FORT MYERS FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Between Casts and Shells: A Fort Myers Combo Charter to Cabbage Key
A fully customizable 6- or 8-hour charter from Fort Myers that mixes fishing, barrier‑island shelling, dolphin and manatee viewing, and an optional lunch stop at historic Cabbage Key.
Between Casts and Shells: A Fort Myers Combo Charter to Cabbage Key.
This Southwest Florida combo charter threads sheltered bays and open water around Sanibel and Captiva, giving travelers a layered day on the water—casting for redfish and snook, wandering remote barrier‑island beaches for shells, and watching dolphins and manatees in their natural haunts before a possible stop at historic Cabbage Key for lunch.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
World‑class shelling on remote barrier islands
The itinerary takes you to Cayo Costa State Park or North Captiva, where low‑traffic beaches and clear water make for some of Southwest Florida’s best shelling and a chance to cool off on sand flats.
Historic Cabbage Key and its legendary lunch stop
A stop at Cabbage Key Inn is part of the route for those who want lunch, cocktails or ice cream, and to sample the location famed for its cheeseburger tradition.
Dolphins, manatees and occasional flamingos
Running through sheltered bays en route to fishing and shelling, the charter gives repeated opportunities to observe dolphins and search for manatees — and, in season, even a flamingo sighting is possible.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The pace is deliberately unhurried: depart from a Sanibel‑area marina, scan the estuaries for wildlife on the run out to fishing grounds, spend time working the back bays and nearshore waters for redfish, snook and sea trout, then switch gears to beachcombing on a barrier island and, if you choose, finish with lunch ashore at Cabbage Key as the captain tailors the day to your interests.
THE BEACHES
World‑class shelling on remote barrier islands
The itinerary takes you to Cayo Costa State Park or North Captiva, where low‑traffic beaches and clear water make for some of Southwest Florida’s best shelling and a chance to cool off on sand flats.
THE FOOD & HISTORY
Historic Cabbage Key and its legendary lunch stop
A stop at Cabbage Key Inn is part of the route for those who want lunch, cocktails or ice cream, and to sample the location famed for its cheeseburger tradition.
THE WILDLIFE
Dolphins, manatees and occasional flamingos
Running through sheltered bays en route to fishing and shelling, the charter gives repeated opportunities to observe dolphins and search for manatees — and, in season, even a flamingo sighting is possible.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this outing
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Trips are offered as either a 6‑hour or an 8‑hour charter.
Departures are from Port Sanibel or Sanibel Marina.
Do not bring your own cooler—small coolers should be left in your vehicle.
The charter is fully customizable in terms of the mix of fishing, shelling, wildlife viewing and a Cabbage Key lunch stop; the captain tailors the day to your interests.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the charter?
You can book either a 6‑hour or an 8‑hour trip.
Where do we meet for departure?
Trips depart from Port Sanibel or Sanibel Marina.
What activities are included on the combo trip?
The combo trip can include fishing, shelling on barrier islands, dolphin and manatee viewing, and an optional visit to Cabbage Key for lunch.
What species might we fish for?
Typical targeted species include redfish, snook, sea trout, snapper and shark in the back bays and nearshore waters.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes—the charter is described as fully customizable and the captain will tailor the day to your interests.
Can I bring a personal cooler aboard?
No—do not bring your own cooler; small coolers should be left in your vehicle.
How many people are allowed per trip?
The charter operates with a maximum of six passengers.