CENTRAL Boca Coast (Boca Grande Pass, Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor)

Captain Justin Snauffer: Guiding vacationers out of the Punta Gorda area via High Tide Charters. This guide provides anglers with everything they need from live bait to a boat that can fish the back bay waters with ease. Punta Gorda is a great launching spot for accessing Charlotte harbor and Boca Grande. Great with kids and families, Justin is glad to teach new anglers the techniques of baiting a hook and landing the trophy of a lifetime. If you're staying at one of the area hotels, you'll probably be able to walk down to the dock and meet up for your adventure on the backwater flats. 941-815-1605

Captain Karl Butigian: An avid fisherman and tournament competitor, this versatile guide will put you on the fish around the inshore fishing capital of the world on his boat or yours. Something very few local experts will offer to do, Karl will take you out on your vessel if you want to fish and also learn about navigating and operating your new boat. He'll gladly show you the shallow areas to avoid and even share his years long hot spots. If you're considering moving to the area, he'll even provide property tours from the waters around Charlotte Harbor, Boca Grande, Matlacha, Pine Island, Sanibel, and Lemon Bay.  941-565-7325

Captain Chris Fanelli: Originally from NY, this Army combat veteran has been fishing the waters of the Boca Coast out of Punta Gorda for more than 15 years. His 24' Lake & Bay is a well known and favorite choice for inshore anglers because of the ability to change location quickly and also access very shallow backwater for elusive giants. If you're looking for a guide that takes great pride in his craft, loves putting kids on their biggest fish ever and is 100% dedicated; Chris is your man. He has the patients and skills to tackle monster Tarpon and always knows where the Snook are hiding. 941-702-9043

Captain Mike Downs: This third generation Floridian was raised here on the Gulf Coast. When he isn't out guiding vacationers to their next trophy snook, he's a marine firefighter and paramedic. Rest assured, you're in good hands out on the water with this guy. Mike and his wife Alycia are steadfast stewards of the environment and our local community. Each year they put together a non-profit fishing tournament for local children and spend a tremendous amount of time supporting organizations like Captains for Clean Water. So whether you want to take the kids out on the water or chase the fish of a lifetime, we highly recommend Mike Downs. 863-441-2656

Captain Jay Withers: Owner and operator of Silver Lining Charters, this expert guide is locally known as an educator of anglers that fish with him or attend his seminars all around the Boca Coast area. No matter your preference for equipment from spinning gear to a fly rod, you will always be provided top of the line gear that is ready to ensure your success on the water. No worn out busted gear on this charter. Being sponsored by Maverick Boat Company means you'll be fishing from the best and newest boat available. The boat: Custom 2017 Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid Bay Boat powered by a Yamaha 300. 941-204-5229

Captain Dave Stephens: Owner and operator of Back Bay Xtremes, this 4th generation native Floridian has grown up fishing the flats around the southwest coast of Florida. Guiding anglers through the shallow back bays and inshore inlets around Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor, Capt. Dave is known locally for catching monster snook. Specializing in hard fighting tarpon during season while accommodating everyone in the family from the expert fisherman to kids catching their first fish. The boat: 2006 21ft Lake N Bay flats boat, rigged with a 2015 Yamaha 200hp SHO.  941-916-5769

Captain Shannon Hoeckel: Short Drift Charters is located in Boca Grande, Florida and where Shannon is originally from. This Southwest Fl location offers outstanding year-round inshore fishing from the pristine beaches, deep pass waterways and an extensive network of Bays, Estuaries and Mangrove Islands. A lifetime of experience in this area allows the pursuit of a variety of species from the acrobatic fighting tarpon and snook to the challenge of redfish and trout. 941-276-0095

Captain Kevin Lubold: USCG licensed, fully insured and has been fishing the waters of Pine Island Sound, Boca Grande, Lemon Bay and surrounding bays and passes for 25 years. Charters include tackle, bait, license, ice and cooler. All you need to bring is suntan lotion and dress appropriately for the weather. The air temperature rarely drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and we're blessed to able to fish these estuaries 365 days a year. The boat is an Intrepid flats boat with a full tower, powered by a Yamaha 200 hp V-Max outboard. This vessel is able to get into the backcountry flats and bays where Kevin can spot the fish from the tower. 941-698-5744

