Next AvailableJun 24

Book with Brandon Douberly

Floridaze Fishing Charters

5 64 reviews

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Bokeelia FL

Brandon Douberly, Captain at Floridaze Fishing Charters

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Southwest Florida is known for its beaches, attractions, and outdoor activities, located on the Gulf coast of the state. Aside from this, one of its famous destinations is Pine Island, FI— the largest island on the coast surrounded by mangroves, aquatic preserves, and fishing villages. Come fish with Floridaze Fishing Charters, and see for yourself why Pine Island is unmatched when it comes to fishing!

Floridaze Fishing Charters is an inshore fishing charter located in Bokeelia, Florida. On this trip, you will also have the chance to visit nearby areas in Sanibel, Captiva Island, Boca Grande, Barrier Beaches, and Charlotte Harbor. This island also has natural and untouched coastlines that help preserve the beauty and ecosystem of Florida.

Coming aboard you is Captain Brandon Douberly, a USCG licensed captain in the area. He has been exploring the waters of Southwest Florida since he was a kid, and this developed his passion and skills for fishing through the years. He specializes in inshore fishing, with various techniques to help you get the best catch for the day. You will encounter several species, depending on your trip and seasonality, since the waters of the Gulf of Mexico are populated with a lot of fish. Chase some Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Sea Trout, Mangrove Snapper, and even Sharks among other saltwater species. Captain Brandon can surely help you with whatever fish you are looking for!

You will be riding a 22’ Pathfinder Tournament boat that can comfortably house up to 6 anglers on board. It is equipped with dual stations, a powerful engine, a spot-locking trolling motor, and modern Garmin electronics to make sure that it has everything you need for your fishing trip. It also has an ice box for your drinks on board. Additionally, all fishing gear, licenses, and fish cleaning services will also be included. It has the necessary safety tools, boat navigation, and even a first aid kit for your comfort and safety. All you need to bring is some snacks, drinks, and your passion for fishing, and you are good to go!

Invite your family, friends, fishing buddies, and even your children because the captain would love to have young kids on his boat. For him, he would highly encourage kids to participate in outdoor activities, and fishing is one of the best ways to get them going. Embark now in this adventure, and make new memories with your family with Floridaze Fishing Charters!

Upcoming Availability

June 2025

July 2025

Expertise & Attributes

fishing

Deep Sea Fishing

Good with Families

Good with Kids

Good with Large Groups

Live Bait

Saltwater Fishing

Fishing Techniques

Light TackleDeep Sea / Bottom FishingBait Casting

What's Included

Cancellation Policy

When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.

What's Included

Cancellation Policy

When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.

Trips Available with Floridaze Fishing Charters

Fishing

Starting At $500

Inshore Fishing Charter in Bokeelia, FL

Fishing Area: Cape Coral

Fishing: Inshore

Fishing Boat:

• 22' Pathfinder Tournament • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)

Description: Set out on an exciting 4-hour fishing adventure with Captain Brandon as you explore the rich waters of Pine Island in Bokeelia, FL, just a short distance from Cape Coral. This trip is perfect for anglers of all experience levels, offering the opportunity to target a variety of prized saltwater species, including Snook, Redfish, and different types of Snapper. Captain Brandon will take you to the best fishing spots, provide expert guidance, and ensure you have the best chance of landing an impressive catch. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day on the water or an action-packed fishing experience, this trip is a great way to enjoy the beauty and abundant marine life of Southwest Florida.

Fishing

Starting At $800

Tarpon Charter in Bokeelia, FL

Fishing Area: Cape Coral

Fishing: Inshore

Fishing Boat:

• 22' Pathfinder Tournament • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)

Description: Get up close and personal with one of Southwest Florida’s most legendary game fish—the mighty Tarpon—on this thrilling fishing charter near Cape Coral. Join Captain Brandon as you chase these massive, acrobatic giants during peak Tarpon season. Known for their powerful runs and spectacular leaps, Tarpon offer an unforgettable challenge for anglers of all skill levels. This exclusive trip includes top-quality fishing gear, licenses, and all the essentials needed for a successful and exciting day on the water.

