Overview
Redfish Pass is Captiva’s northernmost break, a sand-bottom beach setup with lefts and rights. It is usually smaller than the rest of the island, but can be cleaner depending on the winds. This is not a destination surf spot, but it has potential when the Gulf lines up.
When It Works
Swell comes from northwest through north to south-southwest and the spot is usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. The main season is fall through spring, with hurricane season also in play.
Paddling is easy most days, but can get a little more challenging on bigger windswell days.
Wind and Tide
Northwest wind helps produce waves here, with lighter wind better after that. The workable wind window is north through east to south-southeast, and the offshore wind direction is east-northeast.
Low to mid tide works, with low incoming the better call.
Local Tips
Redfish Pass is better suited to intermediate and expert surfers, usually on a shortboard. Crowds are often very light, and the lineup atmosphere is generally friendly, but the wider Sanibel and Captiva area is private and protective, so keep things low-key.
Water is usually clean outside occasional red tide outbreaks.
Access
Access is tough. The break is easy to locate by driving north to South Seas Plantation, but getting in is hard because the resort is exclusive. A boat is the best option, unless you have the cash to stay there.
Be careful with parking and access, since getting thrown out or towed is a real hazard.
