Experience some of the best fishing Southwest Florida has to offer with Anchors Away Charters. From inshore and nearshore fishing around Boca Grande to offshore adventures in the Gulf, Captain Jeff provides professionally guided trips tailored to your group. Whether you're an experienced angler or fishing for the first time, we'll make your day on the water a fun and memorable experience.
Boca Grande Fishing Charters – News & Important Notices
• Spots fill up quickly! If you have a preferred date in mind, we recommend booking early to secure your trip.
• Large groups and corporate trips are welcome! We can accommodate larger parties with multiple boats, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience together.
• Check out our Fishing Report for the latest fishing conditions, catches, and updates.
• Gratuity Reminder: Gratuity is not included in the price of your trip. A customary gratuity of 20% is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Boca Grande Inshore & Offshore Fishing Charter Information, Options, and Pricing
Offshore Trips
Top-Rated Boca Grande Offshore Fishing Charters with Anchors Away Charters
Experience the thrill of the open Gulf with Anchors Away Charters, offering the best Boca Grande offshore fishing charters for anglers seeking big catches and unforgettable adventures. Step aboard our 2023 Twin Vee 260GFX Powercat Catamaran, powered by twin 200 HP engines—recognized as one of the smoothest and most stable offshore boats in its class.
Depending on your trip selection, we fish 9 to 50 miles offshore in the Gulf of America, targeting a wide variety of exciting species through bottom fishing, trolling, and drift fishing. With only 1 to 4 guests per trip, you’ll enjoy a comfortable, uncrowded experience without tangled lines or crowded rails—just pure fishing excitement.
What You’ll Catch on a Boca Grande Offshore Charter
The Gulf Of America is home to an incredible variety of fish and underwater structures, including reefs, wrecks, and rocky ledges. Depending on the trip you choose, we commonly target:
*Snapper (Red, Mangrove, Lane, Vermilion, and Yellowtail)
*Grouper (Red, Gag, Black, Scamp, and Speckled Hind)
*Plus: Triggerfish, Kingfish, Cobia, Barracuda, Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, and Porgy
You’ll also have the chance to witness other amazing Gulf wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, whale sharks, flying fish, and seabirds. Every trip offers a new adventure on the beautiful waters off Boca Grande, Florida.
Have questions about what to expect or want to customize your trip? Contact Captain Jeff Watkins today to plan your perfect offshore fishing experience.
Choosing the Right Offshore Fishing Charter in Boca Grande
When booking a Boca Grande deep sea fishing charter, make sure your captain is federally permitted to operate in offshore waters beyond 9 miles. This is a federal requirement—many unlicensed operators try to skirt these laws, but only about 13 charters in this region are legally authorized to fish federal waters.
Here are key questions to ask before booking:
1.Do you have a Federal Fishing Permit?
*By law, this permit must be displayed on the port side of the hull or console.
2.Do you carry an EPIRB and VHF radio?
*These are essential for safety and emergency communication.
3.Do you provide proper safety gear, including Type I life vests?
*At Anchors Away Charters, we are fully licensed, insured, and federally permitted—giving you peace of mind and a safe, professional offshore fishing experience.
Book Your Boca Grande Offshore Fishing Charter Today!!!!
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-time guest looking for an unforgettable day on the Gulf, Anchors Away Charters delivers one of the best offshore fishing experiences in Boca Grande.
Book your offshore fishing trip today and get ready to reel in adventure with Captain Jeff Watkins and Anchors Away Charters—where safety, skill, and fun come together on the open sea.
Available trips-
5 Hr Offshore Fishing up to 25 miles $1100.00. Includes 1-4 guest. (Mainly a variety of Snapper, and Key West Grunts on this trip)
Boca Grande 5-Hour Offshore Fishing Trip
Our 5-hour offshore fishing trips offer a fantastic opportunity to experience the excitement of the Gulf of America without venturing too far offshore. On these trips, we fish up to 25 miles from shore, with the boat ride taking about 45 minutes, depending on conditions. Once we're out on the water, we’ll focus on bottom fishing and may also possibly mix in trolling or free-lining bait to target a wide variety of species.
What You Can Expect to Catch:
Targeted species: Lane Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Porgy, Vermilion Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, and Key West Grunts are all commonly found on these trips.
Grouper: While we may catch Red Grouper and Gag Grouper, landing keeper-sized Grouper at this distance and depth can be challenging. However, the possibility of a keeper is always there!
