Rotonda West Fishing Reports (May 2026)

Rotonda West Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Rotonda West

Matt Fueyo with Reel Tight Fishing Charters
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 2 months ago

Sheepshead, Redfish and Black drum! The cold-weather critters are biting!! Catching a ton of tasty ones. If they’re looking to fill the cooler, this is the time of year to do it!

Matt Fueyo with Reel Tight Fishing Charters Sarasota, Florida Reported: 2 months ago

Sheepshead, Redfish and Black drum! The cold-weather critters are biting!! Catching a ton of tasty ones. If they’re looking to fill the cooler, this is the time of year to do it!

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Marc Laurin
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 2 months ago

With this cold weather, nearshore is the way to go! Lots of sheepshead and catch-and-release grouper. Between fronts, inshore has been producing big jacks and decent numbers of trout.

Marc Laurin Sarasota, Florida Reported: 2 months ago

With this cold weather, nearshore is the way to go! Lots of sheepshead and catch-and-release grouper. Between fronts, inshore has been producing big jacks and decent numbers of trout.

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Paul Halasz
Punta Gorda, Florida
Reported: 2 months ago

Paul Halasz Punta Gorda, Florida Reported: 2 months ago

Winter is here, and the bite is still producing nicely. Recent cold fronts have pushed fish into deeper holes and troughs, and they’re stacked up and feeding.

We’ve been finding consistent action around deeper creek mouths and structure, and the fish have been aggressive and hungry.

With warmer weather right around the corner, conditions are shaping up even better, and the bite should only improve from here. It’s a great time to get on the water and take advantage of these winter patterns before things really heat up.

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Andy Santana
Bokeelia, Florida
Reported: 2 months ago

Cold weather brings out the tasty sheepshead! Fishing them under docks, and deep mangroves holes. Nearshore has been producing them as well in structures. Small pieces of shrimp on a jig head does the trick.

Andy Santana Bokeelia, Florida Reported: 2 months ago

Cold weather brings out the tasty sheepshead! Fishing them under docks, and deep mangroves holes. Nearshore has been producing them as well in structures.

Small pieces of shrimp on a jig head does the trick.

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Ray Moses
Sanibel, Florida
Reported: 2 months ago

Sheeps been on fire

Ray Moses Sanibel, Florida Reported: 2 months ago

Sheeps been on fire

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Isaiah Torres
Fort Myers, Florida
Reported: 2 months ago

Sheepshead bite has been insane

Isaiah Torres Fort Myers, Florida Reported: 2 months ago

Sheepshead bite has been insane

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Liam McGrath
Cape Coral, Florida
Reported: 3 months ago

Lots of Stone Crabbing this week!

Liam McGrath Cape Coral, Florida Reported: 3 months ago

Lots of Stone Crabbing this week!

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Michael Castaldi
Punta Gorda, Florida
Reported: 3 months ago

Fishing has been really good, even with the cold fronts coming through. It's not stopping the bite after these next few colder days are over; it will start to warm up, and the fish are gonna go crazy eating everything

Michael Castaldi Punta Gorda, Florida Reported: 3 months ago

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★★★★★
It was a great experience especially for people like us from PA! Roland was great guide and very friendly and will go out of his way to make sure you get the fish and the iguanas! I I would recommend him for anybody else that wants the experience
Joey B. | April 27, 2026

Trip: Peacock Bass And Iguana Hunt Combo
★★★★★
Good time, perfect day. Capt Dalton moved around until we found fish. Highly recommended
Kevin S. | April 24, 2026

Trip: Fishing Thrills In Fort Myers
★★★★★
Highly recommend the iguana hunt. Had a great time. Will definitely book another hunt with Roland again.
Bill D. | April 24, 2026

Trip: Cape Coral Iguana Hunt
★★★★★
Knowledgeable & worked hard. Got a dozen snook despite wind & tough tide. Great tackle - good bait.
Drbob R. | April 23, 2026

Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Inshore 21’boat
★★★★★
We had an absolutely incredible day with Captain Roland! From the moment we got on the boat, he was attentive, personable, and made us feel completely comfortable. He was especially wonderful with our 9-year-old son—taking the time to teach him, encourage him, and make sure he was having the best time. We caught more fish than we ever expected, and the entire experience was relaxed, fun, and memorable. There truly isn’t enough good we can say about this trip. We’re already looking forward to booking again with Captain Roland!
Candace M. | April 21, 2026

Trip: Inshore Fishing Charter Cape Coral
★★★★★
Trip was a lot of fun and John did a great job hitting different spots for us to catch fish.
Chad C. | April 20, 2026

Trip: Nearshore Reef & Wreck Trips
★★★★★
Very enjoyable charter with over 20 hookups in 4 hours. We requested targeting snook, redfish and any other "filet and release" species. Snook and redfish were abundant although many were short they were a great fight. Highly recommend Captain Andy.
Bonnie K. | April 20, 2026

Trip: 4-8 Hours Inshore Trip
★★★★★
My wife, Carolina, and I, had a great time with Captain Steve! He showed us not only the techniques of catching fish on the West Coast, but also a great time and he is a great showman! Captain Steve definitely knows what he’s doing! We will be back!🙌🎣
Rafael P. | April 19, 2026

Trip: Beach Fishing: Family-Friendly
★★★★★
My wife and I recently booked an afternoon fishing trip with Jose. Jose was very personable and immediately set us at ease. He has a great sense of humor and we laughed throughout the afternoon. More importantly, we caught fish from the beginning of the trip to the end. Jose knows these waters and where to find them. We caught many species (spotted sea trout, sheepshead, redfish, snook, pinfish, a shark, and the elusive triple tail). The sea trout were the most plentiful and made an excellent meal. Thanks Jose for a fun afternoon. We will book again the next time we are in the area!!
Jim L. | April 16, 2026

Trip: 4 Hour Trip – Fish And Fun
★★★★★
my two grandsons and I Iguana hunted with Logan and had a great time Logan is patient , knowlegeable of his hunting area . had lots of oppurtunities great fun and planning to go again next season
Bill B. | April 15, 2026

Trip: Iguana Hunt With Iguana DOG!!!