Captain Dave Pecci: An Orvis endorsed guide, Dave has received their Guide of the Year award and has also been named the Coastal Conservation Association of Maine Sportsman of the Year. He is a member of the National Association of Charter Boat Operators, the Florida Guides Association, the Yamaha National Fishing Team, NOAA's MAFAC Marine Recreational Fisheries Working Group and more. We don't have enough room to highlight all of his qualifications and accomplishments. If you consider experience and industry recognition a basis for choosing who to hire for your Charlotte Harbor Fl angling excursion, you'll be hard pressed to top Dave Pecci. Chartering Jan-June. 941-235-1311

NORTH Boca Coast (Sarasota, Bradenton, Siesta Key)

Bad Habit Sportfishing Charters: Offers everything from deep sea offshore excursions to inshore light tackle trips. Their 24 foot Hanson handles the inshore duties while their spacious 37 foot Express is capable of going miles out into the blue for goliath fish in hundreds of feet of water. You don't have to settle for one type of trip either. The captains of Bad Habit charters can provide multiple trips during your vacation to the Sarasota Bradenton area. Launching from downtown, they can also bring you and your catch right into the docks where restaurants will prepare your day's catch for a shore lunch right on the waters you fished. 941-650-9788

Captain Josh Prunier: There's a distinct and undeniable advantage to being raised fishing the waters you charter. Some guides are experts at Inshore waters, and some are exceptional offshore fishermen. Few are as skilled at both like Josh Prunier. A product of a life spent fishing the Sarasota Bradenton area, this master of the flats and deep sea often provides multiple day trips so his clients can experience a multitude of species. It's no secret that quality live bait is the key to a successful day and he his one of the best in the business at catching the bait fish that make a difference in catching trophy sport fish.  941-580-7363

Captain Mark Howard: Offers fishing charters via the moniker SumoTime in the Anna Maria Island area which includes the Manatee River, Tampa Bay, Longboat Key, Sarasota Bay and The Gulf of Mexico. Known locally for his expert angling skills, he is a trusted source for detailed and accurate local fishing reports. Working several other local guides, a multi-vessel excursion can easily be arranged. Live bait, license, and gear are all provided so all you have to do is have a good time. The Boat: 23 foot Hydrasport Baybolt with a 250HP Yamaha motor and custom tower.  941-704-6763

Captain Larry Morroney: It's been said that the best guides grow up where they fish. Where they've fished their entire lives. Larry is one of those guys. From Tampa Bay to Sarasota and the Anna Maria Island area, this professional angler has fished these waters since he could hold a rod and reel. Specializing in Tarpon, snook and redfish with live bait, he knows these back bays and shallow flats like the back of his hand. Being USCG licensed and medically certified means you and your family will be in good hands out on the water.  941-730-2574

Captain Nate Weissman: A Florida born, U.S. Coast Guard Licensed (#USA00016405), and insured captain that has been fishing the vibrant Boca Coast saltwater flats and bays around Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Sarasota Bay, and Tampa Bay since 1985. Well established in the community and partnered with several area guides he can accommodate a single client and easily provide guiding services for large groups requiring several boats. Families and children are welcome to experience their first inshore sport fish angling trip and even seasoned experts might learn a thing or two. The Boat: 2007 22′ Century Bay Boat with a 2016 Yamaha 250 SHO.  941-932-5609

Captain Mike Goodwine: Guiding trips out of the flats and bays around Tampa Florida with Blackneck Adventures, Mike is simply hard to beat when it comes to catching fish and having fun doing it. You'll be hard pressed to find a more fun loving and laid back guide anywhere. He's pretty big on social media too, because he documents his anglers having a blast when they're out on the water with him. Mike prides himself on always maintaining a positive attitude and takes his time to teach the kids or anyone new the right techniques. It's entirely up to you on how serious you want to be about targeting trophies or learning from an expert who's great at teaching. Either way you're sure to have a great time.  813-707-4733

