Redfish Fishing in Fort Myers
Florida
Redfish is one of the species anglers target most around Fort Myers, Florida. MyFishingBuds matches you with local anglers who chase Redfish on Caloosahatchee River and San Carlos Bay so you can share a boat, split costs, and learn the water faster.
74 anglers on MyFishingBuds are targeting Redfish.
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Redfish at a glance

- Scientific name
- Sciaenops ocellatus
- IGFA record
- 94.2 lbs
- Max length
- 65 in
- Preferred water temp
- 55–85°F
About Redfish
The most approachable saltwater inshore fish — hard fighters on shallow flats
→ Full Redfish guide: habits, gear & how to catch themWhen to fish Fort Myers
Year-round fishery. The cool months (November through April) are the inshore peak — redfish school in Pine Island Sound and the backcountry, snook stack in the passes and the river, and seatrout fish well on the grass flats. Tarpon arrive at the passes (Captiva, Redfish, San Carlos Bay) and along the beaches in late April and run through July. Nearshore Gulf grouper and snapper fish well spring through fall when seas lay down. Sheepshead stack around the bridges and docks in winter. Summer is hot and wet with daily afternoon storms; winter fronts push fish into the warmer river and canals.
→ Today's best fishing times in Fort Myers (sunrise, sunset & moon)Where to fish for Redfish in Fort Myers
- 📍 Caloosahatchee River
- 📍 San Carlos Bay
- 📍 Pine Island Sound
- 📍 Nearshore Gulf reefs
- 📍 Estero Bay
🪪 Florida fishing license
Anglers targeting Redfish in Fort Myers need a valid Florida fishing license. Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our complete guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
Florida fishing license cost 2026 →Redfish in Fort Myers: FAQ
Do I need a fishing license to catch Redfish in Fort Myers?▾
Yes. Anglers fishing in Fort Myers need a valid Florida fishing license (with the right freshwater or saltwater privileges for where you fish). Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our Florida guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
When is the best time to fish for Redfish near Fort Myers?▾
Year-round fishery. The cool months (November through April) are the inshore peak — redfish school in Pine Island Sound and the backcountry, snook stack in the passes and the river, and seatrout fish well on the grass flats. Tarpon arrive at the passes (Captiva, Redfish, San Carlos Bay) and along the beaches in late April and run through July. Nearshore Gulf grouper and snapper fish well spring through fall when seas lay down. Sheepshead stack around the bridges and docks in winter. Summer is hot and wet with daily afternoon storms; winter fronts push fish into the warmer river and canals.
How do I find a Redfish fishing buddy in Fort Myers?▾
Create a free MyFishingBuds profile, set Redfish as a target species, and pick Fort Myers as your area. You'll be matched with nearby anglers who target the same species and fish a similar style, so you can plan a trip, share a boat, and split the costs.
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Other species to target in Fort Myers
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