Rotonda West Fishing Reports (May 2026)

Rotonda West Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Rotonda West

Al Harrington
Cape Coral, Florida
Reported: 4 months ago

Al Harrington Cape Coral, Florida Reported: 4 months ago

• Sheepshead: This is the star of the show right now. As the water cools, "convicts" are moving onto dock pilings, bridge footings (especially the Matlacha Bridge), and oyster bars. Use small pieces of fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs on a #1 or 1/0 circle hook.
• Redfish: Look for "tailers" on the shallow flats during the low afternoon tides. With negative tides predicted around midday, focus on the edges of deep-water creeks and mangrove shorelines.
• Trout: Seatrout are scattered across the 3- to 5-foot grassy flats. Drifting with a popping cork and live shrimp or slow-working a soft plastic paddle tail is the most consistent way to find them.
• Snook: Most snook have retreated into the warmer backcountry canals and up the Caloosahatchee River. They are a bit lethargic due to the temp drop, so slow down your presentation.

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Christopher LeDrew
Cape Coral, Florida
Reported: 4 months ago

They had a good time today, especially the young man!

Christopher LeDrew Cape Coral, Florida Reported: 4 months ago

They had a good time today, especially the young man!

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Dustin Lambert
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 4 months ago

Weather has been windy but days we go it's good

Dustin Lambert Sarasota, Florida Reported: 4 months ago

Weather has been windy but days we go it's good

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James Gibson
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 4 months ago

We are on the end of fall, beginning of winter limbo in Sarasota, Florida. On our Inshore Fishing Charters, we are having success targeting Redfish on the edges of deeper channels, Trout near creeks like Hudson Bayou, Phillippi Creek and Bowlees Creek, targeting the deeper grass edges and muddy bottom...

James Gibson Sarasota, Florida Reported: 4 months ago

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Dalton Rybka
Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Reported: 4 months ago

The sheepshead bite has been on fire along with snook and trout! During these extreme winter lows the docks and grass flats have been producing

Dalton Rybka Fort Myers Beach, Florida Reported: 4 months ago

The sheepshead bite has been on fire along with snook and trout! During these extreme winter lows the docks and grass flats have been producing

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Yanni Melissas with Boca Grande Florida Tarpon Fishing Charters
Boca Grande, Florida
Reported: 8 months ago

The Tarpon fishing has been good, we’ve been concentrating on that as always this part of the year.

Yanni Melissas with Boca Grande Florida Tarpon Fishing Charters Boca Grande, Florida Reported: 8 months ago

The Tarpon fishing has been good, we’ve been concentrating on that as always this part of the year.

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Dan Muench
Fort Myers, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

Out today with two teens. Hot. Water temp said 89 degrees! Redfish bite is still good! And some tarpon are still in the area!

Dan Muench Fort Myers, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

Out today with two teens. Hot. Water temp said 89 degrees! Redfish bite is still good! And some tarpon are still in the area!

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James Goodman
Fort Myers, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

Been an incredible bite for big snook fishing 6 inch live threadfin herring on 30 lb leader with a 4/0 circle hook. Pitching the mangroves on a strong tide.

James Goodman Fort Myers, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

Been an incredible bite for big snook fishing 6 inch live threadfin herring on 30 lb leader with a 4/0 circle hook. Pitching the mangroves on a strong tide.

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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!!!

Top Fishing Trips in Rotonda West

Damn Good

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats in Boca Grande

Tarpon Half Day (4hr)

100% (8) Managed by Yanni

25 ft 1 - 10 People From $850

Inshore, Shelling, Sunset Cruise in Matlacha

Boat Day Shelling Beach Sightseeing

100% (35) Guided by Christopher

20 ft 1 - 8 People From $450

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Sarasota

6 Hour Trip - Fish And Fun

100% (5) Guided by Jose

18 ft 1 - 4 People From $599

Deep Sea Fishing in Bokeelia

18-20hr Deep Drop

100% (1) Guided by Kyle

34 ft 1 - 8 People From $4,500

Damn Good

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.