Tarpon Bay Fish Finders
Includes rod and reel, tackle, bait, license, and plenty of free advice. (2-hour minimum)
- Back-bay saltwater fishing in the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
- Snook, Redfish, Spotted Seatrout…and more!
- Charters aboard a pontoon boat, for up to 6 people
(handicap-accessible)
- Fly Fishing available
- All ages and skill levels welcome
Captain Joe Mirabile |
Captain Brie Coffman |
Captain Andy Pollack |
Captain Tom Florence |
If you’d prefer to go it on your own, Tarpon Bay Explorers has everything you’ll need. Pontoon boats and motorized canoes are available for half- or full-day rental plus fishing equipment, tackle, bait shop, fishing licenses, and fun and unique nautical gifts.
DID YOU KNOW?
The common snook is one of Sanibel’s premier game fish and one of the most sought after catches in Tarpon Bay. Many saltwater fishermen consider these powerful aquatic gladiators to be the ultimate challenge, giving rise to nicknames like “tacklebuster” and “linestretcher.” The opportunity to meet this challenge was almost eliminated in the 1950s when the number of snook plummeted. Shoreline development, fishing pressure, and loss of coastal habitats all contributed to the decline. As a result, common snook were eventually designated as a game fish—restricted to recreational harvest only. Further fishing restrictions have limited the size and number of snook that can be caught, and stocks of this versatile and vigorous fish are rebounding. In fact, the largest snook on record was caught right here in Fort Myers, Florida in April 1984—weighing in at 44 lbs, 3 oz! |
Tarpon Bay Explorers is the licensed concessionaire of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, providing recreational and educational opportunities to the public under contract with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
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