Captain Wes Wildman: Can't decide if you want to chase snook and redfish across the flats of Sarasota Bay, reel in hogfish and kingfish from the nearshore artificial reefs of Tampa Bay, or tighten a line on the famous large mouth bass of lake Okeechobee? This is one of the few guides in southwest Florida with over 15 years of experience that can do it all. Charter boats are; Mako 211 Bay Shark powered by a Suzuki 225 four stroke for saltwater duties and a Triton 200xp Bass Boat, powered by a Mercury 225 EFI for freshwater. Both are rigged with the top of line electronics, tackle and gear.  941-322-4108

Captain Chris Conte: When you're looking for a guide to take you on a fishing trip while you're down here on vacation, you want someone with a lot of local experience. You may also want to fish several different areas for different species of fish. This will require their ability to travel and have solid knowledge of a broad area. This is what sets local guides apart from the crowd that will only meet you in one location and fish one area. Chris takes visitors out from Sarasota to Boca Grande and is willing to travel to where you and more importantly the fish are located.  941-237-9963

Captain Dave Pomerleau: AKA The Mad Snooker, Capt. Dave is one of the world’s top Snook fishing experts and guides who applies all of his expertise to Florida’s top sport fish. You're guaranteed to catch Snook or the trip is free! Having personally caught more than 80,000 snook in his fishing carrier with several hundred over 25 pounds, this charter fisherman focuses on catching the big ones. With a personal best of 44 lbs 11 ozs (larger than the recognized state record) the Mad Snooker lives up to the name and reputation. Charters from Pinellas to Charlotte County.  727-570-9711

SOUTH Boca Coast (Ft Myers, Sanibel, Captiva Island)

Captain James Marko: Certified to operate up to 100 Ton vessels, this Master Captain and guide is the only one that can take you on a Fish & Wildlife research excursion to catch, tag and collect samples from the federally protected Goliath Grouper (Jewfish). These fish can grow to be the size of a Volkswagen, and have literally pulled anglers out of the boat. Featured on TV with O'neill Outside, he fishes out of the Pine Island, Sanibel area. This allows the pursuit of every species from snook to the freight train powerful Goliath Grouper. James was also recently sponsored by Epic Boats, which means you'll have the pleasure of fishing from a new top of the line vessel. CL#:4111823. 239-443-9687

Captain JJ: Cape Coral FL is conveniently located between Pine Island and Ft Myers with Sanibel / Captiva to the south. Finding a guide that will come to your location just about anywhere around the Cape can be a pretty difficult task. It's not just a matter of convenience though. Often times the bite is simply better in one area compared to another. Specializing in sharks and backcountry action, this EMS and Army vet will launch from the location nearest you, or pretty much anywhere in the southern BC region if necessary. 239-938-4766

Captain Anthony Torres: Crushin' it Fishing Charters fishes out of the Cape Coral, Pine Island and Matlacha area. These waters are known for some of the best redfish catches on our coast and there are plenty of snook and shark around too. Anthony Torres has them all locked in and posts his catches daily to Instagram @sombrerotorres_34. There's no mistaking, this guy puts his clients on the fish and he knows where those constantly moving reds are going to be located each morning. Great with families and kids, if you're planning on a visit to the area and want to load up on the redfish action, Anthony has your trip waiting.  239-980-5835

Captain Drew Underwood: Chum Crazy Charters out of Ft Myers can put you on the big trophy snook inshore or take you to the reefs and nearshore wrecks for real sea monsters. Specializing in large catches, Drew is well known to visitors on Sanibel Island who fish with him every year for the snook and redfish anglers dream about. He's also experienced with kids and families that want a lot of action to keep those lines tight all day. He's out on the water before sunrise every day chumming up and catching pilchards and pinfish for live bait to ensure his clients have a successful trip. 239-247-9632

Captain Tim Jones: Matlacha Florida is an area with treacherous flats and backcountry waters that even local anglers take years to learn. Tim Jones knows these waters just about better than anyone. If you want to fish all day and never see another boat, this is your guy. This area is convenient to Pine Island and Sanibel, where many of Tim's clients stay while they hire him for a trip. The lack of pressure on this fishery and his expert knowledge of it, give him a tremendous advantage. This is shallow water, one on one battle with untamed snook, reds and tarpon. Different fish species have their seasons, so give Tim a call if you want to target a specific fish. 239-462-7024

