FISHING REPORT
Early-Winter Fall Redfish & Snook
Pine Island Sound • Matlacha • Sanibel
Week of December 1–15, 2025
Brought to you by Port Sanibel Marina
LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Pine Island Sound & Captiva Area
December 1 – 15, 2025
Weather & Marine Forecast
Early winter brings a special rhythm to Southwest Florida’s inshore waters. As cold fronts sweep through and crisp mornings settle in, redfish and snook activity shifts from open flats to warmer estuaries and mangrove-lined creeks. This is the season when patient anglers who understand tide timing, water temperature, and presentation technique can enjoy some of the most rewarding catches of the year.
Whether you prefer sight-casting on the flats of Pine Island Sound, drifting the creeks of Matlacha, or exploring the mangroves around Captiva and Galt Island, the next two weeks promise strong feeding windows and exciting action for fly and spin anglers alike.
In this early-winter fishing report, you’ll find:
- Current local environmental conditions for Pine Island Sound and the Captiva area
- Tide predictions for Captiva, Pine Island Sound, and Galt Island
- Moon, sun, and astronomical data that affect feeding windows
- A breakdown of what these conditions mean for redfish and snook
- Pro tips on winds, tides, and presentation from local guide insight
- Fly and spin tactics tailored to early-winter redfish and snook
- A summary forecast so you can pick the best days and times to fish
- A straightforward way to plan your trip and book a charter or boat with Port Sanibel Marina
Cooler mornings and intermittent cold fronts have arrived, creating dynamic fishing conditions:
Typical Weather:
Highs in the mid-70s °F, lows near 60 °F.
Winds:
Predominantly north-northeast (8 – 14 knots) after each front.
Water Temps:
Dropping into the low-70s °F, stabilizing mid-day.
Best Feeding Window:
Late-morning as the tide rises and the sun warms the shallows.
Redfish remain aggressive along oyster bars and grass flats, while snook push deeper into creeks, canals, and protected bays in search of baitfish concentrations and steady warmth. Expect clearer water with slightly increased salinity following the latest front, ideal for sight-casting conditions.
Tide Predictions
Captiva • Pine Island Sound • Galt Island
Additional Tide, Moon & Astronomical Data
Moon Phase:
Waning full moon leading into the new moon in mid-December, excellent tidal swings.
Best Solunar Periods:
Two hours after sunrise & last hour before sunset.
Sunrise / Sunset:
Around 6:55 AM · 5:35 PM.
Astronomical Note:
Shorter daylight delays flat warming; align trips with late-morning incoming tides for optimal feeding.
Impact on Redfish Fishing
Winds, Tides & Water
North and northeast winds flatten seas inside Pine Island Sound, producing clear, shallow water, perfect for stalking tailing reds. As the tide rises, baitfish push into mangroves, drawing predators tight to cover.
Presentation Tips
- Work slowly; fish are deliberate in cooler water.
- Use light fluorocarbon leaders for clarity.
- Focus on muddy bottom zones that retain heat.
Pro Insight
“Redfish are hugging the warm grass beds on sunny mornings. Snook have shifted deep into creeks chasing shrimp and crabs. For flies, I’m throwing tan Kwans and black-and-purple bunny patterns near structure.”
— Captain Jake Flood, Port Sanibel Marina Guide
Fall Redfish & Snook: Fly/Spin Tactics
Redfish
– Fly Fishing
Flies:
Tan/olive shrimp patterns, dark crabs, and small baitfish imitations.
Technique:
Sight-cast on warming flats; use long leaders and soft presentations.
Retrieve:
Short strips with subtle pauses.
Snook
– Fly Fishing
Flies:
White Deceivers, EP baitfish, black/purple streamers.
Technique:
Creek mouths, shadow lines, and under-mangrove edges.
Retrieve:
Steady medium strip with pauses near the structure.
Redfish
Redfish
– Spin Fishing
Artificial:
Gold spoons, paddle-tails, weedless jerkbaits.
Live Bait:
Shrimp or pinfish under popping corks.
Retrieve:
Slow and steady near oyster bars.
Snook
– Spin Fishing
Artificial:
Topwater plugs at dawn; soft jerk shads mid-day.
Live Bait:
Pilchards, shrimp, finger mullet.
Retrieve:
Moderate pace; vary speed to trigger reaction strikes.
Snook
Summary Forecast & Fishing Outlook
Plan Your Trip
December is the crossover between late-fall redfish frenzy and winter snook migration. The flats of Pine Island Sound, the channels of Galt Island, and the mangroves of Captiva and Matlacha are alive with action.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time visitor, Port Sanibel Marina offers everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water—fully equipped fishing charters, premium boat rentals, and experienced local guides who know every tide and shoreline.
Book your fishing charter or boat rental today and experience Southwest Florida’s legendary inshore fishery firsthand. Visit us at Port Sanibel Marina or call us (239)-437-1660 to plan your next adventure.
Tight lines and fair tides from all of us at Port Sanibel Marina!