Bait & Tackle
Live and frozen bait, plus walls of lures, jigs, soft plastics, hooks and terminal tackle from the brands local anglers trust.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Whitney's Bait & TackleFor the Passionate Fisherman
Your island tackle shop for everything that bites. Stop in for bait, top-brand rods and reels, rod rentals, local advice, and a day on the water with one of our guides.
What you'll find
Everything you need to get on the fish
Whether you're wading the flats at sunrise or fishing off the pier with the kids, we'll set you up right.
Rods & Reels
Shimano, G. Loomis, Penn, Temple Fork Outfitters, Daiwa and more, matched to Sanibel species by people who fish here.
$15 / day
Rod Rentals
Visiting the island? Skip packing gear. Grab a rigged rod and reel for the day and get straight to fishing.
Fly Shop
Fly rods, reels, lines, leaders and hand-tied flies for snook, redfish and tarpon at Sanibel Fly Outfitters, our sister fly shop at 2240 Periwinkle Way.
Fishing Charters
Book a trip with a local guide for snook, redfish, trout and tarpon in the waters around Sanibel and Captiva.
Apparel & Gifts
Sun shirts, hats and koozies with the Whitney's redfish, made for long days in the Florida sun.
Live bait
Live bait, all year long
The right bait makes the trip. Here's what's usually in our tanks. Call ahead and we'll tell you what's in today.
Year-round
Shrimp & pinfish
The two baits that catch almost everything around Sanibel: snook, redfish, trout and more.
Winter
Fiddler crabs
The go-to bait for sheepshead around docks, rocks and pilings in the cool-water months.
Spring & summer
Blue crabs & pass crabs
Top baits for tarpon when they show up on the beaches and in the passes, and for permit around the wrecks and nearshore reefs.
Your island tackle shop
Local knowledge, right on Periwinkle Way
Whitney's is a true island tackle shop, run by people who have fished Sanibel for 20+ years. Stop by and see us on Periwinkle Way. We'll tell you what's biting, where, and what to throw.
- Bait and tackle for the flats, the backcountry, the beach and the pier
- Live and frozen bait, rod rentals, line spooling and rigging help
- Rod and reel repair and custom rod building
- Fly gear and hand-tied flies at Sanibel Fly Outfitters, our sister shop
- Charters with experienced local guides
Brands we carry
Gear from the names you trust
A few of the rod, reel and tackle brands on our walls.
- Redbone
- Yo-Zuri
- Cotton Cordell
Reviews
What anglers say about Whitney's
Hundreds of five-star reviews from locals and visitors. Read them all, or leave us one after your next trip.
“Superb fishing shop. Great high quality products and awesome customer service. The best!”
Customer review
“They were great! Got us set up for an afternoon of fishing including the best spots to try!”
Customer review
“This place rocks!! The guys are amazing and super helpful.”
Customer review
Before you go
License, tides & where to fish
Everything you need to check before heading out, in one place.
Gift cards
Call to Buy a Gift Card
Give the gift of fishing
Whitney's gift cards are good for bait, tackle, rod rentals, apparel and more. Call the shop to buy one.
Questions
Sanibel fishing FAQ
Where is the bait and tackle shop on Sanibel Island?
Whitney's Bait & Tackle is at 1554 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. Look for the big redfish sign.
What are Whitney's Bait & Tackle's hours?
We're open 365 days a year, 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, so you can grab bait before sunrise.
What live bait do you carry?
Shrimp and pinfish, typically year-round. Fiddler crabs for sheepshead in the winter, and blue crabs and pass crabs for tarpon and permit in the spring and summer. We also carry frozen bait. Call ahead to check today's bait.
Where can I fish on Sanibel without a boat?
The Sanibel beaches, where fish swim very close to shore; J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Wildlife Drive is closed Fridays); Lighthouse Point; Blind Pass; the bay shoreline from the lighthouse to the Causeway; and the Sanibel River for juvenile tarpon.
When is tarpon season on Sanibel?
Tarpon fishing is good from late March to October, with the best months April through July. There's also a fall bite when bait is thick on the beaches. Tarpon over 40 inches must stay in the water.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes. Call the shop at (239) 579-0399 to buy a Whitney's gift card.
Can I rent a fishing rod on Sanibel Island?
Yes. Rod rentals are $15 a day, rigged and ready to fish. Call (239) 579-0399 to reserve one.
How do I book a fishing charter, and is there a deposit?
Call or email us with your dates and group size and we'll match you with a local guide. Every guided trip is reserved with a $50 deposit per trip, paid by calling or emailing the shop.
Is there a fly shop on Sanibel?
Yes. Sanibel Fly Outfitters, our sister fly shop, is at 2240 Periwinkle Way, Unit 11A. Call (239) 966-5065 for fly rods, reels, lines and hand-tied flies.
Do you repair rods and reels?
Yes. We do rod and reel repair, line spooling and custom rod building.
Do I need a fishing license to fish on Sanibel?
Every angler 16 and older will need a Florida saltwater fishing license to fish saltwater around Sanibel and Captiva Island. Buy one online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. If you're fishing on a licensed charter, your captain's license covers you.
What can I catch fishing on Sanibel?
Snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon, sheepshead, pompano, Spanish mackerel and more, depending on the season. Stop in and we'll tell you what's biting right now.
Fishing charters
Spend a day on the water with a local guide
Snook, redfish, trout and the silver king. Tell us what you want to catch and we'll match you with the right captain.