3/4 Day Nearshore Fishing – Private Charter
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Private 6-hour charter targets multiple offshore species up to 9 miles outEquipped 22' Pathfinder includes GPS, fishfinder, and all tackle providedMaximum 2 guests with licenses, bait included and free 7-day cancellation
Captain Tanner's Charter Co. has put together something special for anglers who want serious fishing without the crowds. This 6-hour private charter takes you up to 9 miles offshore in their well-equipped 22' Pathfinder, targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after species. With room for 2 guests, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines and enjoy a full day on the water. Everything's included except your drinks and sunscreen, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the cooler.
Your morning starts early with Captain Tanner prepping the boat while you grab coffee and get your gear sorted. The 22' Pathfinder is built for these nearshore runs – stable enough to handle some chop but nimble enough to chase schools when they're moving. You'll cruise out to productive waters where structure holds fish year-round, with the GPS and fishfinder helping locate the best spots. The live bait well keeps your offerings fresh, and the trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish. Six hours gives you real time to work different areas and techniques, not just a quick trip to the nearest fishing hole. When the bite slows in one spot, you'll move to the next, covering water until you find where they're feeding.
Captain Tanner runs a mix of bottom fishing and light tackle techniques depending on what's biting and where you're fishing. Bottom rigs with circle hooks work great for grouper and snapper around structure, while lighter spinning gear gives you the sensitivity needed for permit and cobia. Heavy tackle comes out when sharks show up or when you need to pull fish away from cover quickly. Live bait is the go-to – nothing beats a frisky pinfish or grunt for attracting attention down deep. Cut bait works well too, especially for grouper that are being picky. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the day, switching between drift fishing over wrecks and anchoring on productive bottom. All tackle and bait is provided, from terminal tackle to nets, so you don't need to worry about rigging or what to bring.
Red grouper are the bread and butter of this fishery, holding tight to bottom structure and providing steady action when other species are finicky. These guys typically run 15-25 pounds and fight hard on the way up, testing your drag and technique. They're most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. Gag grouper are the bigger cousins, often reaching 30+ pounds and known for their powerful runs toward structure. Spring and fall are prime time for gags, when they move into shallower water to feed and spawn. Cobia cruise these nearshore waters looking for rays and crabs, and when you spot one, the excitement builds fast. They're curious fish that will often follow the boat, giving you multiple shots with live bait or jigs. Permit are the technical challenge of the group – spooky, selective, and absolutely explosive when hooked. These silver bullets can show up any time but are most common in warmer months around structure. Blacktip sharks add some serious muscle to the mix, often showing up when you're targeting other species and putting a serious bend in your rod.
This private charter fills up quickly, especially during prime fishing months when the bite is hot. With Captain Tanner's local knowledge and a boat equipped for success, you're set up for a memorable day on the water. The 7-day cancellation policy gives you flexibility if weather doesn't cooperate, and the included licenses mean you can book without worrying about the details. Whether you're after your first grouper or trying to land a permit on light tackle, this 6-hour trip gives you the time and expertise to make it happen. The nearshore waters hold fish year-round, but calling ahead helps ensure you hit the best conditions and techniques for whatever's biting when you want to fish.
This fully restored 22' Pathfinder is your ticket to productive nearshore waters, powered by a reliable 225 HP Yamaha that cruises smoothly at 30 mph to get you on the fish fast. Built for serious anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day targeting grouper, cobia, and snapper around offshore wrecks. The GPS and fishfinder combo helps locate those productive bottom structures, while the live bait well keeps your bait lively and the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over the perfect spot. When you hook into that big gag grouper or cobia, the fighting chair gives you the leverage to bring them boatside. Your catch stays fresh in the onboard icebox, and there's plenty of room for your drinks and snacks too. At 22 feet, she handles the open water with confidence while still being nimble enough to work those tight wreck sites where the big fish hide.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world - they'll jump clear out of the water and can even end up in your boat if you're not careful! Most run 4-5 feet and put up a serious fight with their speed and aerial shows. You'll find them patrolling around reefs and structure in 30-100 feet of water, often following schools of baitfish. They're actually pretty timid despite being sharks, but get excitable when there's food around. Heavy tackle is a must - at least 20-50 pound braid with circle hooks. The key is chumming with oily fish like mackerel or sardines to get them fired up and coming to you. Once you hook one, hang on tight because they'll make multiple jumps and long runs. What guests love is the pure adrenaline rush and those spectacular leaps.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are often mistaken for sharks with their dark brown color and single dorsal fin, but they're actually some of the best eating fish in the ocean. These solitary hunters average around 30-50 pounds but can reach 100+. They cruise around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet, often right at the surface where you can sight fish them. Spring migration and spawning season are prime times. What makes them special is they're aggressive predators that'll hit bucktail jigs, live bait, or even topwater lures hard. The fight is strong and steady, and the meat is firm with outstanding flavor - that's why they're so prized. Key tip: when you spot one, cast ahead of where it's swimming and work your jig with steady retrieves. They're curious fish that'll often follow the boat.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper might not win any beauty contests with their drab gray, marbled appearance, but they make up for it with attitude and taste. Most average around 20 inches, though they can reach 50+ inches and 80 pounds. These ambush predators love rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks where they can hide and wait for prey. They're tougher fighters than Red Grouper and will immediately try to drag you back into the rocks once hooked. What anglers love is the challenge and the excellent table fare. Live pinfish and mullet work best, but cut crab and squid produce too. The trick is keeping your reel locked tight once you hook up - no freewheeling or they'll dive straight into a hole. Keep your rod low and muscle them up quickly before they can find cover.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail for many anglers - tall, silver fish that average around 3 feet but can push 4 feet and 60 pounds. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in deeper water, though juveniles hang in the shallows. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their spawning season. What makes them tough is those golf ball-sized eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees - they see everything. They're incredibly spooky and selective, which is exactly why anglers love the challenge. The fight is strong and stubborn once hooked. Live blue crabs are the gold standard for bait, but soft plastic crab imitations work too. Here's the key: use circle hooks and be ready to wait. These fish will study your bait forever before deciding to eat.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are easy to spot with their rusty red color and white spots scattered across their body. Most run 5-10 pounds, though they can hit 50+ if you're lucky. These bottom dwellers love rocky areas, reefs, and wrecks in 10-100 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit shrimp, crab, or cut bait hard - no finesse needed. What makes them special is the fight and the table fare. They're tough battlers that'll try to drag you back into the rocks, but that firm, flaky meat with a slight shellfish taste is worth every bit of the struggle. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack to dive into structure. They're ambush predators, so drop your bait right on the bottom near cover.
Fort Myers, FL, United States