Fishing

Starting At $700

Saltwater Fishing Trip in Bokeelia, FL

Fishing Area: Cape Coral

Fishing: Inshore

Fishing Boat:

• 22' Pathfinder Tournament • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)

Description: Set off on an unforgettable fishing adventure designed for serious anglers with this 8-hour inshore trip around Pine Island, FL, just a short distance from Cape Coral. This full-day excursion gives you the opportunity to explore multiple prime fishing locations, increasing your chances of landing an impressive catch. Target a variety of sought-after species, including Redfish, Snappers, Groupers, Sea Trout, and even Sharks! With plenty of time on the water, you’ll enjoy nonstop action and expert guidance. Climb aboard now with Floridaze Fishing for an exciting and rewarding day on the water!

Tour

Starting At $300

Beach and Bar Hopping Tour

Tour Area: Cape Coral

Tour: Scenic

Capacity:

Max 4 guests (base trip price includes 4 guests)

Description: There is so much to do on the Beach and Bar hopping trip with Floridaze Fishing Charters. Let me be your designated driver while you kick back and enjoy all Southwest Florida has to offer. Across the Sound we find remote islands only accessible by boat that hold a world of their own. Go shelling at North Captiva and Cayo Costa Islands, two of our barrier islands that stand between the mainland and the Gulf of Mexico. Be sure to carry a dollar to decorate and leave on the wall and enjoy their signature drink the Cabbage Creeper and don’t forget to visit their various Gopher Tortoise residents.

Vehicle

Pathfinder Tournament

Boat Type:

Boat Guest Capacity:

Boat Length:

22 ft

Manufacturer Name:

Pathfinder Tournament

Model Year:

2000

Engine Manufacturer Name:

Yamaha

# of Engines:

Horsepower Per Engine:

200

Features: Bait Tank Ice-Box Trolling Motor GPS

This 22' Pathfinder Tournament boat can house up to 6 guests on board to accompany you on your fishing adventure.

Boat

Pathfinder Tournament

Boat Type:

Boat Guest Capacity:

Boat Length:

22 ft

Vehicle Details

FAQs about Floridaze Fishing Charters

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Reports and Expert Articles

Chasing Inshore Legends in Bokeelia, FL with Floridaze Fishing

April 2, 2025

We had an epic day out on the water with AJ and the crew, chasing some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species on our Saltwater Fishing Trip in Bokeelia, FL with Floridaze Fishing Charters. April is a prime time for inshore action around these parts, with the warming waters bringing Spotted Seatrout, Redfish (Red Drum), and Snook into the shallows. We met up at 8421 Main St bright and early, fueled up, and headed out to start the hunt. As soon as we hit the first spot, the lines started singing. The group was locked in, working their DeepSea, Baitcasting, and Light Tackle setups with precision. It didn't take long before we started boating some quality Spotted Seatrout, with a few nice Redfish mixed in. The Snook were a bit more elusive, but we managed to coax a few of those hard-fighting bruisers out from the mangroves. The action was steady all day, keeping us on our toes and the cooler filling up nicely. Between the epic fishing, the beautiful scenery, and the great company, this trip had it all. The partly cloudy skies and calm waters made for a super comfortable day on the water, and we were able to really focus on maximizing our time on the fish. Whether it was watching a Redfish make its powerful, tail-walking runs or seeing a Snook explode on a topwater plug, the excitement and camaraderie on the boat was palpable. These are the kinds of days that make inshore fishing in Florida so special. If you're looking to get in on some of the best Saltwater Fishing around Pine Island, FL, just a short jaunt from Cape Coral, I can't recommend Floridaze Fishing Charters enough. Our Saltwater Fishing Trip is designed to put you on the fish, regardless of your experience level. With expert guidance, top-notch gear, and access to some of the most productive inshore waters, you're virtually guaranteed an amazing day on the water. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip with us today and get ready to chase some Florida's finest!

