Saltwater Fishing Trip in Bokeelia, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore fishing adventure around Pine Island watersTarget redfish, snappers, groupers, sea trout, and sharksProfessional guidance with threeguest maximum capacity
Looking for a serious fishing adventure that'll put you on some of Southwest Florida's best inshore action? This 8-hour saltwater fishing trip out of Bokeelia is what you've been waiting for. We're talking about a full day exploring the legendary waters around Pine Island, where the fishing runs hot year-round and the species variety will keep your rod bent all day long. With Floridaze Fishing Charters, you'll hit multiple prime spots that locals have been guarding for decades - shallow grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and deep cuts where the big fish cruise. This isn't some quick tourist trip; it's designed for anglers who want to fish hard and bring home dinner.
Your day starts early in Bokeelia, perfectly positioned to access some of the most productive inshore waters in Florida. Pine Island Sound and the surrounding backcountry offer everything from crystal-clear flats to structure-rich channels, giving us options no matter what Mother Nature throws at us. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is we can really move around and follow the bite. Morning might find us working the grass flats for sea trout and reds, then shifting to deeper structure for snapper and grouper as the day heats up. The boat stays comfortable for up to 3 anglers, so you won't be elbow-to-elbow fighting for space. Captain knows these waters like his backyard and adjusts the game plan based on tides, weather, and what's been biting lately. Pack your cooler with drinks and snacks since meals aren't provided - you'll work up an appetite pulling fish all day.
We fish smart here, adapting techniques to match what the fish want on any given day. Live bait fishing is king in these waters - we'll have fresh shrimp, pinfish, and grunts that drive the local species absolutely crazy. When the bite is hot on the flats, we might switch to artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs that let you cover more water efficiently. The captain provides all rods, reels, and terminal tackle rigged specifically for Southwest Florida inshore fishing. We're talking medium to heavy action spinning gear that can handle everything from 15-inch trout to bull reds pushing 40 inches. Circle hooks are standard for most applications - they reduce gut hooking and make catch-and-release much more effective. Depending on conditions, we might drift fish over grass beds, anchor up on structure, or work the mangrove edges with precise casting. The key is staying mobile and reading the water throughout the day.
Red Snapper around Pine Island are the stuff of legends, and for good reason. These crimson beauties average 15-25 inches but don't be surprised when a true heavyweight crashes your party. They hang around hard bottom, artificial reefs, and deeper channel edges, typically in 25-60 feet of water. Summer months bring the best action, though they bite year-round if you know where to look. Red snapper fight dirty - expect screaming runs and head shakes that'll test your drag system. What makes them special here is the pristine water quality keeps the meat sweet and flaky.
Gag Grouper are the ultimate ambush predators in our local waters, lurking around structure waiting to inhale anything that looks like an easy meal. These bruisers average 20-30 inches but can push well over that mark. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, though summer fishing can be productive in deeper water. The fight is all about power - pure, bulldogging strength that'll make your arms burn. Gags are prized for their firm, white meat that's perfect for everything from fish sandwiches to fancy dinner preparations.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around Pine Island. They school up around any kind of structure - docks, mangroves, oyster bars, you name it. Size ranges from keeper 12-inchers up to hefty 18-inch slabs that provide surprising fights on lighter tackle. These fish are active year-round but peak during warmer months when they move shallow to feed. They're notorious bait stealers with excellent eyesight, so finesse presentations often work better than heavy-handed approaches. The meat is outstanding - sweet, firm, and versatile in the kitchen.
Sea Trout patrol the grass flats like underwater wolves, hunting in schools and providing consistent action throughout the day. Pine Island Sound's extensive seagrass beds create perfect habitat, supporting both the smaller "keeper" trout around 15 inches and the prized "gator" trout that can exceed 24 inches. Spring and fall offer the best trophy potential, but you'll find good numbers year-round. They're visual feeders that respond well to both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers who like to experiment with different techniques. The distinctive spotted pattern and prominent canine teeth make them unmistakable.
