Churaa Loc: Sanibel Florida

Hi all,
I am a new saltwater fisherman and have the opportunity to be in Sanibel thru February. Any tips on bait, what is biting, where to fish etc. would be appreciated. Dave M

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Welcome to the Forum, Dave. A live shrimp on a Carolina rig will be your best setup for reds, trout, and most saltwater fish. Some people like to put their sinker below the bait and just let it sit with a tight line and the bait somewhat suspended. Try to fish in moving water with some structure. Good luck.

Sorry, I have no idea where, I have never fished there.

In late Feb. you should be able to get into some sheepshead, they will be spawning. Use very light line, FC, size 10, 3x strong treble hook, set the hook before they bite. (LOL)

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Churaa: Welome to the Forum. You have come to the right place. The Forum now has over 54,000 members and there is a lot of experience, wisdom, and yes a ration of B.S.

The previous posts have been good advice. Just Sayin....RJS

Churaa Loc: Sanibel Florida

Thanks...Is the carolina rig used year round or just in winter. Dave

JackM Loc: North East Florida

Check out my site. I'm on Amelia Island but this information is good for all inshore saltwater fishing. Enjoy the warm weather.

https://ameliafishbites.com/

gbcreed Loc: Land O Lakes, FL

I have been fishing the West coast of Florida for two years, usually out of Anclote Park. I use a Carolina rig in deep water. The west coast has a 10 mile shelf that runs down the whole west side of Florida. 10 miles out and you’re still less than 10 ft. deep. You have to go out 12 miles for 20’ snd 15 miles for 30’.
In the winter, I mostly fish inshore. I use big, live shrimp, a 12 lb test line, a 30 lb 2’ long leader, a 1-0 circle hook and no weight. I cast out in 9-10 ft of water and drift.
Good luck, I hope this helps.

brandon90210 Loc: Florida

Southwest Florida fishing is great year round, there is not much of a winter in South Florida. From Sarasota/Sanibel all the way down to Naples/Marco Island the Fishing remains Great ! Fishing any of those Beaches remains an all time favorite. Live shrimp or Frozen always works well. Use Lures and Plastics they also work very good. Surf Fishing
in the Beaches is an Art in itself. Early morning hours and early evening hours work best, just around Sunset. So fishing in Sanibel to answer your question, Fish the Beaches and the Pier at Venice. Use simple rigs like... Carolina Rig. Get creative try several approaches. Since the water is a little colder check local reports and check around with bait shops to see what's running and who's catching what ! Winter and early spring make for... Reds, Snook, Sheepshead, Jacks, and Pompano's. If you stay or rent at a nearby oceanfront Beach Hotel, be sure to fish the Beach immediately behind the Hotels.
Happy Fishing, Tight Lines & Good Luck
Hope this helps !

Churaa Loc: Sanibel Florida

Thank you for all the great tips. I'm heading out tomorrow morning. Dave

Churaa Loc: Sanibel Florida

Thanks for the tips...Dave

JackM Loc: North East Florida

So it has been a couple of day since you got out fishing. How did it go?

Churaa Loc: Sanibel Florida

Haven't gone yet. It's been very windy so no fresh bait available. Hopefully this afternoon when the tide is up.