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

Information On Available Fishing Charters In Boca Grande

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

***** March 21st 2024 Inshore report. Inshore fishing has been great. Water temps are starting to warm up and so is the bite. Redfish, Snook, Trout, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, and still some Sheepshead around. Shrimp, Whitebait, Cut Bait, and Jigs are the weapon of choice. Snook & Redfish are catch and release only.

***** March 21st  2024 offshore report. Offshore bite is also great when the wind isn't blowing and we can get out. Red Grouper on the 8 hr trips have been hungry. Big Gray Snapper, Lane Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, and Vermillion Snapper have been a steady bite. Triggerfish are open and have been getting some nice ones.  Kingfish will be making there run through here any time now and are a heck of a fight and great eating. Scamp Grouper, and Spanish Mackerel have been coming over the side as well.  We are brining back plenty of tasty fish for dinner. 8 hr trip recommended for Grouper

*****Reminder gratuity is not included in price 20% is customary and appreciated

***** Redfish & Snook are catch and release only on my charters to allow our fishery to continue to flourish. Many guides are doing the same thing as we all share the same interest in the fishery here in Southwest Floirda. We can keep a few Trout and possibly some Snapper, Sheepshead, and Pompano but thats about it for Inshore.  If your looking for a meat trip then book a offshore trip.

Boca Grande Offshore Fishing Charters

Boca Grande Fishing Charters

On our Boca Grande offshore fishing charters, aboard our 2023 Twin Vee 260GFX Powercat Catamaran with twin 150 HP engine's and considered the best riding offshore boat in it's class , we take up to 5 guests but only 4 will fish at a time so we are fishing and not untangling lines all day. We fish from 20-60 miles out depending on the trip you choose and we will be bottom fishing, as well as possibly trolling and drifting bait.

The Gulf Of Mexico offers a wide variety of fish and structure, therefore as a result, our offshore fishing charters send us fishing over rock ledges, reefs, and wrecks. Depending on the trip you choose our target species consist of Snapper (Mangrove, Red, Lane, Vermillion, Yellowtail) and Grouper (Red, Gag, Black, Speckled Hind, Scamp). Additionally, other possible species include Trigger Fish, Cobia, Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Barracuda, Porgy, Kingfish and many more. We also at times see some other Gulf Of Mexico creatures including large schools of Dolphins, Sea Turtles, Flying Fish, Whale Sharks and many different species of birds. Contact Capt. Jeff if you have any questions.

 

Questions to ask when researching offshore charters. Any charter going beyond the 9 mile state waters must have Federal Fishing Permits, it's a Federal law. Some illegal charters may try to run without these permits being they are about $35,000. In this area there is approximately 13 legal charters to run offshore past 9 miles into federal waters. Always ask when calling around for an offshore trip past 9 miles, are you federally permited and able to produce permits upon us showing up, do you have an Epirb (For an emergency situation to notify the Coast Guard of your exact location), do you have a VHF radio, type 1 lifevest, how old is your boat and motors (notice plural motors. Single engine boats shouldn't be running offshore and a definite red flag). Hope this helps in choosing your charter. Safety is priceless.

Available trips-

5 Hr Offshore Fishing  up to 20 miles $1000.00.. Includes 1-4 guest, 1 addional guest can be added for $75.00, only 4 will fish at a time.  (Mainly Snapper on this trip)

On the 5 hr trips we fish up to 20 miles. Boat ride out is estimated @ 45 min depending on conditions. We will be bottom fishing as well as possibly trolling or freelining bait for Lane Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Porgy, Vermillion Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, and Key West Grunts. We will also catch Red Grouper & Gag Grouper at times but as a rule it can be tough to get keepers at this distance but the possibility is there on this trip.  Other possibilities are Cobia, Kingfish, Barracuda, Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, Squirrel Fish, and Sharks.  Always a fun trip and fish for dinner.

 

6 Hr Offshore Fishing up to 30 miles $1200.00.. Includes 1 - 4 guest, 1 additional guest can be added for $100 and only 4 will fish at a time . (Mainly Snapper on this trip with the possibilty of a keeper Grouper)

On the 6 hr trips we fish up to 30 miles. Boat ride out is estimated @ 1 hr depending on conditions. We will be bottom fishing as well as possibly trolling or freelining bait for Lane Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Vermillion Snapper, and Grouper. Keeper Grouper are possible at this distance. Other possibilities are Cobia, Kingfish, Barracuda, Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, and more. Always a fun trip and fish for dinner.

