Nearshore Fishing Charters In Matlacha

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a serene back bay fishing trip in the picturesque Estero Bay with avid captain and fisherman Captain Jesse. With over 30 years of fishing experience Captain Jesse make everyone from beginners to avid fisherman experience the best that Estero Bay has to offer. Wether you want your experience to be all about fishing, family fun, or a unique to your group Captain Jesse will cater your experience to exactly the day you imagined. Captain Jesse has also been a local "celebrity" on the island and is happy to show you around his favorite local waterfront restaurants and sandbars. He is a relaxed easy going captain who will make your group feel welcome with whatever experience you want. This back bay excursion offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement as you navigate the calm waters in search of abundant marine treasures. Accompanied by a seasoned captain, you'll have the opportunity to reel in some impressive catches, including Black Drum, Gag Grouper, the Spanish Mackerel, the Mangrove Snapper, and Florida Pompano. Black Drum: Powerful fish with impressive fighting abilities. Gag Grouper: Mild and delicate bottom-dwelling species. Spanish Mackerel: Agile fish with delicious taste. Mangrove Snapper: Colorful and versatile fish with sweet flavor. Florida Pompano: Silver-colored beauty with succulent, buttery flesh. Read More

On this trip, you'll head up to 20 miles offshore, where you'll be able to fish all kinds of bottom, from rocky areas to offshore reefs, natural ledges, and more! You'll be fishing in around 70 feet of water, which is perfect of catching up a wide variety of Snappers, Grouper, Porgies, Grunts, Jacks, and more! The action can be fast and furious, with bites often coming within seconds of dropping down a bait. Captain Dan targets "keeper" sized fish on these trips, so that you can go home with a delicious dinner! However, these fish are generally not trophy size. For the chance at bigger and better quality, a longer trips are recommended as you have more time to get out further into deeper water. Read More

Southwest Florida is well known for it's natural richness, which includes mangrove islands, oyster beds, and plentiful grass flats! here, you can catch everything from Tarpon to Tripletail, Snook to Snapper—plus many more! On this trip with Captain Brandon, you'll set out from beautiful Bokeelia, FL and enjoy a short ride through the pristine estuaries and mangrove channels. These areas are prime territory for baitfish and the bigger, predatory species that feed on them, and a perfect place to start hooking trophy fish! You'll be riding comfortably aboard Brandon's 22' Pathfinder, which is powered by a 200-HP Yamama VMAX SHO engine. Once you in the right spot, you'll be casting out with light tackle for big sportfish. Depending on what you want to catch, Captain Brandon will make sure you're equipped with the proper bait and tackle to get some huge bites! There's no better way to experience the scenic beauty and exciting fishing in this area, so book a trip and get out there! Read More

On this awesome trip with Captain Roland, you'll explore the back bays, mangrove channels, and inshore areas around Cape Coral, FL, searching for Redfish, Speckled Trout, Ladyfish, Snook, and more! These species are all a blast to catch, and are great table fare too. As you make your way through the mangroves and shallow flats, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the coast and a chance to spot a variety of marine life. With Captain Roland's expert guidance, you'll be casting your lines and reeling in fish species in no time! His 21' Tidewater bay boat is purpose-built for fishing in shallow water, so you'll be able to get back into the "skinny water" where trophy fish like to hang out. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, you'll have an unforgettable day on the water with Captain Roland. Get out there and experience a thrilling fishing trip! Read More

Captain Mike specializes in fun weekend trips designed to have you catching fish, relaxing on the beautiful waters of the Gulf, and getting away from it all. Enjoy great views while you take on a wide variety of nearshore species, including Pompano, Grouper, Snapper, Hogfish, and most importantly, Sharks! On this trip, you'll hone in on the top nearshore species, such as Scup, Porgy, Snappers, Groupers, and Sharks, including Bonnetheads, Bull Sharks, Blacktips, Lemon Sharks, and many others. Captain Mike's 26' Key West center console boat is ideal for fishing the waters of the Gulf. Two 250HP Yamaha engines get you out to the prime fishing grounds fast, giving you more time to drop your line and pull up your catch. Captain Mike will also provide everything you need for a perfect day on the water, including rods, reels, bait, tackle, ice, and cooler space you could ever want. Bring along some food and drinks, sunscreen, and proper clothing and you'll be set up for the trip of a lifetime! Read More

