4 Hour Fishing Adventure - Placida, FL
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Fourhour backcountry fishing adventure in Placida watersExpert guides target Turtle Bay, Bull Bay, Boca Grande PassSmall group charter accommodates up to four guests
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that hits all the right spots? Our 4-hour adventure out of Placida puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best inshore and backcountry waters. We're talking about legendary spots like Turtle Bay, Bull Bay, and the famous Boca Grande Pass – places where the fish are big, the action is consistent, and every cast has potential. With room for up to 4 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough time to really get into the fish while still getting you back to shore with plenty of day left over.
When you step aboard with Mike Wise Fishing Charters, you're getting more than just a boat ride to some fishing spots. Our local guides know these waters like the back of their hand – every grass flat, every drop-off, every structure that holds fish. We'll start the day by reading the conditions and adjusting our game plan accordingly. Maybe we're hitting the shallow flats for reds if the tide's right, or working the deeper edges of Boca Grande Pass if the tarpon are moving through. The beauty of a 4-hour trip is we can cover serious ground and adapt to what the fish are telling us. You'll be working with quality tackle and fresh bait, and our guides are there to help whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license – we've got you covered on everything else.
The fishing around Placida is diverse, which means we're constantly switching up techniques to match the conditions and target species. In the shallows around Turtle Bay, we might be sight fishing with live shrimp or small crabs, keeping quiet and making precise casts to cruising redfish. When we move to deeper structure, expect to see us break out the heavier tackle for cobia or that massive goliath grouper everyone talks about. Boca Grande Pass is legendary for a reason – the moving water brings baitfish, and everything from snook to barracuda follows the food. We'll work the current breaks, drop baits near structure, and keep our eyes peeled for surface activity. Bull Bay offers a different flavor entirely, with its maze of mangrove shorelines perfect for working topwater lures and live bait presentations. Each spot requires a different approach, and that variety is what keeps even experienced anglers coming back.
Redfish are the bread and butter of these waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers hang around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove edges year-round, though they're particularly active during the cooler months from October through March. What makes reds so special is their fight – they'll make long runs and use their broad sides to pull drag like crazy. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black spot near the tail. Most of the reds we're catching are in that 20-30 inch sweet spot, perfect for photos and dinner.
Great Barracuda bring a different kind of excitement to the trip. These toothy predators are fast, aggressive, and absolutely explosive when they hit. They love the clearer waters around structure and drop-offs, especially during warmer months from spring through fall. A 'cuda strike is unmistakable – they'll often jump completely out of the water, and their initial runs are lightning fast. They're also one of the best fish to target if you want some action on artificial lures, since they can't resist a well-presented spoon or tube lure.
Cobia are the wild cards that can turn a good day into a great one. These brown sharks lookalikes cruise the flats and around structure, particularly from March through October. What makes cobia fishing so exciting is that they're curious fish – they'll often approach the boat to investigate, giving you multiple shot opportunities. They're also fantastic table fare and strong fighters that will test your drag system. When we spot a cobia, everything else stops until we get a bait in front of it.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and the waters around Placida hold some solid fish. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangroves, bridge pilings – anywhere they can hide and wait for prey. They're most active during dawn and dusk, and the summer months from May through September are prime time. Snook have that golden color and distinctive black lateral line that makes them instantly recognizable. They're also notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and ability to find every piece of structure to wrap you up on.
Goliath Grouper represent the ultimate big fish encounter in these waters. These giants can exceed 400 pounds and are most commonly found around wrecks, ledges, and heavy structure. While they're catch-and-release only, hooking into a goliath is an experience you'll never forget. They don't run like other fish – instead, they just pull straight down with incredible power. The best months for goliaths are typically summer through early fall when they congregate for spawning. Even though you can't keep them, getting one boatside for photos is a bucket list moment for any angler.
