The Gulf of Mexico is home to a multitude of fish species, and Sanibel Island is one of the best places to pull out your rod and reel. Sanibel Island rentals get you right in the heart of a major fishing hub. Here is what you need to know to make the most of fishing on Sanibel Island.
Fishing Seasons
No matter the season, Sanibel Island’s waters are teeming with the perfect catch. All-year-round you will find snook, redfish, sea trout, Spanish mackerel, Mangrove snappers, and grouper.
However, there are different fishing seasons on Sanibel Island, which will determine what kinds of fish you’ll encounter.
Lasting from winter and into the spring, temperatures are best for sheepshead. From spring until summer, there is plenty of black drum, blue crab, cobia, pompano, tarpon, and permit. Stretching from summer to fall is flounder season, and during spring and fall seasons, changing weather brings King Mackerel and tripletail.
Bait and Tackle
If you’re ready to fish but didn’t bring supplies on your vacation, no need to worry! Stores like the Bait Box are prepared to equip aspiring fishers with all the gear they need. Since 1971, the Bait Box has been a local fisherman’s headquarters. They offer anything you need to make that big catch singlehandedly, and there is plenty of kid-friendly equipment too. Here you’ll find fishing gear, rods and reels, cast nets, life vests, fishing apparel, and every kind of lure. Live and frozen bait are caught nightly and are guaranteed to be fresh. They also offer UV protective fishing and boating gear as well as sunscreen and locations.
Drop by at 1041 Periwinkle Way or call in at 239-472-1618 for more info. The store is open from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Another great shop in the area is Whitney’s Bait and Tackle. It has been operating locally since 1990 and from 2013 onward has been voted the best Sanibel fishing charter, fishing equipment store, and fishing guide. Their fishing store sells fresh and frozen bait, live bait equipment and accessories, fishing lines, weights, swivels, hooks, jig heads, popping corks, floats, and weighted hooks, fly fishing, and much, much more. Many of their items can be purchased online.
Other services include rentals for those who can’t fit fishing gear into their suitcase, rod and reel repair, custom rod building, free fishing lessons, and a half and full-day charters. Whatever you need, Whitney’s is sure to have it!
Visit Whitney’s at 1554 Periwinkle Way or call at 239-579-0399. The store is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Plan Your Visit
It is time to plan your beach getaway to Sanibel Island! With amazing weather and plenty of outdoor activities, Sanibel Island is the place to be. Browse our Sanibel Island condo rentals today and start planning!
Where to Go Fishing
Without a boat, there are still plenty of spots along the coastline of Sanibel Island where you are bound to make a catch. Sanibel’s historic lighthouse happens to share grounds with one of the best fishing spots on the island. A free-entry boardwalk attracts many aspiring fishermen. Here you can expect to catch snapper, redfish, snook, sheepshead, and more.
Blind Pass is another local favorite due to its position between Sanibel and Captive Islands, which causes a unique flow of water as a result of the bay and Gulf meeting. Fishermen frequent the beach and the bridge along the pilings.
The JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places to see wildlife on the island, and it’s an ideal place to cast a line. Saltwater fishing is popular along Wildlife Drive in Tarpon Bay and is allowed on both sides. The backwaters of the refuge are another fishing zone. However, most areas on the left side of the Wildlife Drive are closed to the public. They are marked by signs. In an afternoon of fishing, you’re likely to catch species such as sheepshead, snook, redfish, and spotted sea trout.
Perhaps the best place of all to fish is within the comforts of your own rental from our available Sanibel Island beachfront rentals. You don’t have to go very to cast a line! Once you’ve caught and cleaned your fish, you’ll even have a fully stocked kitchen to make a meal of your prize. Contact us today to find the right rental for your vacation.
