Guide in Fort Myers FL?

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Does anyone have a guide or shop they could recommend for fort Myers?

I'd appreciate any help.

Pete

[43acres]

I've used Steve Waugh on a few trips. Steve is a native and knows the area well. Shallow water only, snook, redfish tarpon etc.  We usually stay on Captiva and he meets me there.  His website is www.captainsw.com. 

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Thanks!

I sent him an email.

Pete

[J-Doc]

This is an easy one. 

For Tarpon, Captain Ozzie Lessenger. I've used him twice and between me and my son, we have 4 tarpon between 60-90lbs and my son lost a big one over 120 because he didn't reel fast enough. He can also put you on redfish or snook. 

 

For other species or the same, Captain Ozzie Fisher is also a great guide and has been seen on Bass2Billfish tv show numerous times. He is a great guide.  Both operate out of the Sanibel Captiva Islands I believe. 

And you should visit the islands if you have not been there.  Lunch at the Bubble Room is a real treat and so is the Mucky Duck as it sitstands right on the beach.  You can even throw a cast net right off the beach for pitch pilchards and catch trophy sized snook off the beaches that have less people.  

 

Man.....now I wish I was there. Lol! 

 

[J-Doc]

Capt Ozzie and my 14yr old son'so 60-70lb class tarpon.  He caught it all by himself and it was a BATTLE!! They are a MUST on an anglers bucket list. Majestic fish with power that is unreal.  And the way they jump completely out of the water is AWESOME!!

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Thanks J doc. 

Ive been there many times but haven't used a guide. 

Pete

[J-Doc]

I will warn you......

Ozzie Lessenger is NOT a morning person.  LOL!!  So don't plan on making jokes having much small talk.  You get in the boat, sit down, and he will take you to the tarpon on a nice little slow ride.  He handles his craft very safely and it rides across any surf waves very smoothly and dry.  No "bass boat type" hauling but and white knuckle rides. Just barely on plane and cruising.

He takes his job very seriously and he gets really frustrated when he cannot find feeding tarpon or if another guide anchors on top of him.  Pressures of being a guide.  He typically will cast the crab out for you and then hand you the rod.  Why?  Because he can flat fling that thing out there and he's trying to put it right on the path of a cruising tarpon.  And he can spot those things 150-200yrds out easy.  Eyes like a hawk!

He's "that man" when it comes to Tarpon.  He launches out of McCarthy's Marina on Captiva Island. Opposite side of the island from the Mucky Duck.  So you have several choice for lunch when you're done.  Chee-burger Chee-burger is also a great choice!

Here is a video of my first tarpon from 2yrs ago.  I wasn't used to the spinning reel handle on the left side (I am now since this video....it taught me a lesson) and I simply did not realize how hard these fish fight!  So I look like a goober and have never fished before.  What is true is......I had never fished for anything remotely close to this large or this powerful so in a sense........it was my first time!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCxPL-CEycQ

[J-Doc]

At 4:52, you will see the 80lb class tarpon jump.

AND this is a small one. 

 

And yes, my lower back was burning really good.  They now make a soft cushion that you add on the end of the rod that allows you more comfort as you fight the fish.

[Gavin]

Thanks for the info J-Doc...Will look up your Captain up next time we visit. We usually stay at the Lahaina when we visit Ft. Myers Beach.There is a fly shop on Sanibel, but I've never used their services. I have booked a couple fly fishing trips down in the 10,000 islands out of Naples. Captain Tom Shadley @ Mangrove Outfitters. Its 45 minutes south but well worth it. Usually dock light in the early AM, then chase tarpon, snook, when the tide starts moving. Make sure you stop by the International Market in Naples to stock up on provisions.Last visit we scored on whole red snapper for $3.99 a pound. Good luck!

 

[Guest]

What about Florida bass guides in Ft. Myers? My aunt & uncle invited us to come down & visit. Those big females are getting ready to spawn this time of year. Its on my bucket list to catch a double digit bass. When I get that done, then run to the gulf for saltwater flats. Tarpon looks fun.