5.0(1 Reviews)Full-Day Inshore Fishing Charter in Boca Grande
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day inshore charter targeting redfish, snook, and troutAll tackle, gear, and fishing licenses includedExpert guidance for anglers of all experience levels
Captain John's 8-hour inshore fishing charter puts you right where the fish are biting in Boca Grande's legendary waters. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking about a proper full-day adventure that gives you time to really dial in on the fish and learn the waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Florida trophy species to your list or a family wanting to get the kids hooked on fishing, this charter delivers. We'll pick you up right on time and have you casting lines within minutes of leaving the dock. All your tackle, gear, and fishing licenses are covered, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat.
This full-day charter kicks off early when Captain John and his crew pick you up at your designated spot. Within 15 minutes, you'll be anchored up or drifting over some of the most productive inshore waters along Florida's Gulf Coast. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is that you're not watching the clock – if the fish are biting in one spot, we stay put. If they've moved to deeper grass flats or around structure, we follow them. The flexible start time means we can time our departure around tides, weather, and seasonal patterns that put fish in feeding mode. You'll spend your day working everything from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise in skinny water to deeper channels where snook ambush baitfish. Captain John knows these waters like his own backyard and he'll put you on fish while sharing local knowledge that only comes from years of guiding in these productive waters.
We fish smart in Boca Grande, matching our approach to what the fish want on any given day. Live bait is king here – we'll have fresh shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish ready to go. When the bite is hot, nothing beats a well-presented live shrimp under a popping cork over grass flats. For snook around structure, we'll pitch live bait tight to docks and mangroves where these ambush predators like to hide. Artificial lures have their place too, especially when covering water or when fish are actively feeding. Soft plastics, topwater plugs, and jigs all earn their keep in the tackle box. The boat comes rigged with quality spinning tackle that can handle everything from finicky trout to bulldogging redfish. Captain John and his crew will match your tackle to the conditions and target species, then coach you through the techniques that work best in these waters. Whether you're learning to read water, perfecting your cast placement, or figuring out how to fight a fish around structure, you'll pick up skills that make you a better angler.
"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 Boca Grande inshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters love structure – docks, mangroves, bridges, and oyster bars all hold fish. They're ambush predators that explode on baits with gill-rattling strikes, then bulldoze toward cover trying to cut you off. The best snook action happens around moving water, especially during dawn and dusk when they move shallow to feed. Fall and spring offer prime opportunities when water temperatures sit in that sweet spot. What makes snook special isn't just their fight – it's their attitude. They'll test your drag, your knots, and your patience, but landing a slot-sized snook is pure satisfaction.
Redfish bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow grass flats where they cruise in small schools, tailing and pushing wakes as they hunt crabs and baitfish. Sight-fishing for reds in skinny water gets your heart pumping – watching a fish eat your bait in crystal-clear water never gets old. Redfish fight with raw power, making long runs and using their broad sides to pull drag. They're year-round residents that feed aggressively, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. The bigger bull reds that show up in fall and winter will test your tackle and your back muscles.
Spotted seatrout might not have the reputation of snook or redfish, but they're arguably the most reliable biters in these waters. Trout love grass flats, especially areas with sandy potholes where they can ambush unsuspecting shrimp and small fish. They're structure-oriented but not as cover-dependent as snook, making them great targets for beginning anglers. Spring and fall bring the best trout fishing when cooler water temperatures have them feeding actively. A popping cork with live shrimp is deadly on trout, but they'll also hammer soft plastics worked slowly over grass beds. Don't let their relatively modest size fool you – a good trout puts up a scrappy fight and they're excellent table fare.
Jack Crevalle earn respect through sheer power and determination. When a jack hits your bait, you know it immediately – they're bulldogs that fight all the way to the boat. These silver torpedoes travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Jacks aren't picky eaters, hitting both live bait and artificials with equal enthusiasm. They're year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species might be finicky. While they're not table fare, jacks are perfect for catch-and-release fun, especially for kids who want to feel what a real fish fight is all about.
Captain John's restored 1986 Aquasport Bay boat is your ticket to Boca Grande's best inshore fishing spots. This 24-foot vessel got a complete makeover in 2018 and runs smooth with a reliable 200HP Honda that'll get you to the fish at 40 knots. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, she's equipped with everything you need for a successful day chasing redfish, snook, and trout – GPS to navigate the flats, fish finder to locate schools, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Whether you're working the mangroves for snook or drifting grass beds for trout, this boat handles shallow water like a dream while giving everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish comfortably.
Caranx HipposJack crevalle are the ultimate fighters in our local waters - pure muscle and attitude packed into a brassy-green body. These bullies typically run 3-15 pounds around Boca Grande, though bigger ones cruise the deeper passes. You'll find them in schools over grass flats, around structure, and anywhere baitfish gather. They're warm-weather fish, most active spring through fall when the water's warm. What guests love about jacks is their raw power - pound for pound, nothing fights harder. They'll test your drag and your arms with bulldogging runs. While not great table fare, they're perfect for catch-and-release action. The real thrill is sight-casting to schools blowing up bait on the surface. Watch for diving birds - that's your cue. Pro tip: cast past the school and rip your lure back fast. These aggressive fish can't resist a fleeing baitfish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing here in Boca Grande. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots near the tail typically range from 18-30 inches and fight like freight trains. You'll find them cruising our shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water, around oyster bars, and in the deeper passes. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. What makes redfish so popular is their aggressive nature and incredible fight - they'll strip drag and make long powerful runs. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. The sight fishing opportunities are amazing too, watching them tail in skinny water. Local secret: look for nervous water and mullet jumping - that's usually reds pushing bait around. Cast beyond the disturbance and work your lure back through it.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are a staple of our Boca Grande flats fishing. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and love our shallow grass beds and sandy bottoms. They're most active in water 2-8 feet deep, especially around structure changes and drop-offs. Cool weather months bring some of the best trout fishing as they school up in deeper holes and channels. What guests love about trout is their willingness to bite and their delicate, flaky white meat - they're fantastic table fare. They fight well for their size and are great for beginners to build confidence. Here's a local tip: work your bait slowly along the bottom in deeper water during winter, but switch to topwater plugs over the grass flats during warmer months at dawn and dusk.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most prized inshore targets around Boca Grande. These golden beauties typically run 1-3 feet long with that distinctive black lateral line running down their sides. You'll find them hugging mangrove shorelines, around docks, and in deeper cuts where they ambush baitfish. They're incredibly structure-oriented, so we'll work the edges carefully. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong fight - they'll run hard and try to cut you off in the structure. The meat is excellent too, sweet and flaky. Pro tip: always approach snook spots quietly and make your first cast count - they spook easily but that first presentation often triggers the bite.
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