Flats & Bay Fishing Trip with Captain Johnny
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing adventure targeting grouper, redfish, snook, and sharksCaptain Johnny provides expert guidance through Punta Gorda flatsAll fishing equipment included for groups up to three
When you're looking for that perfect inshore fishing adventure around Southwest Florida, Captain Johnny Riggs knows exactly where to find the action. His flats and bay fishing trips out of Punta Gorda and Boca Grande put you right in the heart of some of the state's most productive shallow water fishing grounds. Whether you're after that bucket-list snook or hoping to tangle with a monster goliath grouper, Johnny's got the local knowledge to put you on fish. With room for up to three anglers, this is the kind of personalized fishing experience where every cast counts and every hookup gets the attention it deserves.
Captain Johnny's flats and bay trips are all about reading the water and adapting to what the fish are doing. You'll be working the shallow grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and deeper bay structures where gamefish love to hunt and hide. The beauty of this style of fishing is the variety – one minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in two feet of water, the next you're dropping baits near a channel edge hoping to connect with a hungry snook. Johnny provides all the tackle you'll need, from light spinning gear for finesse presentations to heavier setups when you need to muscle fish away from structure. The trips focus on live bait and artificial lure techniques, depending on conditions and what the fish are showing preference for that day. Expect to cover water efficiently while Johnny uses his years of local experience to put you on the most productive spots.
Flats fishing around Punta Gorda and Boca Grande requires a different approach than deep water fishing. You'll be using lighter tackle that lets you feel every bump and tap, crucial when fish are being finicky in shallow water. Captain Johnny rigs up with circle hooks and live bait like pinfish, pilchards, and shrimp when the fish want something natural. When they're aggressive, he'll break out the artificials – soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons that cover water fast and trigger reaction strikes. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts, especially when sight-fishing for species like redfish and permit that spook easily in skinny water. Johnny's boat is set up specifically for this kind of fishing, with a shallow draft that gets you into places bigger boats can't reach and a poling platform for stealthy approaches when needed.
Snook are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These ambush predators love hanging around mangrove roots, dock pilings, and channel edges where they can dart out to grab an easy meal. They're incredibly smart fish that will test your drag system and your nerves, especially the bigger breeding females that can push 35+ inches. The best snook action typically happens during the warmer months from spring through fall, with dawn and dusk being prime time. What makes snook so special is their attitude – they hit hard, jump like crazy, and have this knack for finding every piece of structure nearby to wrap your line around.
Goliath grouper encounters are something you'll never forget. These massive fish, some weighing several hundred pounds, patrol the deeper bay areas and around structure. While you can't keep them due to protection status, the fight is absolutely incredible. They'll try to dive straight down to the bottom, using their massive bulk and the structure to their advantage. The best shots at goliaths happen during summer months when they're more active, and Johnny knows exactly which spots hold these giants. Landing one is a team effort that gets everyone on the boat involved.
Redfish are probably the most reliable target species in these waters. They school up in big numbers during certain times of year, creating some of the most exciting sight-fishing opportunities you'll find anywhere. These copper-colored bulldogs love shallow grass flats where they tail while feeding on crabs and shrimp. A good red will make multiple runs, stripping drag and testing your technique. Fall months are typically best for big schools of slot-sized fish, while summer offers shots at oversized bull reds that can exceed 40 inches.
Smooth hammerhead sharks add a wild card element to every trip. These sleek predators cruise the flats and bay edges looking for stingrays and fish, and when they grab your bait, you know you're in for a battle. Hammerheads are incredibly strong and fast, capable of long runs that will test your equipment. They're most active during warmer months and often show up when you least expect them. The key is having the right tackle and technique to handle their power without getting spooled.
Permit are the holy grail for many flats anglers. These silvery, disc-shaped fish are notoriously picky and challenging to hook. They cruise the flats in small groups, often mixing with other species, and require perfect presentations with crabs or small jigs. When you do connect with a permit, they make blistering runs and fight with surprising strength for their size. Spring and summer months offer the best permit opportunities, especially around the Boca Grande area where they're more common.
