Chokoloskee Full Day Offshore Adventure
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 4 guests aboard
Captain Brock Wagner knows where the big fish live in Southwest Florida's legendary 10,000 Islands. This full-day offshore charter takes you deep into some of the most productive waters along the Gulf Coast, where trophy cobia, tripletail, and monster snook cruise the backcountry channels and offshore wrecks. With over two decades guiding these waters, Captain Brock has dialed in the patterns that consistently put bent rods and screaming reels in your hands. You'll fish pristine spots that most anglers never see, targeting species that make grown fishermen grin like kids on Christmas morning.
Your day starts early at the Chokoloskee launch, where Captain Brock has the boat rigged and ready with top-shelf tackle. The 10,000 Islands backcountry spreads out like a maze of mangrove islands, oyster bars, and deep channels that hold serious fish. You'll run everything from shallow flats where permit tail in crystal-clear water to deeper structure where goliath grouper lurk in the shadows. The boat handles four anglers comfortably, giving everyone space to work without tangling lines. Captain Brock rotates spots based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing that day - he's not locked into one game plan, which is why his clients consistently boat quality fish. Expect to cover serious water and fish multiple techniques as conditions change throughout the day.
This isn't your typical bay boat fishing trip. Captain Brock runs a mix of live bait and artificial presentations depending on what's working. You'll sight-cast to cruising cobia around channel markers, drop live crabs on permit, and work the wrecks with heavy jigs for big bottom fish. The boat carries premium tackle - spinning and conventional setups spooled with fresh line and rigged with sharp hooks. For tripletail, you'll work floating debris and markers with live shrimp under popping corks. When the cobia show up, it's game on with live bait or buck-tail jigs worked just under the surface. The wreck fishing involves serious bottom structure where big fish live - you'll drop heavy baits and hold on tight when something grabs. Captain Brock knows these spots like his backyard and positions the boat perfectly for clean presentations.
Cobia are the crown jewel of this fishery, and Captain Brock consistently puts his anglers on fish in the 30-50 pound range. These brown sharks cruise the channels and hang around markers, especially during their spring and fall migrations. They're aggressive feeders that will crush live bait or well-presented artificials, and they fight like freight trains once hooked. The 10,000 Islands area is famous for its cobia fishing, with fish showing up consistently from March through November.
Tripletail are quirky fish that float around debris and markers, looking like floating leaves until they decide to eat. They're incredible table fare and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. Captain Brock has dialed in the tripletail bite around the area's many channel markers and floating structure. These fish require a delicate presentation - spook them once and they're gone. But get it right, and you'll boat some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Snook are the ultimate backcountry predator, and the 10,000 Islands hold some true monsters. These fish love structure - mangrove edges, oyster bars, and deep holes where baitfish congregate. They're ambush feeders with incredible acceleration and a knack for breaking you off in the snags. The slot-size fish fight harder than anything their size, and the oversized breeders will test every piece of tackle you own.
Goliath grouper are the heavyweight champions of these waters, with fish over 200 pounds lurking around the deeper structure. You can't keep them, but the experience of hooking into a fish that outweighs you is something every angler should experience. Captain Brock knows the spots where these giants live, and he's got the heavy tackle needed to turn them away from the bottom.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they're bulldogs that will test your endurance. The bigger fish cruise the flats and channels, feeding on crabs and shellfish. They're excellent table fare when prepared right, and a 40-pound black drum will give you all the fight you want on appropriate tackle.
Captain Brock Wagner's full-day offshore trips book up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is red-hot. This world-class charter targets species that many guides can't consistently find, in waters that showcase Southwest Florida at its finest. You'll fish spots that produce trophy fish year after year, with a captain who knows how to put you on them. The 10,000 Islands backcountry is one of Florida's last unspoiled fisheries, and this trip gives you access to the best of it. Whether you're after a personal best cobia, a cooler full of tripletail, or just a day of solid fishing in beautiful country, this charter delivers. Don't wait - the best dates disappear quickly, and you don't want to miss your shot at some of the Gulf Coast's finest fishing.
Your fully-equipped motorboat cuts through Chokoloskee's waters with ease, taking you and 3 other anglers to prime fishing grounds in the legendary 10,000 Islands. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of Tripletail, Permit, and Cobia lurking around wrecks and backcountry spots. GPS navigation ensures you hit the most productive waters while the ice box keeps your catch fresh all day. When nature calls between fishing action, the onboard toilet means no interrupted trips back to shore. This setup gets you to where the big fish roam in the pristine Gulf waters, with all the essentials to make your full day on the water comfortable and productive.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These bottom-dwellers love oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow estuaries where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're strong, stubborn fighters that test your drag. Smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare. Fresh crab is the go-to bait since it stays on the hook and drum can't resist it. Key tip: keep your bait right on the bottom and be patient - they're methodical feeders that take their time before committing to a bite.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are impressive fish that average around 6 feet and 100 pounds - dark brown with lighter bellies that often get mistaken for sharks at first glance. These solitary predators cruise our wrecks, reefs, and shallow structures, usually in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through summer is prime time when they move through during spawning season. What makes cobia special is their aggressive fight and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's highly prized. They'll hit bucktail jigs, crankbaits, and live bait. Pro tip: when you spot one, cast past it and work your lure back toward the fish. They're curious and will often follow before striking, so patience pays off.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are the giants of our reefs - these monsters can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds, though most we see are 100-300 pounds. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 50-150 feet, often the same spots for years. Summer and fall offer the best action when they gather for spawning. Remember, these are protected and must be released, but the experience is unforgettable. That first pull will test your gear and your grip on the boat. Use heavy tackle - 50-80 wide reels with 400+ pound line. Big circle hooks and fresh bait work best. My tip: anchor close enough to entice them out but far enough to pull them off structure before they break you off in the rocks.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature inshore gamefish, averaging 1-2 feet but capable of reaching 4+ feet. These golden beauties with the distinctive black lateral line love mangroves, docks, and shallow structure throughout our backcountry. Best action is May through September during their spawning runs when their fins turn bright yellow. They're incredible fighters with explosive strikes and long runs. The meat is fantastic too - clean and flaky. They're a lot like bass fishing - work the cover and structure. Soft plastics, topwater, and live bait all work great. Here's the trick: when working mangroves, cast tight to the roots and work your lure quickly away. Snook ambush from cover and won't chase far.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are unique fish that average 18 inches and 2-13 pounds, though they can reach 40 pounds. They get their name from their rounded dorsal and anal fins that look like extra tails. These masters of disguise float on their sides near the surface, mimicking debris or weeds around weed lines and structures. Year-round fishing here in Florida, but summer peaks are best. Guests love them because they're surprisingly acrobatic for their chunky build, and the meat rivals red snapper. Sight fishing is key - look for that "floating leaf" that doesn't quite belong. Cast well away from them and drag your bait slowly past - they spook easy but will ambush if you're sneaky about it.
Chokoloskee, FL