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Top-Rated Inshore Fishing in Cape Coral | Fish Fins
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Cape Coral
- $450 - $1,150 price range
- Updated Date: December 20, 2025
Summary
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Captain Todd's Best Catches
Half Day Cape Coral Fishing With Captain Todd
Looking for some solid inshore action without burning your whole vacation day? Captain Todd Collier's got you covered with his top-rated half-day trips out of Cape Coral. This isn't your typical tourist trap fishing - we're talking about real deal Gulf Coast inshore fishing where you'll actually catch fish, not just take Instagram photos. Whether you're bringing your fishing buddy or making it a couples trip, this 4-hour adventure aboard Todd's Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid puts you right in the sweet spots where redfish cruise the shallows and sheepshead hang around the structure.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Todd runs his operation out of Monroe Canal Marina, which puts you minutes away from some of Cape Coral's best fishing grounds. The Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid is a serious fishing machine - stable enough for beginners but rigged for action when the bite gets hot. You'll be working the mangrove shorelines, grass flats, and oyster bars where Southwest Florida's best inshore species hang out. Todd's been dialing in these waters for years, so he knows exactly where to find fish based on tides, weather, and season. The boat's got all the bells and whistles - from a trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky redfish to live wells that keep your bait frisky. Since it's just you and one other person, you get personalized attention and won't be fighting for rod time like those crowded party boats.
Live Bait and Light Tackle
This is all about finesse fishing with live and natural baits that these inshore species can't resist. Captain Todd stocks the boat with everything from live shrimp and pinfish to cut bait that drives redfish crazy. The tackle is perfectly matched to the target species - light enough to feel every tap but strong enough to horse a bull red away from the mangroves. You'll be sight fishing when conditions allow, which means watching redfish tails break the surface as they root around in skinny water. When visibility drops, Todd switches to bottom fishing around structure where sheepshead and sea trout stack up. The techniques change throughout the trip based on what's biting - one minute you're pitching live shrimp under docks, the next you're drifting grass flats with jigs. All your gear, bait, and licenses are handled, so you just show up ready to fish.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"Absolutely had the best time with Captin Todd and First Mate Steven. Couldn't have asked for a better experience! It was so much fun, they were so attentive and never stopped moving with our family of 6. Kid and inexperienced friendly! They do everything for you and you're never not fishing/catching!! Absolutely take a trip with Todd! We had such a great first trip with him and Steven at the beginning of our stay, that we went back for a second trip before we left!" - Katie
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the crown jewel of Cape Coral inshore fishing and the main reason anglers keep coming back. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallow flats year-round, though they get really aggressive during the cooler months from October through March. Slot-sized reds typically run 18 to 27 inches and fight like freight trains, peeling drag and making multiple runs toward structure. What makes redfish so exciting is the variety of ways you can catch them - sight fishing in skinny water, bottom fishing around oyster bars, or even topwater action during low-light periods. They're not picky eaters, but live shrimp and cut mullet are hard to beat.
Sheepshead might look weird with their human-like teeth, but they're one of the tastiest fish in these waters and a real challenge to hook consistently. These black-and-white striped fish hang around anything with barnacles - dock pilings, bridges, and oyster bars. Peak season runs from December through April when they stack up for spawning. Sheepshead have incredible eyesight and lightning-fast reflexes, so you need perfect bait presentation and quick hooksets. They rarely exceed 5 pounds, but their fight is all about headshakes and short powerful runs. The reward is some of the best eating fish in Southwest Florida.
Sea trout are year-round residents that school up over grass flats and around structure throughout Cape Coral's waters. These spotted beauties are perfect for light tackle fishing, averaging 12 to 18 inches with occasional gator trout pushing 20-plus inches. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action when water temperatures hit that sweet spot. Sea trout have soft mouths, so you need to keep steady pressure without horse-fighting them. They're aggressive feeders that hit both live shrimp and artificial lures, making them perfect for anglers wanting to learn different techniques.
Snook are the ultimate inshore gamefish - aggressive, acrobatic, and absolutely gorgeous with their distinct black lateral line. These ambush predators love structure and are most active during warmer months, though Cape Coral's protected waters hold fish year-round. Snook are famous for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward cover. They're also highly regulated with specific slot limits and seasonal closures, so Captain Todd stays current on all regulations. Landing a snook feels like an accomplishment because they're smart fish that demand perfect bait presentation and quick reflexes.