 

8 Hr Offshore Fishing up to 45 miles $1450.00.. Includes 1 - 4 guest, 1 additional guest can be added for $100 and only 4 will fish at a time. (Recommended by Captain also #1 BOOKED TRIP) (Snapper, Grouper, and much more on this trip)

On our 8 hr trips we fish up to 45 miles offshore. Boat ride out is estimated @ 1 hr and 30 min depending on conditions. We will be bottom fishing as well as possibly trolling or freelining bait for Lane Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Vermillion Snapper, Triggerfish, Red Grouper, Scamp Grouper and Gag Grouper. Other possibilities are Cobia, Kingfish, Mahi-Mahi, Barracuda, Amberjack, African Pompano, Wahoo, Tuna and more.  Fresh fish always make the cooler.

 

9 Hr Offshore Fishing up to 50 miles $1600.00.. Includes 1-4 guest, 1 addional guest can be added for  $100 and only 4 will fish at a time.

Our 9 hr trip is the same as the 8 hr just extra fishing time and we go a litte further

 

10 Hr Offshore Fishing up to 60 miles $1900.00.. Includes 1-4 guest, 1 addional guest can be added for $100 and only 4 will fish at a time.  *** This is also the Red Snapper trip during season, June 1st-August 25th 2023 (Snapper,Grouper, and much more on this trip)

On our 10 hr trips we fish up to 60 miles offshore. Boat ride out is estimated @2 hrs and 20 min depending on conditions. We will be bottom fishing as well as possibly trolling or freelining bait for Lane Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Red Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Vermillion Snapper, Triggerfish, Red Grouper, Gag Grouper, Scamp Grouper, and Black Grouper. Other possibilities are Cobia, Mahi-Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Barracuda, Kingfish, African Pompano, Amberjack, Almaco Jacks, Wahoo and more. Fresh fish always make the cooler.

**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 will ride aboard our 18' Shallow Sport tunnel hull which can run in water as shallow as 6 inches and get to spots that many other boats can't. We allow up to 2 guest to fish the shallow protected waters in and around Gasparilla Sound and Charlotte Harbor.  We primarily fish the mangrove shorelines and the abundant grass flats of Florida's beautiful southwest coast. Therefore, our objective is catching Redfish, Snook, Speckled Trout, Mangrove Snapper, Sheepshead, and more on these trips. We use artificial baits and lures, as well as live and cut baits, depending on the fish bite and your angler skill level. These trips are not meant to fill a cooler as we are limited on fish that can be kept. We do have a few species we can bring home for dinner but if your looking for a meat trip then offshore is the trip to do.

Since we remain in protected waters, these trips also offer plenty of opportunities to experience the beauty of our undeveloped shorelines. As a result, we will encounter an abundance of wildlife that makes these waters home, including Egrets, Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Dolphins, Manatees, and much more.

Available Trips - Up to 2 people

4 Hr trip $500.00

5 Hr trip $600.00

6 Hr trip $700.00

8 Hr trip $900.00

Boca Grande Inshore Fishing Charters

Boca Grande Shark Fishing Charter

On this trip we will fish inshore around Charlotte Harbor and Gasparilla Sound for Sharks. Species include Blacktip, Spinner, Nurse, Hammerhead, and Bull Sharks. This is a pretty laid back trip as we drift up to two poles with cut bait and wait for the drag to start screaming and then the fight is on. You will also have plenty of opportunities to see local wildlife and the beautiful scenery surrounding the area.

Available Trips -Includes 1-4 guest. 1 addional guest can be added for $50.00

4 Hr trip $600.00

5 Hr trip $700.00

Boca Grande Shark Fishing Charter

Boca Grande Nearshore Fishing Charters

Boca Grande Fishing Charters

Our Boca Grande nearshore fishing charter we fish up to 12 miles out so this is a trip for the group that wants to experience offshore fishing but wants to stay a little closer to shore. You will still enjoy the Gulf Of Mexico and catch fish as well.

On these trips typical catches include Lane Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Grunts, and Squirrel Fish. Gag Grouper and Red Grouper will also be caught at times but mostly shorts at this distance. In addition, Shark, Bonita, Kingfish, Barracuda, Cobia, Permit and Amberjack are also possible catches. A fun trip and some fish for dinner.

