Captiva Island Fishing Reports (July 2026)

Captiva Island Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Captiva Island

Alex K.

Bradenton, Florida

Reported 1 year ago

Happy thanksgiving

Alex K. Bradenton, Florida Reported 1 year ago

Happy thanksgiving

Scroll for more

James G.

Fort Myers, Florida

Reported 1 year ago

Lots of Cobia and reds on the near shore wrecks eating small pilchards off the bottom.

James G. Fort Myers, Florida Reported 1 year ago

Lots of Cobia and reds on the near shore wrecks eating small pilchards off the bottom.

Scroll for more

Brandon D.

Bartow, Florida

Reported 1 year ago

Brandon D. Bartow, Florida Reported 1 year ago

Fishing ahead of a cold front is one of my absolute favorites. The barometric pressure gets to a perfect point before fronts come through and these fish feel it and get extremely active. Cold fronts can cause fish to go into a lethargic state where they have no energy or motivation to chase or eat baits. Imagine for a second you wake up and you feel bloated, nauseous even, your initial reaction is not to get out of bed and eat a big breakfast, instead you lay around for as long as it takes to feel well again. This feeling in that scenario is very similar to what fish feel after a low pressure system blows through, they have to work to keep a balance and have no problem sitting around until the pressure builds back and they feel comfortable again. They tend to eat like they’re going into hibernation for a few days because essentially that is the case. As for the day we had before our most recent front, the fish had no quit in them, it seemed like every bait for 3-5 hours was getting bit. We caught tons of redfish, snook and trout in just a matter of a few hours. The trout were huge, most over 20 inches, redfish ranged in size but many between 19 and 25 inches. We caught a lot of snook too, most in the mid 20’s and a couple over 30. I had my brother out and we were on a mission to get meat for a family fish fry. We did our job, we limited out on all three species and the family will have a fine fish fry in the coming days.

Scroll for more

Brandon D.

Bartow, Florida

Reported 1 year ago

Brandon D. Bartow, Florida Reported 1 year ago

Late fall is an epic time to fish our waters, the snook are fully back in the inshore waters and hungry after all the work they put in during their spawning season. You will frequently find long, skinny female snook looking to get their figure back after giving birth to the next generation of snook. We have been catching our bigger snook on large greenbacks we refer to as turbos, these bigger baits are irresistible to those bigger slot and overslot snook. Beef up your leader because you will need it with some of these monsters, I typically step it up to 40 lb Fluorocarbon which is less susceptible to abrasion when those fish shoot under structure. Redfish are still schooling up towards the tail end of their spawn, mostly the mid to upper slot fish are what we have found around the mangrove islands, oyster beds and docks. Pinfish are hard to pass up but they will certainly eat greenbacks as well. Trout over grass flats and edges of bars and channels have been pretty good, just lacking in size at times. We have been targeting those trout with gulp shrimp under a popping cork. They absolutely love those baits but just about anything will work. At times when the wind is blowing it is best to use a bait you can slow retrieve like a shrimp immitation bait. We are starting to head into a change in season, cold fronts are pushing through and soon we will see a change in bait, tide heights and target species. As we begin seeing lower winter tides we will switch to shrimp and focus more on sheepshead as they make their way into our inshore waters to spawn.

Scroll for more

Jesse C.

Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Reported 1 year ago

Storms are gone, fish are here. Action all day every day

Jesse C. Fort Myers Beach, Florida Reported 1 year ago

Storms are gone, fish are here. Action all day every day

Scroll for more

Brandon D.

Bartow, Florida

Reported 1 year ago

Brandon D. Bartow, Florida Reported 1 year ago

Our fishing is firing off in Pine Island Sound despite our stint of hurricanes over the last several weeks. unfortunately there is damage left in their wake but it isn’t affecting our fishery and we are open and welcome anyone wanting to get out and catch a bunch of great fish. In between storms we have been catching great redfish that are still schooling up in large numbers as we are in the middle of their spawning season. Snook season is also in full swing for another month and a half and when we break away from the schools of reds we’ve been catching plenty of snook. The slot fish have been getting the best of a few of my groups since the season started; these fish are strong and not an easy fight especially when hooked in the mangroves or other structures. Our trout are getting into a great size range, many of the fish we are catching are in that 15-19 inch range giving my anglers plenty of meat to bring home. This fishing should get better and better in the coming months, fall is a personal favorite time of the year to target big reds, snook, trout and sometimes we get the tarpon to play along as well. Come get on the fish with us, you’ll leave with awesome memories of a great fishing experience.

Scroll for more

Logan H.

Cape Coral, Florida

Reported 1 year ago

No problem red bite is on fire right now

Logan H. Cape Coral, Florida Reported 1 year ago

No problem red bite is on fire right now

Scroll for more

Jesse C.

Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Reported 1 year ago

Lots of redfish lots of sharks

Lots of redfish lots of sharks

Jesse C. Fort Myers Beach, Florida Reported 1 year ago

Lots of redfish lots of sharks

Lots of redfish lots of sharks

Scroll for more

Jesse C.

Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Reported 1 year ago

Lots of redfish lots of sharks

Jesse C. Fort Myers Beach, Florida Reported 1 year ago

Lots of redfish lots of sharks

Scroll for more

Brandon D.

Bartow, Florida

Reported 1 year ago

Brandon D. Bartow, Florida Reported 1 year ago

Fall is here and despite temperatures keeping pace with the typical summer heat we are seeing fall arrive in the form of an unbelievable fish bite. The fall months in southwest Florida is known for one of the greatest red drum fishing experiences found anywhere. These redfish are schooling up and eating everything in sight to prepare for their spawn season. These schools are mostly upper slot to over slot fish most measuring in the 30 inch range. We are finding an abundance of slot redfish around the mangrove islands as well along with plenty of great snook action. Our trout fishing is getting great as well, they are gaining size and we are starting to see the bigger slot fish arrive over the grass flats. Fall is one of the best times to fish the waters of Pine Island, the fish are feisty, water temps will be dropping and it’s only getting better from here on out.

Scroll for more

« Newer Reports

More Reports »

What's Biting in Captiva Island

Top Fishing Trips in Captiva Island

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 Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip

100% (74) Guided by James

24 ft 1 - 5 People From $550

Hot Trip

people are viewing this trip.

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats in Cape Coral

Inshore Fishing Charter Cape Coral

99% (182) Guided by Roland

26 ft 1 - 12 People From $500

Inshore, Dolphin Watching, Shelling in Captiva

Captiva Quick Trip

100% (6) Guided by Ray

24 ft 1 - 12 People From $450

Inshore, Dolphin Watching, Shelling in Captiva

Captiva And Sanibel Fishing Trip

100% (6) Guided by Ray

24 ft 1 - 12 People From $600

Veteran Operated

This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.

Inshore Fishing in Cape Coral

8 Hours Inshore

100% (7) Guided by Al

26 ft 1 - 8 People From $1,000

Dolphin Watching, Manatee Tour, Shelling in Captiva

Captiva Shelling & Sightseeing

100% (6) Guided by Ray

24 ft 1 - 12 People From $450

See all trips in Captiva Island

Recent Captiva Island Reviews

★★★★★
James was very knowledgeable about the fish we were trying to catch! Really had a great time caught many fish right off the bat. He also cleaned them all so we could est them. Thank you keep up the good work!
Daniel L. | July 9, 2026

Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip
★★★★★
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you’re thinking about booking a fishing charter, stop thinking and book with Captain James! Three of us hit the water expecting a good day—but we got an unforgettable one. We reeled in mangrove snapper, battled sharks, and hooked into tarpon! The rods stayed bent, the laughs never stopped, and Captain James knew exactly where to put us on the fish. Professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated to making sure everyone has an amazing time. Whether you’re chasing a trophy catch or just making memories with friends and family, Captain James is the one to call. We’ll definitely be back. Highly recommended!
Alex E. | July 8, 2026

Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip
★★★★★
We met James at the dock and he was all ready to go. We hooked up on some nice snook within minutes of leaving the dock. It was a great day. He is very professional, knowledgeable and did everything he could to make our trip enjoyable. We highly recommend him and look forward to another visit!
Elizabeth L. | June 27, 2026

Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip
★★★★★
Dayron was a fabulous guide. It began with great communication and ended with a bunch of snappers ready for the frying pan. Dayron was accommodating, knowledgable and a lot of un to fish with. I would highly recommend the next time you want to go fishing in the Captiva Island area.
Norman B. | June 25, 2026

Trip: SWFL Inshore/Nearshore Trip
★★★★★
Great trip James is very knowledgeable of the area definitely would recommend
Joel C. | June 24, 2026

Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip
★★★★★
Had a great experience. Unfortunately the Tarpon refused to bite apparently due to a weather change. Captain Randall is very knowledgeable and went above and beyond attempting to get a bite. Saw lots of fish and at least had the opportunity to reeled in a 8 foot Nurse shark. Can’t say enough about Captain Randall’s knowledge and experience. Would definitely recommend and book with him again.
Scott M. | June 15, 2026

Trip: Anna Maria Tarpon Trip
★★★★★
James was great!! We had an 8 and 5 year old kids with us. He was very accommodating and did great keeping them interested. Thank you!!
Brett B. | June 5, 2026

Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
Went out with Capt Ray on Tuesday He is pleasant and very helpful My 10 year old niece caught fish and that made our trip. Highly recommend Capt Experience and Capt Ray
Fred L. | April 2, 2026

Trip: Captiva And Sanibel Fishing Trip
★★★★★
James was great for myself and my 3 sons! Caught some big fish and multiple species.
David L. | April 1, 2026

Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip

Captiva Island Fishing Reports (July 2026)

What's biting right now in Captiva Island? Check out the latest Captiva Island fishing reports below.

Captiva Island Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Captiva Island

What's Biting in Captiva Island

Top Fishing Trips in Captiva Island

Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip

Inshore Fishing Charter Cape Coral

Captiva Quick Trip

Captiva And Sanibel Fishing Trip

8 Hours Inshore

Captiva Shelling & Sightseeing

Recent Captiva Island Reviews

Need a Place to Stay?