Other Species: Always a chance to reel in Cobia, Kingfish, Barracuda, Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, Squirrel Fish, and much more.
Our 5-hour trips are ideal for anglers looking for a fun, action-packed day on the water, with plenty of opportunities to bring home some fresh fish for dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, you’ll have a blast reeling in a variety of species.
Book your 5-HR Offshore fishing charter today!! and get ready for a memorable day out on the water!
**Please note that seasons and regulations can vary for fish that can be kept
6 Hr Offshore Fishing up to 30 miles $1300.00. Includes 1 - 4 guest . (Mainly a variety of Snapper on this trip with the possibilty of a keeper Grouper)
Boca Grande 6-Hour Offshore Fishing Trip
Our 6-hour offshore fishing trips offer the perfect opportunity to explore a little deeper waters, fishing up to 30 miles offshore. The boat ride takes approximately 1 hour, depending on conditions, and once we’re out there, we’ll focus on bottom fishing. We may possibly mix in some trolling or free-lining bait to target a wide variety of species.
What You Can Expect to Catch:
Targeted species: Lane Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Vermilion Snapper, and more are commonly found on these trips.
Grouper: Keeper-sized Grouper are definitely a possibility at this distance, and we may encounter both Red and Gag Grouper.
Other Species: Cobia, Kingfish, Barracuda, Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, African Pompano, and additional species are always a possibility provide exciting action throughout the day.
This 6-hour trip is ideal for anglers looking to target a variety of species, with a great chance to bring home some fresh fish for dinner. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to offshore fishing, this trip offers a fun and rewarding experience.
Book your 6-HR offshore fishing charter today!! and get ready for a memorable day out on the water!
**Please note that seasons and regulations can vary for fish that can be kept
8 Hr Offshore Fishing up to 45 miles $1600.00.. Includes 1 - 4 guest. (Snapper Grouper & more)
Boca Grande 8-Hour Offshore Fishing Trip – #1 Booked Trip & Captain Recommended
Our 8-hour offshore fishing trips are our most popular and highly recommended for anglers seeking a full day of action on the water. We fish up to 45 miles offshore, with the boat ride taking approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on conditions. Once we reach our prime fishing grounds, we’ll focus on bottom fishing and may possibly troll or free-line bait for a wide variety of species.
What You Can Expect to Catch:
Snapper Species: Lane Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Vermilion Snapper, and more.
Grouper: Red Grouper, Scamp Grouper, and Gag Grouper, with keeper Grouper at this distance.
Other Species: Always a possibility of a Cobia, Kingfish, Mahi-Mahi, Barracuda, Amberjack, African Pompano, Wahoo, Tuna, Red Snapper, and more coming over the side.
This 8-hour trip is the #1 booked trip and is highly recommended by the captain for anglers looking to target a variety of offshore species and potentially reel in larger fish. With plenty of opportunities to fill your cooler with fresh fish, this trip offers an action-packed day that’s perfect for those who want the best fishing experience Boca Grande has to offer.
Book your 8-HR offshore fishing charter today!! and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!
**Please note that seasons and regulations can vary for fish that can be kept
9 Hr Offshore Fishing up to 50 miles $1800.00.. Includes 1-4 guest.
Boca Grande 9-Hour Offshore Fishing Trip – Extended Time & Greater Distance
Our 9-hour offshore fishing trip is the ultimate experience for anglers looking for extra fishing time and the chance to venture a bit further into the Gulf. This trip is similar to our popular 8-hour trip, but with an additional hour of fishing and a little longer journey, where we explore even more fishing grounds.
What You Can Expect to Catch:
Snapper Species: Lane Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Vermilion Snapper, and more.
Grouper: Red Grouper, Scamp Grouper, and Gag Grouper, with even better chances of landing keeper Grouper at this distance.
Other Species: Cobia, Kingfish, Mahi-Mahi, Barracuda, Amberjack, African Pompano, Wahoo, Tuna, and more.
Red Snapper: If you're fishing during Red Snapper season, these iconic fish are definitely a possibility on this extended trip. Take note this is not a Red Snapper trip where we target them.
This 9-hour trip is perfect for those who want to maximize their time on the water and explore deeper, more productive areas. With the extra time, you'll have greater opportunities to target a wider variety of species, including Red Snapper when in season.
