Half-Day Nearshore Fishing – Private Charter
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Private 4hour charter targets multiple offshore species22' Pathfinder equipped with GPS, fishfinder, live bait wellAll licenses, bait, tackle included with free cancellation
Captain Tanner's Charter Co. has put together one heck of a private fishing experience for serious anglers who want to target the best nearshore species without the crowds. This 4-hour trip takes you and one guest up to 9 miles offshore aboard a well-equipped 22' Pathfinder motorboat. You'll be chasing some of the most sought-after fish in these waters – Cobia, Permit, Red Grouper, Gag Grouper, Lane Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Blacktip Shark, Sheepshead, and Grunt. With fishing licenses, bait, and tackle all included, you just need to bring your enthusiasm, some sunscreen, and whatever drinks you want for the trip.
This isn't your typical party boat fishing trip – you're getting the full private charter treatment with Captain Tanner's crew. The 22' Pathfinder is a solid choice for nearshore work, giving you stability when you're fighting fish while still being nimble enough to move between productive spots quickly. The boat comes loaded with everything you need: GPS for precise navigation to the best fishing grounds, a quality fishfinder to locate structure and baitfish, a live bait well to keep your bait fresh and lively, and a trolling motor for quiet positioning over sensitive spots. You'll spend your 4 hours working different techniques depending on what's biting – from dropping bottom rigs on structure for grouper and snapper to sight-casting with light tackle when you spot cruising Cobia or Permit. The captain knows these waters inside and out, so expect to hit multiple spots as conditions and fish activity dictate. Weather can change quickly out here, but the Pathfinder handles chop well, and the crew will adjust tactics to keep you comfortable and productive no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
You'll be fishing with a diverse arsenal of techniques on this trip, which is exactly what nearshore fishing demands. Bottom fishing is the bread and butter for targeting grouper, snapper, and grunt around structure – think live pinfish, sardines, or cut bait on circle hooks with enough weight to get down and stay down in the current. The boat carries both light and heavy tackle setups, so when you hook into a big Gag Grouper trying to get back to its hole, you'll have the backbone to turn it. Light tackle gets the nod when sight-fishing for Cobia or Permit – these fish are spooky and smart, so finesse presentations with spinning gear often make the difference between a hookup and a refusal. The crew will rig you up with whatever the situation calls for, from free-lining live baits to running jigs and soft plastics around structure. Spinning tackle shines when you need to make accurate casts to visible fish or cover water efficiently with search baits. The live bait well is a game-changer out here – fresh, lively bait will always outproduce dead or dying offerings, especially for finicky species like Permit and Sheepshead that can be incredibly selective about what they'll eat.
Red Grouper are the steady producers on these nearshore trips, typically running 15-25 pounds with occasional heavyweights pushing 30-plus. They love hard bottom, ledges, and any structure that provides ambush points for prey. Red Grouper are year-round residents, but they really turn on during the cooler months when they're more aggressive and feed heavily. What makes them so appealing to anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit live pinfish, sardines, or cut bait dropped right on their noses, and once hooked, they make powerful runs straight back to the bottom.
Permit are the holy grail of nearshore flats and wreck fishing, averaging 10-20 pounds but capable of reaching 40-plus. These silver bullets are incredibly smart and spooky – they'll inspect your bait like they're getting paid to do quality control. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they're most active in the shallows and around structure. Permit get anglers fired up because they're so challenging to hook and then fight like fish twice their size with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Live crabs are the top bait, but they'll also take shrimp and small fish when they're in the mood.
Cobia are the gentle giants of this fishery, commonly running 20-40 pounds with trophy fish exceeding 50. They're curious fish that will follow the boat and investigate anything unusual, making them perfect targets for sight-casting with live baits or lures. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're cruising shallow waters and around structure looking for food and spawning opportunities. Anglers love Cobia because they're aggressive feeders, great fighters that don't give up easily, and they make fantastic table fare with meat similar to shark but without the ammonia taste.
Lane Snapper might be smaller than their Mangrove Snapper cousins, typically running 8-14 inches, but they make up for size with numbers and willingness to bite. They school heavily around structure and are active year-round, though summer months produce the best action. These colorful little fighters are perfect for light tackle fishing and will hit everything from live shrimp to small pieces of cut bait. They're excellent eating and often save the day when larger species are being finicky.
