When is the best time to fish Boca Grande?

Tarpon season runs April through July and is the peak time to visit. However, snook and redfish fishing is excellent year-round. Fall (October–December) is particularly good for redfish and snook on the flats.

How many people can fish on the charter?

The 23 ft Hanson comfortably accommodates up to 4 anglers. For the best experience — especially on tarpon trips — we recommend 2–3 anglers.

Do I need a fishing license?

No — your fishing license is included with every charter. Just show up ready to fish.

Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, snacks, drinks, and a cooler for your catch. Captain Matt provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait.

Where do we launch from?

We launch from the Boca Grande area. Exact meeting location is confirmed when you book. Captain Matt is also available from Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and Englewood.

Fishing at Boca Grande Pass, Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida's Premier Inshore Guide

Boca Grande Fishing Charters

Fish the legendary Boca Grande Pass and Charlotte Harbor flats with Captain Matt — 20+ years of local expertise, a fully-rigged 23 ft Hanson, and a passion for putting you on fish.

Book Your Charter Call 941-623-5673

USCG Licensed Captain 20+ Years Experience License & Tackle Included 5-Star Rated

Why Boca Grande is Southwest Florida's Fishing Capital

Boca Grande Pass is world-famous for one reason: tarpon. Every spring and early summer, hundreds of giant Silver Kings stack up in the deep waters of the Pass, making it the single best tarpon fishery in the world. But Boca Grande is far more than a one-species destination.

The shallow flats surrounding Gasparilla Island and the northern reaches of Charlotte Harbor hold year-round populations of snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout. Whether you're chasing a 150-lb tarpon in the Pass or sight-fishing a tailing redfish on the flat, Boca Grande delivers world-class inshore action in every season.

Captain Matt has fished these waters his entire life. He knows the tides, the structure, the seasonal movements — and exactly where to put you to maximize your time on the water.

What You'll Target in Boca Grande

Tarpon

April – July (Peak)

The Silver King reigns supreme at Boca Grande Pass. Averaging 80–150 lbs, these fish are the ultimate inshore challenge and the reason anglers travel from around the world.

Snook

Year-Round

The flats and mangrove edges around Gasparilla Island hold trophy snook all year. Spring and fall are prime, with fish pushing 30+ inches on the shallow grass flats.

Redfish

Year-Round

Sight-fishing tailing reds on the Boca Grande flats is as good as it gets. Schools of bull reds also congregate in the Pass during fall, offering explosive action.

Spotted Seatrout

Fall – Spring

The grass flats of Charlotte Harbor and Lemon Bay produce excellent trout fishing, especially in the cooler months when fish stack up on the deeper grass edges.

Your Ride: The 23 ft Hanson

Every Boca Grande charter runs on Captain Matt's custom 23 ft Hanson flats boat — purpose-built for the shallow waters of Southwest Florida. With a 2026 Suzuki 175, Power-Poles, Minn Kota trolling motor, 50-gallon livewell, and full Garmin electronics, you'll have every advantage on the water.

23 ft Hanson flats boat
2026 Suzuki 175 hp outboard
Power-Pole shallow water anchors
Minn Kota trolling motor
50-gallon livewell
Full Garmin electronics suite
JL Audio marine speakers
All rods, reels & tackle provided

See full boat details →

23 ft Hanson flats boat — SWFL Fishing Charters, Boca Grande FL

Charter Pricing

All trips include rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing license. Just bring sunscreen, snacks, and a cooler.

Half-Day Inshore

4 Hours

$600

Perfect for families and first-timers. Target snook, redfish, and trout on the Boca Grande flats.

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Full-Day Inshore

8 Hours

$900

Maximum time on the water. Cover more ground, target multiple species, and experience the full Boca Grande fishery.

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Tarpon Charter

8 Hours

$1,200

The ultimate Boca Grande experience. Target giant Silver Kings in the legendary Boca Grande Pass during tarpon season (April–July).

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All prices are for the full boat. Gratuity not included. Call to confirm availability.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Captain Matt put us on tarpon within the first hour. We hooked 6 and landed 3 — absolutely incredible. Best fishing trip of my life and I've been fishing for 30 years."

Mike T.

Ohio

"We booked a full-day inshore trip and caught redfish, snook, and trout. Matt is incredibly knowledgeable and patient. Our kids had the time of their lives."

Sarah & Jim K.

Michigan

"Third year in a row booking with Captain Matt. He always finds the fish no matter what the conditions are. The boat is spotless and well-equipped. Highly recommend."

Dave R.

Pennsylvania

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