Get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime with Captain Nick's 5-6 hour private charter off Fort Myers Beach. This extended outing gives you and up to three buddies the perfect mix of time and space to really dig into the local hotspots. We're talking prime fishing grounds that most tourists never even hear about. With more hours on the water, you've got a serious shot at landing that monster fish you've been dreaming about. Whether you're chasing after hard-fighting snook or hoping to tangle with a bruiser of a black drum, this trip's got you covered. And the best part? It's just you and your crew – no sharing the boat with strangers. That means more casts, more catches, and more time to soak in the beautiful Southwest Florida scenery.
Once we push off from the dock, we'll cruise to some of my favorite honey holes around Fort Myers Beach. I've been fishing these waters for years, so I know exactly where the big ones like to hang out. We'll use a mix of techniques depending on what's biting – maybe some light tackle casting along mangrove shorelines for snook, or anchoring up on a deep hole to bottom fish for black drum. If the tarpon are running, we might even try our luck with the "silver kings." The extra time on this trip means we can really dial in our approach and switch things up if needed. I'll provide all the gear and show you the ropes, whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod. And don't worry about the mess – I'll handle all the baiting, unhooking, and clean-up. Your job is just to reel 'em in and have a blast!
Folks have been crushing it lately on our 5-6 hour trips. Just last week, we had a group land a 40-inch snook that put up one heck of a fight. Another crew managed to boat three slot-sized redfish in a single morning – talk about fish tacos for days! And let's not forget about the monster 30-pound black drum that had one of my regulars grinning from ear to ear. The extra time really pays off, giving you a chance to explore different spots and target a variety of species. Plus, with four people max, everyone gets plenty of time on the rod. No waiting around or fighting for space – just pure fishing action from start to finish.
Snook: These bad boys are the rock stars of inshore fishing around Fort Myers Beach. Known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, snook will test your skills and your gear. They love to hang out around structure, so we'll target mangrove edges, docks, and oyster bars. Spring and fall are prime time for snook, but we catch 'em year-round. Landing a big snook is like hitting the jackpot – it's a rush you won't forget.
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – black drum are awesome fighters and even better eating. These bruisers can grow to over 100 pounds, though we usually target the "puppy drum" in the 5-30 pound range. They're bottom feeders, so we'll use natural baits like shrimp or crab to entice them. Black drum are most active in the cooler months, making them a perfect winter target when other species slow down.
Tarpon: If you're looking for the ultimate inshore challenge, tarpon are your fish. These "silver kings" can reach sizes over 150 pounds and are known for their spectacular leaps and long, punishing fights. Tarpon season peaks from late spring through summer, when they migrate along our coast. Hooking one is thrilling; landing one is an achievement you'll brag about for years.
Redfish: With their copper color and distinctive spot near the tail, redfish are a favorite among local anglers. They're aggressive feeders and put up a great fight on light tackle. We find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and tailing in grass beds. Redfish are available year-round, but fall is especially good when they school up in bigger numbers.
Crevalle Jack: Want non-stop action? Crevalle jacks are your fish. These bulldogs of the bay never seem to run out of energy. They hunt in schools, so when we find them, it's often a fishing frenzy. Jacks aren't known for their table quality, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. They're most abundant in the warmer months and love to chase fast-moving lures.
There's a reason why my 5-6 hour trips are booked solid weeks in advance. It's the perfect sweet spot for a day on the water. You get enough time to really settle in, try different spots, and target multiple species. Plus, with just four people max, it's like fishing with your buddies – laid-back, fun, and focused on putting you on fish. I've had countless customers tell me it's the highlight of their Florida vacation. And let's be real – nothing beats the feeling of reeling in a big one while the sun's setting over the Gulf. It's the kind of experience that keeps folks coming back year after year, trying to recreate that perfect day on the water.
