Charter Fishing Boca Grande
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Familyfriendly inshore fishing charter accommodating up to three guestsTarget Redfish, Trout, and Snook in Boca Grande watersBeginnerfriendly trip with educational and conservation focus
If you're looking for a solid day of inshore fishing that won't break the bank or overwhelm the kids, this Boca Grande charter hits all the right notes. We keep things simple with a maximum of three anglers, so you're not fighting for rod space or competing with a crowd. The waters around Boca Grande are loaded with hungry fish year-round, and our local knowledge puts you right where the action is. Whether you're teaching the little ones how to cast or finally want to land that trophy snook you've been chasing, this trip delivers without the fuss.
This isn't your typical cattle-boat charter experience. With just three spots available, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to move around. We launch early to beat the heat and the weekend crowd, heading straight to the productive flats and structure where Boca Grande's fish like to hang out. The shallow waters here are perfect for sight fishing when conditions allow, and there's something special about watching a redfish cruise the grass beds before you make your cast. Kids love the constant action, and beginners get hands-on instruction without feeling rushed. We provide all the tackle and bait, plus we'll clean your catch at the end of the day. Just bring snacks, drinks, and your Florida fishing license.
We run light to medium spinning gear that's perfect for the inshore game. Think 7-foot rods with 3000-series reels spooled with 15-20 pound braid - nothing fancy, just reliable equipment that gets the job done. Live shrimp and pinfish are our go-to baits, though we'll throw artificials when the fish are aggressive. You'll learn to work soft plastics around docks and mangroves, drift live bait over grass flats, and maybe even try your hand at topwater fishing if the timing's right. The techniques are straightforward enough for beginners but effective enough to keep experienced anglers engaged. We fish everything from two feet of water to about twelve feet, depending on tides and fish movement. The shallow nature of this fishery means you'll see a lot of what's happening below, which makes it educational and exciting for the whole family.
Snook are the crown jewel of Boca Grande inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love to lurk around docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines, waiting to crush whatever swims by. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag and make multiple runs toward structure. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, though you can find them year-round in deeper holes during cooler months. What makes snook special is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, roll, and do everything possible to throw your hook. Plus, they're excellent table fare when harvested during open season.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs on light tackle. These bottom-dwellers cruise the flats looking for crabs, shrimp, and small fish, often in surprisingly shallow water. You'll hear them before you see them - they make distinctive drumming sounds that give away their location. Spring and fall are prime time, especially around oyster bars and grass bed edges. Black drum fight with steady, powerful runs that will make your arms burn. The smaller ones (under 20 inches) are fantastic eating, while the big bulls provide an arm-wrestling match you won't forget.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Boca Grande inshore fishing. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials with enthusiasm. They school up over grass beds and sandy potholes, making them relatively easy to locate once you find the pattern. Peak action happens during moving water, especially on incoming tides when baitfish get pushed onto the flats. Trout are perfect for beginners and kids because they bite readily and don't require heavy tackle. They're also one of the better eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Redfish are probably the most exciting target species we chase in these waters. These bronze-backed bruisers patrol the shallows in small schools, often with their backs out of water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Sight fishing for reds is addictive - there's nothing quite like watching a 25-inch fish slowly cruise toward your bait. They fight hard and dirty, using their broad tails and stocky build to make powerful runs. Fall is prime time when they school up in big numbers, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. Reds are also great for photos with their distinctive copper coloring and prominent spot near the tail.
This family-friendly charter fills up fast, especially during peak season and weekends. The three-person limit means we book out weeks in advance, so don't wait if you see an open date that works. Boca Grande's inshore fishing stays productive year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action with comfortable weather. Book now and get ready for a day on the water that focuses on fun, fish, and making memories without the chaos of overcrowded boats. Your Florida fishing adventure starts with one simple phone call.
Our 2019 24-foot Pathfinder bay boat is your perfect fishing platform for Boca Grande's productive inshore waters. Powered by a reliable 300HP Yamaha outboard, this nimble craft cuts through the water at speeds up to 50 knots, getting you to the fish faster and extending your fishing time. The spacious deck comfortably fishes up to 4 anglers, with plenty of room to work the flats and mangroves where redfish, snook, and trout love to hide. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into shallow spots without spooking fish, while our GPS and fish finder technology puts you right on top of the action. When morning fog rolls in, the radar keeps you safe and on course. This boat's shallow draft design opens up backcountry fishing spots that bigger vessels can't reach, giving you access to some of Boca Grande's most productive fishing grounds.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, and they put up a serious fight. Most run 5-30 pounds, but we see some real bulls pushing 50+ pounds around the oyster bars and muddy flats. These bronze-colored bruisers have crushing jaws built for eating crabs and shellfish. You'll find them in shallow brackish areas, especially around oyster beds and creek mouths where the bottom gets soft. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when your chances really improve. What guests love about drum fishing is the raw power - they're not flashy fighters, but they'll pull drag and test your arm strength. Smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare. Pro tip: use fresh crab or cut bait right on the bottom. These fish are nose-down feeders, so keep that bait in the mud where they're rooting around.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the poster fish of shallow water fishing, and they deliver on every level. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches around our flats, with that signature black spot near the tail that fools predators. You'll spot them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What makes reds special is their power - they'll strip drag and make long runs even in skinny water. Plus, they're great eating with sweet, firm meat. The visual aspect is addictive too; seeing them cruise and getting them to eat is pure excitement. Local secret: look for nervous water or slight wakes on calm days. When you see that subtle disturbance, cast well ahead of their path and let them find your bait.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or speckled trout as we call them locally, are perfect for families and beginners. These spotted beauties typically run 14-24 inches and have that classic trout shape with a mouth full of sharp teeth. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and potholes. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - early morning and evening produce the best bites. What makes trout so popular is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent eating quality. The meat is white, flaky, and mild-tasting. They're also great fighters for their size, making multiple runs before giving up. Here's something most anglers don't know: work your lures slowly near the bottom during winter when they school up in deeper holes. A slow-sinking soft plastic on a light jighead is deadly when you keep it right in their face.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after inshore species, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 1-3 feet long around Boca Grande, though the big females can push 4 feet. You'll find them hugging mangrove shorelines, docks, and structure in shallow water - they love ambush spots where they can use those lightning-fast bursts of speed. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the full and new moons when they're spawning. What makes snook so popular is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make powerful runs that'll test your drag. The meat is fantastic too, white and flaky. Here's a local tip: cast your lure past the structure and work it back along the edge. Snook are ambush predators, so that's where they're waiting.
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