Fort Myers and Sanibel fishing report for the week of September 24, 2026. This week, fall is starting to show its hand on the Lee County coast. The first hints of cooler air are on the way, the bait is thick in the passes, and the Saturday full moon has the tides running strong. Tarpon, redfish, and snook are all in play.
What’s Hitting
This week, tarpon are the headline. Fish are still rolling in the Caloosahatchee River and around the Sanibel Causeway, and there are juveniles in the backcountry creeks. Redfish are schooling in Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass on the higher tides, and snook are feeding at the passes and starting their move from the beaches toward the rivers and backcountry. Trout, mangrove snapper, and some Spanish mackerel round out the mix.
Where to Find Them
Look for tarpon in the Caloosahatchee from the Cape Coral bridges downriver to Punta Rassa, and around the Sanibel Causeway at dawn. Redfish schools are working the mangrove shorelines and bars in Pine Island Sound and along the east side of Matlacha Pass. Snook are at Redfish Pass, Captiva Pass, and Blind Pass, and along the mangroves near the passes. Trout are on the grass flats in Pine Island Sound.
Tides & Conditions
Strong full-moon tides are moving a lot of water through the passes and pushing the redfish into the mangroves on the high. The best bite has been early and late in the day. Water temps are in the mid-80s but should start to fall with the first fronts. Afternoon storms are still possible.
Tackle & Tactics
For tarpon in the river, a live threadfin, a crab, or a swimbait fished on 60-pound fluorocarbon with a 5/0 to 7/0 circle hook is a proven setup. For redfish schools, cut ladyfish or pinfish on a circle hook, or a gold spoon, fished along the mangroves on the high tide. For snook at the passes, a live pilchard or a paddle tail on the outgoing tide works well.
Local Intel This Week
The Punta Rassa boat ramp near the Sanibel Causeway, the Matlacha Community Park ramp, and the Pineland Marina provide good access. Shore anglers can fish the Sanibel Causeway islands and the Sanibel Lighthouse beach. Fish are concentrating along the mangroves on the high tides and at the passes on the outgoing. Check current FWC regulations, slot sizes, and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
River tarpon are often lazy and will follow a bait without eating. Try slowing everything down. A slow-sinking swimbait worked just under the surface will often get eaten when faster presentations don’t.
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