Boca Grande Sportfishing Charter Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore charter targeting snook, redfish, grouper, and sharksAll equipment, licenses, bait, and fish cleaning services includedCaptain selects optimal fishing spots based on seasonal conditions
Captain Yannis knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 4-hour Boca Grande charter targets the Gulf Coast's hottest inshore and nearshore species – we're talking snook, redfish, goliath grouper, sharks, and whatever else decides to bite. Whether you're a weekend warrior or picking up a rod for the first time, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers talking long after they've headed home.
Your captain reads the conditions like a pro and adapts accordingly. Some days we're working the shallow flats where redfish cruise in gin-clear water, other times we're hitting the sandy beaches where snook ambush bait, or exploring the historic wrecks that hold grouper and sharks. The beauty of this charter lies in its flexibility – Captain Yannis picks the spots that are firing based on tides, weather, and what's been biting lately. You'll fish from a well-equipped boat with everything handled for you: valid Florida fishing license, quality rods and reels, fresh tackle, live or cut bait, and even fish cleaning at the end of the day. The cooler's stocked with bottled water, but feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks. Just remember your sunglasses, sunscreen, and lightweight long sleeves – the Florida sun doesn't mess around, even on half-day trips.
We're talking serious inshore gear here – medium to heavy action rods paired with spinning or conventional reels that can handle everything from 15-pound snook to massive goliath grouper. Captain Yannis switches up techniques based on what we're targeting and where we're fishing. On the flats, we might be sight-fishing with live pinfish or pilchards, watching for redfish tails or that telltale wake of a cruising snook. Around structure and wrecks, we drop live or cut bait to entice grouper and sharks hiding in the shadows. The Boca Grande area offers incredible diversity – one minute you're working shallow grass beds in three feet of water, the next you're fishing nearshore structure in 30 feet. This variety keeps things interesting and gives you shots at multiple species during a single outing. The captain supplies circle hooks for conservation-minded fishing, especially important when targeting catch-and-release species like goliath grouper.
Permit are the ghosts of the flats – silver bullets that cruise shallow water and test even experienced anglers' skills. These fish are notorious for their wariness and explosive runs once hooked. In Boca Grande waters, permit typically range from 10 to 30 pounds, with larger specimens possible. They're most active during warmer months when they move onto the flats to feed on crabs and small fish. What makes permit special is their fight – they're incredibly strong for their size and will test your drag system with long, sustained runs. Many anglers consider permit one of the ultimate inshore trophies due to their challenging nature and stunning appearance.
Blacktip sharks bring non-stop action and aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. These sharks range from 20 to 60 pounds in local waters and are known for their aggressive strikes and spectacular jumps. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they patrol the beaches and nearshore waters feeding on baitfish. Blacktips are perfect for anglers wanting that shark experience without the intimidation factor of larger species. They fight hard, jump frequently, and provide excellent photo opportunities before release. The key is using appropriate tackle – too light and you'll stress the fish, too heavy and you'll miss the fun of the fight.
Cobia are the brown bombers of the inshore scene, often mistaken for sharks due to their distinctive shape and coloration. These fish average 20 to 40 pounds locally but can exceed 50 pounds, making them serious adversaries on appropriate tackle. Spring and fall migrations bring the best cobia fishing as they move along the coast following bait schools. What sets cobia apart is their curiosity – they'll often approach the boat and can be sight-fished, creating exciting visual encounters. They're also excellent table fare, making them popular with anglers who like to keep a fish for dinner. Cobia fight with power and endurance, making long runs and testing an angler's patience.
Snook are Florida's signature inshore species and the reason many anglers become obsessed with these waters. These ambush predators lurk around structure, mangroves, and beaches, striking with explosive force that can catch you off guard. Local snook typically range from 18 to 35 inches, with slot limits protecting breeding stock. They're most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round in Boca Grande's consistently productive waters. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward structure, where they'll attempt to cut you off. Their distinctive black lateral line and aggressive feeding behavior make them a favorite target for both novice and expert anglers.
Goliath grouper represent the true giants of the nearshore world, with fish commonly weighing 100 to 300 pounds or more. These prehistoric-looking behemoths inhabit wrecks, bridges, and deep structure throughout the area. While strictly catch-and-release, the experience of hooking into one of these monsters is something every angler should experience at least once. Goliath grouper are surprisingly common in Boca Grande waters, particularly around the area's numerous wrecks and artificial reefs. The fight is more about power than speed – imagine trying to lift a refrigerator that doesn't want to come up. These fish are protected for good reason, as they're long-lived and slow to reproduce, but the conservation efforts have paid off with healthy populations that provide world-class fishing opportunities.
