Private Four Hour Fishing Charter in Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private charter targeting snook, tarpon, and permit nearshoreEvening departure at 4 PM with all fishing gear providedCaptain Steve Gould guides up to three guests on Pathfinder boat
Captain Steve Gould knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish during this four-hour private charter out of Goodland. This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience – it's just you, your crew (up to six anglers), and the prime fishing grounds along Florida's southwest coast. Launching at 4:00 PM gives you that sweet evening bite when the fish are actively feeding and the Gulf breeze keeps things comfortable. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure or you're seasoned anglers looking to add some quality species to your logbook, this charter delivers the goods.
Your evening starts at the dock on Goodland Drive, where Captain Steve has the Pathfinder rigged and ready to roll. This boat's built for these shallow waters – stable enough for beginners but nimble enough to chase feeding fish when they're moving fast. The captain's got over two decades working these flats and nearshore spots, so he reads the water conditions, tide movements, and seasonal patterns better than most. You'll cruise out to productive areas where Snook ambush baitfish around mangrove edges, Tarpon roll in deeper channels, and Sheepshead hang around structure. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility – if the fish are biting in one spot, you stay put. If they're not cooperating, you move until you find them. That's the difference between going home with fish stories and going home with actual fish.
Captain Steve runs a mix of spinning gear and bottom rigs depending on what's biting and where you're fishing. For the Snook and Tarpon, you'll likely be throwing live bait or lures around structure using medium-heavy spinning setups that can handle these fighters when they make their runs. The Sheepshead require a more finesse approach – lighter tackle with small hooks and fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs to tempt these picky eaters. Spanish Mackerel are speed demons, so expect some fast action on lighter gear when schools move through. All fishing equipment comes with the charter, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, plus Captain Steve handles the rigging so you can focus on fishing instead of fumbling with knots. He'll coach you through proper technique whether you're learning to cast accurately or trying to land your first big fish without losing it at the boat.
Spanish Mackerel are the perfect warm-up fish – they hit hard, fight fast, and taste fantastic on the dinner table. These silver rockets typically run 1-3 pounds and school up heavily during fall and spring months. They're aggressive feeders that'll smash small spoons, jigs, or live bait, making them ideal for kids and beginners who want consistent action. Watch for diving birds – that's usually where you'll find feeding Mackerel underneath.
Snook are the prize fish that keep anglers coming back to these waters year after year. These ambush predators lurk around mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridges, waiting to crush unsuspecting baitfish. They're incredibly strong fighters that make blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Most Snook in these waters run 18-28 inches, though bigger fish over 30 inches are always possible. Summer evenings are prime time when they feed actively in shallow water.
Tarpon are pure adrenaline on a fishing line – there's nothing quite like watching a 50-100 pound silver king explode from the water when it feels the hook. These prehistoric fish are incredibly strong, and even smaller Tarpon in the 20-40 pound range will test your skills and equipment. They're most active during warmer months and often feed near the surface during evening hours, making them perfect targets for this charter's timing.
Sheepshead might not be the flashiest fighters, but they're master thieves that'll steal your bait before you know what happened. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crustaceans around pilings, rocks, and reefs. They're excellent table fare and typically run 1-4 pounds in these waters. Winter months are peak season when they gather in larger numbers for spawning.
Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers – they're spooky, selective, and incredibly strong fighters that make long, powerful runs. These silver discs with forked tails are notorious for their finicky feeding habits, but when you connect with one, it's a fish you'll remember forever. They're most commonly found around deeper flats and structure, often mixed with other species but requiring specific techniques to fool them.
At $550 for up to six anglers, this four-hour private charter offers serious value compared to what you'd spend on multiple party boat tickets or trying to fish from shore. Captain Steve provides all the gear, local knowledge, and years of experience that turn a good fishing trip into a great one. Don't forget to grab your Florida fishing license before departure – it's required for anyone 16 and older. The evening timing means you'll beat the heat, enjoy some of the day's best fishing, and might even catch a spectacular Gulf coast sunset on your way back to the dock. Deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking, but this top-rated charter fills up quickly during peak seasons. Whether you're planning a family outing, celebrating a special occasion, or just need to get some bent rods and fresh fish, Captain Steve and Trophy Time Charters deliver the kind of fishing experience that keeps people talking long after they've cleaned their catch.
Step aboard our 25-foot Pathfinder center console and get ready to chase some serious fish along Florida's Gulf Coast. This boat was built for anglers who want comfort without sacrificing performance. The reliable Yamaha engine gets you to the honey holes quickly, while the wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them. Captain Steve knows exactly where to find snook, tarpon, and permit in these waters. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, and there's plenty of ice storage to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold. With space for up to six anglers, this center console gives everyone room to cast without tangling lines. Whether you're working the mangroves for snook or drifting over grass flats for sheepshead, this Pathfinder handles Goodland's shallow waters like a dream.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - tall, silver, and notoriously difficult to fool. Most run 15-30 pounds with that distinctive high back and forked tail. They cruise our shallow grass flats and sandy areas in just 2-4 feet of water, using those golf ball-sized eyes to spot danger. Spring through fall offers the best shots, especially during spawning season when they're more aggressive. What drives anglers crazy is how spooky they are - one wrong move and they're gone. But hook one and you'll understand the obsession. They make blistering runs and fight like fish twice their size. Live blue crabs are the gold standard bait, but small jigs work too. Here's the secret: approach them slow and quiet, present your bait well ahead of where they're heading, and be ready for a long fight.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, typically weighing 2-8 pounds around our docks and bridges. They've got human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs off pilings, which is where you'll find them year-round. Winter months are actually prime time when they school up heavily around structure. What frustrates and fascinates anglers is their bait-stealing ability - they'll pick your hook clean without getting caught. But land one and you've got some of the best eating fish in our waters, sweet white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. The key is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and getting your bait right against the pilings. Set the hook hard the instant you feel weight - they'll spit the bait if you hesitate even a second.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate nearshore game fish around Goodland. They typically run 18-24 inches, though trophy fish over 30 inches lurk in our mangroves and channels. Look for that distinctive black lateral stripe and sloped head - they're ambush predators that hide around docks, bridges, and oyster bars in shallow water. Best action happens during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk. Spawning season from May through September brings them to passes and channels. What guests love is their explosive strike and powerful runs when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's a local trick: cast your bait tight to structure and let it drift naturally with the current. Snook are spooky, so be patient and quiet - they'll punish any lure that looks fake.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds around here. You'll spot their silvery bodies with yellow spots as they cruise in schools near the surface. They hit both live bait like shrimp and sardines, plus spoons and jigs worked quickly through the water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're feeding actively in our nearshore waters, often around structure or open flats. What makes them popular is their hard initial strike and blazing runs - they'll test your drag for sure. Plus they're fantastic eating when grilled or smoked fresh. Pro tip: when you hook into a school, keep your bait moving fast and stay with them - they spook easily but if you match their pace, you can land several before they disappear.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters, averaging 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds. These prehistoric giants patrol our nearshore flats, channels, and around bridges in 10-40 feet of water. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through Southwest Florida. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating - we always release them - but those wild aerial displays when hooked. A jumping tarpon is pure magic and the reason many anglers travel here. They can live 50+ years and grow over 200 pounds, so every fish is precious. The fight can last an hour with multiple jumps and long runs. My advice: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. This keeps tension off the line and prevents them from throwing the hook during those spectacular leaps.
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