Saint James City Weather Forecast
Fishing reports straight from our guides in Saint James City
The sheepshead bite has been good using live shrimp on the bottom fishing docks, oyster bars, and deep mangrove shorelines.
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Sheepshead season is in full swing and despite the colder days and extra layers for a comfortable day on the water, we are loading the boat with delicious fish. Sheepshead crowd into our area this time of year for the spawn and they are hungry and need to fill up to get through the hard days of spawn. Alongside the sheepshead, we are catching many other species such as redfish, black drum and mangrove snapper. All very fun and very tasty species. Cold days or warm days we are keeping the rods bent and having a lot of fun on...
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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.
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.
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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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.
Small pieces of shrimp on a jig head does the trick.
Small pieces of shrimp on a jig head does the trick.
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Sheeps been on fire
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Sheepshead bite has been insane
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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
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The Redfish, sheepshead, and trout bite has been great the last two weeks. They're eating live shrimp. 20-40 fish days have been common.
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The fish of winter, the spotted sea trout
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Our wintertime fishery here in Naples, FL is shaping up exactly how it should, with a few added bonuses showing up early. We’ve been following our typical winter pattern of capitalizing on the windows in between passing cold fronts, and it has been paying off in a big way.
Offshore action has been excellent with a wide variety of species in the cooler water. We’ve been blessed with some of the best King Mackerel fishing we’ve seen in years. Chumming them up and throwing artificials has been an absolute blast. These fish are a riot on light tackle, and watching...
Offshore action has been excellent with a wide variety of species in the cooler water. We’ve been blessed with some of the best King Mackerel fishing we’ve seen in years. Chumming them up and throwing artificials has been an absolute blast. These fish are a riot on light tackle, and watching...
Offshore action has been excellent with a wide variety of species in the cooler water. We’ve been blessed with some of the best King Mackerel fishing we’ve seen in years. Chumming them up and throwing artificials has been an absolute blast. These fish are a riot on light tackle, and watching them sky out of the water on topwater plugs truly never gets old.
The deeper wrecks have been holding their usual winter residents as well, with plenty of Amberjacksto pull on and some Cobia mixed in. On top of that, the snapper bite has been outstanding for those looking to bring home dinner. Big Mangroves, Lane Snapper, and Yellowtails have been common on our offshore trips.
Nearshore, we’ve been treated to an unexpected bonus for January — giant free-swimming Permit. We’ve had shots at some true giants recently, fish we typically don’t see until summertime. This is just the beginning, as the Permit fishery is set to explode over the next month, and we’re anticipating an epic spring and summer with these fish.
There’s also been no shortage of jacks on the nearshore wrecks, providing plenty of hard-pulling action. The nearshore meat bite has been strong as well, with quality Sheepshead fired up in the cooler temps — some of the best table fare around.
Inshore, we’re in full winter mode with cooler water temps. I
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Target Species
- Get it while it's HOT!
- This species is in play.
- You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
- Couldn't tell ya! (no data)
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Recent Saint James City Reviews
★★★★★
6/5 stars. Amazing experience, wonderful guide. Badass dog. Brought home a trophy and my son got to have a one of kind experience. Logan is as good as it gets.
Christopher S. | November 1, 2026
★★★★★
Awesome trip in every aspect. Logan is a top notch guide, not only does he provide an incredible hunt, but he’s one of the most personable guides I’ve ever met which really makes the experience feel like hunting with friends. From the top of the line equipment, to his dog Kona being one of the best behaved and responsive retrievers, he’s the only guide you should book with.
Ken B. | October 29, 2026
★★★★★
My guest and I had a great time fishing yesterday. Tim made the trip a great experience.
Jaime R. | October 27, 2026
★★★★★
Was a perfect trip. James work very professional. Thanks Urs, Hugo and Yvette
Urs P. | October 23, 2026
★★★★★
Drew is a great captain. We tried for some larger snook, got a couple big ones on the line, but due to user error didn’t get them in the boat. We also got some snapper, trout, lady, cat and some other small ones. He was at the ramp early with fresh caught bait. He shared stores and we made good friends with him before we left.
Kristopher K. | October 15, 2026
★★★★★
Fantastic experience! Captain was extremely accommodating. Tons of Action and a nice bag of game to take home and eat.. top notch equipment the guns are real deal too of line. We’ve been coming to Estero 1-2 times a year for 10 years and so a trip every time and I’m glad I finally found someone I can book every year and have a great experience! Can’t say enough.
Bradley J. | October 15, 2026
★★★★★
Captain Tim is hands down one of the best charter captains you could ask for when it comes to inshore fishing! He knows the water like the back of his hand and has an incredible ability to know when and where the fish are going to be. He handled our group of six with ease, making sure everyone was taken care of, having a great time, and, most importantly, getting the opportunity to catch fish. Keeping six people fishing and having a successful trip is no easy task, but Captain Tim made it look effortless with his experience, knowledge, and professionalism. If you’re looking for a captain who knows his waters, puts you on the fish, and makes sure everyone has a memorable day on the water, Captain Tim is your guy! I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an unforgettable inshore fishing experience!
Chong Y. | October 15, 2026
★★★★★
Great morning, found out dinner, avoided the wind d From the hurricane
Gabe N. | October 9, 2026
★★★★★
Had a great time with Brandon . He put us on the fish, and was knowledgeable about using the right techniques, and tackle. We also had fish to eat for the rest of our trip ! Thanks Brandon !!!!!
Ted B. | September 30, 2026