Redfish Ruckus: An Inshore Fishing Adventure in Bokeelia, FL

February 19, 2025

It was another great day out on the water with the crew, exploring the inshore fishing opportunities in Bokeelia, Florida. The Floridaze Fishing Charters' Inshore Fishing Charter in Bokeelia, FL is always a treat, especially in February when the waters start to warm up and the fish start getting more active. We launched out of 8421 Main St, right on time at 7:00 am, and with partly cloudy skies, it was shaping up to be an ideal day to chase some of the inshore species like Redfish and Snook in the protected coves and flats of Cayo Costa State Park. As we idled out of the marina, the anticipation was building – you never know what you might hook into when you're fishing these fertile inshore waters. It didn't take long before the first rods started bending, and Tim was into a feisty Redfish. These powerful fish put up an amazing fight, stripping line and making acrobatic jumps, but Tim kept his cool and worked the fish in expertly. We ended up boating a few more Redfish throughout the day, each one just as beautiful and hard-fighting as the last. The action was steady, and everyone was having a blast reeling in these incredible inshore gamefish. Though we didn't manage to land any big trophies, we still had an amazing time out on the water, soaking up the Florida sunshine, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and creating memories that will last long after the trip. If you're looking to experience some of the best inshore fishing Bokeelia has to offer, be sure to book the Inshore Fishing Charter with Floridaze Fishing Charters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting into the sport, our knowledgeable team will make sure you have an unforgettable day on the water.

Back to Herding Sheep

December 14, 2024

The winter feels are here in Southwest Florida. We may not be in full blown cold season but it feels like it some days. Early cold fronts that have not been common the past several years, extreme low winter type tides and of course our northern visitors have made their appearance. The other, more notable signs of winter fishing is the invasion of big sheepshead in to our inshore waters. When the temps drop these delicious fish make their way inshore to engage their annual spawning. Sheepshead are big, hardy, tasty and strong fighting fish that feed exclusively on crustaceans like barnacles, shrimp, crabs and even sand fleas. Our sheepshead are a structure oriented species, meaning they like cover such as docks, rock piles, mangrove branches and you can sometimes find them along oyster beds where a lot of their food can be found. They have big strong jaws, lined with rows of rounded teeth resembling human teeth. They are quite the sight to see, but despite their strange appearance they taste much like the food they consume. Some people would compare their meat to crab.I typically target these fish using a sharp 1/4 ounce jig head tipped with a small shrimp or if need be a piece of a larger shrimp. The key is to cover the hook without giving them enough hanging off the hook where they can pull it off. Covering the hook makes them have no choice but to eat the whole bait. Their mouth is so full of teeth sometimes it is difficult to get a hook in them, needless to say it is not uncommon to miss them. Shrimp is an easy bait but if you can get your hands on fiddler crabs or sand fleas you’ll guarantee to deter the smaller fish like pinfish from picking your bait apart. They are the primary target this time of year, however, the redfish and trout bite has been phenomenal, reds have been a little smaller but the trout are getting jumbo. Everything has been eating shrimp, when targeting reds and trout I tend to use a jig head under a popping cork.

Beat the Front and Load the Freezer

November 20, 2024

Fishing ahead of a cold front is one of my absolute favorites. The barometric pressure gets to a perfect point before fronts come through and these fish feel it and get extremely active. Cold fronts can cause fish to go into a lethargic state where they have no energy or motivation to chase or eat baits. Imagine for a second you wake up and you feel bloated, nauseous even, your initial reaction is not to get out of bed and eat a big breakfast, instead you lay around for as long as it takes to feel well again. This feeling in that scenario is very similar to what fish feel after a low pressure system blows through, they have to work to keep a balance and have no problem sitting around until the pressure builds back and they feel comfortable again. They tend to eat like they’re going into hibernation for a few days because essentially that is the case. As for the day we had before our most recent front, the fish had no quit in them, it seemed like every bait for 3-5 hours was getting bit. We caught tons of redfish, snook and trout in just a matter of a few hours. The trout were huge, most over 20 inches, redfish ranged in size but many between 19 and 25 inches. We caught a lot of snook too, most in the mid 20’s and a couple over 30. I had my brother out and we were on a mission to get meat for a family fish fry. We did our job, we limited out on all three species and the family will have a fine fish fry in the coming days. Bait was phenomenal, they tend to be great before a cold front as well but post front conditions for catching bait can be a huge struggle, it is likely we will switch to shrimp before too long. I did come prepared with shrimp and the reds and trout were perfectly content eating those as well as greenbacks and pinfish. The conditions might turn sour for a few days but once the front passes the fishing will be right back in the position to catch a lot.

