5.0(4 Reviews)Punta Gorda Fishing Charters | 5 Hour Charter
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour nearshore fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesAll equipment provided for groups up to 4 guestsTarget tarpon, cobia, snapper, and other inshore species
Picture this: you're drifting through the crystal-clear waters around Punta Gorda, rod in hand, waiting for that telltale tug that means game on. This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a full 5-hour adventure that puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best inshore action. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Southwest Florida species to your logbook or a newcomer ready to learn the ropes, this charter delivers the goods. Captain Steve and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're here to make sure you experience the best fishing Punta Gorda has to offer.
Your day starts early when fish are most active and the morning bite is hot. You'll head out into Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and deeper channels where the big boys like to hang out. This isn't a crowded party boat situation – with just 4 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your gear. The captain provides all your tackle, so you don't need to stress about what lures to bring or whether your drag is set right. Just show up with your Florida fishing license, some snacks, and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the trip. The boat's equipped with everything from light spinning tackle for sheepshead to heavier gear when we're targeting those bruiser black drum. You'll spend your time working different structures – from oyster bars where the redfish cruise to deeper holes where snook ambush baitfish.
Southern Charm Charters runs a variety of proven techniques depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. You'll likely work with both live and artificial baits – shrimp under popping corks for redfish, cut bait on the bottom for black drum, and maybe some topwater plugs if the snook are busting bait on the surface. The crew will show you how to read the water, spot fish movement, and work your bait in the strike zone. When you're targeting sheepshead around structure, it's all about feeling that subtle tick and setting the hook quick. For snook, you'll learn to cast tight to the mangroves and work the edges where they ambush prey. The boat's equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels, medium to medium-heavy rods, and a tackle box full of local favorites. Circle hooks help ensure good fish survival, and the crew knows exactly which presentations work best for each species. You'll also pick up tips on fighting fish properly – keeping pressure on without horsing them in, and knowing when to let them run.
"Had a great day on the water. It goes by fast when you are steadily reeling in the snook! Highly recommended!" - ted
"Excellent trip. Friendly Captain and very knowledgeable. Will be booking again." - Michael
"Great trip with my wife and dad. Capt Steve and Zeke took great care of us, got us on some fish and took care of everything we needed." - Kevin
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and Punta Gorda's waters are loaded with them. These ambush predators love to hang around dock lights, mangrove edges, and bridge pilings where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. During warmer months, they're super active and will smash topwater lures at dawn and dusk. What makes snook so special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight – they'll jump, run, and try every trick in the book to throw your hook. The slot limit means you're looking for fish between 28-33 inches, and trust me, a slot snook will give you a workout. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the inshore world, and Charlotte Harbor holds some real monsters. These bottom-dwellers can grow massive – we're talking fish over 40 pounds that will test your tackle and your endurance. They love to cruise shallow oyster bars and grass flats, using their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring and fall are prime time for big drum, though you can catch them year-round. When a big drum takes your bait, there's no mistaking it – they make that slow, powerful run that just doesn't quit. Smaller drum under 16 inches are great eating, while the big breeders should go back to make more fish.
Sheepshead might look funny with their human-like teeth, but they're serious business when it comes to fighting and eating. These black-and-white striped fish are structure lovers, hanging around docks, bridges, and oyster bars where they pick off barnacles and small crabs. Winter months are when they really shine in Punta Gorda waters, often stacked up in deeper holes. They're notorious bait thieves with lightning-fast bites, so you need quick reflexes and sharp hooks. Many anglers consider sheepshead the best-eating fish in the Gulf, with firm, sweet meat that's fantastic fried or grilled.
Redfish are the workhorses of inshore fishing, and they're built like tanks with the attitude to match. In Punta Gorda's shallow waters, you'll find them cruising grass flats, tailing in skinny water, and schooled up in deeper channels. These copper-colored bruisers are famous for their bulldogging fight – no fancy jumps, just pure power and endurance. They're curious fish that will often follow your bait before committing, and watching a redfish track your lure in clear water gets your heart pumping every time. The slot is 18-27 inches, and slot reds are perfect
This reliable 24-foot Twin Vee catamaran gives you the perfect platform for targeting Punta Gorda's inshore species. Built in 2010 and powered by twin 140HP Suzuki outboards, she'll get you to the productive waters where jack crevalle, cobia, tarpon, and snapper are feeding. The catamaran design provides excellent stability when you're fighting fish or casting into tight mangrove spots. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rods without getting tangled up. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure where sheepshead and black drum like to hang out, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best fishing spots. Whether you're working the grass flats for redfish or hitting deeper holes for snapper, this boat handles Punta Gorda's diverse inshore waters with ease.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of the flats - thick, powerful fish that average 10-20 pounds but can push 40+ if you're lucky. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, shallow mudflats, and around bridges in 2-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. These fish are pure muscle and will give you a stubborn, bottom-hugging fight that'll wear you out. They're known for their drumming sounds, especially when they're fired up. Fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom is your best bet - they're serious bottom feeders with crushing jaws built for shellfish. Here's the key: use just enough weight to hold bottom but not so much that you can't feel their subtle bite. They'll mouth the bait before committing, so patience pays off. Keep the smaller ones for dinner - they're excellent eating.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing, with those copper-bronze backs and signature black spots near the tail. Most fish run 20-28 inches, but we see plenty of bigger "bull" reds that'll really bend your rod. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - so shallow you'll see their backs sticking out. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're feeding heavily. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat just about anything and fight like crazy in skinny water. The meat has a mild, sweet flavor that grills up perfectly. Gold spoon or topwater plug worked over the flats will get their attention, but here's my go-to trick: sight-cast live shrimp ahead of cruising fish and let it settle to the bottom. They can't resist it, and the strike is usually explosive.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the masters of structure fishing, with those distinctive black stripes earning them the nickname "convict fish." These 2-8 pound fighters have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs off dock pilings and bridge supports. Winter through early spring is peak season when they gather around structures in 5-20 feet of water. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light, finicky bites that'll test your skills. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the table. Live or fresh dead shrimp and fiddler crabs work best, but here's the secret: keep your bait tight to the structure and set the hook at the slightest tick. They'll steal your bait clean if you're not paying attention. Use a smaller hook and lighter line - these fish are spooky around heavy tackle.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after inshore targets, usually running 18-24 inches with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. These ambush predators love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in 2-10 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and hard fight - they'll jump and make powerful runs that'll test your drag. The meat is firm and flaky, perfect for the table. Pro tip: cast your lure or live bait right up against the structure where they hide. Don't be afraid to get within a few feet of those mangroves - that's where the big ones are waiting. They're smart fish, so keep your presentations natural and be ready for that sudden hit.
5.0 out of 5.0Had a great day on the water. It goes by fast when you are steadily reeling in the snook! Highly recommended!
good job boys thats was a fun morning for sure
Excellent trip. Friendly Captain and very knowledgeable. Will be booking again.
thank you sir it was a fun day great crew
Great trip with my wife and dad. Capt Steve and Zeke took great care of us, got us on some fish and took care of everything we nee...
Punta Gorda