Punta Gorda Inshore Fishing with Capt. Glenn
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target snook, redfish, and snapper in Charlotte Harbor watersAll gear, bait, and licenses included for up to six guestsCaptain adjusts trip based on tides and current conditions
Captain Glenn Sharp knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. Whether you're chasing snook around mangrove shorelines or hunting redfish in the shallows, this Punta Gorda fishing charter delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. With Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound as your playground, you'll experience some of Southwest Florida's most productive inshore fishing grounds. Capt. Glenn runs a top-rated operation that caters to everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros, adjusting tactics and locations based on what's biting and what gets your adrenaline pumping.
Your day starts with Capt. Glenn sizing up conditions and matching them to the best bite. Tide charts, weather patterns, and seasonal movements all factor into where you'll wet your lines. One morning might find you working the mangrove edges for ambush-feeding snook, while another could have you drifting grass flats where redfish cruise in packs. The beauty of this charter lies in its flexibility – you're not locked into one fishing style or location. Charlotte Harbor's diverse structure means you can transition from shallow water sight-fishing to deeper channels where sea trout stack up. Pine Island Sound opens up even more possibilities, with its maze of creeks, oyster bars, and sand holes that hold different species throughout the tidal cycle. Every trip accommodates up to three anglers, ensuring personalized attention and plenty of room to cast without tangling lines.
Capt. Glenn comes prepared with an arsenal of techniques that match Southwest Florida's varied inshore terrain. Live bait fishing dominates when conditions allow – nothing beats a frisky shrimp or pinfish for triggering strikes from finicky snook or redfish. Artificial lures shine when covering water quickly or when fish are actively feeding on the surface. Soft plastics rigged weedless work magic around structure, while topwater plugs create heart-stopping explosions during dawn and dusk periods. The boat carries quality spinning gear matched to different fishing scenarios, from lighter tackle for sea trout to heavier setups when targeting larger snook near structure. All rods, reels, tackle, and licenses come included, though experienced anglers are welcome to bring their favorite gear. Fresh bait gets replenished as needed, and Capt. Glenn handles the technical details like reading water color, locating bait schools, and timing the tides so you can focus on fighting fish.
Snook reign as the crown jewel of Punta Gorda's inshore scene, and for good reason. These aggressive ambush predators lurk around mangrove overhangs, dock pilings, and creek mouths, waiting to demolish anything that swims by. Spring through fall offers peak snook action, with summer months producing the most consistent bite. What makes snook special isn't just their explosive strikes – it's their acrobatic fights that combine bulldogging runs with spectacular jumps. Slot-sized fish between 28 and 33 inches provide the perfect balance of fight and table fare, though you'll also encounter plenty of oversized broodstock that test your tackle and skills.
Redfish bring a different kind of excitement to these waters, especially when you spot their copper-colored backs cruising shallow flats. These fish average 20 to 28 inches in Charlotte Harbor, with plenty of slot-sized specimens that pull hard and fight dirty. Fall and winter months see redfish schooling up in impressive numbers, creating sight-fishing opportunities that get your heart racing. Unlike snook, reds don't jump, but they make up for it with sustained runs and the ability to use their broad bodies and powerful tails to maximum advantage in shallow water.
Sea trout might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for their looks with willingness to bite and excellent eating quality. These spotted beauties inhabit grass flats and sandy areas throughout the year, with spring and fall producing the largest specimens. Trout bite on everything from live shrimp to artificial jigs, making them perfect confidence-builders for novice anglers while still challenging enough to keep experts interested. Their soft mouths require finesse, teaching proper hook-setting techniques that translate to better success with other species.
Ladyfish earn their nickname as the "poor man's tarpon" through spectacular aerial displays that seem impossible for their size. While they don't grow large – most run 12 to 18 inches – they make up for size with pure energy and acrobatic ability. Summer months bring schools of ladyfish into the harbor, where they provide nonstop action on light tackle. These fish hit hard, jump repeatedly, and keep kids and adults entertained when other species play hard to get.