Look, I could go on all day about how awesome these trips are, but the best way to understand is to get out there and experience it yourself. Whether you're a die-hard angler looking to test your skills or a family wanting to make some unforgettable memories, this 5-6 hour trip is the ticket. We've got the knowledge, we've got the spots, and we've got the fish – all we need is you. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give me a call or book online, and let's start planning your epic day on the water. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit on your line, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the boat!
Redfish are a Fort Myers Beach staple, known for their coppery color and signature black spot near the tail. Most run 28-33 inches when full-grown, but they can get much bigger. These guys love shallow water, often cruising in just 1-4 feet deep around oyster beds, grass flats, and mangroves. You can catch reds year-round here, but fall is especially good when they school up. They're not picky eaters, which makes them fun to target. Redfish will hit everything from live bait to artificial lures. Anglers prize redfish for their strong fights and excellent table fare. There's nothing quite like the sight of a big red's tail sticking out of the water as it roots for crabs in the shallows. If you're after a trophy, try this: Upsize your lure to 5-6 inches and work the edges of flats during high tide. The biggest reds often hang out in slightly deeper water, waiting to ambush prey moving off the flat.
Snook are the prized gamefish of Fort Myers Beach. These sleek, powerful fish typically run 24-34 inches, but monsters over 40 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them lurking around mangrove shorelines, under docks, and in the passes. Spring and fall are prime snook seasons when they move between their summer and winter haunts. They're ambush predators, so look for them around structure and current edges. Anglers love snook for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. They're also excellent table fare when in season, with firm, white meat. Just remember, snook are strictly regulated, so know the rules before you keep one. Here's a tip from a local guide: When fishing docks at night, cast your bait or lure right up against the pilings, then let it slowly sink. The biggest snook often hold tight to the structure, waiting to ambush passing baitfish.
Black drum are the gentle giants of our inshore waters. These cousins of the redfish can grow huge, with some topping 50 pounds, though most run 5-30 pounds. Look for them around oyster bars, pier pilings, and in deeper holes of the flats. You can catch black drum year-round, but winter and early spring are best when the bigger ones move inshore. They're bottom feeders, so they're not as flashy as some other fish, but they pull like a truck when hooked. Anglers appreciate black drum for their strong fights and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The bigger ones can be tough and wormy, so we usually let those go. Try this local trick: Use your rod tip to tap the bottom in sandy areas near structure. This imitates a crab or shrimp and can trigger strikes from nearby drum. Fresh cut crab or shrimp on the bottom is hard to beat for bait.
Crevalle Jack are the bulldozers of the ocean. These powerful fish typically run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but can reach up to 4 feet and 60 pounds. You'll find them in both shallow and deeper waters around Fort Myers Beach. They love hanging out near structures like oil rigs, reefs, and grass flats where they can ambush prey. These guys are known for their aggressive feeding habits. When a school's in a frenzy, you might even catch a whiff of watermelon in the air. No joke! Spring through fall is prime time for Jack action here. Anglers love Jacks for their hard-fighting nature. They'll test your gear and your arms with powerful runs. While they're not the best eating, the thrill of the catch more than makes up for it. Here's a local tip: Keep an eye out for diving birds. That's often a dead giveaway that a school of Jacks is pushing bait to the surface. Throw a silver spoon or topwater plug into the fray, and hold on tight!
Tarpon are the silver kings of Fort Myers Beach. These prehistoric-looking fish can reach 6 feet and 150 pounds around here, though 80-100 pounders are more common. You'll find them in the deeper channels, around bridges, and rolling on the surface in big schools. Spring and early summer are prime tarpon time, with the fish migrating through our waters. These monsters are pure muscle and known for their acrobatic leaps when hooked. It's a sight you won't forget! Anglers come from all over to battle tarpon. They're not for eating, but the challenge of hooking and landing one is the real prize. Be ready for a long fight - these fish don't give up easily. Here's a local secret: On calm mornings, idle quietly along the beaches and look for tarpon "daisy-chaining" on the surface. When you spot them, cast a live crab or big streamer fly just ahead of the school and hang on!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 37
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200