Full-Day Fishing Trip - Cape Coral, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing in Southwest Florida watersTarget grouper, snook, tarpon, and nine other speciesSmall group charter accommodates up to three guests
Picture this: you're standing on the deck at first light, coffee in hand, watching the sun paint Southwest Florida's waters gold while your captain plots a course to some of the most productive fishing grounds in the state. That's exactly what you'll get with Fish Often Charters' full-day adventure through Cape Coral's legendary inshore waters. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking about a proper fishing expedition that gives you time to work multiple spots, dial in your technique, and really put some impressive fish in the boat. With room for just three anglers, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Your full-day charter kicks off early, which is exactly when you want to be on the water in Southwest Florida. We'll cruise through the maze of mangrove-lined channels that make this area famous, hitting productive flats, oyster bars, and structure that holds fish year-round. The beauty of a full-day trip is we're not watching the clock – if the bite is hot at one spot, we stay put. If it slows down, we've got time to move and find where they're feeding. You'll fish everything from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise in knee-deep water to deeper channels where big snook ambush baitfish. The Intracoastal Waterway and its countless tributaries offer endless options, and your captain knows exactly where to find fish based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. Expect to cover some serious water and experience the full range of what Southwest Florida inshore fishing has to offer.
We come prepared with everything you need for a successful day, from light spinning tackle perfect for sight fishing redfish on the flats to heavier gear capable of handling a big tarpon or aggressive jack crevalle. Live bait is often the name of the game here – fresh shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish that we'll catch or pick up from local sources. Artificial lures play a huge role too, especially topwater plugs during early morning feeding frenzies and soft plastics for working structure throughout the day. Depending on conditions and what we're targeting, you might find yourself casting DOA shrimp under mangroves for snook, bouncing jigs along oyster bars for sheepshead, or working the edges of grass flats with gold spoons for trout. The variety keeps things interesting, and your captain will teach you the nuances of each technique as the day progresses.
Gag Grouper are the bruisers of the bunch, and when you hook into one of these bottom-dwellers, you'll know it immediately. These fish love structure – think rocky ledges, artificial reefs, and deep holes where they can ambush prey. Most gags we see run 15 to 25 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 30-plus. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter often produce the biggest fish as they fatten up before spawning season. What makes gag grouper so exciting is their initial run – they'll head straight for the rocks trying to cut your line, so it's a battle of technique and tackle from the moment you set the hook.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and Cape Coral's waters are absolutely loaded with them. These ambush predators love hanging around docks, mangrove shorelines, and bridge pilings where they can dart out to grab unsuspecting baitfish. The action peaks during summer months when snook are most active, but we catch them year-round. A typical Cape Coral snook runs 20 to 28 inches, with slot-size fish being perfect table fare. They're notorious for their acrobatic fights, often jumping clear of the water multiple times. The thrill of watching a snook explode on a topwater lure at dawn is something every angler needs to experience.
Tarpon fishing in Southwest Florida is legendary, and for good reason. These silver kings range from juvenile fish in the 10 to 30-pound class all the way up to mature adults exceeding 100 pounds. Spring through fall brings the best tarpon action, with peak season typically running May through August. What sets tarpon apart is their incredible jumping ability – a hooked tarpon can launch itself six feet out of the water, gill plates rattling, in a display that'll get your heart racing. Even smaller tarpon put up a fight that's completely disproportionate to their size, making them a favorite target for anglers who want action over a dinner fish.