Boca Grande is home to many fish species, but there's no doubt which one rules the water when it comes to action and excitement. Tarpon are Florida's premier inshore gamefish for a reason, and there's no better place to catch one than here with Captain Chris! Captain Chris has dedicated most of his life to helping people catch Tarpon. Targeting the "Silver King" has been a family tradition for a long time, and Tarpon fishing runs in his blood. At the age of five, Chris caught his first Tarpon, weighing around 80 pounds, in the deep waters of Boca Grande Pass with his father Mark. Even before that, his mother Cynthia was fighting Tarpon in Boca Grande Pass while pregnant with him. Captain Chris uses traditional live bait methods for catching Tarpon on his fishing charters. The most common live baits used include Blue Crabs, Pass Crabs, Squirrelfish, and Jumbo Shrimp. Live baits are drifted along the bottom of the pass, as well as other water columns where Tarpon can be found, using a transducer bottom machine. This method requires constant adjustment of the line depth to keep the baits within the “strike zone”. The live baits are presented as naturally as possible by using extra long leaders, heavy lead weights, and constant maneuvering of the boat by the Captain. Using these methods, Captain Chris consistently gets his clients on the fish, and—although there are no guarantees in fishing—has a better than 90% success rate when it comes to his Tarpon trips. Captain Christopher operates out of a custom built 21’ Clearwater 2000CC bay boat, built to the Captain’s standards in 2019. This modern vessel allows for a comfortable drift and great manueverability. There’s a lot of fishing space and also shaded T-top for hot summer days. The boat also has a Bluetooth stereo, so feel free to bring your favorite playlist! Captai Chris will supply everything you need, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. All you need to bring along is some sunscreen (no spray please!), proper clothing, a cooler with some snacks and drinks, and a smile! Read More

Looking for a thrilling battle with a giant sea monster that twists, turns, flips, and whirls on your line? Look no further and join Captain Ken for a half day tracking Tarpon in the waters off Boca Grande pass, known as the Tarpon Capital of the World! These bucket list fish make a glorious fight with spectacular runs. Captain Ken will chase the Silver Kings while you battle from the fighting chair on the bow! Catching Tarpon is akin the Super Bowl of fishing, since these monsters put up an incredible fight. They are known to jump up to 6 feet in the air near the end of your battle! This trip promises to be nothing short of electrifying. Your vessel is a 25’ Tidewater powered by a 300hp Yamaha engine. The fighting chair in the bow is well secured, like a throne for battle. While in the inshore pass you will be bottom fishing for these monsters of the deep, but be prepared, once you have them at the surface the Silver Kings will fight even harder! Captain Ken will provide everything you need on this all-inclusive adventure including live bait, tackle, licenses, bottled water, suntan lotion, and a cooler with ice. Bring your own snacks and drinks, and get excited for this frantic frenzy! Read More

Only good things can come ​from​ combining experience and passion! Captain Zach and Nick are two brothers who have been fishing together there whole lives! As 2nd generation fishing guides, and Captiva natives, their experience is 2nd to none. The love they both share for the sport is directly reflected in their charters and with experience and enthusiasm, they know how to show their clients the best possible time out on the water! Beyond superior onboard service and company, Zach and Nick are the premier light-tackle fishing guides the area has to offer. They are experts at fishing Sanibel Island, North Captiva, Pine Island, Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach. They know how to best fish the flats, bays, passes and Gulf of Mexico for Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, Trout, Shark, Grouper, Kingfish, Cobia, Permit, Jack Crevalle, Snapper, Spanish Mackerel and other inshore and offshore varieties that either make SW Florida their home or are migrating along in the Gulf of Mexico. Due to SW Florida’s amazing weather and fabulous fishing year-round, their calendar is always crowded. To ensure availability of the dates of your choice, we recommend booking at least two to three months in advance is especially during the spring and summer months. Book early for Tarpon charters as the season is short and these dates are the first to go. Remember, it’s often better to fish on weekdays to avoid the crowds. Read More