Reel Revenge: If you would like to fish both Inshore and Offshore, these guys have you covered. With a 39' Regulator packing twin 350 HP Yamaha outboards, this vessel is capable of running 60 mph and keep you dry on the way to many spots other simply don't go. They also have 22' - 28' Bay boats complete with the latest and best technology to compliment their top of the line fishing gear. Capable of accommodating large parties or just a single angler from the mangrove shorelines of Ft Myers to the reefs and wrecks several miles off shore. 239-233-2193

Captain Steve Sewell: A Southwest Florida native who has been fishing the waters around Fort Myers for more than three decades. Steve guides trips from Marco Island to Boca Grande and everything in between. He fishes for snook and tarpon inshore and will also run deep sea excursions for small or large parties. Pretty much anything that swims, you can count on Steve to put you on them. 239-691-4373

Captain Bo Johnson: You may may have heard of him from friends, tournaments, radio or saltwater magazine articles. Perhaps online or even TV. All are possible, as this philanthropic outdoorsman is one of the most well known and publicized on the Boca Coast. Along with his first mate Deidra Lynn Johnson (Deidra outdoors), Capt. Bo Johnson is Tenacity Guide Service out of Pine Island Florida. Providing trips for a multitude of game from Tarpon to Goliath Grouper inshore to Cobia and Snapper wreck fishing offshore. He also offers airboat trips; bowfishing for stingrays!  239-633-4662

Captain John Conway: Reel in a fin-tastic time aboard Conway Charters with a professional full-time angler who has over 30 years of experience and extensive knowledge of the history behind the inshore fishing capital of the world. Expeditions for families, couples and all size groups are available for fishing and leisure adventures. His 21' shallow sport allows access to the shallowest of back bay waters where many other vessels won't even try to venture. If multiple boats are required for large groups, just give John a call and arraignments can be made. 239-410-0067

Captain Matt Ruffing: Based out of Matlacha near Ft Myers; Cape Coral Fishing Charters has a beautiful new boat that is fast and very comfortable to take you and your family miles offshore to the best fishing grounds. Having the ability to run 40 or more miles quickly gives this charter a huge advantage when it comes to catching the big pelagic species of fish. If you want to fill the freezer with big grouper and snappers from a true deep sea adventure, this is the guy to call.  239-238-8890

Captain Shawn Kelly: With over 16 years of guiding experience, Shawn calls Jensen’s Twin Palms Marina his home base but will pick you up from Boca Grande to Sanibel. It doesn't matter where you're staying on the BC, this guy knows where the fish are nearby. The clear Gulf waters surrounding Captiva bring millions of visitors to the area with their families. If you want to give the kids a memory of a lifetime and instill a passion for the outdoors, then get them out on the water. This versatile and avid fisherman can do it all from live bait to fly. Your level of expertise is just right because Capt Kelly loves to teach first timers and challenge seasoned pros just the same. 239-677-7923

Captain Lamar Cronon: Some call it the buggy whip or the soggy stick. Some guides can use one and a few are masters of the fly rod. Lamar Cronon of C2 Inshore Charters falls into the latter category. Growing up in North Georgia, he has spent much of his time fly fishing both fresh and saltwater. On top of that he has taken courses on how to teach others to fly fish. So if you're in town and you have an itch that only a 9' rod can scratch, give him a call. He also offers guided trips with live bait and light tackle too.  706-263-4392

Captain Jeff Holt: Born and raised in Okeechobee, this Florida native has spent most of his life out on the water and started fishing the west coast at 17. The proprietor of Salty Charters LLC, Jeff is a dedicated full time fisherman. Guiding families and experts alike out of Bokeelia, Fl allows access to both the backcountry and deep water passes around Pine Island, like Matlacha. Navigating these areas takes expert skills in getting to the best spots that hold fish. If you're new to the area or have family visiting on vacation, let Jeff show you around. He will teach you where and how to catch fish. 239-994-0343