Book your 9-HR offshore fishing charter today!! and enjoy an extended adventure with more opportunities to catch a wide variety of fish!
**Please note that seasons and regulations can vary for fish that can be kept
*All offshore charters include bait, tackle, fishing license, federal permits, and fish cleaning.
Book Your Boca Grande Fishing Charter Today!!
**If you have any questions. Please Contact Capt. Jeff to discuss before booking a trip.
Inshore & Nearshore Trips
Inshore Fishing Trip Details for Boca Grande Charters
On our guided Boca Grande inshore and backcountry fishing charters, you'll enjoy a unique experience aboard our 18' Shallow Sport tunnel hull, capable of navigating waters as shallow as 6 inches, allowing us to reach spots inaccessible to many other boats. We accommodate up to 2 guests (but in some circumstances we will take 3 guest and only 2 will fish at a time, contact Captain Jeff if this is needed), fishing the serene, protected waters of Gasparilla Sound and Charlotte Harbor . Our primary focus is on the mangrove shorelines and abundant grass flats of Florida's beautiful southwest coast, targeting species such as Redfish, Snook, Speckled Trout, Mangrove Snapper, Sheepshead, and more.
We use a mix of artificial lures and live or cut baits, tailored to the fish bite and your angling skill level. While these trips are not designed for filling coolers, as we have limits on keepable fish, there are a few species you can take home for dinner. For a more productive catch, we recommend our offshore trips.
Since we remain in protected waters, these charters also offer a chance to experience the stunning beauty of our undeveloped shorelines. You'll likely encounter a rich array of wildlife, including Egret's, Bald Eagles, Osprey's, Dolphins, Manatee's, and much more.
Available Trips - Up to 2 people
4 Hr trip $550.00
5 Hr trip $650.00
6 Hr trip $750.00
8 Hr trip $950.00
*All inshore charters include bait, tackle, fishing license, and fish cleaning
Boca Grande Shark Fishing Charter
On this trip, we’ll fish inshore around Charlotte Harbor and Gasparilla Sound for Sharks, targeting species such as Blacktip, Spinner, Nurse, Hammerhead, and Bull Sharks. This is a laid-back experience, where we drift with up to two poles using cut bait and patiently wait for the drag to start screaming—then the fight is on! You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local wildlife and the stunning scenery that surrounds the area.
Available Trips -Includes 1-4 guest.
4 Hr trip $700.00
5 Hr trip $800.00
*All Shark charters include bait, tackle, fishing license
Boca Grande Nearshore Fishing Charters
On our Boca Grande nearshore fishing charter, we fish up to 12 miles out, making it the perfect trip for those who want to experience offshore fishing while staying closer to shore. You'll still enjoy the beauty of the Gulf of America and reel in some great catches!
Typical catches on these trips include Lane Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Grunts, Sea bass, and Squirrel Fish. While Gag Grouper and Red Grouper may be caught, they are mostly shorts at this distance. Additionally, you might have the chance to catch Shark, Bonita, Kingfish, Barracuda, Cobia, Permit, and Amberjack. It’s a fun trip with the potential for some delicious fish for dinner!
All nearshore charters include bait, tackle, fishing licenses, federal permits, and fish cleaning.
Available Trips
4 Hr Nearshore Fishing up to 12 miles offshore $850.00. Includes 1-4 guest. (Mainly Grunts & Snapper)
We proudly serve the following nearby areas, offering exceptional Inshore & offshore fishing experiences as well as excursions: So whether you're looking for a Boca Grande fishing charter, Venice Florida fishing charter, Placida fishing charter, Little Gasparilla Island fishing charter, Englewood fishing charter, Punta Gorda fishing charter, Ft Myers fishing charter, Palm Island fishing charter, North Port fishing charter, Port Charlotte fishing charter or Manasota Key fishing charter, we are your go-to choice for an unforgettable day on the SW Florida waters.
Safety equipment and more
Our offshore vessel, the 2023 Twin Vee GFX260 Powercat, is recognized as the safest and best-riding boat for offshore adventures in its class. Offshore conditions can change quickly, so it’s crucial to choose a charter with the right equipment and the experience to handle any unexpected situations. We are equipped with Type-1 offshore life jackets (complete with whistles and lights), a first aid kit, VHF radio, 48-mile range radar, EPIRB GPS location device, satellite phone, Spot Satellite Messenger, NOAA GPS monitoring system, flares, and other essential safety equipment. Remember, you get what you pay for—safety and experience are priceless!
