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Information On Available Fishing Charters In Boca Grande
*****News/Notices*****
*****Lane Snapper and Red Grouper are now open
*****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!
*****January 10th 2025, Inshore fishing report
Inshore fishing around Boca Grande has been outstanding, with speckled trout fishing particularly on fire. Anglers have also been catching plenty of redfish and snook, thanks to cooler weather, lower winter tides, and dropping water temperatures that bring these species into the shallows. This time of year, the colder water can create a challenge, as fish tend to be more sluggish, but a skilled guide can adapt to these conditions and put in the strongest effort to ensure a successful trip. One of the unique advantages I offer as a local guide is the use of an 18 ft shallow-running tunnel hull boat, which gives us an edge over other guides running bigger deep draft boats. This boat allows us to access hard-to-reach, shallow areas that many others can’t get to, providing the opportunity to target fish in prime feeding spots. The bait of choice for this time of year has been live shrimp, jigs, and cut bait, all of which are attracting strong bites. Please note that 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 inshore trips are limited to these species. If you're looking for a meat trip and want to bring home more fish, I recommend booking an offshore charter instead!
*****January 10th 2025, Offshore fishing report
The wintertime cold fronts and the wind they bring have posed some challenges for our Boca Grande offshore trips, but we’ve still managed to get out on the good days, and the fishing has been outstanding. Great news—Red Grouper and Lane Snapper are now open for harvest, providing even more opportunities for anglers to bring home a great catch. The offshore bite has been steady, with Snapper being particularly eager to bite. We've been hauling in a great mix of Lane, Gray, Yellowtail, and Vermilion Snapper. Baits of choice for these catches include squid, shrimp, sardines, and white bait.
In addition to Snapper, we've had success with Red Grouper, African Pompano, Cobia, Kingfish, Amberjack, Triggerfish, and Key West Grunts. For keeper Grouper, we recommend booking an 8-hour offshore trip, as the chances are greater further out in the deeper waters.
With plenty of exciting fishing ahead and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico as the backdrop, returning with a cooler full of fish for dinner is the perfect way to end the day! If you’re looking to join us for an unforgettable adventure, now is the ideal time to book your trip!
***** We can also accommodate large groups or corporate trips with multiple boats, ensuring everyone enjoys the experience together.
***** 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!
Boca Grande Offshore Fishing Charters
On our Boca Grande offshore fishing charters, you'll enjoy an exciting day aboard our 2023 Twin Vee 260GFX Powercat Catamaran, equipped with twin 150 HP engines—recognized as the best-riding offshore boat in its class. Depending on the trip you choose, we fish 12 to 50 miles out, engaging in bottom fishing, trolling, and drifting bait. On our offshore trips we accommodate 1 - 4 guest so it's not crowded and we're not untangling lines all day.
The Gulf Of Mexico offers a diverse array of fish and structures, allowing us to target species over rock ledges, reefs, and wrecks. Our main targets include various Snapper (Mangrove, Red, Lane, Vermilion, and Yellowtail) and Grouper (Red, Gag, Black, Speckled Hind, and Scamp). Additionally, you may encounter Triggerfish, Cobia, Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Barracuda, Porgy, Kingfish, and more. Keep an eye out for other Gulf creatures, including schools of dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, whale sharks, and various bird species. Contact Captain Jeff with any questions you may have!
Questions to Ask When Researching Offshore Charters
If you're considering an offshore charter beyond the 9-mile state waters, it’s essential to ensure they have Federal Fishing Permits—this is a federal requirement. Some illegal charters may try to operate without these permits, which can cost around $35,000. In this area, there are only about 13 legal charters authorized to fish past 9 miles into federal waters. When inquiring about an offshore trip, always ask if they are federally permitted and if they can produce the permits upon your arrival. Additionally, confirm they have an EPIRB (for emergency situations), a VHF radio, Type 1 life vests.
We hope this information helps you choose the right charter. Remember, safety is priceless!
Available trips-
5 Hr Offshore Fishing up to 20 miles $1000.00.. Includes 1-4 guest. (Mainly Snapper on this trip)
On our 5-hour trips, we fish up to 20 miles offshore, with the boat ride taking approximately 30 minutes, depending on conditions. During the trip, we’ll engage in bottom fishing, and may also troll or free-line bait for a variety of species, including Lane Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Porgy, Vermilion Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, and Key West Grunts. While we may catch Red Grouper and Gag Grouper, keepers can be challenging to land at this distance, though the possibility is always there. Other potential catches include Cobia, Kingfish, Barracuda, Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, Squirrel Fish, and more. It’s always a fun trip, perfect for fishing for dinner!
6 Hr Offshore Fishing up to 30 miles $1200.00.. Includes 1 - 4 guest . (Mainly Snapper on this trip with the possibilty of a keeper Grouper)
On our 6-hour trips, we fish up to 30 miles offshore, with the boat ride taking approximately 1 hour, depending on conditions. During the trip, we’ll engage in bottom fishing and may also troll or free-line bait for a variety of species, including Lane Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Vermilion Snapper, and Grouper. Keeper Grouper are definitely a possibility at this distance. Other potential catches include Cobia, Kingfish, Barracuda, Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, African Pompano, and more. It’s always a fun trip, perfect for fishing for dinner!
8 Hr Offshore Fishing up to 45 miles $1500.00.. Includes 1 - 4 guest. (Recommended by Captain also #1 BOOKED TRIP) (Snapper, Grouper, and much more on this trip)
On our 8-hour trips, we fish up to 45 miles offshore, with the boat ride taking approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on conditions. We’ll engage in bottom fishing and may also troll or free-line bait for a variety of species, including Lane Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Vermilion Snapper, Triggerfish, Red Grouper, Scamp Grouper, and Gag Grouper. Other potential catches include Cobia, Kingfish, Mahi-Mahi, Barracuda, Amberjack, African Pompano, Wahoo, Tuna, Red Snapper, and more. Fresh fish are always a great addition to your cooler!
9 Hr Offshore Fishing up to 50 miles $1700.00.. Includes 1-4 guest.
Our 9 hr trip is the same as the 8 hr just extra fishing time and we go a litte further. Red Snapper are possible on this trip during season.
*All offshore charters include bait, tackle, fishing license, federal permits, and fish cleaning.
**If you have any questions. Please contact Capt. Jeff to discuss before booking a trip.
Boca Grande Inshore & Backcountry 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 $525.00
5 Hr trip $625.00
6 Hr trip $725.00
8 Hr trip $925.00
*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 $600.00
5 Hr trip $700.00
*All Shark charters include bait, tackle, fishing license, fish cleaning
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 Mexico 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 $800.00. Includes 1-4 guest. (Mainly Grunts & Snapper)
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
- 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.
- Some fish have closed seasons for harvesting, if any questions please contact Captain Jeff
- 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.
- If you have any questions please Contact Captain Jeff
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