Sanibel Island Fishing pier

Closed — Rebuilding

The Sanibel Island Fishing Pier at Lighthouse Beach Park was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September 2022 and remains closed. In early 2026, Lee County approved about $2.1 million to rebuild it in two phases, and reconstruction is underway. The beach and historic lighthouse have reopened — but there is no pier to fish here yet. The details below cover the history and the rebuild.

Sanibel Island Fishing Pier:

The Sanibel Island Fishing Pier sits at the eastern tip of the island, at Lighthouse Beach Park, in the shadow of the historic 1884 Sanibel Lighthouse. For generations it was one of the most-loved fishing and sightseeing spots in Southwest Florida — a place to catch snook, redfish and sheepshead in the pass where San Carlos Bay meets the Gulf, with the lighthouse standing watch behind you.

Hurricane Ian devastated the island in September 2022, and the pier was among the casualties — much of the structure was reduced to broken pilings and decking. The lighthouse, though it lost one of its iron legs, survived and has been restored, and Lighthouse Beach reopened to visitors. The pier, however, has stayed closed.

The comeback is now in motion. In early 2026, Lee County approved roughly $2.1 million in tourist-tax funding for a two-phase rebuild, designed to reopen public access as quickly as possible while building back stronger against future storms. Locals talk about the pier the way they talk about the lighthouse — as part of what makes Sanibel, Sanibel.

The Rebuild

Before You Fish

• There is no pier to fish here right now — it was destroyed by Hurricane Ian and is being rebuilt.
• Lighthouse Beach Park and the historic Sanibel Lighthouse have reopened; the beach is accessible.
• When it reopens, the pass here (San Carlos Bay to the Gulf) is known for snook, redfish, sheepshead and more.
• Check the City of Sanibel for the latest pier reconstruction timeline before planning a fishing trip.
• Bring your own Florida saltwater license; follow FWC regulations.

Plan Your Visit

112 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957

The historic fishing pier at Lighthouse Beach Park, destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022 and now being rebuilt (~$2.1M, two phases). The beach and lighthouse have reopened; the pier has not.

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