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Ready to tangle with some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species? Hop aboard with Captain John of Boca Grande Fishing Charters for a half-day adventure you won't forget. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 4-hour trip puts you right where the action is. We're talking snook hiding in the mangroves, redfish tailing on the flats, and trout busting bait on the surface. With morning and afternoon slots available, you can fish on your schedule and still have time for other vacation plans. Best of all? We've got all the gear and licenses covered, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat!
From the moment you step on the boat, you'll feel the excitement building. Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for putting clients on fish. We'll cruise through Boca Grande's picturesque inshore waters, hitting up productive spots that change with the tides and seasons. You might find yourself casting plugs along mangrove shorelines, working soft plastics over grass flats, or even sight-fishing for tailing redfish in skinny water. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you're battling a hard-pulling jack crevalle, the next you're finessing a speckled trout. And let's not forget the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing – the mighty snook. These lightning-fast predators are a blast to catch and will test your skills and your gear.
Boca Grande is famous for its world-class fishing, and for good reason. Our inshore waters are teeming with gamefish that'll make your drag sing. Snook are the rock stars of the flats, known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. Redfish, with their distinctive spot and copper color, are bulldogs that'll put your tackle to the test. Speckled trout might not be the biggest, but they're eager biters and tasty to boot. And if you're looking for a real slugfest, the jack crevalle will give you all you can handle. We use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best. Soft plastics, topwater plugs, and good old live shrimp are all on the menu. Captain John will show you the ropes if you're new to these techniques, or swap fish stories if you're an old hand.
"One of the best charters I've been on and for sure the best around Boca." - Greg
"This is the second year in a row we have gone out with Captain John and Mark. Their knowledge of the area, the fish, where to find them, and how to land them is exemplary! They got us into the fish each time. Last year first cast we started catching Snook and Sea Trout. This year catching Tarpon and Red fish took a few more casts, but it did not disappoint. I highly recommend them as a charter." - JOHN
Snook: The undisputed kings of the inshore scene, snook are prized for their fighting ability and tasty fillets. These ambush predators love structure, so we'll be working docks, mangrove edges, and oyster bars to find them. Snook can grow to over 40 inches, with most catches in the 20-30 inch range. They're at their most active during the warmer months, especially around the full and new moons. Landing a big snook is a true Florida fishing achievement – they're smart, strong, and know how to use the terrain to their advantage.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these spotted beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. They're often found over grass flats and around oyster bars, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Trout are great for anglers of all skill levels because they're usually willing biters and put up a decent fight on light tackle. While most trout are in the 15-20 inch range, gator trout over 24 inches are not uncommon and are a real trophy. The best part? They're delicious on the dinner table.
Redfish: With their copper scales and distinctive tail spot, redfish are a favorite target for many anglers. These fish can be found in a variety of habitats, from ultra-shallow flats to deeper channels. One of the most exciting ways to catch them is sight-fishing – spotting their tails waving above the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. Redfish have powerful, bulldogging runs and can grow to over 40 inches in our waters. They're known for their excellent table fare and are a blast on light tackle.
Crevalle Jack: If you're looking for a fish that punches way above its weight class, look no further than the jack crevalle. These bruisers are pure muscle and will test both your stamina and your gear. Jacks often travel in schools, crashing bait on the surface – a truly spectacular sight. While they're not known for their eating quality, pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the inshore waters. Hooking into a 20+ pound jack is like being tied to a freight train – hang on tight!
There's a reason why Boca Grande is considered one of the top inshore fishing destinations in Florida. With its diverse ecosystem, abundant fish populations, and year-round action, it's a angler's paradise. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water, Captain John and Boca Grande Fishing Charters have got you covered. Remember, we provide all the gear and licenses, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler for your catch). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online – we can't wait to show you what Boca Grande fishing is all about. Tight lines and see you on the water!
July 7, 2025
This is the second year in a row we have gone out with Captain John and Mark. Their knowledge of the area, the fish, where to find them, and how to land them is exemplary! They got us into the fish each time. Last year first cast we started catching Snook and Sea Trout. This year catching Tarpon and Red fish took a few more casts, but it did not disappoint. I highly recommend them as a charter.
May 5, 2025
Crevalle jacks are the speed demons of our inshore waters. These hard-fighting fish usually range from 3-15 pounds, but can top 30. You'll spot them busting bait on the surface - just look for the birds diving. Jacks love fast-moving lures, so burning a topwater or spoon is a great way to hook up. They're around all year, but really fire up in the warmer months. What jacks lack in table quality, they make up for in pure fighting power. Expect screaming runs and dogged battles. They're perfect for anglers who want non-stop action. Here's a trick: If you see a jack school on the move, lead them with a long cast. They'll race each other to hit the lure first. Hold on tight - the strike can nearly jerk the rod from your hands!

Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats - stocky, powerful, and always up for a fight. Most reds we catch run 18-27 inches, but trophy fish over 40 inches aren't unheard of. Look for them tailing in shallow water, especially around oyster bars and mangroves. They love crabs and shrimp, so scented soft plastics work great. Fall is prime time as big schools push into the bays. Redfish are famous for their strong, steady pulls and occasional topwater blowups. They're also one of the best-eating fish in the Gulf. Local tip: On low tides, cruise the flats slowly and watch for pushes of water. That's often a redfish trying to stay hidden in skinny water. A well-placed cast can lead to an explosive strike.

Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore waters. These silvery spotted fish usually run 14-20 inches, though gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them over grass flats and around oyster bars in 3-6 feet of water. They're suckers for live shrimp or soft plastics under a popping cork. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but we catch them year-round. Trout aren't known for long runs, but they put up a fun fight on light tackle. The real treat is at the dinner table - trout have delicate, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Here's a local secret: On calm mornings, look for subtle v-wakes in shallow water. That's often a trout cruising for bait. Cast ahead of the wake and hold on!

Snook are the rock stars of inshore fishing here in Boca Grande. These sleek predators typically run 24-36 inches, but can grow over 4 feet. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and grass flats, especially in the warmer months. Snook are ambush feeders, so work those lures tight to structure. They're known for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - hang on tight when you hook one! Fall and spring are prime seasons as snook move between inshore and offshore haunts. Beyond the stellar fight, snook make excellent table fare when in season. Pro tip: On incoming tides, target points and cuts where bait gets flushed in. Snook will stack up to ambush an easy meal. Whether you're a seasoned angler or first-timer, landing a big snook is always a thrill.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Honda
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
One of the best charters I’ve been on and for sure the best around Boca.