Winds Cranking but the Fish are Yanking

November 10, 2024

Late fall is an epic time to fish our waters, the snook are fully back in the inshore waters and hungry after all the work they put in during their spawning season. You will frequently find long, skinny female snook looking to get their figure back after giving birth to the next generation of snook. We have been catching our bigger snook on large greenbacks we refer to as turbos, these bigger baits are irresistible to those bigger slot and overslot snook. Beef up your leader because you will need it with some of these monsters, I typically step it up to 40 lb Fluorocarbon which is less susceptible to abrasion when those fish shoot under structure. Redfish are still schooling up towards the tail end of their spawn, mostly the mid to upper slot fish are what we have found around the mangrove islands, oyster beds and docks. Pinfish are hard to pass up but they will certainly eat greenbacks as well. Trout over grass flats and edges of bars and channels have been pretty good, just lacking in size at times. We have been targeting those trout with gulp shrimp under a popping cork. They absolutely love those baits but just about anything will work. At times when the wind is blowing it is best to use a bait you can slow retrieve like a shrimp immitation bait. We are starting to head into a change in season, cold fronts are pushing through and soon we will see a change in bait, tide heights and target species. As we begin seeing lower winter tides we will switch to shrimp and focus more on sheepshead as they make their way into our inshore waters to spawn. The fishing as always is great and will remain that way as we switch into a new routine.

Hurricanes and Fall Fishing

October 10, 2024

Our fishing is firing off in Pine Island Sound despite our stint of hurricanes over the last several weeks. Unfortunately there is damage left in their wake but it isn’t affecting our fishery and here at Floridaze Fishing Charters we are open and welcome anyone wanting to get out and catch a bunch of great fish. In between storms we have been catching great redfish that are still schooling up in large numbers as we are in the middle of their spawning season. These big reds gather together and feed like crazy to fatten up and prepare to make a new generation of redfish. When this happens it makes fishing for them so exciting because they are willing to eat anything and will fight to be the fish that gets to eat your bait. Snook season is also in full swing for another month and a half and when we break away from the schools of reds we’ve been catching plenty of snook. The slot fish have been getting the best of a few of my groups since the season started; these fish are strong and not an easy fight especially when hooked in the mangroves or other structures. Our trout are getting into a great size range, many of the fish we are catching are in that 15-19 inch range giving my anglers plenty of meat to bring home. This fishing should get better and better in the coming months, fall is a personal favorite time of the year to target big reds, snook, trout and sometimes we get the tarpon to play along as well. Come get on the fish with Floridaze, you’ll leave with awesome memories of a great fishing experience.

Fall Redfish

September 18, 2024

Fall is here and despite temperatures keeping pace with the typical summer heat we are seeing fall arrive in the form of an unbelievable fish bite. The fall months in southwest Florida is known for one of the greatest red drum fishing experiences found anywhere. These redfish are schooling up and eating everything in sight to prepare for their spawn season. The reds get together and in many cases it is the big bulls (30 inches or bigger) schooling up sometimes in unbelieveable numbers. The largest school I have ever found was estimated around 700 redfish. The reds eat like they haven't eaten in months and will attack anything you throw at them, it is an excellent time to use artificial baits. We are finding an abundance of slot redfish around the mangrove islands as well along with plenty of great snook action since they recently wrapped up their spawn. Bush fishing is best when the tide is high and the water flows into the trees where the fish can get into the root system, hiding out and waiting to ambush their prey. Our trout fishing is getting great as well, they are gaining size and we are starting to see the bigger slot fish arrive over the grass flats giving cistomers a great chance to load up on some meat fish that taste excellent. Fall is one of the best times to fish the waters of Pine Island, the fish are feisty, water temps will be dropping and it’s only getting better from here on out. The cooler water temperatures bring our fish to life and they become much more active and hungry.

