Fishing Charters Sarasota
Private Trip
River Fishing
Airboat fishing charter on Peace River targeting freshwater speciesFossil hunting expedition available to discover prehistoric treasuresSmall group experience accommodating up to six guests
Picture this: you're gliding silently across the Peace River's glassy waters at dawn, rod in hand, as an osprey calls overhead and the morning mist slowly lifts. Our airboat fishing charters out of Sarasota offer something you won't find anywhere else – a perfect blend of backcountry access and world-class angling that keeps locals and visitors coming back season after season. Whether you're chasing trophy largemouth bass in the shallows or hoping to tangle with a massive tarpon, this top-rated charter puts you right where the fish are feeding, with the added bonus of fossil hunting when the bite slows down.
The Peace River isn't your typical fishing destination – it's a hidden gem that flows through some of Florida's most pristine backcountry. Our airboat setup means we can slip into skinny water where conventional boats can't go, giving you access to untouched fishing spots that most anglers never see. The trip accommodates up to six anglers, making it perfect for family outings or a group of fishing buddies looking to escape the crowded coastal waters. You'll spend your day casting into cypress-lined banks, grass flats, and deep holes where monster fish lurk. The airboat's shallow draft lets us navigate through areas barely three feet deep, opening up miles of fishable water that stays productive year-round. When the fish aren't biting, we switch gears and hunt for fossilized shark teeth and ancient bones – some dating back millions of years. The river bottom here is like an underwater museum, and guests regularly find megalodon teeth and prehistoric horse bones. Pack light since we don't provide meals, but bring plenty of water and snacks to fuel your adventure. The combination of fishing and fossil hunting makes this charter a customer favorite, especially with kids who love the treasure hunt aspect.
Fishing from an airboat changes everything about your angling experience. The elevated platform gives you a commanding view of the water, letting you spot fish movement, weed lines, and structure that you'd miss from a lower boat. We can slide over logs, through shallow grass beds, and into pockets that hold the biggest fish. The boat's ability to stop on a dime means when you see fish busting bait or a perfect ambush point, we're fishing it within seconds. Our airboat runs whisper-quiet when we need stealth, then powers up to cover water fast between spots. We carry a full selection of rods and tackle suited for everything from finesse bass fishing to heavy tarpon gear. The boat's stability makes it easy to land fish safely, and the open layout gives everyone room to cast without tangling lines. Fossil hunting requires different techniques – we'll beach the boat in productive areas where you can wade and sift through the sandy bottom. Most guests find their first shark tooth within minutes, and serious hunters often fill entire bags with prehistoric treasures. The airboat's versatility means we can chase fish in the morning when they're most active, then shift to fossil hunting during the heat of midday when fishing typically slows down.
Largemouth bass rule the Peace River's backwaters, and these aren't your average pond bass. The river system produces chunky, healthy fish that fight like they're twice their size. Spring and fall are prime time for bass, when they move shallow to feed aggressively. Look for them around fallen trees, undercut banks, and grass lines where they ambush unsuspecting baitfish. A five-pound bass here is a solid fish, but don't be surprised when something much bigger crushes your topwater lure at sunrise. These bass see very little fishing pressure compared to the lakes, making them eager to bite and less finicky about lure selection. Snook patrol the deeper bends and undercut banks, especially where the current creates natural ambush points. These silver missiles are notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, often clearing the water completely when hooked. Summer months bring the best snook action, particularly in the early morning and evening hours. They're structure-oriented fish that love to hide under overhanging vegetation, making accurate casts essential. Florida gar add an element of prehistoric excitement to every trip – these living fossils can reach impressive sizes and provide arm-burning fights on medium tackle. Tarpon are the river's ultimate prize fish, though they're seasonal visitors that typically show up during warmer months. When conditions align and these silver kings move into the river system, anglers get shots at fish ranging from juvenile "baby" tarpon to massive adults that can exceed 100 pounds. Landing a tarpon from an airboat in the tight confines of the river requires skill, luck, and sometimes a bit of patience as you follow the fish through multiple jumps and long runs.
