5.0(1 Reviews)Charlotte Harbor Flats Fishing with Orvis Guide
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Orvis endorsed guide offers 4 or 6hour Charlotte Harbor tripsFlats skiff accommodates 12 guests for fly and light tackleMultispecies backcountry fishing with stealthy casting opportunities
Want to experience some of Florida's best inshore fishing with a guide who really knows these waters? Captain Roger Gendron, an Orvis-endorsed fishing guide, will put you on fish in Charlotte Harbor's pristine flats and backcountry waters. This isn't your typical party boat charter – we're talking about a custom flats skiff built for getting into skinny water where the big fish feed. Whether you're bringing your 5-weight fly rod or prefer spinning gear, this top-rated fishing experience delivers the kind of shots that make your heart race. Perfect for solo anglers or pairs who want undivided attention from one of the area's most skilled captains.
You'll launch before sunrise or catch the afternoon bite, depending on tides and what species we're targeting. Captain Roger runs a shallow-draft flats skiff that lets us slide into water barely deep enough to float – that's where the magic happens in Charlotte Harbor. This isn't about trolling around hoping to get lucky. We're sight fishing, working the mangrove shorelines, and hitting grass flats where snook, reds, and tarpon cruise looking for their next meal. The 4-hour trip gives you solid fishing time without feeling rushed, though many anglers opt for the 6-hour adventure when they're sharing the boat or really want to explore different zones. Roger knows every oyster bar, every cut, and every spot where fish stack up during different tide phases. You'll learn why this area has earned its reputation as one of Florida's premier fishing destinations.
Charlotte Harbor's shallow flats call for finesse and stealth – exactly what this specialized flats skiff delivers. We'll be poling through water that's often less than three feet deep, using the electric trolling motor when wind picks up, and sometimes anchoring to work specific structure. Fly fishing here is pure magic – long casts with streamers that imitate glass minnows, or topwater patterns that drive snook crazy during low-light periods. If you're more comfortable with spinning gear, we'll rig up with live shrimp, pilchards, or artificial lures that match the baitfish these predators are keyed in on. The boat's elevated casting platform gives you the perfect angle for sight casting to cruising fish. Captain Roger will handle the boat positioning while you focus on making accurate casts – teamwork that consistently produces strikes. We carry backup rods and a full selection of lures, so whether you're a seasoned angler or still learning to read the water, you'll have everything needed to succeed.
Snook are the crown jewel of Charlotte Harbor fishing, and these ambush predators know how to use every piece of cover to their advantage. They'll hang tight to mangrove roots, under docks, or along oyster bars where the current brings them easy meals. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized up to genuine trophies pushing 30+ inches. What makes snook so addictive is their explosive strike and the way they'll try to cut your line on the nearest sharp edge – pure adrenaline every time you hook one.
Redfish patrol these flats year-round, often in small schools that create some of the most exciting sight fishing opportunities you'll find anywhere. These copper-colored fighters average 18 to 26 inches in Charlotte Harbor, with plenty of oversized "bull" reds mixed in during certain seasons. Watch for their backs and tails breaking the surface as they root around in shallow water – that's your cue to make a perfect cast ahead of the school. Reds fight dirty, using their broad shoulders to bulldoze toward structure.
Tarpon show up in serious numbers during their spring and summer migration, turning Charlotte Harbor into a world-class fishery for the "silver king." These prehistoric fish range from juvenile tarpon in the 10-30 pound class up to giants exceeding 100 pounds. There's nothing quite like watching a massive tarpon explode from the water after eating your fly or lure – they'll jump repeatedly, trying to throw the hook with head shakes that have to be seen to be believed.
Grey Snapper might not jump like tarpon, but they're incredibly good eating and put up a respectable scrap on light tackle. These structure-oriented fish hang around anything that provides cover – from mangrove edges to scattered shell beds. They're opportunistic feeders that will eat live bait, artificials, or flies, making them perfect targets when other species are being finicky.
Crevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the flats – pure muscle that will test your drag system and your arms. These aggressive predators often travel in schools and will absolutely demolish anything that resembles a baitfish. While they might not be table fare, jacks provide some of the hardest fights you'll experience on light tackle. They're particularly active during warmer months and love to bust bait schools in shallow water.
