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Capt. Jeff Watkins Sr.
US Coast Guard Licensed
40 yrs local fishing knowledge
SW Florida's top rated guide

Online Reservations

*****Notices/News*****

*****October through July fills up fast, so if you have a preferred date in mind, it's best to book now to secure your spot!

*****October 31st 2024, Despite the recent hurricanes causing some damage, we're back on the water and the fishing has been fantastic! The recent rains have cooled the water temperatures, creating ideal conditions for inshore fishing.

Big schools of Redfish are making their presence known and are expected to stick around through late November. We've been consistently catching Redfish, Snook, Trout, Pompano, and Spanish Mackerel on our trips. The go-to baits have been shrimp, whitebait, cut bait, and jigs.

Just a reminder: Snook and Redfish are catch and release only. If you're looking for an exciting day on the water, now's the time to book your trip!

 

*****October 31st 2024,The windy weather has posed some challenges for offshore trips, but we've still managed to get out and the fishing has been outstanding post-hurricanes. The offshore bite has been steady, with Snapper being particularly eager to bite. We’ve been bringing in a mix of Lane, Gray, Yellowtail, and Vermilion Snapper.

In addition to Snapper, we’ve also had success with African Pompano, Cobia, Kingfish, Amberjack, Triggerfish, and Key West Grunts. Just a note: Red Grouper is currently closed until the start of the year, so while we're still catching them, they must be released for another day.

With great weather on the horizon and plenty of fun on the water, returning with a cooler full of fish for dinner is just the cherry on top! If you’re interested in joining us, now is the perfect time to book your trip!

 

***** April 8th 2024 NOAA just anonoced Red Grouper will close July 1st 2024- December 31st 2024!!!!

 

***** Just a reminder: gratuity is not included in the price of your trip. A customary tip of 20% is greatly appreciated and goes a long way in showing your appreciation for the service. Thank you!

 

***** Redfish and Snook are catch and release only on my charters, even when they're in season, to help our fishery thrive. Many guides in Southwest Florida are adopting this approach for the same reason. We can keep a few Trout, and possibly some Snapper, Sheepshead, and Pompano, but that's about it for inshore trips. If you're looking for a meat trip, I recommend booking an offshore charter instead!

 

If your preferred date isn’t showing as available, please reach out through the contact page or call/text me at 941-268-4694. Some days are blocked off for scheduled time off, but I may be able to accommodate you. If I can’t, I can often recommend a reputable Captain or Guide to help you plan your trip. Thank you!

Policies & Procedures For Fishing Charters

 

  • Reservations require a deposit: $200 for Offshore & Nearshore trips, $150 for Inshore & Shark trips, and $100 for all other excursions
  • Please note that Redfish and Snook on our inshore charters are catch-and-release only. We can keep a few Trout, along with any Snapper and Sheepshead we may catch, but that's about it. If you're looking to bring home a larger quantity of fish for dinner, we recommend booking an offshore trip.
  • The captain reserves the right to postpone or cancel a trip due to poor weather conditions or other reasons at his discretion. Trips canceled by the captain will receive a 100% refund.
  • The captain will email you within 48 hours of your reservation with an itinerary that includes all the trip details.
  • A full refund is issued for all trips canceled with at least 14 days' notice. However, for cancellations made within 14 days, the deposit is forfeited. For cancellations within 3 days or for no-shows on the day of the charter, the full amount will be due and charged to the card used for the deposit.
  • Things Not to Bring:
    Please refrain from bringing the following items aboard: glass bottles, black-soled shoes, boots, firearms, nonprescription drugs, and cannabis even with a prescription isn't allowed in Federal waters. Aerosol sunscreen is also prohibited. Additionally, GPS tracking devices of any kind are not allowed. Please ensure that location services are disabled on cell phones and smart watches in your settings.The reason for this policy is straightforward: our offshore fishing spots are crucial to our livelihood and are private locations that I have discovered and protected over the past 30+ years. Therefore, every effort is made to prtect them. If our system detects a GPS tracking device, the trip will be terminated, and we will return to port with full payment due.If you have any questions, please contact Captain Jeff.

    Thank you for your understanding!

  • Things to Bring:
    Please bring drinks, snacks, a small cooler to put them in, a hat, rain gear, sunglasses, and non-aerosol sunscreen. We recommend non-marking white-soled shoes for the boat. If you're prone to motion sickness or unsure, consider bringing Dramamine (please follow the directions on the box).
  • Gratuity is not included in your trip; a customary tip is 20% of the total cost.
  • Trips depart from Gasparilla Marina. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure.
  • Up to 5 guests are welcome on our offshore and nearshore trips, but only 4 lines will be allowed in the water at one time.
  • If you have any questions please Contact Captain Jeff
  • Please look over the Trip Details page to ensure you are booking the correct trip for what your looking for.

Policies & Procedures For Cruises & Tours

 

  • Tour and Cruise reservations require a $100.00 deposit
  • The captain may postpone or cancel a trip due to poor weather conditions or other reasons at his discretion. Trips canceled by the captain will receive a 100% refund.
  • The captain will email you within 48 hours of your reservation with an itinerary that includes all the trip details.
  • A full refund will be issued for all trips canceled with at least 14 days' notice. However, if canceled within 14 days, the deposit is forfeited. For cancellations made within 3 days or in the case of no-shows on the day of the charter, the full amount will be charged to the card used for the deposit.
  • Things not to bring-non prescription drugs, glass bottles, black soled shoes, firearms, aerosol sun block.
    Things to bring-Drinks(alcohol is allowed), snacks, a small cooler, a hat, rain gear, sunglasses, sun block (non aerosol), non marking white soled shoes(flip flops are ok)
  • Trips depart from Gasparilla Marina. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. Pickup can also be arranged from the Little Gasparilla Island docks.
  • Gratuity is not included; the customary amount is 20% of the charter price.
  • If you have any questions please contact me

Don't see the trip you are interested in?

Have questions about booking a fishing charter?

Contact Captain Jeff by phone or send him a message.