Fishing off of the Gulf Coast Shores

Visitors from around the world flock to Florida’s sunny shores each year. With miles of pearly, soft sand, amazing emerald waters on the Gulf of Mexico and glassy Atlantic waters on the other side, this is a beach playground. Theme parks keep kids (and adults) thrilled. However- lots of visitors miss a vacation thrill- the great fishing.

The waters surrounding Florida’s Gulf Coast are teeming with fish. Pompano, Red Drum and Flounder can be found close to the shores. Further out, on the reefs, anglers will love catching Red Snapper and Amberjack. The deep waters hold Wahoo, Marlin and Tuna- the ‘big-fight’ fish. With opportunities to catch these guys from the shores, in kayaks and trolling boats, and deep-sea charters, this is a fisherman’s Mecca.

Pensacola Florida is the perfect place to plan your vacation fishing trip. The family will love the baby-powder-soft sands of these beaches. Pensacola has a beautiful historic district, a naval museum where the kids will enjoy seeing war planes suspended from the ceilings and, of course, The Blue Angels. Mom and dad will enjoy a plethora of restaurants with fresh seafood and steaks. And the anglers will be in heaven standing in the surf, rods at the ready, to haul in the big one.

Clearwater Beach is a world-famous beach. Here the water is clear, warm and gradually deepens, making it perfect for families. The also-famous Pier 60 is located here. Families can grab their gear, rods, bait and snacks in the little store. Then walk out the pier and try to snag a tarpon or Snook. At sunset, enjoy local artist selling their wares on the pier. Lights along the pier bring the fish in at night, searching for food. Anglers can easily haul in 20-pounders.

Fort Myers Beach is the hotspot for Spring Break. College kids, sun, sand and bikinis. Sand art competitions bring world-class competitors who sculpt castles, dragons and more. Fish the shores for Cobia and Spanish mackerel and Amberjacks. Go offshore for grouper, shark and barracuda.

Naples, Florida is the place to catch sharks, redfish, tarpons and grouper along the coast and in the bays. Go out deep into the Gulf of Mexico for huge tarpons ranging from 60 to 100 pounds and more. Blue and white marlin, sailfish and Mahi Mahi are always ready to give anglers a fight. Naples backwaters team with sharks during the warm months. Blacktip, lemon and bull sharks all troll the waters, looking for food and maybe a good fight.

A few lucky captains are permitted to fish the largest mangrove forest in the Everglades National Forest. Here, among the tangled roots of the mangrove, nurse sharks, huge bull sharks and lemon sharks wait to see if you are brave enough to catch them. Bring the family and enjoy all that Florida has to offer. Theme parks, historic districts, amazing waters and fantastic fishing; the people at Charter Travel can make your vacation dreams come to life.