What fish can I catch in Boca Grande?

Boca Grande is world-famous for tarpon fishing, especially from April through July when giant tarpon stack in Boca Grande Pass during their annual migration. Outside of tarpon season, the area also produces excellent snook, redfish, and trout fishing on the surrounding flats and in Charlotte Harbor.

When is tarpon season in Southwest Florida?

Tarpon season in Southwest Florida typically runs from April through July, with peak action in May and June. Boca Grande Pass is the epicenter of the migration, but tarpon can be found throughout Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound, and the Gulf passes during this period.

How many people can come on a charter?

Our charters accommodate up to four people. This keeps the trip personal, productive, and safe — everyone gets plenty of rod time and Captain Matt's full attention.

Do I need fishing experience to book a charter?

Not at all. We welcome anglers of all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned veterans. Captain Matt will coach you through every aspect of the trip — from casting technique to fighting fish. Family trips with kids are always welcome.

What should I bring on my charter?

Bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, comfortable non-marking shoes, snacks and drinks, and a valid Florida fishing license. All fishing tackle, live bait, and safety equipment is provided by Captain Matt.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations must be made at least 15 days before your reserved date to receive your deposit back. Cancellations within 15 days are non-refundable. No-shows or cancellations within 24 hours of departure will be charged the full trip amount. All trips are subject to cancellation by the captain due to unsafe weather or conditions.

Fishing boat at sunrise on Southwest Florida waters

Southwest Florida Inshore Guide

SWFL Fishing Charters

Boca Grande's top-rated inshore & tarpon fishing guide. Serving Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Englewood & all of Southwest Florida.

Book Your Charter (941) 623-5673

Call Captain Matt

(941) 623-5673

Inshore 4 hr

$600

Inshore 6 hr

$800

Inshore 8 hr

$1,200

5.0· 72 Google reviews

Book Your Charter

Redfish catch on the flats — SWFL Fishing Charters

Life on the Flats

Boca Grande Pass to Charlotte Harbor

Redfish double — Charlotte Harbor fishing charter

5.0★

72 Google Reviews

10+

Years on SWFL Waters

Max Guests — Never Crowded

USCG

Licensed Captain

Trips & Pricing

Inshore, tarpon, and nearshore charters departing from Boca Grande, FL.

Inshore

Inshore Fishing

4 Hours$600

6 Hours$800

8 Hours$1,200

Snook, redfish & trout on the flats of Charlotte Harbor

Tarpon Charter

6 Hours$1,200

8 Hours$1,600

The Silver King at Boca Grande Pass — the tarpon capital of the world

Nearshore

Nearshore Fishing

6 Hours$800

8 Hours$1,000

Goliath grouper & sharks in the Gulf off Boca Grande

View All Trips & Details

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Book Your Southwest Florida Charter

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We respond within 24 hours. For immediate availability, call (941) 623-5673.

23 ft Hanson flats boat — SWFL Fishing Charters

2026 Suzuki

175 hp · Brand New

The vessel

23 ft Hanson Bay Boat

Shallow-draft, stable, and rigged with top-of-the-line gear. Comfortable for families, serious enough for tournament anglers.

Engine

2026 Suzuki 175 hp

Electronics

Full Garmin Suite

Anchoring

Power-Pole Anchors

Stealth

Minn Kota Trolling Motor

Shade

T-Top Canopy

Capacity

Max 4 Guests

See full boat specs →

Tarpon, Snook & Redfish

Three of the most sought-after inshore species in saltwater fishing — all targeted year-round in SWFL.

The Silver King

Tarpon

Season:April – July (peak season)

Spots:Boca Grande Pass, Charlotte Harbor, Gasparilla Island

The Linesider

Snook

Season:Year-round (best May – October)

Spots:Mangrove shorelines, Lemon Bay, Pine Island Sound

The Bull Red

Redfish

Season:Year-round (best September – December)

Spots:Charlotte Harbor grass flats, Matlacha, Placida

5.0 ★ · 72 Google Reviews

What Anglers Are Saying

Sarah Mama

July 25, 2026

We had an outstanding experience with SWFL Fishing Charters and Captain Matt! From the moment we arrived, he was friendly, professional, and made sure everyone felt comfortable. He knew exactly where the fish were and worked hard all trip to keep us on the action. His knowledge of the local waters was impressive, and he was patient and happy to share tips that helped us catch more fish. The boat was clean, well-equipped, and everything was organized. Captain Matt made safety a priority while still making the trip relaxed and fun. Whether you're an experienced angler or it's your first time fishing, he makes sure you have an unforgettable experience. If you're looking for an honest, hardworking captain who genuinely wants his guests to have a great day on the water, I highly recommend Captain Matt and SWFL Fishing Charters. We'll definitely be booking another trip the next time we're in Southwest Florida!

Google Review

Regan

July 27, 2026

My 12 year old son and I had an outstanding day on the water with Capt Matt. Matt had great communication and was very informative as we were planning the trip originally and then again the day before. Matt had a great gameplan for the day specific to what we wanted to do and had us on fish all day long. I've fished with lots of guides and Matt is up at the top of the list for professionalism, fishing skill/knowledge and personability.

Google Review

Gary Day

June 25, 2026

Wow! Thats all we can say! Captain Matthew put us on the fish from our very first cast to our very last one. What a day! We ended up canceling with a few other guides we had booked times with to spend extra days with Captain Matthew! And we'd do it again! Such a great guide! Thank you! You know we'll be back every year now

Google Review

Michael Burks

June 23, 2026

Great day with Captain Matt. Very knowledgeable and easy going. Caught lots of Snook and some Snapper.

Google Review

Rue Nijhof

June 23, 2026

I have nothing but great things to say about Captain Matt. He definitely knows his stuff and put us on that fish with great expertise

Google Review

Jeremy Gassman

June 23, 2026

Went fishing on 6/14. We had hooked 17 Giant Tarpon. What a great day. I have used Matt two other times. Fishing has been excellent! Highly recommend!

Google Review

Captain Matt Newberry — SWFL Fishing Charters

10+ Years

On SWFL Waters

Your local SWFL guide

Know Every Flat, Pass & Backwater Channel

Captain Matt Newberry is a true local — born and raised on the waters of Charlotte Harbor. With over 10 years of experience and a calm, level-headed approach, he brings deep knowledge of the harbor's rich history and a passion for preserving Old Florida's timeless charm. Whether you're a seasoned angler or stepping on a boat for the first time, every trip is built around putting you on fish.

Meet Captain Matt →

Where we fish

Southwest Florida's Best Inshore Waters

From the world-famous tarpon grounds of Boca Grande Pass to the backcountry flats of Pine Island Sound, we cover the full breadth of Southwest Florida's inshore fishery.

Boca Grande

Punta Gorda

Port Charlotte

Englewood & Lemon Bay

Charlotte Harbor

Cape Coral & Fort Myers

Gasparilla Island & Placida

Pine Island Sound & Matlacha

Book Your Charter

A Real Captain. Real Local Knowledge.

Licensed & Insured USCG Captain

Fully licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard and carrying full liability insurance. Your safety and compliance are never an afterthought.

10+ Years on SWFL Waters

Born and raised on Charlotte Harbor, Captain Matt brings two decades of local knowledge — he knows where the fish are in every season, every tide, and every condition.

Top-Quality Gear Provided

Reaper Rods paired with Florida Fishing Product reels, carefully rigged by Captain Matt himself. All you have to do is show up and fish.

Fresh Live Bait Every Trip

Captain Matt personally catches live bait before each charter, ensuring you're targeting the hottest bite with the right bait for the season and species.