Charter Fishing Captiva Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday nearshore fishing adventure with Captain Mike's expert guidanceTarget snapper, grouper, and kingfish using topquality equipmentFourguest maximum ensures personalized attention and ample fishing space
There's something special about getting out on the Gulf waters around Captiva Island with a captain who knows these fishing grounds like the back of his hand. Captain Mike has been running charters out here for years, and when you step aboard Fish On Adventure Charters, you're getting more than just a boat ride – you're getting a guided tour of some of Southwest Florida's most productive nearshore waters. This full-day fishing adventure takes you beyond the typical inshore spots to where the real action happens, targeting trophy-sized snapper, grouper, kingfish, and whatever else is biting in these fertile Gulf waters.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Mike at the marina, and trust me, the early start is worth it. We're talking about a full-day nearshore charter that gives you maximum time with lines in the water. The boat is rigged with top-quality gear, so whether you're comfortable with your own tackle or need to borrow everything, you're covered. Captain Mike knows exactly where to find the fish based on current conditions, tides, and what's been biting lately. This isn't a cookie-cutter trip where you hit the same spots every time – we're talking about a captain who adapts to what the Gulf is giving us that day. The scenery out here is gorgeous too, with Captiva's white sand beaches stretching behind you as you head out to the fishing grounds. You'll be working depths anywhere from 30 to 80 feet, depending on what we're targeting and where the action is hottest.
Nearshore fishing around Captiva means we're using a mix of techniques depending on what's running. Bottom fishing with heavy tackle is the bread and butter for grouper and snapper – we're talking circle hooks, heavy sinkers, and fresh bait to get down to where these fish are holding on the hard bottom and structure. For kingfish, we'll be trolling with live bait or pulling spoons and diving plugs at different depths until we find where they're feeding. The boat is equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with the right line weights for whatever we're targeting. Captain Mike provides all the terminal tackle, weights, and hooks you'll need, plus he's got a solid selection of fresh and frozen baits. If you want to bring your own rods, make sure they're rated for 20-30 pound test at minimum – these Gulf fish don't mess around, and you want gear that can handle a good fight without folding under pressure.
Northern Kingfish: These silver bullets are absolute blast to catch on medium tackle, and they're perfect eating too. Kings typically run anywhere from 5 to 20 pounds in these waters, with the occasional bigger fish pushing 30 pounds showing up when conditions are right. They love structure and current, so Captain Mike knows exactly where to find them along the nearshore reefs and drop-offs. Best action usually happens during the warmer months, and they hit both live bait and artificial lures with equal enthusiasm. What makes them so fun is that explosive strike and the way they peel drag on that first run.
Red Grouper: Now we're talking about some serious bottom dwellers that pack both size and flavor. Red grouper around Captiva typically range from keeper size at 20 inches up to real trophy fish pushing 10-15 pounds or more. They're year-round residents on the hard bottom and rocky structure, but they really turn on during the cooler months when they're more aggressive. These fish are notorious for trying to cut you off on structure after they're hooked, so you need to muscle them up fast. The fight might not be as flashy as a king, but there's something satisfying about winning a tug-of-war with a big grouper.
Crevalle Jack: If you want to test your tackle and your arm strength, crevalle jacks are the fish to target. These bruisers are built like underwater bulldozers and they fight like it too. They'll hit just about anything you throw at them – live bait, jigs, topwater plugs – and once hooked, they'll take you to school on what real fish power feels like. They're not the best table fare, but for pure sport fishing excitement, few fish can match the raw power of a big jack. They show up in schools around structure and baitfish, often in the 5-15 pound range with bigger fish mixed in.
Cobia: These are the unicorns of nearshore fishing – when you find them, it's always a highlight of the trip. Cobia are curious fish that will often swim right up to the boat, giving you a perfect sight-fishing opportunity. They average 20-40 pounds in these waters, with the potential for much larger fish during their spring and fall migrations. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test every knot and connection on your tackle. What makes them special is their intelligence – they'll inspect your bait before eating it, and they're known to follow hooked fish right up to the boat.
