Boca Grande Fishing Charters
HomeTrips & RatesGalleryReviewsReportsTarget SpeciesMeet the Captain

Learn More

My Trips

Top-Rated 5-Hour Inshore Fishing in Boca Grande

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Placida, FL
  • $800 - $1,400 price range
  • Updated Date: October 19, 2025

Summary

Ready for some inshore fishing action in Boca Grande? Captain John's got you covered with this 5-hour charter that's perfect for anglers of all levels. You'll be targeting a mix of species like snook, redfish, spotted trout, jack crevalle, and snapper in the productive waters around Boca Grande. The trip's flexible timing lets you choose morning or afternoon, fitting your schedule. No need to worry about gear or licenses – it's all included. Captain John knows these waters inside and out, so you'll be hitting the prime spots efficiently. Whether you're a casual angler looking to bend a rod or a serious fisherman after that trophy catch, this trip offers a great blend of local knowledge and solid fishing opportunities. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a great way to spend half a day on the water with friends or family, soaking in the Florida sunshine and hopefully landing some quality fish.
Top-Rated 5-Hour Inshore Fishing in Boca Grande

Inshore Catch Showcase

previous-image
A single angler holding a 24-inch catch in FL

Angler with a 21-inch fish in Florida

A person fishing in Placida

Angler fishing in Placida

A person fishing for a snook in Placida

Hooked up and reeling in big snook off Boca Grande Pass

Two redfish caught in Placida

Perfect day chasing redfish in Boca Grande

Snook caught while fishing in FL

Sunrise bite heating up in Boca Grande waters

Photograph of a snook fish being caught while fishing in Placida

Big smiles and bigger snook in Boca Grande today

Redfish caught while fishing in FL

Boca Grande anglers landing trophy fish this morning

Snook caught while fishing in Placida

Calm seas and steady action on the Boca Grande flats

A single angler holding a 24-inch catch in FL

Angler with a 21-inch fish in Florida

A person fishing in Placida

Angler fishing in Placida

A person fishing for a snook in Placida

Hooked up and reeling in big snook off Boca Grande Pass

Two redfish caught in Placida

Perfect day chasing redfish in Boca Grande

Snook caught while fishing in FL

Sunrise bite heating up in Boca Grande waters

Photograph of a snook fish being caught while fishing in Placida

Big smiles and bigger snook in Boca Grande today

Redfish caught while fishing in FL

Boca Grande anglers landing trophy fish this morning

Snook caught while fishing in Placida

Calm seas and steady action on the Boca Grande flats

A single angler holding a 24-inch catch in FL

Angler with a 21-inch fish in Florida

A person fishing in Placida

Angler fishing in Placida

next-image

Reel in Boca Grande's Inshore Hotspots

Ready to tangle with some of Florida's feistiest fish? Captain John's got you covered on this 5-hour inshore fishing trip in Boca Grande. We're talking primo spots for snook, redfish, trout, and more. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's dialed in for a good time on the water. With all the gear provided and flexible scheduling, it's a hassle-free way to get your line wet and hopefully land some real beauties.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising the crystal-clear shallows of Boca Grande, rod in hand, as Captain John points out a school of redfish tailing in the distance. That's the kind of action you're in for on this half-day charter. We'll hit up the local honey holes – grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars – where the fish are known to hang out. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety. One minute you might be sight-casting to a monster snook, the next you're battling a hard-pulling jack crevalle. And with a max of 4 guests, you'll get plenty of personalized attention to dial in your technique.

Tactics and Tackle Talk

On this trip, we're all about matching the hatch and using the right tools for the job. Depending on the conditions and what's biting, we might be tossing live bait, working soft plastics, or even fly fishing if that's your jam. Captain John's got a fully-stocked tackle box with all the right lures and rigs. We'll likely be using light to medium spinning gear, perfect for feeling those subtle bites and handling the acrobatics of a jumping snook. And don't sweat it if you're new to this – the captain's always happy to show you the ropes, from how to work a popping cork to the best way to present a bait around structure.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: The ultimate inshore game fish, snook are known for their explosive strikes and gill-rattling jumps. These silver-sided bruisers love to hang around mangroves and docks, ambushing bait fish. Spring and fall are prime time for big snook, but they're a year-round target in Boca Grande. Landing a slot-sized snook is like winning the inshore lottery – it's a real rush and makes for some fantastic table fare if you decide to keep one.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored bulldogs are a staple of inshore fishing. They've got a distinctive spot on their tail and put up a stubborn fight, often making long runs when hooked. Redfish are notorious for their tailing behavior in shallow water, which makes for some exciting sight fishing opportunities. Fall is typically the best time to target big schools of reds, but they're around all year.

Spotted Seatrout: Don't let the name fool you – these aren't your average trout. Spotted seatrout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are aggressive predators that'll smash topwater lures with reckless abandon. They're most active in cooler months and early mornings, often found over grass flats. Trout are great for beginners because they're plentiful and willing biters, but big gator trout can give even experienced anglers a run for their money.