All trips are weather permitting, and as a result, trips may occasionally be canceled or rescheduled. Captain Jeff has extensive training and experience in forecasting sea conditions and will always prioritize safety when making decisions. Please note that offshore fishing isn’t for everyone; conditions can change rapidly, and sometimes the forecast may not accurately reflect the weather. Rain, storms, and rough seas are always possibilities, and if necessary, a trip may be cut short.
Additional Note: For offshore charters, children under 13 years old are required by law to wear a life vest in federal waters, which extend beyond 9 miles. We recommend bringing a properly fitting life vest for your child. If you don’t have one, a universal child’s life vest will be provided, but please note it may not be as comfortable. Contact Captain Jeff if you have any questions.
Customized Trips
Create Your Own Perfect Trip
If the trips outlined above aren’t quite what you’re looking for, we can customize an experience just for you. We can accommodate larger groups with additional boats and trusted captains.
It’s your time, and we cater to your preferences—even if fishing isn’t on your agenda! Consider options like sightseeing, enjoying a stunning sunset, a trip to the beach or sandbar, or dining at one of the local restaurants. These are just a few ideas; the possibilities are endless. Give us a call, and we’ll design your perfect day on the water.
We also offer burial-at-sea trips (spreading of ashes). Please Contact Captain Jeff or pricing and details.
Book Your Boca Grande Fishing Charter Today
Pick Up Locations
Whats included in my trip
Bait, tackle, fishing license, federal fishing permits, and fish cleaning is all included.
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.
• Guest Capacity: Offshore & Nearshore trips accommodate 1–4 guests. Inshore trips accommodate up to 2 guests. In some circumstances, we can accommodate a 3rd guest on an Inshore trip, with a maximum of 2 guests fishing at a time. Please contact Captain Jeff prior to booking if you have a party of 3 for an Inshore trip.
• Please note that Redfish and Snook on our inshore charters are catch-and-release only. We can keep a few Trout, along with other species we may catch that are in season, such as Snapper, Sheepshead, Pompano, etc. If you're looking to bring home a larger quantity of fish for dinner, we recommend booking an offshore trip.
• Fishing regulations and harvest seasons vary throughout the year, and some species may be closed to harvest during certain times. If you have questions about what may be kept during your trip, please contact Captain Jeff.
• The captain reserves the right to postpone, reschedule, or cancel a trip due to weather, sea conditions, or other circumstances 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 of your trip details.
• Cancellation Policy: A full refund will be issued for cancellations made at least 14 days before the scheduled trip. Cancellations made within 14 days will result in the loss of the deposit. Cancellations made within 3 days of departure, as well as no-shows on the day of the charter, will be charged the full trip amount to the card used for the deposit.
• Things Not to Bring: Glass bottles, black-soled shoes, boots, firearms, illegal drugs, and aerosol sunscreen are not permitted aboard the boat.
• Cannabis/Marijuana: Cannabis is not permitted aboard the vessel, including medical marijuana. Although marijuana may be permitted under certain state laws, it remains prohibited under federal law. Because our offshore charters may operate in federal waters, cannabis is not allowed aboard the vessel even if you have a medical marijuana card or prescription/recommendation.
• GPS & Location Tracking Policy: GPS tracking devices of any kind are not permitted. Location services must be disabled on cell phones, smart watches, and other GPS-capable devices while fishing offshore.
Our offshore fishing locations are an important part of our livelihood. Many of these spots have been discovered, developed, and protected by Captain Jeff over more than 30 years on the water, and every effort is made to protect their locations.
If our system detects an active GPS tracking device during the trip, the charter may be terminated and the boat will return to port, with full payment for the trip still due. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact Captain Jeff before your trip. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
• Things to Bring: Drinks, snacks, a small cooler, hat, rain gear, sunglasses, and non-aerosol sunscreen. We recommend non-marking, white-soled shoes. If you're prone to motion sickness or aren't sure how you'll handle being offshore, consider taking Dramamine according to the directions on the package.
• Gratuity: Gratuity is not included in the trip price. A 20% gratuity is customary and always appreciated.
• Departure: Trips depart from Gasparilla Marina in Placida. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
• Questions: If you have any questions before your trip, please Contact Captain Jeff
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