This
Our 24-foot center console bay boat is built for serious fishing in Boca Grande's diverse waters. This versatile platform gives you access to everything from shallow grass flats where snook ambush bait to deeper channels where grouper hold near structure. The wide beam keeps things stable when you're fighting a bull redfish or wrestling with a shark. The center console design means you can move around the entire boat to follow the action – no awkward casting over railings or cramped quarters. Whether we're sight-fishing the flats or anchored up on a wreck, you'll have room to work. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on spooky fish without engine noise, while the fish finder shows us exactly what's below. Ice-cold drinks stay that way in the built-in icebox, and if we run into morning fog or afternoon storms, the radar keeps us moving safely. GPS gets us to those productive spots where Captain Yannis knows the fish stack up. This boat handles Boca Grande's changing conditions – from skinny water backcountry to the deeper nearshore grounds where the big fish cruise.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most exciting sharks to target here - they're the ones that'll jump clean out of the water and sometimes right into the boat! These sharks average 4-5 feet but can reach up to 9 feet and over 270 pounds. You'll find them patrolling our reefs, wrecks, and nearshore waters in 30-100 feet, especially around structure where they hunt for mackerel, herring, and croaker. Spring through fall is prime time when baitfish are thick. What guests love is their acrobatic fights - they can launch 20+ feet into the air at incredible speeds. Despite being aggressive feeders, they're actually pretty timid until the feeding frenzy starts. My tip: use oily baits like mackerel or sardines, and don't be afraid of the chum slick. Heavy braided line and circle hooks are essential because once they get excited, things happen fast.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are often mistaken for sharks with their dark brown coloring and single dorsal fin, but these fish are pure muscle and excellent table fare. They average around 30-50 pounds but can reach 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. You'll typically spot them cruising alone around our wrecks, reefs, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water - they're curious fish that'll often come check out the boat. Spring migration through summer gives us the best shots, especially during spawning season. What makes cobia special is their firm, white meat that rivals any fish on the table, plus they put up a strong, bulldogging fight. Since they're usually solitary, each fish is a prize. Pro tip: sight fishing is key here - keep your eyes peeled for that dark shadow just under the surface, and have a bucktail jig ready to drop right in front of them.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese are the true giants of our wrecks and reefs - goliath grouper can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds, making them one of the most memorable fish you'll ever encounter. We find them around structure in 20-100 feet, often the same spots year after year. They're curious and fearless, sometimes following divers around. Summer through early fall is best when they gather for spawning. What makes them special is the pure power - that first pull can literally drag you across the deck if you're not ready. Since they're protected (catch and release only), it's all about the experience and photos. These fish can live 100+ years, so treat them with respect. My advice: use heavy tackle with 80-pound gear minimum, anchor close enough to draw them out but far enough to pull them away from structure, and bounce your bait to get their attention.
Trachinotus FalcatusThese silvery, disc-shaped fish are one of the trickiest targets you'll encounter around Boca Grande. Permit typically run 20-40 pounds, but their golf ball-sized eyes that rotate nearly 360 degrees make them incredibly spooky. You'll find them cruising shallow flats in just 2-3 feet of water, which seems impossible for such tall fish. Spring through early fall gives us the best action when they're spawning offshore and moving through our area. What makes permit special is the challenge - they're harder to fool than tarpon or bonefish. When you do hook one, expect a serious fight with long runs. Blue crab is the go-to bait, but here's a local tip: if they're being picky, try a small piece of crab on a lighter leader and let it sit dead still on the bottom.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, and for good reason. These sleek predators with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-30 inches, but can reach over 4 feet. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths where they ambush prey. They handle both salt and fresh water, making our estuaries perfect habitat. Spring through fall is prime time, especially around the new and full moons when they spawn. Snook are prized for their acrobatic fights - they'll jump, run, and use every bit of cover to break you off. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. Here's the key: they're extremely structure-oriented, so get your bait tight to the mangroves or pilings. Use soft plastics or topwater lures, but be ready - when a snook hits, you've got seconds to turn their head before they wrap you up.
Boca Grande, FL