Expert Guided Flats Fishing in Punta Gorda & Boca Grande
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target grouper, redfish, snook, permit, and sharks inshoreCaptain Johnny provides all fishing gear for groupsExplore productive flats and bays near Boca Grande
Looking for some serious action on the water around Punta Gorda and Boca Grande? Captain Johnny Riggs has been working these flats and back bays for years, and he knows exactly where the fish are holding. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – we're talking about getting into the shallow water where the big boys like to hunt and feed. With all gear provided and room for up to three anglers, you'll spend your day targeting some of Southwest Florida's most prized species in waters that many guides keep secret.
Captain Johnny runs a top-rated operation that focuses on the productive flats and bay systems surrounding Punta Gorda and Boca Grande. These waters are famous among serious anglers for good reason – the variety of species and the consistent action keep people coming back season after season. You'll be fishing in water that ranges from knee-deep grass flats to deeper bay edges where structure holds baitfish and predators alike. The beauty of this fishery is that you never know what's going to hit next. One cast might bring in a bull redfish, while the next could have you fighting a monster snook or even a permit. Captain Johnny reads these waters like a book, positioning you over the best spots based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. The intimate setting with just three anglers max means everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention from one of the area's most experienced guides.
Captain Johnny comes equipped with everything you need to be successful on these flats and bays. We're talking about light tackle spinning gear that's perfectly matched to the species we're after, plus a selection of live bait and proven artificials that produce in these waters. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself sight-casting to cruising redfish with soft plastics, working topwater lures around mangrove points for snook, or presenting live shrimp to permit on the deeper grass flats. The shallow water fishing here requires stealth and precision – Captain Johnny knows how to position the boat to give you the best shots without spooking the fish. His local knowledge of tide movements, seasonal migrations, and feeding patterns means you're always fishing the right spots at the right times. Don't worry if you're new to flats fishing – Captain Johnny will walk you through the techniques and help you develop the skills to be successful in these challenging but rewarding waters.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida fishing, and the waters around Punta Gorda and Boca Grande hold some absolute giants. These ambush predators love to hang around structure – dock pilings, mangrove overhangs, and creek mouths where they can dart out to grab unsuspecting baitfish. Snook are notorious for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps, making them a customer favorite among serious anglers. Spring through fall offers the best action, with the larger fish moving into the backcountry to feed heavily before the cooler months. What makes snook so special is their fighting ability combined with their finicky nature – they'll test your skills and reward persistence.
Goliath Grouper represent the ultimate challenge in these waters, with fish regularly exceeding 200 pounds swimming in the deeper channels and around bridge structures near Boca Grande. These prehistoric-looking giants are catch-and-release only, but the experience of hooking into one is something anglers talk about for years. They're most active during the warmer months when they gather in large numbers for spawning. The key to success with goliaths is heavy tackle and knowing exactly where they like to hold – Captain Johnny has dialed in the best spots over years of fishing these waters. When you hook a goliath, expect a tug-of-war that will test both your tackle and your endurance.
Redfish are the bread and butter of flats fishing in this area, with healthy populations of both slot-sized fish and oversized bulls that patrol the shallow grass beds. These copper-colored fighters are known for their bulldogging runs and their willingness to eat a variety of baits and lures. The best redfishing typically happens during the cooler months when schools of fish move onto the flats to feed. What makes reds so popular is their aggressive nature and the visual excitement of watching them crush topwater lures in shallow water. Plus, the slot fish make excellent table fare when you want to take a few home for dinner.
Smooth Hammerhead sharks add an element of raw power to any fishing trip, with these sleek predators cruising the flats and bay edges in search of stingrays and other prey. These sharks are incredible fighters, known for long runs and impressive jumps that rival any gamefish in these waters. Summer months bring the best hammerhead action as bait concentrations draw them into the shallows. What makes hammerheads so exciting is their unpredictability – they can show up anywhere and turn a routine fishing day into an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Captain Johnny knows the best techniques for targeting these apex predators while ensuring safe catch-and-release practices.