Red Snapper: The king of Gulf fishing, red snapper are what many anglers dream about when they book a nearshore charter. These beautiful fish are excellent table fare and provide a solid fight on appropriate tackle. They're structure-oriented fish that hold tight to bottom features, and they can be finicky eaters that require the right bait presentation. When you find a good school of reds, the action can be non-stop. They typically run anywhere from just over the 16-inch minimum up to genuine trophy fish in the 8-10 pound range, with the occasional true monster showing up to make your day.
A full-day nearshore charter with Captain Mike is exactly what Gulf Coast fishing is all about – experienced guidance, quality equipment, and access to productive waters that hold trophy fish year-roun
Step aboard the 2019 Sportsman, your ticket to Captiva's best fishing waters. Captain Mike's 24-foot charter boat cuts through the Gulf at 35 knots thanks to its reliable 150HP Yamaha engine, getting you to productive fishing grounds fast. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating snapper, grouper, and kingfish, while GPS navigation keeps you on course to the hottest spots. This fishing machine comes equipped with everything needed for a successful day on the water. The spacious deck comfortably accommodates up to 4 anglers, giving everyone room to cast and fight fish. Keep your catch fresh in the built-in icebox, and when you need to approach structure quietly, the wireless trolling motor lets you position perfectly without spooking the fish below. Whether you're targeting bottom dwellers or pelagic species, this well-maintained sportfisher delivers the performance and features that make the difference between stories about the ones that got away and coolers full of dinner.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - solitary hunters that can reach 50+ pounds and fight like freight trains. They cruise near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris in 20-70 feet of water. Spring migration brings the best fishing, though we see them all summer. What sets them apart is the incredible table quality - firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf. Guests get excited about sight-fishing these giants since you can often see them cruising just under the surface. They're curious fish that will follow boats and check out anything interesting. Here's my tip: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig past them and work it back slowly. Don't cast right at them or they'll spook - let them find your bait.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of the Gulf - aggressive, powerful fish that average 3-5 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. Look for them around schools of baitfish, often marked by diving birds. They cruise both shallow flats and deeper waters up to 50 feet, always hunting in packs. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. Guests love the raw power these fish deliver - they'll strip line and test your arms with their relentless runs. While they're not great table fare, the fight more than makes up for it. Watch for that distinctive brassy green back and forked tail. My go-to trick: cast silver spoons past the school and retrieve fast. These fish love the chase, so don't be subtle about it.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern Kingfish are scrappy little fighters that run 10-14 inches and pack more punch than their size suggests. These bronze and silver beauties hang out in shallow sandy bottoms and near-shore waters, using that single barbel under their chin to hunt crabs, shrimp, and worms. Late summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. What makes them special is the surprising fight they put up - don't let the small size fool you, they'll bend your rod and test your drag. The white, flaky meat is excellent eating too. Light tackle with small hooks works best, and here's a local trick: use fresh bloodworms or small pieces of shrimp on the bottom. They're curious fish, so be patient and let them find your bait.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are the workhorses of our reef fishing, typically running 5-10 pounds with that distinctive rusty red color and white spots. They live around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 20-100 feet of water. These fish are aggressive predators with big mouths and even bigger appetites for crabs and shrimp. What guests love most is the combination of a solid fight and some of the best eating you'll find in the Gulf - firm, flaky meat with a sweet, almost shellfish-like flavor. We target them year-round, but spring and fall fishing is outstanding. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get them up quick. They'll try to run straight back to their hole in the rocks, and if they make it, you're done.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing - bright red beauties that grow 2-3 feet and provide both a great fight and fantastic eating. They live around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water, always staying close to structure. Summer season brings the best action when regulations allow. What makes them so popular is that perfect combination of challenging fishing and incredible table quality - sweet, nutty white meat that's hard to beat. These fish are smart and strong, making long runs toward cover when hooked. The key is getting them up and away from structure quickly. Local secret: fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish work best, but don't be afraid to try squid when the bite gets tough.
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