5.0(1 Reviews)Full-Day Inshore Fishing Charter Boca Grande
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday charter targeting redfish, snook, trout, and snapperAll fishing licenses, tackle, and gear includedExpert guidance suitable for all experience levels
Get ready for a full 8-hour fishing adventure that'll have you hooked from the first cast. Captain John and his crew at Boca Grande Fishing Charters know these inshore waters like the back of their hand, and they're excited to share their favorite spots with you. Whether you're bringing the family, planning a guys' trip, or just want to spend serious time on the water, this charter delivers exactly what Florida inshore fishing is all about – variety, action, and memories that stick.
You'll start your day meeting Captain John at one of Boca Grande's convenient launch points, where he'll get you set up with everything you need. No need to worry about licenses, tackle, or gear – it's all covered. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is the flexibility it gives you and your captain to really explore different areas and techniques based on what's biting that day. Some mornings you might start working the grass flats for spotted seatrout, then move to structure for snapper when the bite heats up. Other days, you could spend hours sight-fishing redfish in shallow water or casting around docks and mangroves for snook. Captain John reads the conditions – tide, wind, water temperature, baitfish activity – and adjusts the plan accordingly. With up to 4 anglers on board, there's plenty of room to fish comfortably without feeling crowded, and the captain can give everyone the attention they deserve, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time.
Inshore fishing around Boca Grande means adapting your approach to match the fish and the environment. You'll be using medium to medium-heavy spinning gear most of the day, perfect for the size and fight of these species. Live bait fishing is king here – expect to work with live shrimp, pinfish, and pilchards depending on what's available and what the fish are keying in on. Captain John will show you how to rig up for different scenarios: free-lining baits around structure, fishing under popping corks in deeper grass beds, or using jigs when you want to cover water quickly. The boat is equipped with a shallow water anchor system, so you can lock down on productive spots without spooking fish in skinny water. You'll also get hands-on experience with artificial lures – soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons that work great when fish are aggressive. Don't worry if you've never used some of these techniques before – part of what makes Captain John such a popular guide is his ability to teach while keeping everyone engaged and fishing effectively.
"John and Mark were great all around! They picked us up on time, traveled 15 minutes and we were catching fish as soon as we put our bait in the water! They were great with helping and teaching my kids about how to fish, what to look for to catch fish and was always attentive when they were having troubles. Would highly recommend John and Mark for your next fishing experience!" - Justin
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Boca Grande's snook population is healthy and hungry. These ambush predators love to hang around structure – docks, bridges, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars where they can dart out to grab unsuspecting baitfish. Snook are most active during warmer months, roughly April through October, with peak action happening during summer months when they're feeding heavily before their spawn. What makes snook so special is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight – they'll jump, gill-rattle, and make powerful runs toward cover. Most snook you'll encounter range from 18 to 28 inches, with the occasional trophy fish pushing 30-plus inches. They're catch-and-release only during certain seasons, but the fight alone makes them worth targeting. Captain John knows the best snook spots and will teach you to read the signs – nervous baitfish, swirls in the water, and those telltale strikes that happen right at dawn and dusk.
Spotted Seatrout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here, and for good reason – they're abundant, willing to bite, and excellent table fare when kept within regulations. These fish school up over grass flats and sandy areas, typically in 2 to 8 feet of water where they feed on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Trout fishing is productive year-round in this area, though they tend to move to deeper water during cold fronts in winter. The average trout runs 14 to 18 inches, with larger "gator trout" over 20 inches being a real prize. They have a relatively soft mouth, so you'll learn to fight them with a steady pressure rather than aggressive hook sets. Trout are also one of the best species for beginners because they're forgiving and respond well to a variety of baits and techniques. Under popping corks with live shrimp is deadly, but they'll also hit soft plastics and topwater lures when conditions are right.
Redfish might be the most exciting inshore species to target, especially when you can sight-fish them in shallow water. These copper-colored fighters are built like tanks and will test your drag system with powerful, bulldozing runs. Reds are year-round residents in these waters, though they tend to school up more heavily in fall and winter months. You'll find them cruising grass flats, tailing in super-shallow water, or hanging around oyster bars and creek mouths. Slot-size reds (18 to 27 inches) are perfect for dinner, while oversized fish over 27 inches are catch-and-release and provide the fight of a lifetime. What's really fun about redfish is how you can often see them before you cast – watching their
This beautifully restored 1986 Aquasport bay boat is your ticket to Boca Grande's legendary inshore waters. At 24 feet with a reliable 200HP Honda pushing her to 40 knots, she'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and keep you comfortable all day. The spacious cockpit handles up to 4 anglers with room to fight those feisty snook and redfish. Captain John has outfitted her with everything you need – GPS to navigate the flats, fish finder to locate structure where trout hide, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Whether you're working the mangroves for snook or drifting grass beds for spotted seatrout, this classic bay boat delivers the shallow-water performance and stability that makes Boca Grande fishing so productive.
Caranx HipposJack crevalle are the bullies of the flats - aggressive, hard-fighting fish that'll test your tackle and your arm strength. These brassy-green bruisers typically run 12-24 inches around Boca Grande, but bigger ones in the 30-40 inch range show up regularly. You'll find them roaming grass flats, around structure, and especially under diving birds where they're pushing baitfish to the surface. They're most active in warmer months when bait is thick. What guests love about jacks is their willingness to eat almost anything and their ability to fight way above their weight class. They hit hard, run fast, and never give up. While they're not great table fare, they're pure fun on light tackle. Watch for bird activity - when you see pelicans and terns diving, there's usually jacks underneath causing the chaos. Here's the key: cast past the school and retrieve your lure fast. Jacks love the chase, so don't be afraid to burn that spoon or swimbait back to the boat.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target around Boca Grande's shallow flats and backcountry. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches, with that signature black spot near the tail acting like a bullseye. Look for them tailing in 1-3 feet of water over grass beds and oyster bars, especially on moving tides. They're year-round residents, but fall brings the best action when they school up for their spawning runs. What makes reds special is their powerful, sustained fight - they'll strip drag and make long runs across the flats. They're also fantastic table fare when kept in the slot. The real thrill comes from watching them cruise in skinny water with their backs almost breaking the surface. Here's my go-to technique: when you spot a red, cast well ahead of where it's heading and let your bait sit motionless. They spook easily from splashing lures, but a still shrimp or soft plastic gets eaten every time.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. These silver-sided fish with dark spots typically run 14-20 inches in our waters, though bigger ones show up regularly. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around potholes and drop-offs. They're most active during cooler months when they school up, making fall and winter prime time. Trout hit soft plastics, live shrimp, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. What guests love about specks is their willingness to bite and their delicate, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also great for sight fishing on calm days when you can spot their shadows over light bottom. Pro tip: when you catch one speckled trout, work that same area thoroughly. They travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually several more nearby.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after inshore species, and for good reason. These sleek predators typically run 1-3 feet long around Boca Grande, with that distinctive black lateral line making them easy to spot. You'll find them hugging mangrove shorelines, around docks, and in deeper passes where they ambush baitfish. They're temperature-sensitive, so spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps stay warm. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make multiple runs and try every trick to throw your hook. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: work your lure parallel to the mangroves rather than casting directly at them. Snook often hold just outside the roots in 3-4 feet of water, and a bait moving along their ambush zone triggers more strikes than one bouncing off the trees.
5.0 out of 5.0John and Mark were great all around! They picked us up on time, traveled 15 minutes and we were catching fish as soon as we put ou...
Placida, FL