Full Day Offshore Fishing in Chokoloskee, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing in pristine 10,000 Islands watersTarget Tripletail, Permit, Cobia at backcountry and wreck spotsSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboard
Captain Brock Wagner knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish in the legendary 10,000 Islands. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking a full commitment to finding the big ones that call these pristine backcountry waters and offshore wrecks home. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows, plus personalized attention from one of the area's most experienced captains. Whether you're chasing that bucket-list Goliath Grouper or hoping to sight-cast to a cruising Cobia, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back to Southwest Florida year after year.
Captain Brock runs a top-rated operation that covers serious ground throughout the day. You'll start early, heading out into the maze of mangrove islands and crystal-clear flats that make this region a world-class fishing destination. The 10,000 Islands aren't just a number – it's an endless playground of structure, current breaks, and fishy water that holds everything from schooling Cobia to monster Goliath Grouper. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself sight-fishing the flats one hour and dropping lines on productive wrecks the next. The boat is rigged with quality tackle and all the gear you need, so just bring your fishing license, snacks, and plenty of water for the day. Captain Brock's local knowledge really shines here – he's been working these waters for years and knows exactly where to position the boat when the tide and wind line up just right.
This fishing experience combines the best of both worlds: backcountry finesse fishing and offshore power fishing. In the shallows, you'll work with lighter tackle, making precise casts to structure and drop-offs where Snook and Black Drum hang out. Captain Brock will have you rigged with circle hooks and live bait when the situation calls for it, or switch you over to artificials when the fish are actively feeding. The wreck fishing is where things get interesting – you'll drop heavier tackle down to productive bottom structure where Cobia and massive Goliath Grouper patrol. The captain provides all rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but feel free to bring your own setup if you've got a favorite combo. Live bait is the name of the game out here, and Captain Brock knows all the best spots to load the wells before heading to the honey holes. Expect to work with everything from pilchards to pinfish, depending on what the target species are keying in on that day.
Cobia are the crown jewel of this fishery, especially during their spring and fall migrations when they cruise the flats in big numbers. These brown sharks – as locals call them – can push 40-50 pounds and will absolutely test your drag system. They're sight-fishing at its finest: you'll actually see them swimming near the surface, often following rays or just cruising solo. The fight is pure power, with long runs that'll make your arms burn. Best months are March through May and again in September and October when they're moving through in schools.
Tripletail might be the quirkiest fish you'll encounter on this trip. They love to hang around crab traps, channel markers, and floating debris, literally laying on their sides like a leaf. Don't let their lazy appearance fool you – these fish are incredible table fare and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. Summer months are prime time, and Captain Brock has a keen eye for spotting them when they're barely visible near the surface. They're notorious for being spooky, so accurate casting and a stealthy approach are key.
Snook fishing in the 10,000 Islands backcountry is legendary among Southwest Florida anglers. These ambush predators love the mangrove shorelines and dock structure, especially during moving water. They'll crush topwater plugs at dawn and dusk, creating some of the most explosive strikes you'll experience. The slot fish here are thick and healthy, with plenty of opportunities for catch-and-release action. Summer and fall produce the most consistent action, though winter can be outstanding on warmer days.
Goliath Grouper encounters are what fishing dreams are made of. These giants can exceed 400 pounds and will absolutely humble even the most experienced angler. They're strictly catch-and-release, but the photo opportunities and bragging rights last forever. Captain Brock knows the wrecks and ledges where these dinosaurs hang out, and he'll have you rigged with the heavy tackle needed to turn their heads away from structure. The fight is more like a tug-of-war than traditional fishing – pure brute strength that'll leave you questioning your equipment choices.
Black Drum are the sleepers of this trip, often providing steady action when other species are finicky. The big ones – we're talking 30-50 pounders – are serious fighters that use their broad sides and bulldogging power to test your patience. They're bottom feeders that love crabs and shrimp, making them perfect targets around oyster bars and grass flats. Spring spawning runs can produce multiple hookups, and their distinctive drumming sound underwater adds to the excitement when you've got a big one on.
Captain Brock Wagner's full-day Chokoloskee fishing experience delivers the kind of diverse action that makes Southwest Florida a premier fishing destination. From sight-casting to cruising Cobia to battling giant Goliath Grouper on the wrecks, this trip covers all the bases that serious anglers are looking for. The 10,000 Islands backcountry offers fishing opportunities you simply won't find anywhere else, and having
Your fishing platform for this Chokoloskee adventure is a well-equipped motorboat built for serious angling in the 10,000 Islands. This boat comes loaded with everything you need to track down Tripletail, Permit, and Cobia in these productive waters. The fish finder will help you locate structure and baitfish, while the GPS keeps you on course to the best backcountry spots and wrecks where the big fish hang out. You'll have an ice box to keep your catch fresh and a toilet for comfort during those long fishing sessions. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up. This setup is perfect for covering ground from shallow flats to offshore structure, giving you access to the diverse fishing opportunities that make this area legendary among serious fishermen.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldozers of our shallow flats - powerful fish that can push 90 pounds with crushing jaws built for oysters and crabs. You'll find them on muddy bottoms, oyster beds, and around structure from super shallow water down to 100 feet. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning and make those drumming sounds you can actually hear. They're tough fighters that use their weight against you, plus the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent eating. Fresh crab is the top bait since it won't get picked off by catfish like shrimp will. Pro tip: use just enough weight to stay on bottom and let that crab sit still - these fish will come to investigate and inhale it when they're ready.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are solitary bruisers that average 6 feet and 100 pounds - dark brown with that distinctive single dorsal fin that makes them look like sharks at first glance. You'll find them around our wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-70 feet, though they cruise shallower waters too. Spring through summer is prime time when they're moving and feeding aggressively. What makes cobia special is their raw power and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's worth the fight. They'll smash bucktail jigs, crankbaits, and live bait. Pro tip: when you spot one cruising the surface, cast well ahead and let them find your bait rather than dropping it right on their head - they spook easier than you'd think.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our reefs - these protected monsters can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds. You'll find them around our deeper structure, wrecks, and reefs in 50-150 feet. They're year-round residents but more active in warmer months. What makes them special is the sheer power - that first run can pull you right off your feet if you're not ready. Remember, these are catch-and-release only, so heavy tackle is essential to get them up quickly and safely release them. They'll eat big live baits like jacks or ladyfish. Key tip: anchor close enough to the structure so they'll come out to feed, but far enough that you can pull them away before they break you off in the rocks. Bounce that bait on bottom to get their attention.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida icons with that bold black lateral line and golden color. They average 18 inches but can stretch over 4 feet. You'll find them in our mangroves, creeks, and around structure where they ambush prey. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they spawn and their fins turn bright yellow. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - plus they're great table fare when in season. They're very cover-oriented, so work your soft plastics, topwater plugs, or flies tight to the mangroves. Here's the trick: they're temperature sensitive, so focus on deeper pockets and channels during cooler periods when they drop down for warmer water.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique targets - they look like floating debris with those rounded fins that give them their name. Most run 2-13 pounds, though they can hit 40. These guys are masters of disguise, floating on their sides near weed lines and structure to ambush prey. They're year-round residents here, but summer brings the best action when they're active near the surface. What guests love is their acrobatic fight for such a chunky fish, plus they taste similar to snapper or grouper. Be careful of those razor-sharp gills when handling. The key is stealth - cast away from where you see one and slowly work your bait or fly toward them. They'll ambush it if you don't spook them first.
Chokoloskee, FL