This Peace River airboat fishing charter delivers an authentic Florida experience that you simply can't get anywhere else. The combination of productive fishing, fossil hunting, and pristine scenery creates memories that last long after you head home. Our renowned local knowledge puts you on fish while most other anglers are still searching, and the airboat's unique capabilities mean every trip offers something new. Whether you're a serious angler targeting a specific species or a family looking for outdoor fun, this charter adapts to your goals and skill level. The fossil hunting component adds value for non-anglers in your group and provides backup entertainment when fish are finicky. Book early, especially during peak seasons, as our small group size and specialized equipment make this a trending choice among Sarasota's fishing options. Contact Explorer Fishing Charters today to secure your spot on this best-in-class river adventure that combines the thrill of angling with the wonder of discovering Florida's ancient past.
Meet our reliable 28-foot Contender center console, your perfect fishing companion on the waters around Sarasota. This 2007 beauty packs serious power with twin 250HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the hotspots fast, cruising at speeds up to 60 knots when conditions are right. Built for serious anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The fish finder will help you locate schools and structure, while the GPS keeps you on course to your favorite fishing grounds. When visibility drops, the radar system ensures safe navigation back to port. There's an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a toilet for comfort during those long fishing days. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out and work different lines without getting tangled up. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the action, whether you're targeting snook in the mangroves or heading offshore for grouper and snapper. This boat handles both inshore and nearshore waters with confidence, making it ideal for exploring Sarasota's diverse fishing opportunities.
Lepisosteus PlatyrhincusFlorida gar are prehistoric-looking fish with long, needle-nose snouts and armored scales, typically running 20-50 inches. They lurk in weedy areas, canals, and shallow backwaters from 4-10 feet deep, even in low-oxygen water thanks to their air bladder. Active year-round in Florida's warm climate, but best fishing is during cooler months when they're more aggressive. Anglers love them for their unique appearance and surprising fight - they're strong and will thrash hard. Not great eating due to their bony structure. These ambush predators hang motionless in vegetation waiting to strike. Here's a trick: find spots where other anglers clean fish - gar love those scraps. You can even use frayed rope instead of hooks since their teeth get tangled in it.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the classic freshwater fighter, running 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds on average. You'll find them hiding around submerged logs, thick vegetation, and structure in 4-15 feet of water. They love warm weather from spring through fall when water temps hit 60°F or higher. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they jump when hooked - plus they're excellent eating when caught from clean water. Their massive mouth extends well past their eyes, so they'll hit almost anything that moves. Here's a local trick: when fishing around grass beds, try a wacky-rigged worm and let it fall naturally. Bass can't resist that slow, twitching action. They're drawn to red colors too, so keep that in mind when picking lures.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are aggressive ambush predators that typically run 1-3 feet long, though big females can push 4 feet. Look for them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in both salt and brackish water. They're temperature sensitive - best fishing happens May through September when waters warm up and they're spawning. During spawning season, their fins turn bright yellow. What anglers love is their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. These fish are structure-oriented, so focus on bridges, oyster bars, and any cover. Pro tip: they change from male to female as they mature, so those big fish are usually females. Try live shrimp or soft plastics around moving water during dawn and dusk tides.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish, averaging 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds, though giants can hit 8 feet and 280 pounds. These silver kings migrate through our waters May through September, hanging around bridges, deep channels, and grass flats. When hooked, they'll jump 10 feet out of the water and run at 35 mph - pure adrenaline. They're prehistoric fish that have been around 125 million years and can live over 50 years. Most anglers practice catch-and-release since they're not great eating due to bony meat. Look for them rolling on the surface gulping air, especially around dawn and dusk. Local tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - keeps the line slack so they can't throw the hook as easily.
Sarasota