Available Trips

4 Hr Nearshore Fishing up to 12 miles offshore $750.00.  Includes 1-4 guest, 1 additonal guest can be added for $50.00 and only 4 will fish at a time. (Mainly Grunts & Snapper)

On the 4 hr nearshore trip, we fish up to 12 miles out. The boat ride out is estimated @ 25 minutes depending on conditions. We will be bottom fishing as well as possibly trolling or freelining bait for Lane Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Grunts, Porgy, Sea Bass, and  Squirrel Fish. In addition, other possibilities include Kingfish, Cobia, Grouper (very rare any keeper Grouper), Spanish Mackerel, Shark and Permit. Always a fun trip and we usually bring a few back for dinner.

 

Safety equipment and more

Our offshore vessel, a 2023 Twin Vee GFX260 Powercat which is considered the safest and best riding boat for offhsore in it's class. Offshore conditions can change quick so make sure your going with someone that has the equipment and the experience to handle any unexpected situation. We have Type-1 offshore life jackets with the required whistle and light, 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 safety equipment on board. Remember you get what you pay for -- safety and experience are priceless!!

All trips are weather permitting, therefore trips sometimes get cancelled or rescheduled. Capt. Jeff has many years and training of forecasting sea conditions and weather and will make the safest decision because safety is our #1 priority. Take note offshore fishing isn't for everyone. Conditions can change at the blink of an eye and sometimes forecasted weather/sea conditions are wrong, rain, storms, and rough seas are always a possibility and if needed a trip will be cut short.

*Additional Note
In addition, on offshore charters, children under 13 years old are required by law to wear a life vest when in Federal Waters which is beyond 9 miles. Therefore, it is recommended that you bring their own life vest to ensure that it properly fits your child. If you don't bring one, a child's universal life vest will be provided, but sometimes they aren't as comfortable. Contact Captain Jeff if you have any questions, please.

Customized Trips

Create Your Own Perfect Trip

If the trips above are not exactly what you are looking for, we can customize a trip just just for you. For instance, we can accommodate large groups with additional boats and trusted Captains.

It's your time and we cater to you, even if you aren't into fishing but would like to enjoy time on the water. For instance, how about sightseeing or enjoying a beautiful sunset, or maybe a trip to the beach or sandbar, or even lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants? These are just a few more ideas, however the possibilities are endless. Give us a call and we will design your perfect day on the water.

Burial at sea trips (spreading of ashes) are also available. Please contact Captain Jeff for 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
  • Redfish & Snook on the inshore charters are catch and release only. We can keep a few Trout and possibly any Snapper and Sheepshead we may get but that's pretty much it. If you're looking for a lot of fish to eat then you need to book an offshore trip.
  • The captain may postpone or cancel trip due to poor weather conditions or other reasons at his discretion. Trips cancelled by the captain will receive a 100% refund.
  • The captain will email you within 48 hrs of your reservation with an itinerary of your trip including all the details.
  • A full refund is issued for all trips canceled with at least 14 days notice. However, inside of 14 days the deposit is forfeited, and for cancelations inside of 3 days or no shows the day of the charter the full amount will be due and will be charged to the card you used for deposit.
  • Things not to bring-  glass bottles, black soled shoes, boots, firearms, nonprescription drugs, cannabis even with prescription is not allowed in Federal waters. Aerosol sun block. GPS units, smart watches, and Go Pros are not allowed aboard on all offshore & nearshore trips. Cell phones must be off before leaving dock on all offshore & nearshore trips. The Captain can take any photos for you and send to you after the trip. If on a offshore or nearshore trip and a GPS tracking device is picked up by our monitoring system the trip will be cancelled at that time and full amount will be due. If you have special circumstances like glucose monitoring or something else and need to use cell phone please discuss with the Captain before trip.
  • Things to bring - Drinks, snacks, a small cooler, a hat, rain gear, sunglasses, sun block (non aerosol), non marking white soled shoes  and Dramamine if prone to motion sickness or not sure (follow directions on the box).
  • Gratuity is not included in your trip (Customary is 20% the cost of your trip)
  • Trips depart from Gasparilla Marina. Please arrive 15 min prior to scheduled departure.
  • Up to 5 guest are welcome on our offshore/Nearshore trips but only 4 lines will be allowed in the water at one time
  • If you have any questions please contact Capt. Jeff