Jack Crevalle: If you're looking for a fish that pulls like a freight train, jack crevalle is your target. These hard-fighting fish often show up in big schools, creating exciting blitzes on the surface as they chase bait. Jacks aren't known for their table quality, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the strongest fish in these waters. They're most common in the warmer months and love to hang around structure and channel edges.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Boca Grande's inshore waters are like a fisherman's playground. One trip here and you'll see why folks can't get enough. It's not just about the quantity of fish – though trust me, there are plenty – it's the quality of the experience. You've got pristine waters, diverse habitats, and fish that'll test your skills and your drag. Plus, with Captain John at the helm, you're tapping into years of local knowledge. He knows where the fish are holding, what they're biting, and how to put you on them. It's the kind of insider info that can turn a good day of fishing into a great one.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're itching to bend a rod and feel that unmistakable tug of a big inshore fish, this Boca Grande charter is calling your name. Captain John's got the know-how, the spots, and all the gear you need for a successful day on the water. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch or want to introduce the family to the joys of inshore angling, this trip's got you covered. The fish are out there waiting – all that's left is for you to claim your spot on the boat. So why not lock in your date now and get ready for some reel action in Boca Grande? Trust me, your only regret will be not booking sooner. Tight lines!

Learn more about the species

Crevalle Jack

Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. Most run 3-10 pounds, but 20+ pounders aren't uncommon. You'll find jacks busting bait on the surface in our bays and passes, especially in summer and fall. Look for diving birds to locate feeding schools. Pound-for-pound, jacks fight harder than about anything that swims. They make blistering runs and don't know when to quit. While not great table fare, they're a blast on light tackle. I like to cast topwater plugs or bucktail jigs into the frenzy. Work them fast - jacks love the chase. Pro tip: when you see a jack roll on the surface, cast beyond it and rip that lure right past its nose. Hang on tight!

Crevalle Jack

Redfish

Redfish are one of our hardest-fighting inshore species. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but bulls over 40 inches prowl our deeper channels. You'll find reds tailing in skinny water around oyster bars and mangroves, especially on high tides. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love sight-fishing for tailing reds in gin-clear shallows. Their copper color and distinctive tail spot make for exciting visuals. Redfish also taste great, with a sweet, mild flavor. For consistent action, I like to fish cut pinfish or crabs on the bottom around potholes in grass flats. When you see a red's tail wave, cast well ahead and drag that bait into its path.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore fishery. Most 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 active year-round but really fire up in spring and fall. Trout are popular for their willingness to bite and tasty white meat. Light tackle anglers enjoy sight-casting to them with small jigs or soft plastics. My go-to rig is a popping cork with a shrimp imitation underneath - that "pop" drives trout crazy. Work it slowly and be ready for subtle strikes. On calm mornings, look for trout slicking on the surface as they feed.

Sea Trout

Snook

Snook are a favorite inshore target here in Boca Grande. These sleek predators typically run 24-36 inches and put up an amazing fight. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and other structure in our shallow waters. Spring and fall are prime seasons as snook move between the backcountry and Gulf. Anglers love snook for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Their meat is also delicious, though highly regulated. For the best shot at a big one, I like to fish live pilchards or whitebait around oyster bars on an incoming tide. Let that bait swim naturally and hang on - when a snook hits, it'll nearly rip the rod out of your hands!

Snook

About the Aquasport (Bay boat)

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Honda

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready to hit the inshore waters of Boca Grande? Captain John's got you covered with his comfy, well-equipped boat perfect for a 5-hour fishing adventure. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this vessel is set up to give you a great day on the water. There's plenty of room for four guests to cast lines and reel in snook, redfish, trout, and snapper. The boat's got all the gear you need, so just hop aboard and get ready to fish. With a smooth ride and easy maneuverability, Captain John can quickly get you to the hotspots where the fish are biting. Morning or afternoon, this boat's ready to take you out for some quality Florida fishing action.
Boca Grande Fishing Charters

Follow Us

FacebookInstagram

Navigate

Home

Trips & Rates

Gallery

Reviews

Reports

Target Species

Meet the Captain

Gift Card

FAQ

Contact Us

FEATURED

Things To Do

6 Hour Inshore

Snappy Inshore

Full Day Fun

Quick Inshore

Silver Strike

Boca Grande Fishing: Reel Adventure

Welcome to Boca Grande Fishing Charters, your gateway to unforgettable angling experiences in the pristine waters of Boca Grande, FL. Led by the seasoned expertise of Captain John Kelso, we invite you to embark on thrilling fishing adventures, where every cast promises excitement and memories that will last a lifetime. Join us and explore the bountiful marine treasures that await you in this picturesque Florida paradise.

More about Boca Grande Fishing Charters

© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.

Powered by Guidesly

Privacy Policy

Sitemap