Sanibel, and Captiva have to offer. With years of experience navigating these waters, Captain Patrick knows just where to take you for the best chance at hooking into redfish, while also helping you read the water, understand local fish patterns, and maximize your time out on the flats.

KingFisher Charters is about more than just catching fish; it’s about learning, having a great time, and experiencing Ft. Myers’ waters to the fullest. So if you’re ready to make the most of your next fishing trip, book a charter with Captain Patrick. It’s an easy way to ensure that each cast counts and that you leave the water with skills that’ll last a lifetime.