Captain Roger's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when word gets out about the hot bite. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to fish with an Orvis-endorsed guide who's dedicated his career to mastering Charlotte Harbor's waters. Whether you're looking to cross tarpon off your bucket list, want to sight fish for tailing redfish, or just need a break from everyday stress with a rod in your hands, this charter delivers. The flats skiff, the captain's knowledge, and Charlotte Harbor's fish population create the perfect storm for an outstanding day on the water. Book now and get ready to experience why so many anglers consider this area their favorite fishing destination in Florida.
Step aboard this meticulously restored 1996 17-foot Maverick flats skiff, a legendary hull design that still sets the standard for shallow water fishing today. After a complete makeover featuring a fresh F70 Yamaha outboard with jackplate, new casting and poling platforms, plus modern electronics throughout, she's ready to get you into those skinny waters where the fish hide. This nimble skiff cuts through Charlotte Harbor's backcountry with barely a whisper, thanks to her shallow draft design that opens up fishing spots bigger boats can't reach. The wireless trolling motor keeps things dead quiet when you're stalking redfish and snook in the flats, while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish. GPS navigation keeps you on track, and the VHF radio maintains contact with the marina. Built for serious anglers, she features spacious casting platforms fore and aft, perfect for fly fishing or light tackle work. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. With room for up to two guests plus your Orvis-endorsed guide, everyone has plenty of space to cast without tangling lines. Whether you're sight-fishing the grass flats or working mangrove shorelines, this classic Maverick delivers the stealth and shallow access that makes backcountry fishing so productive.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of Charlotte Harbor - all muscle and attitude. These brassy-green fighters typically run 3-8 pounds here, but we hook some 15-pounders that'll really test your tackle. Look for them around structure, grass flats, and anywhere baitfish are getting pushed to the surface. Year-round species, but summer brings the best action when they school up. What makes them fun? They hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up. Watch for diving birds - that's your signal that jacks are busting bait below. They're not great eating, but they're perfect for catch-and-release fun. Here's the secret: cast a silver spoon past the school and reel it back fast. These fish love the chase, so don't be subtle about it.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snappers, or mangrove snappers as we call them locally, are some of the smartest fish in Charlotte Harbor. Most run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds, with that distinctive greyish-red color and dark eye stripe. You'll find them around docks, bridges, and mangrove roots in 3-15 feet of water. They're opportunistic feeders that get active at dawn, dusk, and night. People love targeting them because they're fantastic eating - sweet, white meat that's perfect for the table. They're also a great species for kids since they bite readily. Pro tip: use the lightest leader you can get away with and let your live shrimp sit still near structure. These fish are line-shy, so any movement or heavy tackle will send them running.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Charlotte Harbor's most reliable target year-round. These copper-colored fish with black spots near their tails average 20-28 inches here, though we catch plenty of slot-sized fish perfect for dinner. They love our shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove creeks in 1-4 feet of water. You'll often see their backs out of the water while they're tailing in the shallows. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What guests love? They eat well, fight hard, and you can sight-cast to them in skinny water. The meat's sweet and firm - perfect on the grill. Key tip: when you spot one tailing, cast 3 feet ahead of where it's moving and let your bait settle to the bottom. They're feeding down, so be patient.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the backbone of our Charlotte Harbor fishery. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-30 inches here, though we catch some real bruisers pushing 40 inches. They love our mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and grass flats in 2-6 feet of water. Best action happens during moving tides, especially dawn and dusk. What makes them special? Pure aggression when they hit and those blistering runs that'll test your drag. They're great eating too - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Here's the key: when you see one cruising the shallows, cast well ahead and let your lure sink before starting a slow, steady retrieve. They spook easily but can't resist a perfect presentation.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of Charlotte Harbor, and landing one is something you'll never forget. Most fish here run 60-120 pounds and 4-6 feet long, though we see some real giants. They cruise our flats and channels in 4-12 feet of water, especially around Boca Grande Pass. Peak season runs May through July when they're migrating through. What makes them special? Those aerial shows - they'll jump 8 feet out of the water trying to throw your hook. They're pure catch-and-release since the meat's full of bones. The trick is keeping steady pressure without over-fighting them. When one jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. This keeps slack out of the line and prevents them from throwing the hook during those spectacular leaps.
5.0 out of 5.0Charles Polk, Thank you! Hope you can visit SW FL again.rkg
Punta Gorda, FL