Englewood Fishing Charters
Englewood fishing charters give anglers easy access to the inshore bays, passes, and nearshore Gulf waters that make this stretch of the Southwest Florida coast a year-round hotspot for snook, tarpon, and grouper.
Top Rated Charters in Englewood
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Englewood, FL Fishing Guide
Fishing charters in Englewood mostly launch from Stump Pass Marina, Chadwick Park, or nearby ramps on Lemon Bay. The area offers a well-rounded fishery—most trips stick to inshore or nearshore waters, though you’ll also find captains willing to run farther offshore on calm days. Half-day inshore trips are the bread and butter here, targeting snook, redfish, trout, and flounder in mangrove creeks, grass flats, and around oyster bars. Full-day outings often include shots at tarpon in the passes or bottom fishing Gulf reefs for snapper and grouper.
Stump Pass connects Lemon Bay to the Gulf, and its shifting sandbars, dropoffs, and current seams are prime zones for live bait drift fishing or casting artificials. Spring through early fall is when tarpon show up along the beaches and passes—live crabs or threadfin herring under a cork are common setups. Winter brings strong sheepshead and trout action in the back bays. Nearshore reefs just 5–10 miles out hold mangrove snapper, gag grouper, Spanish mackerel, and kingfish depending on the season.
Live shrimp, pilchards, and cut bait are all popular depending on the target species. Inshore anglers often fish with light spinning gear, popping corks, jigheads, or free-lined baitfish. Offshore captains run heavier tackle with bottom rigs, knocker rigs, or slow-trolled live bait over reef structure.
Englewood sits in a sweet spot between Boca Grande and Venice, giving charter captains flexible options depending on wind, tide, and fish movement. It’s a fishy, no-nonsense spot—quiet but productive, and perfect for anglers who want a mix of laid-back Florida charm and serious rod-bending potential.
Fishing Seasons in Englewood
Spring
Spring fishing in Englewood heats up fast with warming water temps. Snook start pushing out of winter haunts and can be found cruising mangrove edges and cuts. Redfish and trout feed actively on the grass flats, while nearshore action picks up with Spanish mackerel and kingfish moving in. Tarpon start to show in May near the passes. This is a great time for both inshore casting and short offshore runs when the seas are calm.
Summer
Summer is peak tarpon season in Englewood, especially along the beach and through Stump Pass. Early mornings bring rolling fish into shallow water, and live crabs or pass crabs drifted with the tide are the go-to method. Inshore, snook and redfish are active in low-light periods, with action slowing during mid-day heat. Offshore reefs hold plenty of mangrove snapper and the occasional cobia or permit. Expect plenty of bait around—pilchards and threadfins are everywhere.
Fall
As the water cools slightly, fall brings excellent inshore action for redfish in schools along the shoreline. Snook continue to feed aggressively before winter. Sheepshead start to stage near docks and structure, and trout move back onto the flats. Offshore, gag grouper become more active, especially on natural bottom and ledges within 10–15 miles. Fall offers stable weather and fewer crowds, making it a sleeper favorite for many local guides.
Winter
Winter fishing in Englewood centers around the back bays and canals, where water stays warmer and fish congregate. Speckled trout, sheepshead, flounder, and black drum are the main inshore targets. Live shrimp on jigheads or under corks are highly effective. Offshore days are weather dependent, but when conditions allow, expect good bottom fishing for snapper, sea bass, and the occasional amberjack on deeper structure. The bite can be slower, but it’s steady and dependable with the right tides.
Gamefish in Englewood
- Snook – 20–36" Found year-round in mangroves, docks, and passes; best fished on live bait or topwaters at dawn and dusk.
- Redfish – 18–30" Caught along shorelines, oyster bars, and grass flats; fish cut bait or soft plastics on jigheads.
- Spotted Seatrout – 14–25" Common on the flats and dropoffs in winter and spring; use live shrimp or small jigs under popping corks.
- Tarpon – 60–150+ lbs Seasonal (May–July), mainly in the passes and along beaches; free-lined crabs or threadfins are the top baits.
- Sheepshead – 2–5 lbs Thick around docks and reefs in winter; best on shrimp or fiddler crabs on small hooks.
- Mangrove Snapper – 1–5 lbs Nearshore reefs and inshore structure year-round; light tackle with cut bait or shrimp works well.
- Gag Grouper – 5–20 lbs Targeted on bottom near reefs and ledges offshore; use live pinfish or heavy jigs.
- Spanish Mackerel – 2–6 lbs Fast-moving schools nearshore spring through fall; hit spoons or small baitfish under birds.
- King Mackerel – 10–30 lbs Caught trolling or drifting nearshore in warmer months; prefer live baits or flashy lures.
Englewood Fishing FAQs
What types of fishing charters are available in Englewood?
Englewood offers inshore, nearshore, and reef trips—most commonly half-day inshore charters for snook, redfish, and trout, or full-day trips adding tarpon or offshore reef action.
Do I need a fishing license for a charter in Englewood?
No, your captain’s license covers everyone on board during a guided fishing trip in Florida waters.
When is the best time to book a tarpon trip in Englewood?
Late spring through early summer (May–July) is prime tarpon time, especially around Stump Pass and the beaches.
What launch points do charters typically use in this area?
Most captains launch from Stump Pass Marina, Chadwick Park boat ramp, or other public ramps along Lemon Bay.
How far offshore do Englewood deep sea charters go?
Nearshore reef trips usually stay within 10 miles, but full-day offshore charters may run out 20+ miles depending on target species and weather.
Are kids welcome on Englewood fishing charters?
Yes, many inshore trips are perfect for families and beginner anglers. Just let your captain know when booking.
What should I bring on my trip?
Bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, drinks/snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing. Your captain provides tackle, bait, and licenses.
Do charters provide fish cleaning?
Yes, most Englewood captains will clean and bag your catch at the dock after the trip.
Can I keep what I catch?
Yes, within Florida’s size and bag limits. Your captain will help you stay legal and decide what’s best to keep or release.