Southwest Florida has some of the best backwater fishing in the country. With thousands of miles of shoreline, countless oyster bars and acres of seagrass, the area attracts a large number of different species of salt water fish including sought after game fish such as snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, and tarpon.

Probably the single most important factor that contributes to the region’s fantastic reputation for game fish fishing is the large area of fresh and salt water wetlands protected by state and/or federal laws that result in excellent water quality and marine life in the system. Rookery Bay, between Naples and Marco Island and the waters from Marco Island into the upper part of the Ten Thousand Islands are Aquatic Preserves and the upper part of the Ten Thousand Islands is slated to become a National Wildlife Refuge while the lower portion has been a part of Everglades National Park for many years.

Don’t rule out fresh water fishing even though there are just a few natural lakes in the area. Many of the lakes are an integral part of the many golf courses in the area and most of them are stocked and offer some excellent bass and catfish fishing but, because they are located on private property, fishing is usually restricted to residents and their guests. If in doubt, assume the lake is private and ask for permission before you make get set to make your first cast. However, Lake Trafford in Immokalee is open to the public and offers great bass and trout fishing opportunities. In addition to natural lakes, Southwest Florida has an extensive network of man-made drainage canals that also offer excellent bass and panfish fishing.

SNOOK: A slot limit has been imposed on snook. Effective January 1, 1999, no snook smaller than 26" or larger than 34" may be possessed or kept for any purpose. Additional protective measures in the form of closed seasons are effective from Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 and during the months of June, July and August. During these periods there is a strict moritorium on snook takings. The bag limit on snook is two fish per angler per day.

REDFISH: Slot limits and strict bag limits were imposed on redfish takes in the early 1990's. No redfish smaller than 18" or larger than 27" may be possessed or taken by any angler for any purpose. One fish 18-27 inches may be taken each day per angler.

TARPON: No tarpon may be taken without special permits issued by state wildlife protection agencies.

COBIA: Cobia must measure 33" to the fork of the tail to be taken. The limit is two fish per angler per day.

PERMIT AND POMPANO: No permit or pompano less than 10" or larger than 20" may be harvested.

TRIPLETAIL: Tripletail must be at least 15" to be legally taken. The bag limit is two per angler per day.

Click for More Information