Extended Half Day Fishing in Bokeelia Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing trip targeting Snook, Tarpon, and RedfishAll gear, tackle, and fishing licenses included with experienced captainAccommodates up to 4 guests in productive Bokeelia waters
When you're looking for a solid day on the water without the rush, this six-hour guided fishing trip in Bokeelia delivers exactly what seasoned anglers and newcomers alike are after. Located on Pine Island's northern tip, Bokeelia sits right where Charlotte Harbor opens up into some of Southwest Florida's most productive inshore waters. You'll be fishing with a local captain who knows these flats, mangrove shorelines, and deeper pockets like the back of their hand – the kind of knowledge that comes from years of reading tides, bait movements, and fish behavior in these specific waters. With all your gear, tackle, and licenses covered, you can focus on what matters most: feeling that line tighten and setting the hook on some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish.
This isn't your typical rushed half-day trip. Six hours gives you real time to work different spots, adjust techniques, and truly get into the rhythm of the fishing. Your captain will start by reading the conditions – tide, wind, water clarity – then make the call on where to begin. Maybe that's working the grass flats on an incoming tide, or perhaps starting along the mangrove edges where the water's a bit deeper and the fish are holding tight to structure. The beauty of Bokeelia's location is the variety within a short boat ride. You've got everything from shallow turtle grass beds perfect for sight fishing, to deeper channels where bigger fish cruise, to countless mangrove cuts and pockets that hold surprises around every bend. The boat stays comfortable with space for up to four anglers, so whether you're bringing the family or a small group of fishing buddies, everyone gets their shots without feeling crowded.
Your captain comes equipped with the right gear for Bokeelia's conditions – typically medium to medium-heavy spinning setups that can handle everything from finicky trout to hard-pulling snook. Depending on what's working, you might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks over grass beds, pitching jigs and soft plastics tight to mangrove roots, or working topwater plugs early in the morning when the water's still calm. The tackle box includes a full selection of jig heads, soft baits, spoons, and topwater lures in colors that work in these specific waters. Live bait is often part of the program – fresh shrimp, pinfish, or whatever's available and working best for the conditions. Your captain handles all the rigging, re-tying, and tackle changes, so you spend more time with your line in the water and less time fumbling with knots. They'll also coach you on proper technique for each presentation, whether that's learning the right cadence for working a soft plastic or understanding how to keep steady pressure on a fish trying to wrap you in the mangroves.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and Bokeelia's waters hold some beauties. These ambush predators love structure – you'll find them lurking under mangrove overhangs, around downed trees, and along deep edges where they can dart out to crush bait. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized "rats" to true slabs pushing 30-plus inches. What makes snook so addictive is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight. When a big snook hits your topwater plug at dawn, the gill-rattling explosion and immediate run toward cover gets your heart pumping like few other fish can. They're also masters of using structure against you, so landing one requires both finesse and backbone.
Sheepshead might not win beauty contests, but they're crafty fighters that'll test your skills. These black-and-white striped convicts hang around any hard structure they can find – docks, pilings, oyster bars, and rock piles. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they gather in larger numbers. What makes sheepshead fishing so engaging is their light bite and smart feeding behavior. They're notorious bait stealers, nibbling offerings clean off hooks before you even know they were there. Successfully hooking sheepshead requires concentration, sensitive tackle, and quick reflexes. When you do connect, they pull hard and steady, using their broad sides to fight every inch of the way to the boat.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of these grass flats, providing steady action when other species get finicky. These spotted beauties school up over turtle grass beds and sandy potholes, especially during cooler months. While they don't grow huge in these waters – most running 12 to 18 inches – they make up for size with numbers and willingness to bite. Trout are perfect for anglers learning the ropes since they're relatively forgiving and provide great practice on technique. They also make excellent table fare when kept within regulations, offering sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat fresh from the water.
