FISHING REPORT
Fall Redfishing
Pine Island Sound • Matlacha • Sanibel
Week of November 1–7, 2025
Brought to you by Port Sanibel Marina
LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Pine Island Sound & Captiva Area
Week of November 1–7, 2025
Weather & Marine Forecast
November signals the prime redfish season in Southwest Florida, and anglers are seeing the results across Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, and the Sanibel area. Cooler mornings, clearer water, and strong incoming tides make this one of the best times of year to target reds along grass flats, mangrove edges, and oyster bars.
At Port Sanibel Marina, our guides are reporting consistent action throughout the backwaters. Whether you’re fly-casting on the flats or working a soft plastic near structure, the fall transition sets up everything redfish love, steady tides, active bait, and warming mid-day sun.
Fall fronts are now frequent, bringing shifting winds and cooler, drier air. Each passing front triggers short feeding bursts before and after the wind changes.
- Wind: Expect north-northwest flow following each front, often 10–15 knots early, calming as the day progresses.
- Water: Cooling surface temperatures send redfish to sheltered coves, flats, and channels that hold warmth and bait.
- Visibility: Improved clarity in the lee of islands like Galt Island and Captiva Pass enhances sight-fishing opportunities.
When winds stiffen, work protected mangrove shorelines on the east sides of barrier islands and inside channels where water movement remains steady but calm.
Tide Predictions
Captiva • Pine Island Sound • Galt Island
Additional Local Tide Info
- Moon Phase: Transitioning from waning to new moon. Expect concentrated feeding around firm solunar peaks.
- Sunrise/Sunset: Cool mornings require patience—most reds slide shallow once sunlight warms the flats mid-morning.
- Solunar Periods: Mid-morning (8–11 AM) and late afternoon (4–6 PM) are the most active.
Local Tide & Astronomical Data
Moon Phase:
Sunrise / Sunset:
Moonrise / Moonset:
Transitioning from waning to new moon. Expect concentrated feeding around firm solunar peaks.
Cool mornings require patience, most reds slide shallow once sunlight warms the flats mid-morning.
Solunar periods occur at mid-morning (8–11 AM) and late afternoon (4–6 PM), when activity is most pronounced.
What It Means for Redfish Fishing
Winds · Tides · Water · Presentation Tips & Pro Insight
- Conditions: Redfish are schooling heavily, feeding on crustaceans and small baitfish staging along bars and channels.
- Morning Strategy: Target deeper troughs or channel edges early; use slow retrieves to match cooler water temps.
- Mid-Day: Move shallow as the sun warms the flats—watch for tailing or cruising reds along grass or sand edges.
- Bait & Lure Presentation: Natural colors (tan, olive, pearl) perform best under clear skies. Live shrimp or finger mullet yield steady action.
Pro Tip: Captain Jake Flood
“We’re finding big schools this week! Large grass flats and sandy potholes near main channels are holding reds. Calm mornings have been perfect for fly-casting, while soft plastics and jigs are producing during windier conditions. My go-to fly colors are tan/olive early and black/purple once water levels rise.”
Captain Flood also emphasizes the use of polarized lenses for better fish spotting. He recommends Smith Optics polarchromatic lenses, available at Port Sanibel Marina’s ship store.
Tactics: Fly & Spin Fishing
Fly Fishing
- Flies: Shrimp or small baitfish imitations, tan/olive/pearl blends.
- Gear: 8-weight rods with floating line; fluorocarbon leaders.
- Presentation: Cast ahead of tailing fish, slow strip–pause–drift.
- Timing: Focus late morning → mid-day when light reveals fish movement.
Spin Fishing
- Lures: Paddle-tails, jerkbaits, and shallow divers.
- Retrieve: Slow early; moderate speed once the sun warms the shallows.
- Live Bait: Shrimp under a popping cork or cut pinfish near oyster bars.
- Hot Zones: Edges of oyster bars, grass-flat drop-offs, and mangrove roots.
Summary Forecast & Fishing Outlook
Pro Tip
On cold mornings following a front, target south-facing mangrove shorelines where sunlight keeps water a few degrees warmer. These micro-temperature changes can make the difference between a slow day and a limit of reds.
Outlook: Expect steady improvement through mid-November. The combination of cooler water, clear visibility, and schooling redfish will continue to deliver outstanding action.
Plan Your Trip
If you’re ready to experience Southwest Florida’s legendary fall redfish action, let Port Sanibel Marina be your launch point. Our captains know every channel, bar, and tide that holds fish this time of year.
Whether you’re fly-fishing on Pine Island Sound, spin-casting around Matlacha, or simply exploring Sanibel’s pristine waterways, we’ll help you find the fish, and the perfect boat to get you there.
Reserve your charter or boat rental now and join us before the winter season changes the bite. Tight lines and fair tides from all of us at Port Sanibel Marina!