%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fusers%2F24e0b801-dc9a-45b5-94ac-7ded447161ac%2Fimages%2Ff55861e8-bab4-42a1-be17-747376600e5c.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Cape Coral's Finest Inshore Fishing | Fish Fins
- Published Date: August 25, 2025
- Fishing
- Cape Coral
- $450 - $1,150 price range
- Updated Date: November 9, 2025
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F24e0b801-dc9a-45b5-94ac-7ded447161ac%2Fratecard%2F515498432_122232630908245414_6961477955818625292_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Reels and Rods
Extended Half Day Fishing: Cape Coral's Hottest Trip
Get ready to soak up the sun and reel in some monsters on this extended half-day fishing trip in Cape Coral, Florida. Captain Todd Collier's got you covered for 6 full hours of non-stop inshore action. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's perfect for families and groups looking to make the most of their time on the water. We're talking Black Drum, Redfish, Sea Trout, Sheepshead, and Snook - all the local favorites that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
What to Expect on the Water
Hop aboard Captain Todd's sleek Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid, and you'll see why this boat's a favorite among Cape Coral anglers. With room for up to 4 guests, you'll have plenty of space to cast, reel, and relax. We'll be using live and natural bait to entice those finicky fish, and Captain Todd's got all the tricks up his sleeve to make sure everyone's hooking up, regardless of skill level. No need to stress about gear or licenses - it's all included. We'll meet up at Monroe Canal Marina, and from there, it's smooth sailing (or should I say, smooth fishing?) for the next 6 hours.
Techniques That Land the Big Ones
On this trip, we're all about matching our tactics to the fish and conditions. Expect to do some light tackle fishing, perfect for the inshore waters around Cape Coral. We might start off sight fishing for tailing redfish in the shallows, using soft plastics or live shrimp. When the tide's right, we'll hit some deeper channels for black drum, dropping live crabs to the bottom. For trout and snook, we'll work the mangrove edges with popping corks and live bait. Captain Todd's always got a few secret spots up his sleeve, so be ready to switch it up if the fish are being stubborn. And don't worry if you're new to these techniques - by the end of the day, you'll be casting like a pro.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Black Drum: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of inshore fishing. Known for their distinctive 'croaking' sound, black drum can grow to over 100 pounds! We usually target the smaller "puppy drum" in the 5-30 pound range. They're suckers for crabs and shrimp, and put up a great fight on light tackle. Best of all, they're available year-round in Cape Coral waters.
Redfish: Also called red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of Gulf Coast fishing. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail, which helps anglers identify them in murky water. Redfish love to cruise the shallows, tailing as they search for crabs and small fish. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but we catch them all year long. Nothing beats the sight of a redfish's tail breaking the surface as it roots around for food.
Sea Trout: Spotted seatrout, or "specks" as the locals call 'em, are abundant in the grassy flats around Cape Coral. These guys are known for their delicate flavor and tendency to hit topwater lures with explosive strikes. We catch trout year-round, but the bigger gator trout show up in the cooler months. They're a blast on light tackle and make for some tasty fish tacos if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are as fun to catch as they are to look at. These crafty fish are masters at stealing bait, so hooking one takes some skill. We target them around structure like docks and bridges, using fiddler crabs or shrimp. Winter is prime sheepshead season, and they're considered one of the best-eating fish in the area.
Snook: The crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, snook are prized for their hard fights and acrobatic jumps. These silver-sided gamefish love to hang around mangroves and structure, ambushing bait fish as they swim by. Snook fishing is best in the warmer months, with peak action during their spawning runs in late spring and early summer. Landing a big snook is a true badge of honor for any angler visiting Cape Coral.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Cape Coral's not called a "Waterfront Wonderland" for nothing. With over 400 miles of canals and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, it's an angler's paradise. This extended half-day trip gives you the best of both worlds - plenty of time on the water without taking up your entire day. You'll get to experience the diversity of Cape Coral's fishery, from the backcountry mangroves to the open flats. And with Captain Todd at the helm, you're in for a day of non-stop action and local knowledge that'll have you fishing like a native in no time.