Redfish are the bronze bruisers of the flats, known for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style. Bokeelia's waters hold both schooling reds that cruise grass beds in groups and larger "bull" reds that patrol alone or in pairs. Summer months often produce the most consistent action, with fish ranging from slot-sized "puppy" drum to oversized bulls that'll challenge your tackle and technique. What makes reds special is their feeding behavior – they'll root around in shallow water with their tails sticking up, creating perfect sight fishing opportunities. When a red takes your bait, expect a blistering initial run followed by repeated attempts to reach structure or deeper water.
Tripletail are the wild cards of this fishery – odd-looking fish that float on their sides near structure, mimicking debris or floating grass. Finding tripletail requires sharp eyes and patience, as they're masters of camouflage. Once located, they can be surprisingly cooperative, often eating a well-presented jig or live bait. These fish are prized for
Step aboard this sleek 2019 25-foot Key West Bay Boat, designed to get you into the fish-rich waters around Bokeelia with style and efficiency. Powered by a reliable 300HP Evinrude, this fishing machine cruises at 35 knots, cutting through chop to reach those honey holes where snook and redfish like to hide. The wireless trolling motor lets your captain work the shallows silently, perfect for sneaking up on spooky tarpon in the backcountry. With room for four anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines, while the built-in fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish below. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those productive six-hour sessions. GPS navigation ensures you'll hit all the prime spots from the mangrove shorelines to the deeper channels where the big fish patrol.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in our shallow waters. These copper-colored bruisers with their trademark black spots average 18-27 inches around here, but we regularly see "bull" reds over 30 inches in deeper water. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. Year-round fishing is good, but fall months are exceptional when they school up. What makes redfish special is the visual aspect - spotting that bronze back gliding through shallow water gets your heart pumping. They fight hard with strong runs and rarely jump, preferring to pull drag and test your tackle. The meat is excellent with a mild, sweet flavor. Key tip: approach shallow fish quietly and cast past them, then work your bait into their path. Spook one red and you'll likely spook the whole school.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are perfect for anglers wanting steady action and great table fare. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots typically run 12-20 inches around Bokeelia, with larger specimens hitting 24+ inches. They love grass flats and shallow bays, usually in 2-8 feet of water. Early morning and evening produce the best action, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper holes. What makes trout fishing so enjoyable is their willingness to bite - they're not as finicky as some species and provide consistent action for the whole family. The meat is tender and flaky, though you don't want to overcook it. Local trick: work topwater plugs or soft plastics over grass beds at dawn. Listen for that distinctive "popping" sound they make when feeding on shrimp.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our local waters with their black and white stripes and those famous human-like teeth. Most run 1-3 pounds and 14-18 inches, but we see plenty of 5-8 pounders around the right structure. They're always hanging around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered pilings where they feed on crabs and shellfish. Winter through early spring is your best bet when they school up for spawning. What guests love about sheepshead fishing is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites that require patience and skill. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters with sweet, white meat. Pro tip: use small hooks and keep your bait right on the bottom near structure. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard - they've got tough mouths.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after inshore species, and for good reason. These sleek, golden-colored fish with that signature black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches around Bokeelia, though we occasionally hook into real trophies pushing 40+ inches. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in water anywhere from 2-15 feet deep. May through September is prime time when they're spawning and most aggressive. What makes snook so popular is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, run, and test your drag like few other fish. The meat is fantastic too, white and flaky. Here's a local tip: when fishing around structure, get your bait tight to the cover. Snook are ambush predators and won't chase a bait very far from their hideout.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our more unique targets - these chunky, olive-colored fish look like floating debris until they move. They average 2-5 pounds and 15-20 inches, but can reach 20+ pounds. You'll find them floating near weed lines, channel markers, and debris in 5-30 feet of water. Summer months from June through September are prime time around here. What makes tripletail fishing exciting is the sight-fishing aspect and their surprising fight - despite their bulk, they're acrobatic and will jump when hooked. The meat rivals snapper or grouper with firm, white fillets. They're becoming popular with fly fishers too. Here's the trick: when you spot one laying on its side near floating grass, cast well past it and slowly work your bait toward the fish. Get too close with your initial cast and they'll spook. Let them ambush the bait naturally.
Bokeelia