Reef Fishing
(Light Tackle Deep Sea Fishing Family Style)

Reef Fishing in Naples, Ft. Myers, Sanibel still provides some of the best bottom action to be found in the United States. Vast areas of live bottom, limestone ledges, and garden areas provide a home to a variety of bottom dwellers as well as the many pelagic species that visit the face of the sharp drops. Black, gag, red, goliath, scamp, mangrove, yellowtail, lane, and a few mutton snapper are prime targets. We here at Magic Hook Charters do NOT believe in seeing how many dead fish we can put on the dock to show our skill or sell charters. I am a believer in catch and release fishing, not seeing how fast we can wipe out whole reef section. Attempting to catch large fish on light tackle is my idea of a good time! This is why when I take you to a spot, its normal to catch a fish within the first minute of dropping a bait down! I have spots I save strictly for kids and family fun. When we stop for eating fish (enough for dinner) its here on the reef. Mostly I prefer to bring families here for the nonstop action. Good light tackle action that will keep everyone entertained. Lots of variety, and of course always chances of big fish. Its here that I love to get the "non-fishing" person to catch fish and smile as well. "Oh, I will just let the kids have fun." Yeah, right. Until I stick a rod in your hands with a big thumping red grouper on the other end.

Three generations of family fun on the reef.

My methods and tackle are not the norm for this type of fishing in the area. First, I prefer light tackle. Secondly I employ methods that allow us a fighting chance at good sized grouper. Using twenty pound test tackle or less gives you real bragging rites. You are sure to lose your fair share, but that's why they call it "Sport Fishing".


I say this only to encourage the conservation of a limited resource. After all, bringing a gun to a knife fight is just no fun. If you would like a real challenge and want to enjoy a wonderful day on the water, as well as some of the best action you have ever experienced, come to Southwest Florida and try our reef fishing.

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