Boca Grande's Premier Inshore and Offshore Fishing Guide
Meet Captain Jeff — Your Boca Grande Captain
Your Local Boca Grande & Southwest Florida Fishing Guide
Captain Jeff Watkins is a top-rated Boca Grande fishing guide and Placida fishing charter captain with deep roots in Southwest Florida. Originally from Rochester, New York, Captain Jeff moved to Southwest Florida at a young age and has spent most of his life fishing and boating the waters of Boca Grande, Charlotte Harbor, Lemon Bay, Pine Island Sound, and the Gulf of America.
With more than 40 years of local fishing and boating experience, Captain Jeff knows these waters like the back of his hand. He has competed in more than 200 inshore and offshore fishing tournaments, earning multiple Top 5 and Top 10 finishes along the way.
As a full-time fishing charter captain spending more than 250 days a year on the water, Captain Jeff brings decades of local knowledge and hands-on experience to every charter. From first-time anglers and families to experienced fishermen, his goal is simple — provide a safe, fun, personalized day on the water that guests will remember long after the trip is over.
From Local Business Owner to Full-Time Charter Captain
Before becoming a full-time charter captain, Jeff spent 25 years as the owner and operator of a large independent automotive repair and tire facility in Port Charlotte, Florida.
An ASE Master Certified Automotive Technician, Jeff built and operated his business for more than two decades before selling the business and property in 2015 and moving on to the next chapter of his life.
That next chapter allowed him to turn one of his lifelong passions into a career — spending his days on the waters of Southwest Florida and sharing those experiences with others through Anchors Away Charters.
Fishing Has Always Been Part of the Story
Long before Anchors Away Charters, fishing was already a major part of Jeff's life.
Over the years, he competed in more than 200 inshore and offshore fishing tournaments, fishing the waters surrounding Boca Grande, Englewood, Placida, Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound, and the Gulf of America.
That experience, combined with more than four decades on local waters, gives Captain Jeff the knowledge to adapt to changing seasons, weather conditions, tides, and fishing patterns.
Today, he puts that experience to work on every inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing charter.
Family & Life Away From the Boat
Captain Jeff is a proud father of six children of his own — four boys and two girls — as well as three stepchildren. Family is an important part of his life, and he's proud of the paths his children and stepchildren have chosen.
Most of his children are now grown and have built successful careers and families of their own. His son Jeff Jr. is a North Port firefighter/EMT as well as a fishing guide. Justin is an Orange County firefighter/paramedic, and Josh works for the Punta Gorda Police Department.
His oldest daughter, Brittany, is a successful Southwest Florida Realtor as well as a full-time mother to Jeff's three granddaughters, making Captain Jeff a very proud grandfather.
Jeff is equally proud of his three stepchildren. Abbie is a dental assistant and is currently continuing her education to become a dental hygienist. Ashley is a Registered Nurse (RN), and Logan recently graduated from college with a bachelor's degree in Event Management.
His two youngest children, Alivia and Jaxon, are still in school with plenty of time ahead of them to discover where their own paths will lead.
A fun family fact: Captain Jeff gave all four of his sons the same initials as his own — J.R.W. — a family tradition shared by Jeff and all of the Watkins boys.
When Captain Jeff isn't behind the helm, you'll usually still find him doing something he enjoys. Along with fishing, Jeff enjoys hunting, golf, baseball, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Design Your Perfect Trip
Captain Jeff offers a wide range of trips as your offshore or inshore fishing guide. You can choose to fish offshore for Grouper, Snapper, and a variety of other Gulf of America species, or hunt for toothy predators like sharks and barracudas. If you prefer, you can explore the backcountry in search of Redfish, Snook, and Trout. Alternatively, you can head to the offshore reefs and wrecks for some delicious catches or to battle with larger game fish.
In addition to fishing, Captain Jeff also provides Boca Grande sunset cruises, beach excursions, Cabbage Key Lunch trips, burial at sea, and eco tours. We can also accommodate large groups and corporate trips that require multiple boats. Custom trips can be tailored to meet your specific desires, ensuring an unforgettable experience on the water. The choice is yours!
Eco & Family Friendly Fishing
Captain Jeff strongly supports a catch-and-release approach for inshore fishing to help maintain the local ecosystem. Redfish and Snook are catch-and-release only on his charters, even when in season. However, you can keep Trout, Snapper, and Sheepshead. If you’re looking for a meat trip, an offshore excursion is the way to go.
Captain Jeff welcomes anglers of all experience levels aboard his boats, and he especially loves fishing with kids. Some of his fondest memories are from fishing with his own children, and he’s eager to help you create those special moments with your kids, too. Let’s make some lasting memories together!
Southwest Florida Region
We are located at Gasparilla Marina in Placida, Florida, just a short drive from Englewood, Venice, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Boca Grande, Fort Myers, Palm Island, Rotonda, and Gasparilla Island. Whether you're interested in fishing charters or other tours, we’re conveniently positioned to help you make the most of your time on the water!
What People Are Saying . . .
"If you want a successful fishing trip, this is the guide you want. Captain Watkins knew exactly where to go to find the grouper we were looking for. His attention to detail is amazing and the boat was immaculate."
--David V
"Capt Jeff is very professional and knowledgeable (he knows his stuff!) . Every spot we went to we got fish. Only downside is we were sore the next day from catching all the fish!"
--Barbara D
"Captain Jeff did not disappoint. He was patient and had us on fish the whole time. The kids had a great time with nonstop action."
--Ang W
The Inshore and Offshore Boats
The Right Boat for The Right Trip
What sets Anchors Away Charters apart is Captain Jeff’s access to two exceptional boats. This flexibility allows him to tailor your experience to the best fishing conditions.
For inshore charters, you'll navigate the intricate backwaters on his 18-foot Shallow Sport tunnel hull, powered by a 90 HP Yamaha engine. This boat can glide through just 6 inches of water, reaching spots that others can't.
For offshore adventures, you'll be aboard the 2023 260GFX Twin Vee Powercat center console, equipped with twin Suzuki 200 HP engines. Renowned for its smooth ride, this boat ensures you have a fantastic day on the water, giving you an edge over most other charters in the area. Whether you're looking to explore inshore or venture offshore, you’re in for an unforgettable experience!
Book Your Boca Grande Fishing Charter Today
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