Bonnethead sharks add some variety to your catch and show just how healthy Cape Coral's ecosystem really is. These small members of the hammerhead family rarely exceed 3 feet but provide steady action on light tackle. They're most active during summer months and cruise both shallow flats and deeper channels. Bonnetheads are actually omnivores that eat everything from crabs to seagrass, making them unique in the shark world. They're perfect for kids or nervous anglers since they're completely harmless and easy to handle for photos before release.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Todd's half-day trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is absolutely on fire. This world-class inshore fishing experience gives you everything you need for a successful day without the commitment of a full-day trip. Whether you're testing the waters before booking a longer adventure or just want some quality fishing time, this customer favorite trip delivers consistent action in some of Florida's most productive waters. The Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid, quality tackle, and Todd's local knowledge create the perfect recipe for an awesome day on the water. Don't sleep on this one - Cape Coral's inshore fishing is trending for good reason, and spots with Captain Todd book up quick.
Customer Review
Best Fishing Trip Ever
Katie Smithee
August 9, 2025
Learn more about the species
Bonnethead Shark
Bonnethead sharks are the smallest hammerheads you'll encounter around Cape Coral, and they're perfect for folks wanting their first shark experience. These unique fish with the shovel-shaped heads typically run 3-4 feet long and put up a scrappy fight without being too overwhelming. They cruise our shallow bays and grass flats in small schools, especially during warmer months from spring through fall. What makes bonnetheads special is that distinctive hammer-like head and their relatively docile nature - they're completely harmless to humans. They're also catch-and-release only here in Florida, so it's all about the experience and photos. My secret weapon is fresh blue crab cut in half with the hook through a leg joint. These sharks have an amazing sense of smell, so fresh bait is key. Once hooked, they'll make several strong runs before coming to the boat.
Redfish
Redfish are the bread and butter of our Cape Coral flats fishing, and they're always a crowd-pleaser. These copper-colored bruisers with the signature black spots near their tail typically run 20-30 inches in our shallow waters, though slot-sized fish around 18-27 inches are most common. They cruise oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats in just 1-3 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and winter months are exceptional when they school up. What gets guests fired up is watching these fish "tail" in skinny water and the powerful runs they make when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with firm, mild meat. Here's what works: look for nervous water or actual fish tailing, then cast your bait well ahead of them and let it sink. Redfish are bottom feeders, so patience pays off.
Sea Trout
Spotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action around Cape Coral. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, making them ideal for light tackle fun. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially during cooler months when they school up tight. Spring and fall offer the best action when water temps are in the 60-70 degree range. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit artificial lures - they're not as finicky as some species. The meat is tender and mild, though you need to handle it gently since it's softer than other inshore fish. Pro tip: work your lures slowly over the grass beds early morning or late evening. Trout have soft mouths, so keep steady pressure but don't horse them - you'll pull the hook right out.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the "convict fish" of our local waters, sporting those black and white stripes that earned them the nickname. These crafty bait thieves typically run 2-5 pounds around Cape Coral's docks and bridges, though you'll occasionally hook into one pushing 8-10 pounds. They're structure lovers, hanging around barnacle-covered pilings where they use those human-like teeth to crush crabs and oysters. Winter through early spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. What guests love about sheepshead is the challenge - they're notorious for stealing bait and require perfect timing on the hookset. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. My go-to trick is using fiddler crabs on a small hook, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately. Wait too long and you'll just be reeling up bare hooks.
Snook
Snook are one of Florida's most prized inshore targets, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches around Cape Coral, though bigger ones lurk in our deeper canals and bridges. They're ambush predators that love structure - mangroves, docks, and canal walls where they can dart out for baitfish. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they're active in shallow water, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make powerful runs toward cover. The meat is excellent too, sweet and flaky when prepared right. Here's a local tip: cast your bait tight to structure and be ready to horse them away from cover quickly. They'll wrap you up in a heartbeat if you give them slack line.
About the Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
Absolutely had the best time with Captin Todd and First Mate Steven. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience! It was so much fun, they were so attentive and never stopped moving with our family of 6. Kid and inexperienced friendly! They do everything for you and you’re never not fishing/catching!! Absolutely take a trip with Todd! We had such a great first trip with him and Steven at the beginning of our stay, that we went back for a second trip before we left!