Captain Johnny Riggs has built his reputation on consistently putting anglers on quality fish in the productive waters around Punta Gorda and Boca Grande. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to experience world-class inshore fishing with a guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand. With only three spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and the flexibility to target whatever species are biting best. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add new species to your list or someone just getting into saltwater fishing, Johnny's got the patience and expertise to make sure you have a successful day on the water. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons.
Captain Johnny's flats boat is perfectly rigged for prowling the shallow waters around Punta Gorda and Boca Grande. This motorboat runs whisper-quiet thanks to its wireless trolling motor, letting you sneak up on spooky redfish and snook without spooking them. The GPS keeps you on track while the fish finder reveals what's lurking below in these productive inshore waters. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida days. Whether you're sight-fishing the grass flats for permit or working structure for grouper, this boat handles the shallow bays and deeper channels with ease. All your tackle is provided, so just bring your enthusiasm for chasing whatever's biting - from feisty sharks to trophy snook.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are absolute giants that can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds - true monsters of the flats. These mammoth fish hang around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 20-150 feet of water, though we sometimes spot them much shallower. They're ambush predators with massive mouths that'll inhale anything that fits. Remember, these are strictly catch-and-release fish due to protection laws, but the experience is worth it. The initial pull will test every piece of your gear and likely your balance too. What guests love is the sheer power and size - it's like hooking into a truck. You'll need heavy tackle and strong arms. My tip: bounce your bait right off the bottom near structure to get their attention, but anchor far enough away that you can pull them off the reef before they break you off in the rocks.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are hands down one of the most challenging fish we target - they're the holy grail for many flats anglers. These disc-shaped fish typically run 10-20 pounds with some reaching 40+ pounds, and they've got golf ball-sized eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees, making them incredibly spooky. We find them on grass flats and around wrecks in 2-15 feet of water, often tailing like redfish but much more skittish. April through October is peak season during spawning, but we see them year-round. What makes permit special is their reputation as one of the hardest fish to fool - they're extremely selective and will spook at the slightest wrong move. The fight is worth the challenge though, with strong runs and stubborn pulls. Live blue crabs are the gold standard bait, but here's my trick: present the crab well ahead of a cruising permit and let it sit motionless - any movement will send them running.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for our shallow flats fishing - they love cruising in 1-4 feet of water where you can actually see their copper backs and that distinctive black spot near the tail. Most fish run 20-30 inches, but we get some real bruisers pushing 40+ inches out here. They hang around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines, especially on moving tides. Spring through fall gives us the most consistent action, though they bite year-round in our area. What makes redfish so popular is their willingness to eat and their bulldogging fight - they'll peel drag and make long runs. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. The key trick I share with guests is to look for "tailing" fish - when you see that tail sticking up as they root around for crabs, cast well ahead of where they're moving and let your bait settle naturally.
Sphyrna ZygaenaSmooth Hammerheads are the second-largest of the hammerhead family, averaging 8-10 feet but capable of reaching nearly 12 feet. That distinctive curved head shape makes them unmistakable on the line. We find them in our bays and nearshore waters, usually in 20-60 feet, though they'll venture much shallower during cooler months. Summer brings the best action as they move through our area following baitfish. What draws anglers to these sharks is their size, power, and that unique prehistoric look - plus they put up a serious scrap with long runs and aerial displays. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight alone makes it worthwhile. These sharks have excellent vision and can be picky, so here's my advice: use fresh, oily baits like mackerel or ladyfish, and when you get a bite, let them run with it before setting the hook - they need time to turn the bait.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most sought-after fish in our waters, and for good reason. These sleek predators typically run 1-3 feet long with that signature black lateral line and golden coloring. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in shallow water - they love structure and ambush points. May through September is prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive, especially around new and full moons. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and stubborn fight - they'll run straight for cover the second they feel the hook. Plus, they're fantastic eating with white, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when working mangroves, cast your bait right into the roots and let it fall naturally. Snook sit tight to cover, so don't be afraid to get close to the structure where most anglers won't go.
Punta Gorda, FL