Half Day Advanced Fishing Trip in Englewood, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour nearshore charter targets grouper and snapperAdvanced fishing techniques over reefs 9 miles offshoreSmall groups fish Gulf waters with experienced captain
When you're ready to put your fishing skills to the test, Capt. Dave Spargur's Charters delivers exactly what experienced anglers are looking for. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip - it's a 4-hour private charter designed for folks who know their way around a rod and reel. You'll head about 9 miles off the Englewood coast to work some of the Gulf's most productive hard bottom structure, ledges, and artificial reefs. With only 4 spots available, you get plenty of elbow room and personalized attention while targeting some serious fish. Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, and Tripletail are all on the menu, and Capt. Dave knows exactly where to find them.
This charter runs like clockwork for anglers who appreciate quality fishing without the hand-holding. You'll launch from Englewood and make the run to proven offshore structure where the big fish hang out. The Gulf waters here stay relatively calm, making it perfect for focused fishing sessions. Capt. Dave provides top-rated gear, but many regulars bring their own setups - whatever makes you comfortable. The boat positions over hard bottom areas, artificial reefs, and natural ledges that hold fish year-round. You'll spend your time working different depths and structure types, adjusting techniques based on what the fish are telling you. No rushed spots or quick moves - this is about putting in the time where it counts most.
The fishing here revolves around bottom structure, so you'll be working heavy tackle and precise presentations. Most of the action happens with conventional reels loaded with 50-80 lb test, depending on what you're targeting. Circle hooks are standard for the grouper and snapper, while the Cobia and Tripletail fishing might call for different approaches. You'll fish live bait, cut bait, and sometimes artificials when the situation calls for it. The key is reading the electronics and understanding how different species relate to the structure below. Capt. Dave's boat is rigged with quality fish finders and GPS, so you're always fishing the sweet spots. The artificial reefs here are loaded with life, creating perfect ambush points for predators. Natural ledges offer different opportunities, especially when the current is moving right.
Cobia are the ultimate challenge for skilled anglers visiting Englewood waters. These powerful fish cruise the reefs and ledges looking for easy meals, often showing up when you least expect them. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag system and technique. Most Cobia here run 20-40 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 50 plus. Spring through fall offers the best action, with peak numbers showing up during the warmer months. What makes them so exciting is their unpredictable nature - one minute you're bottom fishing for grouper, the next you're watching a big brown fish cruise by the boat. They're notorious for following hooked fish to the surface, giving you a shot at doubling up.
Tripletail are one of the most unique species you'll encounter on these trips. They're masters of camouflage, floating near the surface looking exactly like floating debris or seaweed. These fish are incredibly smart and easily spooked, making them a real test of an angler's skill. They fight much harder than their size suggests, using their broad sides to leverage against you. Most Tripletail here range from 3-8 pounds, but don't let the size fool you - they're fantastic table fare and a real trophy for experienced anglers. Summer months are prime time, when they're most active near the surface around floating structure.
Red Snapper remain the gold standard for Gulf fishing, and the waters off Englewood hold some beautiful fish. These guys are aggressive feeders but incredibly structure-oriented, rarely venturing far from their home reefs. They'll test your ability to keep them out of the rocks, often making powerful runs straight back to the bottom. The average size here runs 3-8 pounds, with larger fish always possible. Their bright red color and excellent eating quality make them a customer favorite. They're most active during slack tide periods, when they venture higher in the water column to feed.
Gag Grouper are the backbone of nearshore Gulf fishing, and these reefs hold some quality fish. They're ambush predators that use the structure to their advantage, often grabbing baits and immediately heading for cover. You need solid tackle and quick reflexes to turn these fish away from the rocks. Most Gags here range from 3-10 pounds, with the occasional larger fish keeping things interesting. They're incredibly strong for their size and provide some of the best eating you'll find. Fall and winter months often produce the most consistent action, when they're feeding heavily before the spawn.
If you're tired of crowded boats and basic fishing trips, this charter delivers exactly what experienced anglers want. Four hours of focused fishing over proven structure with a captain who knows these waters inside and out. The small group size means you get the attention and boat positioning that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. Capt. Dave's reputation speaks for itself - this is world-class Gulf fishing without the tourist trap feel. The deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. But for serious anglers looking to test their skills against some of the Gulf's best fish, this trip delivers every time. The structure off Englewood holds fish year-round, so whenever you're ready to get out there, the fish are waiting.
Captain Dave's beautifully restored 1968 Aquasport Flatback 222 is your ticket to productive Gulf waters off Englewood. This classic 22-foot center console was given new life in 2017 and handles the 9-mile run to the fishing grounds with ease. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, she's equipped with everything you need for a serious grouper and snapper hunt - GPS to hit the productive spots, fish finder to locate structure holding fish, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to spooky cobia and tripletail. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 4-hour adventure. Whether you're working ledges, artificial reefs, or hard bottom areas, this boat gets you there comfortably and puts you on fish. It's a no-nonsense fishing machine built for anglers who want to spend their time with lines in the water rather than dealing with boat problems.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are solitary hunters that can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds, though most we catch run 20-40 pounds. They're dark brown with a shark-like profile that gets your heart racing until you see that single dorsal fin. These fish love structure - reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're moving through our area. What makes them special is the fight - they're strong, aggressive, and make powerful runs. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat. Here's the trick: when you spot one cruising near the surface, cast your bucktail jig well ahead and work it back slowly. They spook easy, but once hooked, they'll test every ounce of your drag.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bruisers of the reef, averaging 5-15 pounds with some pushing 30+ pounds. They're mottled gray-brown and love rocky structure, ledges, and artificial reefs where they can ambush prey. These fish are year-round residents, but spring and fall fishing is fantastic when they're most active. What anglers love is the pure power - once hooked, they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their rocky hideout. The fight is all about who's stronger, you or the fish. They're also top-notch table fare. Live pinfish and mullet are hard to beat, but cut squid works well too. The secret is keeping your reel locked tight from the hookset - give them an inch and they'll find a hole to break you off in.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of our Gulf waters - these bright red fighters average 2-8 pounds but can push 20 pounds or more. They live around hard bottom, reefs, and ledges in 30-100+ feet of water, right where we fish. Season varies with regulations, but when they're open, it's pure action. What makes them special is that stubborn fight - they'll dive straight for cover and test your drag. The meat is outstanding too, sweet and flaky. They're smart fish that can be line shy, so fresh bait is key. Pinfish, cigar minnows, and squid work great. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the rocks. They know every hole and ledge down there, so muscle them up quick.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of the most unique fish you'll encounter - they get their name from those rounded fins that look like three tails. Most run 2-5 pounds, but we see some pushing 15-20 pounds. They're masters of disguise, floating on their sides near the surface to mimic debris or weeds around structure. You'll find them year-round in our Gulf waters, especially around floating objects and current breaks. What guests love is the sight fishing - spotting them near the surface and making precise casts. They're scrappy fighters for their size and excellent eating, with meat that rivals snapper. The key is stealth - cast well past them and work your bait back slowly. They're easily spooked, so keep noise to a minimum and approach from downwind.
Englewood, FL