Gag Grouper are the premium catch on most nearshore trips, averaging 20-35 pounds but capable of reaching 50-plus. They prefer hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs where they can ambush prey. Winter and early spring offer the best chances at trophy-sized Gags when they're feeding heavily before spawning season. What sets Gag Grouper apart is their incredible fighting ability – they're stronger than
This freshly restored 22' Pathfinder is your ticket to productive nearshore waters up to 9 miles out. The 225 HP Yamaha pushes you to fishing grounds at a comfortable 30 mph, getting you on the water fast and back to the dock with plenty of daylight left. GPS keeps you on target while the fishfinder shows what's lurking below the surface. The boat's rigged for serious fishing with a live bait well to keep your offerings lively, plus a fighting chair when you hook into something with teeth. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish. An onboard icebox keeps your catch cold and your drinks colder during the 4-hour trip. Whether you're dropping bottom rigs for grouper and snapper or working lighter tackle for cobia and permit, this Pathfinder handles nearshore conditions with ease. The captain provides all licenses, bait, and tackle - you just need to bring sun protection and whatever you want to drink.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are some of the most exciting fish we encounter - they're curious, aggressive, and put up a serious fight. These brown, shark-looking fish average 20-40 pounds but can top 60, growing up to 6 feet long. They're loners, not schooling fish, so when we spot one cruising near the surface it's game time. Look for them around structure, buoys, and floating debris in 30-100 feet. Spring and early summer are peak season when they're moving through. What guests love is the visual aspect - you can often see them before you cast. The meat is outstanding table fare with firm, white flesh. Bucktail jigs work great, but they'll hit live bait too. Key tip: when you see one, get your bait in front of it quickly but don't spook it - they're curious but can turn off fast.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - not the prettiest fish, but they'll give you a workout and fill the cooler. These gray, mottled fish average 20 inches but can stretch past 4 feet and 50+ pounds. They love hard bottom, ledges, and offshore structure in 60-200 feet, always looking for a hole to call home. Fall through spring is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What makes gags special is the fight - once hooked, they dive straight for cover and try to break you off in the rocks. The meat is excellent, firm and white. Live pinfish or cut bait works great. Here's the key: when you hook one, lock down that drag and pump hard right away. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you up in the structure and you'll lose both fish and tackle.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are the perfect action fish when you want steady bites and great eating. These pink and silver fish with yellow stripes typically run 10-14 inches and 1-3 pounds - not huge, but they make up for it with numbers and attitude. They live around coral patches, rocky bottom, and structure in 40-200 feet, though we catch most in 60-120 feet. They bite year-round but really turn on from spring through fall. What's fun about lanes is they're aggressive - they'll hit small pieces of shrimp, squid, or cut bait without much hesitation. The meat is sweet and firm, perfect for the dinner table. They often show up as a bonus when grouper fishing. Best tip: use small hooks and light tackle - they have smaller mouths but once hooked, they'll put up a scrappy fight.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail for many anglers - these silver, disc-shaped fish are tough to fool and even tougher to land. They average 10-20 pounds but can hit 40+, with that classic tall profile and forked tail. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 20-80 feet, though they sometimes cruise super shallow flats. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active. What makes them special is the challenge - they have amazing eyesight and spook easily. The fight is strong and stubborn, and the meat is top-shelf eating. Live blue crabs are the gold standard for bait, but fresh shrimp works too. My advice: use a long fluorocarbon leader and keep your boat positioning quiet - these fish will bolt at the first sign of trouble.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are one of the most reliable bottom fish we target out here. Most run 5-10 pounds, but we occasionally hook into 20+ pounders that'll test your arms. They hang around rocky bottom and structure in 30-100 feet of water, loving ledges and small reefs. These rusty-red fish with white spots are aggressive feeders - they'll hit live shrimp, cut bait, or even small jigs dropped right to the bottom. The meat is fantastic - firm, white, and flaky with that slight shellfish taste from their crab and shrimp diet. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast. They'll try to dive straight into the rocks to break you off, so don't give them any slack line.
Fort Myers, FL, United States