5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Family Fishing Charters in Englewood Waters
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private nearshore fishing trip for familiesTarget grouper, snapper, and cobia near artificial reefsExpert guidance suitable for beginners and experienced anglers
When you're looking for a solid day of fishing that works for everyone in the family, Captain Dave Spargur's got you covered. This 4-hour private charter takes you just 9 miles off Englewood's coast to some of the most productive fishing grounds in the Gulf. You'll be targeting hard bottoms, ledges, and artificial reefs where the fish like to hang out – and trust me, they're there. Whether you've got kids who've never held a rod or seasoned anglers in your group, this trip moves at a pace that keeps everyone happy and hooks bent.
Captain Dave keeps this trip focused on fun and fish. You'll head out to structure about 9 miles offshore where the bottom changes from sand to hard substrate – that's where the good stuff happens. The artificial reefs and natural ledges in this area create perfect ambush points for grouper, snapper, and other bottom dwellers. The Gulf waters here stay relatively calm, making it comfortable for families and first-timers who might worry about getting seasick. With a maximum of 4 guests, you get plenty of personal attention and room to move around. Dave tailors the fishing techniques based on your group's experience level, so beginners learn the basics while experienced anglers can work on more advanced tactics.
This trip is all about bottom fishing over structure, which means you'll be dropping baits down to where the fish live. Captain Dave uses a mix of live bait and cut bait depending on what's working that day – pilchards, pinfish, and squid are all favorites. You'll learn how to feel the bottom, how to keep your bait in the strike zone, and how to tell the difference between a fish bite and getting hung up on the reef. The key is getting your bait right to the structure without losing too much tackle. Dave's got the electronics to mark fish and the local knowledge to put you on the spots that consistently produce. Circle hooks are the standard here – they're easier for beginners to use and help with conservation by reducing gut-hooked fish.
"Captain Dave and Capt Dave Spargurs Charters are top-tier! Dave's knowledge of fishing spots and his friendly demeanor ensured a successful and enjoyable trip. Highly recommended for an amazing fishing adventure!" - Jao
"Captain Dave and Capt Dave Spargurs Charters provided us with an amazing fishing adventure! Dave's professionalism and passion for fishing were evident throughout the trip. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fantastic day on the water!" - Michael
Cobia are one of the most exciting fish you can tangle with in these waters. These brown sharks (that's what some locals call them) are curious fish that will often come right up to the boat to investigate. They're strong fighters that make long runs and can grow quite large – a 30-pound cobia will definitely test your drag system. Spring and fall are prime times for cobia as they migrate through the area, but you can find them around structure year-round. They're excellent eating and put up a memorable fight that makes them a favorite target for both kids and adults.
Tripletail might be the weirdest-looking fish you'll catch, but they're absolutely delicious and fun to fight. These oddball fish like to float sideways near structure, looking like floating debris until they suddenly come alive when they see your bait. They're ambush predators with a sneaky strike that can catch you off guard. Summer months are best for tripletail, and they typically run 3-8 pounds – perfect size for the dinner table. Their fighting style is different from other fish, with lots of head shaking and short runs that keep things interesting.
Red Snapper are the kings of the reef when they're in season, and these Gulf waters produce some beautiful fish. They're aggressive biters that will slam your bait hard, but they're also smart enough to test your drag system on the way up. Snapper have excellent eyesight, so lighter leaders and fresh bait make a big difference in your success rate. During open season, you'll find them stacked up on the artificial reefs and hard bottom areas. They're probably the best eating fish in the Gulf, and a cooler full of red snapper makes for some serious bragging rights back at the dock.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champions of the bottom fishing world in these waters. These fish live in caves and crevices in the reef structure, and when you hook one, their first instinct is to head straight back to their hole. You've got to turn their head quickly and get them up and away from the structure, or they'll cut you off on the rocks. Gags are curious fish that will often grab a bait as soon as it hits bottom. They're excellent table fare and their size makes them a real trophy – a 20-pound gag grouper is something to be proud of. Fall and winter are prime times for gag grouper, when they're feeding heavily before spawning season.
This half-day family trip with Captain Dave hits all the right notes – good fishing, comfortable boat, and a guide who knows how to work with different skill levels. The 4-hour timeframe is perfect for keeping kids engaged without wearing them out, and the private charter setup means you're not dealing with crowds or rushing to keep up with strangers. These Englewood waters are consistently productive, and Captain Dave's local knowledge puts you on fish while teaching you something along the way. Whether you're looking to introduce the family to offshore fishing or just want a relaxing day catching dinner, this trip delivers. Book early, especially during peak season, because spots fill up fast for quality guides like Dave.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are impressive fish that often hit 6 feet and 100 pounds, with dark brown bodies and lighter bellies. They're usually solitary and cruise near the surface around our reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through summer is prime time when they're moving through our area. What makes them special is that aggressive strike and strong fight - they'll test your gear. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. The key to landing one is keeping your reel locked tight once hooked. They'll immediately try to dive back to structure and break you off. Bucktail jigs work great, but any color will do.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that average around 20 inches but can reach 50+ inches and 80 pounds. They're gray with marbled patterns and love hanging around hard bottom, reefs, and any structure they can hide in. Year-round fishing is good, but they're most active in cooler months. What guests love is that hard initial strike and bulldogging fight - they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their hole. They're also fantastic eating. The secret to landing gag grouper is locking down your drag and not letting them freewheel back to structure. Keep your rod tip low and muscle them up quickly. Live pinfish and mullet work best, but fresh cut bait like squid and crab produces well too.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize fish everyone wants to catch out here. They typically run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but can grow much larger. You'll find them hugging bottom structure on our reefs and ledges in 30-200 feet of water. They're available year-round but fish best during warmer months. What makes them special is that classic snapper fight - they'll dive straight for cover trying to cut your line on the rocks. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with that sweet, mild flavor. My tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and pump them up fast. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around every piece of structure down there.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are quirky fish that usually run 2-13 pounds and about 18 inches, though they can reach 40 pounds. They're olive-colored with dark blotches and get their name from having three fins that look similar at the back. You'll find them year-round floating near the surface around our reefs and structures, often mimicking debris or weeds. They're surprisingly acrobatic for such a chunky fish and make great table fare - tastes similar to snapper. The trick with tripletail is being sneaky. Cast past where you spot one and drag your bait toward them slowly. They spook easily, so let them come to the bait rather than dropping it right on their head.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Dave and Capt Dave Spargurs Charters are top-tier! Dave's knowledge of fishing spots and his friendly demeanor ensured a s...
Captain Dave and Capt Dave Spargurs Charters provided us with an amazing fishing adventure! Dave's professionalism and passion for...
Englewood, FL