Permit are considered the holy grail of flats fishing, and the waters around Boca Grande offer some of the best permit fishing in Florida. These silvery ghosts are notorious for their spooky nature and selective feeding habits, making them a true test of angling skill. Permit are most commonly found over sandy flats and grass beds where they root around for crabs and other crustaceans. Spring and fall offer peak permit opportunities when these fish move into shallower water. What makes permit so prized is their combination of beauty, intelligence, and fighting ability – landing one is considered a major accomplishment among serious flats anglers. Captain Johnny has the experience and local knowledge to put you in position for a legitimate shot at one of these legendary fish.
Captain Johnny Riggs offers world-class flats and bay fishing
Captain Johnny's motorboat is perfectly rigged for prowling the shallow flats and productive bays around Punta Gorda and Boca Grande. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip silently through skinny water without spooking wary redfish and snook, while the GPS keeps you on productive spots and the fish finder reveals what's lurking below. An ice box keeps your catch fresh and cold drinks handy during those hot Florida afternoons on the water. This setup handles up to 3 anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to work their lines whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds on the flats or dropping baits around structure for grouper and sharks. All the tackle you need comes with the trip, so just bring yourself and get ready to target some of the Gulf Coast's finest game fish in prime inshore waters.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese massive fish are the giants of our local waters, reaching up to 8 feet and several hundred pounds. Around Punta Gorda and Boca Grande, we find them near structure in 20-60 feet - wrecks, ledges, and artificial reefs. Summer months bring the best opportunities when they're most active. What draws anglers is the pure adrenaline rush - that first pull can nearly yank you overboard if you're not ready. Remember, all Goliaths must be released immediately, but the photo opportunity with these prehistoric-looking fish is worth it. They're curious and will often follow divers or circle the boat. Use heavy tackle - 80-pound class minimum. My tip: anchor close enough to the structure to get their attention, but far enough away that you can pull them off before they cut you off on the rocks.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - beautiful, challenging, and incredibly rewarding when you connect. These disc-shaped fish typically run 15-25 pounds with that tall profile and forked tail. They cruise our grass flats and sandy areas in 2-8 feet, often in small groups. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, especially during their spawning season. What makes them legendary is how difficult they are - excellent eyesight, spooky behavior, and very picky eaters. But that's exactly why anglers get obsessed with them. The fight is strong and stubborn with long runs. Live blue crabs are the gold standard for bait, though crab imitations work too. My advice: stay quiet, cast well ahead of cruising fish, and let the crab settle naturally to the bottom. Permit hate anything that looks unnatural.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for our shallow water fishing around these flats. Most run 20-32 inches with that copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. They love cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. Fall and spring offer prime fishing, though they bite year-round here. What guests love is watching them tail in skinny water and that solid, steady fight they put up. The meat's fantastic too - mild and sweet. These fish aren't spooky like some species, making them great for kids and beginners. Here's what works: look for nervous water or tailing fish, then cast ahead of their path. A live shrimp or soft plastic crab bounced off the bottom near oysters is deadly.
Sphyrna ZygaenaSmooth hammerheads are the second-largest of the hammerhead family, averaging 8-10 feet around our waters. Unlike other hammerheads, these prefer staying in the upper 60 feet and often cruise our bays and nearshore areas. Summer brings the best action as they follow baitfish into shallower water. What makes them special is that unique hammer-shaped head and the way they use it to pin stingrays to the bottom. The fight is steady and powerful - not the crazy runs of other sharks, but a determined, bulldogging battle. They school up during migrations, so when you find one, there's usually more around. These are catch-and-release only, but the experience is memorable. Pro tip: use fresh cut bait on the bottom near structure. They hunt using electroreception, so a struggling baitfish sends out the perfect signals.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets around Punta Gorda and Boca Grande. These sleek fish typically run 18-30 inches with that signature black lateral line and golden coloring. You'll find them hugging mangroves, docks, and structure in 2-6 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and hard fights - they'll make blistering runs toward cover trying to break you off. The meat is excellent too, white and flaky when cooked right. Here's a local tip: cast your bait or lure just past the structure and work it back slowly. Snook are ambush predators, so they want easy meals drifting by their hiding spots.
Punta Gorda, FL