A 4-hour fishing adventure with Mike Wise Fishing Charters isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to experience some of Florida's top-rated inshore fishing with guides who know how to put you on fish. Whether you're looking to check some species off your bucket list, introduce friends to the sport, or just spend a morning doing what you love, this trip delivers. The waters around Placida are productive year-round, the fishing is world-class, and our boats are comfortable and well-equipped. With space for 4 anglers, it's perfect for small groups who want personalized attention and maximum fishing time. Don't let another season pass without
Your fishing adventure starts with our reliable motorboat, perfectly rigged for backcountry success in Placida's productive waters. This 4-person vessel comes equipped with everything you need to target fish in spots like Turtle Bay and Bull Bay – GPS to get you there fast, a fish finder to locate the action below, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The boat's shallow draft design lets us slip into those hard-to-reach backcountry pockets where the big ones hide, while the modern navigation system ensures we make the most of every minute on the water. Whether we're working the grass flats or hitting Boca Grande Pass, this boat handles it all with ease.
Rachycentron CanadumThese brown bulldozers are some of the most rewarding fish you can target around here. They average 20-40 pounds, but don't be surprised if a 50-pounder shows up - they can hit 100 pounds easy. Look for them around structure in 30-70 feet, especially near reefs, wrecks, and buoys. Spring migration from March to May is prime time, plus they hang around all summer. What makes cobia fishing special is they're usually solo swimmers, so each fish is a trophy opportunity. They fight hard and steady, and the meat is absolutely top-shelf - firm, white, and delicious. These curious fish will often follow the boat, giving you multiple chances. Here's my go-to trick: use a 4-8 oz bucktail jig bounced near bottom around structure. Color doesn't matter much, but that erratic action drives them crazy.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese gentle giants are the ultimate bucket-list fish - true ocean dinosaurs that can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom in 20-150 feet of water. Summer months bring the best action when they're more active and feeding. What guests love is the sheer power and presence of these fish - that first pull will test every piece of gear you own. They're curious and will often follow the boat, giving you great photo opportunities. Since they're protected, it's all about the catch, photos, and release experience. You'll need heavy tackle - 50-80 class reels with 400-600 lb mono and big circle hooks. My advice: anchor close enough to the structure to draw them out, but far enough to pull them away from the rocks. Bounce your bait on bottom to get their attention - they're not shy.
Sphyraena BarracudaThese silver torpedoes are pure adrenaline on a fishing line. Most run 2-4 feet, but the giants can hit 6 feet and really test your drag. You'll find them cruising near the surface around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 10-50 feet of water. They're active year-round here in Southwest Florida, but spring and summer give you the best shots when baitfish are thick. What guests love most is their lightning-fast strike and that first blazing run - they'll hit 35 mph in short bursts. The fight's intense but short-lived, so be ready for anything. While the meat can be tricky due to ciguatera concerns, the thrill of the catch is what it's all about. Pro tip: use a wire leader and don't wear anything shiny - they're attracted to flashy objects and have razor-sharp teeth you don't want to mess with.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored beauties with their signature black eyespots are what keep anglers coming back to our shallow flats. Most run 18-28 inches, but you'll occasionally hook into a bruiser over 40 inches. They love cruising 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines - perfect for our Turtle Bay and Bull Bay spots. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes reds special is their bulldogging fight and that distinctive tail-slapping when hooked. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. My tip: watch for nervous water or tails sticking up when they're rooting for crabs. Cast ahead of cruising fish and let your bait settle - they spook easily in skinny water.
Centropomus UndecimalisThese golden beauties with their bold black lateral line are the kings of our mangrove country. Most range 20-35 inches, but the big mamas can push 4 feet and really bend a rod. They're structure lovers, hugging mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths in both salt and brackish water. May through September is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavy around new and full moons. What makes snook special is their explosive topwater strikes and their acrobatic fights - they'll jump, tail-walk, and try every trick to throw your hook. The meat is sweet and flaky, though they're catch-and-release during closed seasons. Here's what works: fish them like bass around cover using soft plastics, topwater plugs, or live bait. Cast tight to structure and be ready - when they hit, they mean business and head straight back to cover.
Fort Myers