Nearshore fishing charters take us a few miles offshore from Sanibel Island and other nearby islands, targeting an exciting array of species, including permit, cobia, snapper, grouper, and sharks. Southwest Florida offers anglers a true paradise for fishing enthusiasts, with its diverse ecosystems and abundance of species to catch. The Fort Myers area, in particular, is a prime destination for fishing adventures. Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico and surrounded by estuaries, rivers, and coastal mangroves, Fort Myers provides an array of fishing opportunities for both beginners and seasoned fishermen alike. Nearshore fishing near Fort Myers, Florida, allows anglers access to the deeper waters only a couple miles offshore, that provide the perfect habitat for a variety of reef fish favorites. Permit, a premier game fish known for their fighting prowess, are a top draw for anglers seeking thrilling battles and gorgeous fish. Cobia, with their distinctive shark-like appearance, roam the open water, creating another sought-after target. Snapper and Grouper, sporting beautiful patterns and delicious table fare, are plentiful on the reefs and other nearshore structures, providing excellent sport, consistent action for kids, and delicious table fare. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, fishing near Fort Myers promises an unforgettable adventure among natural beauty and action-packed fishing. Read More

A fishing charter out of Port Charlotte, FL with Captain Terry promises to be an unforgettable adventure for any angler! The waters around Port Charlotte, FL are home to a diverse range of fish species, and Captain Terry knows just where to find them. The target species here include Drum, Jack Crevalle, Kingfish, Lane Snapper, Triggerfish, Pompano, and many more. As you cruise out to the fishing grounds, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Gulf of Mexico, with its clear blue waters and pristine beaches. Once you arrive at your first fishing spot, Captain Terry will provide you with all the necessary gear and bait, and offer expert guidance on how to catch a trophy! As you cast your line, you'll feel the excitement building as you wait for a bite. With Captain Terry's expert advice and encouragement, you'll soon start reeling in some impressive catches. Many of the species in these waters are known for their size and fight, making for a truly exhilarating fishing experience. In between catching fish, you can take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the area, including dolphins, manatees, and a variety of sea birds. As the day comes to a close and you head back to the dock, you'll have memories of a fun-filled fishing charter with Captain Terry that will last a lifetime. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, this fishing charter is sure to be a highlight of your time in Port Charlotte, FL! Read More

Head out with Captain Billy for an awesome light tackle fishing experience aboard his 25' Skeeter bay boat! She's equipped with a trolling motor, so you can stalk the shallow water and handle the surf! Whether your looking to hook into inshore sportfish like Snook, Redfish, Snapper and Trout, or head a little further offshore to fish the nearshore reefs and wrecks from Grouper and Mackerel, Captain Billy has you covered! He supplies all the tackle, bait, rods, reels, and fishing licenses for your adventure, so all you have to bring are your favorite snacks and drinks. Captain Billy will take care of the rest! Captain Billy is more than willing to cater your departure location to make the commute as easy as possible. He runs trips down the coast from Sanibel to Placida, and can pick you up at Bokeelia Boat Ramp, Matlacha Boat Ramp, Punta Rassa Boat Ramp, pr can even boat across the sound to pick you up in Placida. Just let him know what's most convenient for you! Read More

Pushing off into the Gulf of Mexico to enjoy a thrilling day of fishing is always a treat! On your nearshore fishing trip with Captain Jack, you we will be fishing local artificial reefs, ship-wrecks, ledges, and live bottoms up to 9 nautical miles from shore. There are literally dozens of different species that can be caught. Depending on the season, we may be able to catch Mangrove Snapper, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Grouper, Tripletail, various species of Sharks, Bonito, and Barracuda. Snapper, Cobia, Permit, Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Pompano are also targetable if staying closer inshore is your flavor. No matter what you choose, you never know what can happen out there! Capt. Jack pilots a beautiful, 23’ vessel that can handle rough days and get you out to the nearshore waters in know time! It is the perfect vessel for plying the waters of Southwest Florida. It’s T-top gives plenty of shade from Florida’s brutal sun complete with a tower and second station. An extra-wide beam and clutter-free deck give his clients plenty of room to move around, fight fish or lay back & relax. With a brand new Minn Kota trolling motor, massive bait-well, state-of-the-art GPS/SONAR, Bluetooth sound system, and more to help our clients increase their chances of landing fish as comfortably as possible. Since everything is provided aboard Captain Jack's boat, all you need to bring are your favorite snacks and drinks and you'll be all set! Read More