Crevalle jacks round out the mix with raw power that surprises anglers expecting an easy fight. These broad-shouldered bruisers inhabit deeper channels and around structure, where they hunt in aggressive packs. Jacks average 3 to 8 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, stripping drag and testing equipment with bulldogging runs. They're not table fare, but their fighting ability makes them a favorite among sport anglers who appreciate pure strength over beauty.
Captain Glenn's personalized approach and consistent fish-producing ability make this charter a customer favorite among both locals and visitors. With flexible trip lengths ranging from 4 to 8 hours, you can match your adventure to your schedule and stamina level. The 50% deposit secures your date and shows you're serious about getting on the water with one of Punta Gorda's most reliable guides. Whether you're planning a family outing, celebrating a special occasion, or simply need to get your fishing fix, this world-class inshore experience delivers the kind of memories that last long after the suntan fades. Don
Captain Glenn's 2024 Pathfinder is built for serious fishing in Punta Gorda's prime waters. This 24-footer handles Charlotte Harbor's shallow flats and nearshore Gulf runs with equal confidence, thanks to its 300 HP Yamaha that gets you to the fish fast. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when sneaking up on tailing redfish in the mangroves, while the fish finder helps locate structure where snapper and grouper hang out. Power Poles anchor you perfectly over productive spots without spooking the fish. Six comfortable seats mean the whole crew stays relaxed during long days chasing snook around the docks or working the grass flats for sea trout. Garmin electronics and VHF radio keep you connected and on course, whether you're exploring Pine Island Sound's backwaters or heading out to Gulf structure for bigger game.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bullies of the bay - powerful, aggressive fish that'll give you an arm-burning fight. These brassy-colored bruisers typically run 3-8 pounds around here, with broad shoulders and serious attitude. Look for them busting bait on the surface in open water areas, especially around structure like bridges and artificial reefs. Spring and summer are prime time when they school up and go crazy feeding. While they're not the best table fare, jacks are pure adrenaline - they hit hard and pull harder. The trick is watching for diving birds marking feeding schools, then casting fast-moving lures like spoons or topwater plugs. Retrieve aggressively - jacks love the chase. Fair warning: they'll test your drag and your arms, so be ready for a workout.
Elops SaurusDon't overlook ladyfish - they might not win any beauty contests, but these silver rockets are pure fun on light tackle. Averaging 12-18 inches, they're nicknamed "poor man's tarpon" because they jump and fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them in bays, around docks, and near beaches year-round, often in schools. While they're not great eating, kids and beginners love them because they're aggressive and always willing to bite. They hit almost anything - shrimp, small jigs, or flies work great. The real entertainment starts when you hook one - they'll jump, roll, and put on quite a show. Pro tip: use a wire leader because their small teeth can cut through mono. When nothing else is biting, ladyfish will save the day and keep your rod bent.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, and they're always a crowd favorite. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. They bite year-round but really turn on during fall and spring. What makes reds special is their bulldogging fight and willingness to eat almost anything you throw at them. They're also great table fare in the slot size. My go-to technique is sight fishing with gold spoons or cut bait near oyster beds during incoming tides. Watch for their tails or that telltale copper flash in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable inshore species year-round. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches and love grass flats in 3-6 feet of water throughout Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound. They're most active during cooler months when they school up in deeper holes and channels. What guests love about trout fishing is the steady action - they're aggressive biters and fight well for their size. Plus, they're excellent eating with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The key to consistent trout fishing here is working soft plastics or live shrimp over grass beds during moving tides. Look for birds diving or bait activity on the surface. In winter, don't be afraid to fish deeper structure where they gather in larger numbers.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature inshore gamefish, and for good reason. These sleek, golden-sided fighters typically run 18-28 inches around Charlotte Harbor, with that unmistakable black lateral line and aggressive attitude. You'll find them ambushing prey around mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. They love structure and moving water. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - plus they're great table fare when kept in season. Here's a local tip: work your lure slowly along mangrove edges during incoming tides. Snook are temperature sensitive, so they'll move deeper or into warmer creeks when it gets cold.
Punta Gorda, FL, United States