There are many places to go fishing in the ocean but there are few that can compare to fishing in Mexico’s waters from a yacht that has a crew taking care of everything except catching the fish. This is because these waters have fish unlike other spots in the ocean that are the pride of the catch, with Tuna, Atlantic Sailfish, Blufin, Marlin, and Swordfish. Many of the fish are larger than in other ocean spots because of the attraction to the warm waters of Mexico.

Fishing in Mexico’s waters is unlike fishing in other waters, because the fish come into these warm waters from deep in the ocean and using a charter means that the trip will be filled with comfort. The crew professional and the amenities perfect for anyone that is not fishing. The staterooms are filled with luxurious furnishings and bedding for comfort during sleeping hours. The fishermen of the trip will have a setup for baiting and storing their prize-winning catch or any equipment they might need repaired or replaced while fishing. This alone is something that is not possible on most boats and when it can not be fixed or replaced the fishing trip is over for most people fishing Mexico.

When the fish are biting there is nothing to be concerned with other than fishing because with a charter yacht everything else will be taken care of by the crew and that is a real pleasure for any fisherman. Knowing that instead of fishing Mexico this sportsman will not need to spend half their trip playing captain and crew, they can just concentrate on the fish and that is one of the most pleasing thoughts about a charter yacht. There are few other vacations where there is nothing for the person fishing to do except fish, other vacations include flying, driving or boating while being a part of the crew. This leaves little time for fishing and not near the chance to fish in Mexico’s waters, like there is when chartering a yacht.

Fishing in Mexico from a yacht also means that when it is time to relax all the amenities of a fine hotel are aboard ship, including meals prepared by a top chief. These are things that can make a fishing trip one that everyone will enjoy even the person that is not fishing, because they will find every amenity they want. Amenities like a fitness room, Jacuzzi, on deck lounges and more that make it the vacation that is filled with sun and relaxation.

This is the kind of vacation that taken once will not be enough, between the not needing to be responsible for transportation, to the one that did not get away, it will be a memorable fishing trip. This is a trip that most avid fishermen take as often as they can because there is no other fishing like Mexico’s waters from a charter yacht, where the big fish are waiting.

I started getting the idea that Sanibel must be a great place for fisherman to vacation when more and more of our vacation renters were inquiring of fishing in the area. Many of our renters were coming from other areas of Florida renowned for fishing, but they were choosing to vacation on our little island in anticipation of the catches they would make. Not being a fisherman, I had no idea how popular the waters around Sanibel are. They are popular habitats for all kinds of fish and popular hunting grounds for all kinds of fisherman.

The benefit of the bountiful waters for those of us who only like our fish cooked and served with a glass of white wine is that we can eat a wide variety of freshly caught and beautifully prepared fish in local restaurants. For great local freshly caught fish, try Timber’s, Sweet Melissa’s and the Santiva Lazy Flamingo where the grouper sandwiches will have you thanking all those fishermen out there working so hard to keep you happy and satisfied.

Speaking with these sportsmen and checking information on the www , I was impressed with the varieties of fish to be found and the claims made by fishing boat captains that great catches were guaranteed.

This is the kind of fishing and the kind of fish you can expect on and near the Island:

Saltwater Fishing

Whether you’re fishing from the beach, piers or bridges, or by boat in the backcountry, inshore or offshore angling can bring in a bounty of fish. This area is known as a "fisherman’s paradise." Saltwater fly fishing and light tackle fishing are the fastest-growing segments in the fishing industry, and Lee County is considered one of the greatest areas in Florida to pursue this type of angling. In fact, several world-record fish have been caught in these waters.

Inshore Fishing

Considered the Tarpon Capital of the Country, Lee County has fishing year ’round for tarpon, snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, sheepshead, jack crevalle, mangrove snapper and many other varieties of fish. These gamesters can be caught along the mangrove shorelines, over the open flats, around bridges, piers, docks or by wade fishing along the beaches or drifting the many passes and inlets that lead to the Gulf of Mexico.

Offshore Fishing

The waters around Sanibel abound in the best grouper in Florida and are filled with shark, bonito, barracuda, permit, black fin tuna, cobia and Spanish and king mackerel. Sight-casting for tripletail gathered around floating objects is fast becoming a favorite among anglers, as well as casting lines around the natural or the many artificial reefs offshore.

Freshwater Fishing

Freshwater fishing is accessible all year long. The species of fish most often targeted by anglers are bass, crappie, blue gill, shellcrackers, catfish and oscars. Commonly used tackle includes cane poles, plug-casting reels, spinning reels and fly rods, and baits range from live worms and shiners to plastic worms and crank baits. Popular freshwater fishing areas include the freshwater canals in Cape Coral, the Caloosahatchee River and lakes and ponds throughout Lee County. Some lakes and ponds are private property and permission is needed to fish them.