Redfish are the heavyweight champions of the shallow water game around here. These copper-colored powerhouses cruise the flats, mangrove edges, and oyster bars in search of crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. Southwest Florida reds run from "slot" fish around 18-27 inches up to massive bull reds exceeding 40 inches. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning and late afternoon. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat in extremely shallow water - we're talking 18 inches or less where you can see their backs and tails. The fight combines blistering runs with stubborn bulldogging that'll test every knot on your rig.
This 8-hour inshore adventure represents some of the best fishing value you'll find in Southwest Florida. With access to multiple
Ready to chase redfish and snapper around Pine Island's productive waters? This 22' Pathfinder Tournament is built for serious anglers who want to fish hard all day. With space for up to 6 people, she's perfect for your crew to spread out and work the flats. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on feeding fish, while the GPS helps you hit those honey holes consistently. An onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh during those long 8-hour trips targeting everything from sea trout to sharks. The Pathfinder's shallow draft design lets you access those skinny water spots where the big reds like to hang out. Whether you're sight fishing the grass beds or working structure for grouper, this boat handles Pine Island's varied terrain with ease.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - once they grab your bait, they're heading straight back to their hole. Most run 16-24 inches, but the big boys can hit 40+ pounds and really test your arms. You'll find them around any structure - reefs, wrecks, rock piles in 20-100 feet. They love live pinfish and cut bait, especially around stone crab traps where they hunt. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active. What guests love is the raw power - these fish don't jump, they just pull like a freight train. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm white meat that holds up great on the grill. Pro tip from years out here: once you feel that thump, lock down your drag and don't give them an inch. Let them run to cover and you'll be retying - they know every cave and crevice down there.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, or Mangrove Snapper as locals call them, are some of the smartest fish you'll tangle with. Most run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds, perfect for the dinner table. They love hanging around docks, mangroves, and any structure in 5-40 feet of shallow water. These guys are opportunistic - they'll study your bait before committing. Summer months are best when they're more active, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes them fun is they're finicky - you need to outsmart them, not overpower them. The payoff is some of the best-tasting fish in these waters - white, flaky meat with a mild flavor. Local secret: use a 4J hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to bottom, then lift it just off the structure. Don't jerk when they bite - let them take it and reel steady. Patience beats power with these clever fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize catch most anglers dream about around here. These deep-water fighters typically run 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some monsters pushing 20+ pounds. They live on structure in 30-200 feet - think reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom where they can ambush prey. Summer through fall gives you the best shot when water temps hit that sweet spot. What makes them special? They'll test your tackle with powerful runs straight back to cover, plus they're absolutely delicious with that signature mild, sweet meat. Here's a local trick: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the rocks. If they make it to structure, you'll likely lose them. The fight is worth it though - nothing beats fresh snapper on the grill after a good day on the water.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are what put this area on the map for inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-27 inches in our shallow waters, with that distinctive black spot near their tail. They love cruising oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats in 1-4 feet - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are prime when they school up. What gets anglers fired up is watching them crush topwater baits in skinny water - pure visual excitement. They pull hard and long, testing your drag system. Plus, they're great eating within the slot limit. The key trick I share with guests: look for moving water around structure changes. Cast ahead of cruising fish and let your bait sink naturally. Once hooked, keep them away from oyster bars - they'll cut your line in a heartbeat on those sharp shells.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around Pine Island. They average 14-18 inches with some nice ones pushing 4-5 pounds. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-8 feet, especially where the bottom drops off near channels. They're most active during cooler months when water temps drop, and low-light periods like dawn and dusk. What anglers love is their willingness to hit artificial lures - topwater plugs, soft plastics, and spoons all work great. They're also excellent table fare with delicate, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. The fight isn't overpowering but they're scrappy for their size. Here's something I've learned over the years: work the edges of grass flats where clear water meets slightly deeper areas. Use a slow retrieve and let the lure pause - that's when they usually strike. Don't horse them in; their mouths are soft and hooks pull out easily.
Cape Coral