Blacktip Shark fishing adds an element of raw power to your day on the water. These fast-moving predators are common in Southwest Florida's inshore waters, particularly around bait schools and structure. Blacktips typically run 20 to 50 pounds, though larger specimens aren't uncommon. They're known for their spectacular jumps when hooked – similar to tarpon but with even more aggression. Spring and summer bring the best blacktip action as they move into shallow water to feed and reproduce. The fight is straight-up intense from start to finish, with powerful runs that'll test your drag settings and your arms.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the flats, capable of reaching 35 mph in pursuit of prey. These toothy predators are year-round residents, but warm weather brings them onto the shallow flats where sight fishing opportunities abound. A typical barracuda runs 10 to 25 pounds, with their sleek, missile-shaped bodies built for explosive acceleration. They're notorious for their vicious strikes on both live bait and artificial lures, often hitting with such force that they'll jump clear of the water. Barracuda are also excellent table fare when prepared properly, despite what some people think.
A full-day charter with Fish Often
Hit the waters of Cape Coral aboard our well-equipped motorboat, designed for serious anglers targeting the area's legendary inshore species. This fishing-focused vessel comes rigged with a wireless trolling motor that lets you slip quietly through shallow backwaters where snook and redfish love to hide. The onboard GPS keeps you locked onto productive spots while the fish finder reveals what's swimming below. Perfect for groups up to 3 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the rich waters of Southwest Florida's Intracoastal waterways and hidden tributaries. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising tarpon, working structure for grouper and snapper, or stalking the grass flats for speckled trout, this boat gets you there efficiently and positions you for success. The shallow-running hull opens up miles of backcountry fishing grounds that bigger boats can't reach.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip Sharks are some of the most exciting fish you'll encounter, typically 3-5 feet long with those distinctive black-tipped fins. They patrol our nearshore waters from spring through fall, usually in 30-100 feet over sandy bottom and around structure where baitfish gather. What makes them special is their incredible energy - they'll jump clear out of the water multiple times during the fight, spinning like a corkscrew. They're also surprisingly fast, hitting 20+ mph when they want to. We always release them since they're not table fare, but the battle is pure adrenaline. Pro tip: use heavy braided line and circle hooks, and bring plenty of chum. Cut up some oily fish like mackerel - the scent trail will bring them right to you.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are speed demons that'll test your reflexes, typically 2-4 feet long with razor-sharp teeth and attitudes to match. They cruise our flats, reefs, and channel edges year-round, but summer months bring the best action when they're actively hunting. What makes them popular is their lightning-fast strike and initial run - they can hit 35 mph in short bursts. They're curious fish that'll often follow lures before deciding to hit. The fight is intense but short-lived since they burn energy quickly. Always use a wire leader since those teeth will cut through anything else. My advice: retrieve lures fast and erratically to trigger their predatory instincts. They hunt by sight, so shiny, moving baits drive them crazy.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate gamefish challenge - silver kings that average 80-120 pounds but can hit 200+ in our waters. Look for them rolling on the surface in channels, around bridges, and over deep holes during their migration from April through August. The late spring and early summer months offer the best shots at these giants. What makes them legendary is their aerial show once hooked - multiple jumps that'll leave you speechless. They're purely catch-and-release fish since the meat's not great, but the fight is what dreams are made of. Key tip: when they jump, bow to the king - lower your rod tip to give slack and prevent them from throwing the hook. It takes practice, but that's how you land these monsters.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the signature gamefish of Southwest Florida, averaging 18-28 inches with that distinctive black lateral line running down their silver sides. They love structure - docks, mangroves, bridge pilings, and oyster bars in our brackish waters and shallow flats. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the full moon periods when they're most active. What keeps anglers coming back is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and use every piece of cover to try breaking free. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. My tip: work your lures slowly around structure and be ready for that sudden, violent hit. They're ambush predators, so patience pays off big time.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are one of the most reliable targets in our nearshore waters, typically running 20-30 inches with some bruisers pushing 4+ feet. You'll find them around any hard structure - reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 40-120 feet of water. The cooler months from November through March are prime time when they move closer to shore. What makes them special is that powerful initial run when hooked - they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their hole in the rocks. The fight is all about that first few seconds. Here's the key: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them any slack line. Once you get their head up, you've won the battle. They're excellent table fare too, with sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat.
Bokeelia, FL