What's Included in Your Trip
Captain Todd's got you covered with everything you need for a successful day on the water. All fishing gear is provided, including quality rods and reels suited for the species we're after. Live and natural bait is included, so you don't have to worry about stopping at the bait shop. Your fishing license is covered too, which means less paperwork and more time fishing. The Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid is a top-notch fishing machine, with plenty of deck space and a smooth ride. Don't forget to bring some snacks and drinks - 6 hours of fishing can work up an appetite!
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're looking for the ultimate Cape Coral fishing experience, this extended half-day trip is your ticket to inshore glory. With 6 full hours on the water, you'll have plenty of time to target a variety of species and really dial in your technique. Captain Todd's local knowledge and patient instruction make this trip perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're after your first redfish or looking to tangle with a trophy snook, this trip delivers the goods. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your spot. Get ready to make some memories and maybe even catch the fish of a lifetime on the waters of Cape Coral. Tight lines and see you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black drum are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These powerful fish typically run 5-30 pounds, but the big ones can top 90 pounds. You'll find them rooting around oyster bars, dock pilings, and muddy bottom areas. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Drum aren't known for blistering runs, but they put up a stubborn, head-shaking fight. Anglers love the challenge of hooking into a big one. The smaller "puppy drum" under 15 pounds are excellent eating - firm, white meat with a sweet flavor. For bait, fresh shrimp or cut crab is hard to beat. My local tip: fish the bottom with a Carolina rig and plenty of weight to keep your bait in place. When you feel that telltale thump-thump, get ready to set the hook hard. These fish have bony mouths, so you really need to drive it home.
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore targets. These copper-colored beauties typically run 3-10 pounds, but bull reds over 20 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising mangrove shorelines. Fall is prime time as they school up for their spawning run. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and dogged fights. Anglers love sight-casting to them in skinny water - it's a rush watching that big tail go up as they pounce on your bait. The meat is excellent too, with a mild, sweet flavor. Live bait like finger mullet or pinfish works great, but artificial lures can be just as effective. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for pushing water or "nervous" bait to find cruising reds. Cast ahead of them and hang on - when they hit, it's like a freight train!
Sea Trout
Spotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are a staple of our inshore fishing. Most run 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them over grass flats, around oyster bars, and near deeper holes. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times. Trout are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. Anglers love targeting them for their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent eating quality. The meat is mild and flaky - perfect for a fish fry. Live shrimp under a popping cork is always a good bet, but soft plastics and topwater lures can be deadly too. Pro tip: work your lure with a twitch-twitch-pause retrieve. Most hits come on the pause, so be ready. When that rod tip bounces, don't set the hook - just start reeling and let the fight begin!
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are one of our quirkier inshore species. These striped "convict fish" usually run 2-8 pounds, with big ones topping 15. You'll find them around any kind of structure - docks, pilings, bridges, reefs. They love to munch on barnacles and crustaceans with their weird human-like teeth. Winter and early spring is prime time when they school up. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hookset. Anglers enjoy the challenge and the excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's great on the grill. Fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs are top baits. Here's a local trick: scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up, then drop your bait right in the mix. When you feel that nibble, give it a second, then set the hook hard. These guys have tough mouths!
Snook
Snook are one of the top inshore gamefish here in Cape Coral. These sleek predators typically run 1-3 feet long, with the big ones pushing 20+ pounds. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structure in our shallow waters. Snook season peaks in summer when they gather to spawn near passes and inlets. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll leap clear out of the water trying to throw the hook. The meat is excellent too, with a mild, buttery flavor. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish work great, but artificials like soft plastics and topwaters can be deadly too. My go-to trick is working a large paddletail swimbait slowly along mangrove edges during moving tides. Just be ready when that line goes tight - snook hit hard and run for cover fast!
About the Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid
%2F%2Fusers%2F24e0b801-dc9a-45b5-94ac-7ded447161ac%2Fvehicle_picture%2Funnamed.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