Endless Summer

July 8, 2024

We are here in the dog days of summer, heat waves and strong fish are the name of the game during this season. Tarpon are still hanging around, providing for some of the best fights any angler could ask for. Their meal of choice here lately has been the bigger pinfish about 4-6 inches long. I prefer to fish those pinfish under a large cork when fishing the flats and deep channel edges. Mangrove snapper have made their way inshore for their summer invasion. Summer is time for snapper fishing and they are personally one of the best table fare our waters have to offer. At this time you cant go anywhere inshore without finding mangrove snapper ready to eat whatever you throw in their vicinity. Redfish and snook keep doing their thing giving us some fun action on beaches, bars and mangrove islands. We have excellent tides this time of the year allowing us to fish the mangroves where the predator fish like to hide most of the day. Reds have been particularly active and schooled up in alot of our common fishing areas. Snook are still going through their spawn season, it is a little harder to get the big females to eat right now, they are a bit stingy as they are very focused on making babies rather than running down food. The spawning snook can be found on the beaches and edges of the passes, sometimes a couple miles offshore over structure. Bait is perfect right now, great size for whatever you care to fish for. The pilchards and pinfish are plentiful over the flats and it has not taken long to catch all you need for a days worth of fishing. Typically using a 1/4 inch mesh bait net will work perfectly to net all your fish candy.

Summer Fun

May 14, 2024

The summer fishing is heating up and you don’t want to miss a second of the action. Big beautiful redfish, powerful snook and an abundance of seatrout have been giving us some fun days on the water lately. Bait is all over the sound and it’s the perfect size to sit off groups of fish and access the bite with long casts. Bigger baitfish means staying farther from the fish so as to not spook them, big pinfish and greenbacks make for long casts and zero alarm to the fish we are targeting. This time of year we really try to use a long light leader so as to not give ourselves away. These lighter leaders sometimes means tougher times getting those big fish to the boat and requiring a lot more maneuvering when these fish get us in a tight situation, but that’s what makes this sport so fun, the thrill of the fight. I typically use an arms length leader, 15-20 lb fluorocarbon and it is best to lighten up on the drag because these bigger fish can pop a leader that size with ease if tension gets too strong. The water is heating up quickly which means we are required to keep less bait so they have plenty of oxygen in our well. We are starting to see some mangrove snapper moving into the inshore waters and it’s about to get even more exciting when we can fill limits of delicious snapper. Tarpon are all around and we’ve managed a few short hookups but with the windy conditions we’ve been facing some days just aren’t great days to fish for them so the time spent fishing tarpon has been limited unfortunately but that is sure to change with nicer weather on the horizon.

Fishing with El Niño

April 1, 2024

If you enjoy flying kites as a hobby then the month of April has been quite the thrill for you with the El Niño pattern and the high winds we are experiencing here in Southwest Florida. It’s been tough to find a day where the weather is just right but despite the chop and wind we are still having a great spring on the water. Snook are abundant and we’ve been finding slot fish in alot of areas (that’s our fish between 28 and 33 inches). Mostly focusing on Mangrove islands with good moving water and overhangs where those snook can hide out to ambush bait is the ticket. Trout have been across the flats and ledges off grass flats around some of the channels. Our bigger over-slot gator trout are still hanging around closer to mangroves in a lot of cases but also tight to oyster bars and abundant grass flats.We’ve had a lot of fun with some great size redfish as well, those reds we were catching back in December that all were around 17 inches are now grown to low 20’s and they’ve got a little more fight in them. Bars and islands with good moving water and structure is where you’ll find redfish and it never hurts to have some cut bait on hand for these fish, they can’t resist it. White bait is getting better and better every day and the struggle to fill the bait well is getting easier in the mornings with fewer net throws. It is imperative to catch plenty of bait in the mornings to have enough to chum with throughout the day. It helps to see where your target fish are when they feed on some of that chum thrown into the spot. It’s been a great spring thus far and will only get better with the exit of El Niño and calmer days.

