Welcome to Anchors Away Charters!
Specializing in Inshore & Offshore Gasparilla Fishing Charters
Top-Rated Gasparilla Fishing Charters with Anchors Away Charters
Discover the ultimate Gasparilla fishing charter experience with Anchors Away Charters, your premier choice for unforgettable fishing and boating adventures in Southwest Florida. Led by Captain Jeff Watkins, a local expert with over 40 years of fishing experience, we’re dedicated to delivering memorable days on the water for anglers and explorers of all levels.
Whether you're interested in inshore, offshore, or nearshore fishing charters, a relaxing sunset cruise, an educational eco tour, or a scenic lunch cruise to Cabbage Key, Anchors Away Charters offers something for everyone. Explore the beautiful waters surrounding Gasparilla, Florida, and experience the thrill of fishing or the charm of cruising to one of the Gulf Coast’s most iconic island destinations.
Join us for an adventure that’s more than just a day on the water — it’s an experience you'll never forget. Book your Gasparilla fishing charter today!! with Anchors Away Charters and make lasting memories with Captain Jeff at the helm.
Whatever your ideal day on the water is, Captain Jeff can provide that charter for you.
Looking for an unforgettable day on the water? Whether you're dreaming of a rod-bending fishing adventure or a relaxing cruise along the coast, Anchors Away Charters in Placida, Florida makes it happen. With over 40 years of experience, Captain Jeff Watkins is dedicated to creating the perfect outing—just the way you want it.
Craving action? Head offshore for thrilling catches like Grouper, Snapper , Amberjack, and more on our federally permitted Gasparilla fishing charters. Prefer staying closer to shore? Enjoy nearshore and inshore fishing trips targeting Snook, Redfish, Speckled Sea Trout , and Snapper. If fishing isn’t your thing, Captain Jeff also offers sunset cruises, sandbar trips, dolphin tours, and the ever-popular lunch cruise to the iconic Cabbage Key Restaurant —a must-see destination famous for its island charm and legendary burgers.
No matter what kind of experience you're after, Captain Jeff will tailor your trip to make it one to remember. From serious anglers to families and first-timers, Anchors Away Charters delivers the best in Gasparilla fishing charters and coastal adventures. Book your custom day on the water today!
Gasparilla • Boca Grande • Charlotte Harbor • Placida • Venice • Palm Island • Punta Gorda • Englewood • Fort Myers
Custom trips based on your needs, preferences, and skill level
Whether you’re a local or planning a vacation to Southwest Florida, an experienced angler or just learning the ropes, Anchors Away Charters can fulfill all your Gasparilla fishing charter expectations. Most importantly, our trips can be customized to suit your needs, preferences, and skill level. Imagine surprising your family with a day of fishing and fun in the sun, a relaxing day at the sandbar, a picturesque sunset cruise, or a wildlife exploration. The options are endless, creating memories that will last a lifetime! Book your Gasparilla adventure today!!
Safety is our number one priority on your Gasparilla fishing charter!
At Anchors Away Charters, safety is our number one priority. With over 40 years of local fishing knowledge, Captain Jeff is a United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain and holds federal fishing permits, ensuring you’re in good hands. We equip our vessel with essential safety gear, including offshore Type 1 life preservers, an EPIRB emergency locator device, a satellite phone, NOAA GPS tracking, and a VHF radio. Additionally, Captain Jeff is certified in CPR and First Aid, providing you with peace of mind while you enjoy your adventure.
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*Not All Gasparilla Fishing Charters Are The Same.*
Do Your Research
What Sets Captain Jeff Apart From The Others:
- United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain
- 40+ Yrs Local Experience
- CPR & First aid certified
- One of a few SW Florida Captains that posses Federal Fishing Permits
- 5 Star Rating amongst all platforms
- Insured for your safety
- NOAA federally regulated & permitted vessel
- Full time charter captain
What People are Saying About Anchors Away Charters
Great Offshore Fishing Trip
Took a offshore fishing trip with Captain Jeff, my dad, and two sons. Captain Jeff was great. He got us to the fish quick and worked really hard to make sure we always had bait on and lines in the water. He was great with my young kids, teaching them as we went along but in a nice and friendly tone. We probably caught 50 fish or more with plenty of keepers. He certainly keep us busy and moved when we needed too. He kept an eye on the storms and got us home a little early but wisely ahead of the afternoon storms. Best charter trip we have been on and I have done quite a few. Thanks Captain Jeff. See you next time we are in town.-Andres D
TripAdvisor Review
Excellent Inshore Fishing Experience
Had a great time on the waters inshore today! Hot day, but we didn't let that stop us from enjoying the fish we landed! Captain Jeff was great at pointing out local wildlife and teaching us some flats fishing techniques we needed to know. Looking forward to booking an offshore trip with him next time! great guide, worth the time! Thanks captain Jeff!-Kathryn P
Facebook Review
Highly Recommend This Charter
Awesome experience !! Best fishing guide out there. We went 40 miles offshore and was catching fish all day. Caught our limit of grouper and snapper. Captain Jeff cleaned our catch and bagged it to take home. He even provided an excellent recipe for the grouper that we tried the same night and it was amazing !! I've been on a lot of charters and this was probably the best one yet. Boat was spotless and clean. Captain Jeff was very professional . I highly recommend this charter.-Darrell H
Google Review
A Consummate Professional
We thoroughly enjoyed our charter out of Boca Grande with the captain. We went 38 miles out but he made us feel very safe and was very thoughtful of my grandsons. Most importantly, he put us on the fish and we fished until our arms were tired. Legal groupers, big mangrove snappers, lane snappers and a few other species was what we caught. New boat, highly recommended, he’s a consummate professional.-Ed Dieppa
Google Review
Thank you Captain Jeff!
