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

Online Reservations

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

*****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!

 

Boca Grande Inshore and Offshore Fishing Charters: Fall 2025 Report

Boca Grande Inshore Fishing Charters Report – Outstanding Fall  Action!
Fall in Boca Grande, Florida offers incredible conditions for inshore and offshore fishing charters, as water temperatures lower fish become more active. With cooler weather on the way, anglers are enjoying action-packed days targeting some of the area's most sought-after inshore species.

Speckled trout and redfish are especially active right now, and consistent catches of snook, pompano, ladyfish, and mangrove snapper are making for exciting trips on the water.

Falling temperatures combined with the season’s start of cold fronts are triggering aggressive feeding patterns in inshore fish. It's an ideal time to book a Boca Grande inshore fishing charter and experience some of the best fishing of the year.

Why Book an Inshore Charter with a Local Boca Grande Guide?
Inshore fishing can be unpredictable, but local knowledge and the right equipment make all the difference. I run an 18-foot shallow-draft tunnel hull skiff that allows us to reach ultra-skinny water and backcountry spots that larger, deep-draft boats simply can’t access.

This gives us a unique advantage—we’re able to target fish in remote, less-pressured feeding zones where the action is often at its best. Whether you're hunting redfish in the shallows or casting for trout along the grass flats, this specialized boat helps us stay one step ahead.

Conservation: Catch-and-Release for Redfish and Snook
To protect the long-term health of our fishery, I practice catch-and-release for redfish and snook on all charters, even when these species are in season. Responsible Southwest Florida fishing guides are leading a growing conservation effort to ensure healthy fish populations for years to come.

Guests can keep a limited number of trout, snapper, pompano, and sheepshead, following current regulations. However, if your main goal is to bring home a larger catch for the table, I recommend booking an offshore fishing charter instead, where you can catch and keep a wider variety of species.

Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner looking for a great day on the water, I’ll tailor the trip to your skill level and fishing goals. Fall in Boca Grande offers some of the most productive inshore fishing of the year—don’t miss your chance to experience it.

Book your inshore charter today , and let’s make the most of these outstanding fall conditions on the water!

 

Boca Grande  Offshore Fishing Charters: Fall 2025 Report

Fall Offshore Fishing in Boca Grande: Prime Conditions and Exciting Catches

Fall is here in Boca Grande, bringing cooler temperatures, calmer seas, and ideal conditions for offshore fishing adventures. With the fall cold fronts on the way, the Gulf of Mexico coming alive, anglers are enjoying some of the best fishing action of the year. While the occasional windy day may keep us inshore, most days offer perfect opportunities to head offshore and reel in a great catch.

Offshore Fishing Action is Heating Up

The fall bite has been strong, especially for a variety of Snapper species. We’re seeing consistent action with Gray, Yellowtail, Vermilion, and Lane Snapper, all eager to bite. Squid, shrimp, sardines, and white bait continue to be the top-producing baits for these fish.

A Variety of Offshore Species to Target

In addition to Snapper, our Boca Grande offshore fishing trips have delivered excellent catches of Grouper, African Pompano, Cobia, Kingfish, Amberjack, Triggerfish, Key West Grunts, and more. For those targeting  Grouper and deep-water species, we recommend booking an 8-hour offshore trip to access the most productive fishing grounds.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, fall is the perfect time to get out on the water. With sunny skies, and Gulf waters dropping, plus a wide variety of fish species in season, your Boca Grande offshore fishing trip is sure to be a memorable experience.

Book Your Boca Grande Offshore Adventure Today

Don’t miss out on some of the best offshore fishing Florida’s Gulf Coast has to offer and enjoy a full day of excitement, beautiful scenery, and fresh fish ready for the dinner table.

 

***** 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!

 

If your preferred date isn’t showing as available, please reach out through the contact page or call/text me at 941-268-4694. Some days are blocked off for scheduled time off, but I may be able to accommodate you. If I can’t, I can often recommend a reputable Captain or Guide to help you plan your trip. Thank you!

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
  • 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.
  • 1 - 4 guest are permitted
  • If you have any questions please Contact Captain Jeff
  • Please look over the Trip Details page to ensure you are booking the correct trip for what your looking for.

Policies & Procedures For Cruises & Tours

 

  • Tour and Cruise reservations require a $100.00 deposit
  • Up to 6 guest are permitted
  • The captain may 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 will be issued for all trips canceled with at least 14 days' notice. However, if canceled within 14 days, the deposit is forfeited. For cancellations made within 3 days or in the case of no-shows on the day of the charter, the full amount will be charged to the card used for the deposit.
  • Things not to bring-non prescription drugs, glass bottles, black soled shoes, firearms, aerosol sun block.
    Things to bring-Drinks(alcohol is allowed), snacks, a small cooler, a hat, rain gear, sunglasses, sun block (non aerosol), non marking white soled shoes(flip flops are ok)
  • Trips depart from Gasparilla Marina. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. Pickup can also be arranged from the Little Gasparilla Island docks.
  • Gratuity is not included; the customary amount is 20% of the charter price.
  • If you have any questions please contact me

Don't see the trip you are interested in?

Have questions about booking a fishing charter?

Contact Captain Jeff by phone or send him a message.