Springing Into Action

March 20, 2024

The spring bite is on fire here in Southwest Florida! Bait has arrived and is just about anywhere you look, over grass flats you can find thousands of active green backs, threadfin and pinfish looking to eat an easy meal like our excellent chum mixture. I do really well with a couple scoops of Purina fish chow mixed with menhaden oil which you can find at most bait shops or online. Just a little pinch every couple minutes will create a scent and oil slick in the water that draws those baitfish in where a big cast net will be waiting to scoop them up for a days worth of fishing. The trout are big and in the middle of their spring spawn, redfish and snook are present all over the mangrove islands as well as some juvenile tarpon and the weather is great most days. As stated the trout are large and in charge, most of the trout we are finding are over slot, big females that are very obviously carrying eggs. Most trout range around 19-23 inches but we have been fortunate enough to catch a few in the high 20’s. We have had some really great fights with juvenile tarpon lately in some of the common spots in the backcountry. They put on a great acrobatic show with huge jumps and strong runs pulling drag along the way. Snook and reds are out and hungry, throwing bait fish chum around the mangrove lines will usually make for a great show as they begin chasing, popping and inhaling the greenbacks fluttering through the water. The fishing is heating up and lines are tight every day from start to finish.

A Glimpse of Spring

February 27, 2024

Is it too soon to welcome spring into Southwest Florida? I don’t think so, we are starting to see a glimpse of the most wonderful season for big trout, healthy snook, strong reds and many other fun times on the water. Gator trout are scattered throughout the sound right now as well as plenty of redfish. Gator trout are considered any trout over the legal slot range, so in the case of southwest Florida a trout 20 inches or bigger. Soon we will switch our bait of choice from shrimp to greenbacks and pinfish giving us many more opportunities for big snook fights. The snook should be making a grand reappearance to our inshore waters from their winter time hideouts deep in the back waters and up our rivers in the warmer waters. Snook can be very susceptible to the cold water, if temperatures drop below 70 they can die and we’ve seen large die offs in the past from early hard freezing temperatures before they’ve had the chance to go to their winter homes. It has been a blast out on the flats lately but also tons of action just a few miles offshore. Sheepshead are still very prevalent even as we approach the end of spawning season, snapper, grunt and many other species can be found on the nearshore trips. Typically only a short drive 5 miles can produce alot of fish for anglers looking for constant action. Nearshore trips make for a fun time especially for kids, the constant action keeps them fighting fish throughout the entire trip. As you know kids are not too hard to please when it comes to a day on the water, tons of sea life and educational opportunities can be found in our waters and it’s a great opportunity to instill a love for our waters and the sport of fishing.

Winter Fishing Report

February 5, 2024

Sheepshead, sheepshead and more sheepshead. That’s what this time of year is all about. We are all in on these fish and finding a few bigger fish around docks and rocks in and around Pine Island. Using pieces of shrimp on a light jig head or circle hook with a weight is the method we’ve been using to catch these fish. Along with the sheepshead we are catching many redfish, black drum and mangrove snapper and starting to see some of the big snook moving back in the area, getting the snook to eat is a different story. They stay a little finicky while the water is still cold but come spring time they will be feeding great and moving a little less sluggishly. Weather has been hit or miss, the winter winds and rain have kept us off the water a few days lately but we are gearing up for the great spring fishing heading our way.

Groundhog Day

February 5, 2024

In most of the country the groundhog determines when spring will arrive, out here on the water we have our own signs of early spring. For one, when we start catching the big gator trout it’s a sure sign great weather, fishing and fun are just around the corner. For those who aren’t aware when a speckled sea trout gets over the 20” mark we consider them a gator trout, a term that has been around for as long as I’ve been alive and maybe longer. These big behemoths are fun to fight, and on the plus side the state of Florida allows us to keep one gator trout a piece because of the effect they can have on the young trout as they tend to prey on the babies. This rule has been implemented to protect the next generation of trout that will one day become a gator trout themselves. Aside from our increasing trout bite we are starting to see redfish that are just getting into slot size and the best sign of spring, the big snook are showing up. The newest generation of redfish had a population explosion from hurricane Ian that made landfall around the time these smaller reds parents were spawning. I’ve never seen such a boom in young redfish before and we owe it to a natural disaster that forced people off the water for the months during our redfish spawn. Spring will also bring us better bait to net and in turn great bites from all these big predator fish. The nearshore bite has been incredible as well bringing us tons of tasty snapper, sheepshead and grunt. Spring is upon us and it’s going to be a blast.