What a fantastic day we had yesterday! I lost count of how many fish we caught, dozens for sure. We started inland which was great for me to relearn how to fish in the gulf. We then traveled further out for the "big ones." I've never seen such big mangrove snappers. Caught quite a few big grouper. Apparently there was a super big one that "got away". It would pulled me in for sure! We caught squirrel fish, a lizard fish, porgy, trigger fish, lane snapper, mangrove snapper, grouper and more. So much fun. Captain Jeff knows the best spots. I caught four fish on one bait tail - all keepers! Had pan sauté snapper for dinner last night, snapper tacos for lunch today and grilled grouper planned for tonight. Captain Jeff is very safety conscious and has an immaculate, beautiful boat. Can't wait to come back.-StlSheller
TripAdvisor Review
An Experience I Will Never Forget
This was my first charter in the gulf and it was amazing. Jeff was very friendly and accommodating. We did the offshore fishing trip and he did everything right to make sure we had a great time. Throughout the trip we were constantly catching fish and when a hole dried up we were moving to another location. His equipment helped in ensuring that we maximized our opportunities and was always there to assist with landing the catch and making sure we had new bait right away. No question, I would recommend this charter. Thanks for the great time.-Christopher G
Facebook Review
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Offshore Fishing Charters
Inshore Fishing Charters
Family Friendly Fishing
What Can I Catch Inshore?
Inshore Gasparilla fishing charters offer the chance to catch tailing Redfish, glimmering Snook, and Speckled Sea Trout. You may also be surprised by other inshore species, including Ladyfish, Tarpon, Snapper, Shark, and Sheepshead. Book your Gasparilla Inshore charter today!!!
Please note that Redfish and Snook are catch-and-release only on our charters. If you’re looking to bring home fish for dinner, we recommend an offshore trip, as there are limits on what you can keep inshore.
What Can I Catch Offshore?
Offshore Gasparilla fishing charters promise an exciting day on the water. The deeper offshore waters are home to numerous natural and artificial reefs, providing ample opportunities for a fantastic catch. Depending on your chosen trip, you could reel in a variety of fish, including Snapper (Red, Mangrove, Lane, Vermilion, and Yellowtail), Red, Gag, and Scamp Grouper, as well as Kingfish, Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Amberjack, Barracuda, African Pompano, and more. Book your Gasparilla offshore charter today!!!
Gasparilla Island Information
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About Little Gasparilla Island
Little Gasparilla Island, a serene hidden gem located between Sarasota and Fort Myers on Florida’s West Coast, offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland life. Accessible only by private boat or water taxi, this secluded island is home to around 350 single-family homes, most of which are part-time residences. Additionally, Hideaway Bay Beach Club, with 102 condominium units, offers exclusive ferry service to and from the island.
The island maintains its peaceful, unspoiled nature, with no commercial establishments like restaurants or grocery stores. However, several great waterfront dining options are just a short boat ride away, and the mainland offers a variety of restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping options within easy reach. A small non-denominational church on the island provides services throughout the year.
Little Gasparilla Island is car-free, with no paved roads—just miles of sandy trails bordered by tropical foliage. Visitors can explore the island on foot or by golf cart, taking in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The beach is uncrowded and perfect for sunbathing, shelling, birdwatching, swimming, and playing with family. The brilliant sunsets are a highlight, providing breathtaking views at the end of each day.
Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities in Placida Harbor, home to snook, trout, redfish, snapper, and more. For those seeking adventure, Boca Grande Pass offers world-renowned tarpon fishing. Originally three separate islands, Little Gasparilla Island, along with Knight Island and Don Pedro Island, merged in the 1960s when the passes between them closed. Together, they now form over seven miles of pristine beaches.
Whether you're looking for a short escape or a long-term retreat, Little Gasparilla Island is the perfect destination for those seeking a secluded, tropical paradise where you can unwind, relax, and reconnect with nature.
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