Periwinkle Bay

The pristine waters surrounding Sanibel and Captiva Islands provide excellent opportunities for fishermen of all skill levels…from the novice to the World Record seeker. Whether offshore, inshore, back bay, pier, beach or wade fishing, fish can be found here year ‘round.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands area offers prime fishing for many species including the much sought after snook, redfish, sea trout and tarpon.

SNOOK: Because the habitat around our islands contains numerous inlet river mouths, oyster bars and mangrove shorelines, there is an abundant snook fishery here…12 months a year.

REDFISH: Our islands have one of the healthiest, largest redfish populations in the State of Florida. Picture the excitement of sight casting to a “tailing” redfish in crystal clear, shallow water or pulling a hefty redfish out from the mangrove shoreline.

SEATROUT: Seatrout are becoming more plentiful as well as larger due to good fishery management. With more fish and larger fish, the sea trout is gaining a healthy respect as highly sought after saltwater gamester.

TARPON: Tarpon fishing is so spectacular around Captiva and Sanibel Islands, it deserves its own write-up. This area is the cradle of tarpon fishing. The first tarpon caught on rod and reel was in 1885 by W.H. Wood using bait and thumb stall reel with linen line right here on Sanibel Island in Tarpon Bay.

The annual migration of tarpon starts around mid-April and goes well into the month of July.

There are numerous other species that can be pursued on fly whether inshore or offshore: ladyfish, jack crevalle, spanish mackerel, kingfish, barracuda, cobia, permit, pompano, flounder, snappers, shark, etc.

Marinas on the islands rent boats, canoes and kayaks. Marina personnel give quick lessons on boat handling and charts for the area for those who want to adventure on their own.

Tour boats and some professional fishing guides offer charters for: shelling, sightseeing, lunch, birding, eco / nature, or photography. Some guides are Certified Master Naturalists. Snorkeling and SCUBA dive charters and instructors are available in this area. Also, fishing charters for the disabled are available.