Herding Sheep to Start the New Year

January 1, 2024

Sheepshead fishing is in full swing and they’re giving us some fun days on the water. These tasty, hard fighting fish are highly sought after during our winter months. They can be a tricky fish to hook, with a mouth full of human like teeth the areas to set a hook are few which can make them an even tougher target. Alongside the sheepshead we are catching reds, snapper and black drum, plenty of variety and good eating fish to catch when the weather is cold. For the next couple months we will stick to shrimp for our bait of choice. Catching white bait these times of the year can be difficult and the fish switch their food choices to bait easier to catch like shrimp, crabs and sand fleas. Fish get slower with dropping water temps so their energy levels drop as well, they still fight like crazy and show us a great time on the water.

Winter Fishing is Heating Up

December 7, 2023

Winter is approaching and that means the Sheepshead are coming in to our inshore waters. These big, powerful and very delicious fish become our focus in the cold months. The best way to ensure catching a lot of these fish is to use live crabs or shrimp with an extra sharp hook, I prefer 3/8 ounce jig heads. It’s important to remember these fish have a mouth full of teeth much like human teeth, that line the entirety of their mouth to crush up their favorite food, crustaceans and sometimes getting a good hook set can frustrate even the best angler. Aside from sheepshead we are still catching plenty of redfish, trout, mangrove snapper and snook. These coming months will bring lower water temps meaning fewer food options for these predators, greenbacks will be on the move to warmer waters soon and we will be fishing exclusively with shrimp, pinfish and cut bait. These fish remain very active through winter and the fishing will stay strong despite conditions us generational Floridians don’t care for, but the active fishing keeps us warm until we get warmer days. The nearshore fishing is getting great as well, tons of smaller grouper but the big target species we look to catch is Lane Snapper and Mangrove Snapper, tasty and plentiful ensuring you have plenty for supper.

Ratings & Reviews Summary

out of 5

Based on 64 ratings

recommended

Based on 64 recommendations

Our Captain is loved for...

June 24, 2025

We had a fantastic 4 hour charter. Captain Brandon put us on fish at every spot. The Captain is a very personable and knowledgeable guide that I would easily recommend to family and friends. As an added note. Captain Brandon’s boat and equipment was all well maintained and clean. Thank again, Stingray and Catfish

June 24, 2025

Great two days fishing with Captain Brandon. Lots of snook, redfish and sea trout plus the beautiful water of Pine island area!!! I would recommend Captain Brandon to anyone looking for a great adventure. We will certainly be back to fish again.

June 24, 2025

Captain Brandon was an awesome charter captain and we caught our limit of sea trout while hooking into several snook! Great trip. Highly recommend the Floridaze.

JonBolen

June 24, 2025

Captain Brandon communicated excellent prior to the trip. He is a third generation captian who knows the waters and the area history like the back of his hand. My wife and I didn't have specific goals so he just put us on some fish quickly and kept us moving. We caught redfish, sheepshead, mangrove snapper and snook - my first snook! I would highly recommend Floridaze.

June 24, 2025

Would highly recommend Caption Brandon on a guided fishing trip. He is very experienced and made sure we all caught a lot of fish. We had a group of six and kept him busy… Thanks again Brandon!

June 24, 2025

Captain Brandon was fantastic. My wife and I grew up in SWFL and have fished with many captains here, Brandon was different. It felt like we were old friends from the moment we stepped on his boat. We shared stories about Pine Island and talked about our family history and ... oh... we caught some fish. He put us on snook, redfish and sheepshead. As the trip ended, we found ourselves wishing we had already booked another day.