Half Day Advanced Fishing Trip in Englewood, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour private charter targeting grouper and snapper offshoreAdvanced fishing techniques over reefs nine miles from coastSmall group experience with quality gear and expert guidance
When you're ready to step up your game and fish some serious structure, Capt. Dave Spargur knows exactly where to take you. This 4-hour private charter runs about 9 miles off Englewood's coast, hitting the hard bottoms and artificial reefs where the big fish live. You're not just casting around hoping for luck – you're fishing productive water with purpose. The Gulf's calm conditions make this trip perfect for small groups of up to 4 anglers who want to focus on technique and put some quality fish in the boat. Dave's been working these waters for years, and he'll put you on the spots where Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, and Tripletail are actually feeding.
This isn't a beginner's trip – it's designed for anglers who already know their way around a rod and reel. You'll be targeting structure-oriented species that require some skill to hook and land successfully. The nearshore reefs and ledges off Englewood hold some serious fish, and Dave will position you over the most productive spots based on current conditions, tide, and what's been biting recently. The 4-hour window gives you enough time to work multiple spots without feeling rushed, but it's focused enough that every minute counts. You'll be bottom fishing over hard structure, so come prepared to lose some tackle – that's just part of the game when you're fishing where the big ones live. The private charter setup means no crowds, no waiting for other anglers, and the flexibility to adjust tactics based on what you're seeing on the fish finder.
Dave provides quality gear that can handle the species you'll be targeting, but experienced anglers often prefer bringing their own setup. You'll primarily be fishing with conventional reels spooled with heavier line – think 30-50 lb test depending on what you're after. Circle hooks are the way to go for most of these species, both for conservation and hookup ratios. The artificial reefs and hard bottom structure require precise boat positioning and good electronics to stay on the productive zones. You'll be dropping baits to specific depths, often 40-80 feet, where Grouper and Snapper hold tight to the structure. Live bait works great when available, but fresh cut bait like sardines, pinfish, and grunt will get the job done. The key is getting your presentation down to the bottom quickly before the current pulls you off the spot. Dave's GPS marks and local knowledge make all the difference in finding the active fish rather than just fishing empty water.
Gag Grouper are the crown jewel of this fishery, and these hard-fighting bottom dwellers know how to use structure to their advantage. They typically run 3-15 pounds in this area, with the occasional bruiser pushing 20-plus. Gags are most active during cooler months from October through March, and they're notorious for making powerful runs straight back to their holes when hooked. What makes them special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll test your drag and your patience as they try to wrap you around every piece of structure on the bottom.
Red Snapper bring both beauty and excellent table fare to the mix. These guys average 2-8 pounds off Englewood's reefs, with their distinctive red coloration and excellent eating quality making them a favorite target. Red Snapper are typically most active during summer months when regulations allow, and they're known for their quick, aggressive bite followed by a strong fight toward the surface. They school up over structure and can provide fast action when you locate an active group. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the Gulf.
Cobia are the wildcards of this trip, and when they show up, things get exciting fast. These brown sharks of the reef world can range from 20-50 pounds, and they're incredibly curious fish that will often come up to investigate the boat. They're most common from April through September, and they're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. Cobia have excellent table quality and their fighting ability makes them one of the most sought-after species for serious anglers. They're also sight fishing opportunities when they cruise the surface near structure.
Tripletail might be the most unique species you'll encounter, often found floating near debris or structure in a head-down position that makes them look like floating leaves. They typically run 3-10 pounds and are available year-round, with peak action in warmer months. Tripletail are prized for their exceptional eating quality and their challenging nature – they're spooky fish that require precise presentations. When hooked, they make strong runs and are known for their ability to throw hooks with head-shaking jumps.
Capt. Dave's advanced fishing trips fill up quickly because word gets around among serious anglers about productive charters. This 4-hour format gives you the perfect balance of time on the water without the full-day commitment, making it ideal for visiting anglers or locals looking for a focused fishing experience. The private charter setup means you're fishing with your own group at your own pace, and Dave's local knowledge of the Englewood reef system gives you the best shot at connecting with quality fish. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but also know that you're booking with a captain who's committed to putting you on fish. Whether you're looking to improve your bottom fishing techniques or just want to catch some quality Gulf species, this trip delivers the goods for anglers ready to fish serious structure.
Captain Dave's beautifully restored 1968 Aquasport Flatback 222 is your ticket to prime Gulf waters off Englewood. This classic 22-foot center console may have vintage bones, but the 2017 restoration brought modern reliability to chase grouper and snapper around the hard bottoms. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure, while the fish finder helps locate those productive ledges about 9 miles offshore. With an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus GPS to navigate back to those honey holes, this boat handles up to 4 anglers comfortably. The center console design gives everyone room to work their lines without tangling up, whether you're dropping baits to the bottom or working artificials around the reefs. Captain Dave knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand, and this classic Aquasport has the sea legs to get you out there and back safely with a cooler full of quality fish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are impressive fish that average around 30-50 pounds, but can push 100 pounds or more. These dark brown, shark-like fish are typically loners, so finding one usually means sight fishing in 30-70 feet of water around reefs and structures. Spring through fall gives you the best shots at them here in the Gulf. What makes cobia special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll try to wrap you around anything they can find. Plus, they're top-shelf table fare with firm, white meat that rivals mahi. My tip: when you spot one cruising the surface, cast well ahead and let your bucktail jig sink - they love to ambush prey from below rather than chase it down.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the classic Gulf bottom dwellers that keep anglers coming back. These mottled gray fish average around 20 inches but can reach 50+ inches and 80 pounds. You'll find them tucked into ledges, reefs, and rocky structure in 20-120 feet of water. Fall through spring offers the best fishing when they're more active in cooler water. What makes gags special is their bulldogging fight and excellent eating quality. Once hooked, they immediately dive for cover, so be ready for a tug-of-war. Keep your drag locked tight and don't give them an inch, or they'll wrap you up in the rocks. Live pinfish or cut squid work great, but here's the key: drop your bait right into the structure where they live, not nearby.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of Gulf bottom fishing. These bright red fish typically run 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though they can grow much larger. You'll find them on hard bottom, reefs, and ledges in 40-200 feet, where they school up tight to structure. Summer months offer the best action during their spawning season. What draws anglers back is their scrappy fight and outstanding table quality - sweet, firm meat that's hard to beat. The trick with snapper is getting them up fast once hooked. They'll try to cut you off on the structure, so keep steady pressure and don't let them get their head down. Fresh squid or live pinfish work best, but keep your bait right on the bottom where they feed.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are quirky fish that most anglers remember once they've caught one. They typically run 2-13 pounds and have this unique habit of floating on their sides near the surface, mimicking debris or weeds. You'll find them around weed lines and floating structure in summer and fall. What makes them fun is they're surprisingly acrobatic for such a chunky fish, and they taste similar to snapper or grouper. The challenge is they spook easily, so stealth is key. Here's what works: when you spot one laying on its side, don't cast directly at it. Instead, cast past the fish and work your bait or lure back toward it slowly - let them think they're ambushing an easy meal.
Englewood, FL