Serving Boca Grande · Punta Gorda · Port Charlotte · Englewood · Charlotte Harbor
941-623-5673
Southwest Florida's Premier Inshore Fishery
700 square miles of pristine estuary. Snook on the mangrove edges, redfish tailing on the flats, tarpon rolling in the Pass. Captain Matt has spent 20+ years learning every corner of Charlotte Harbor — and he's ready to put you on fish.
Charlotte Harbor is one of the largest and most productive estuaries on Florida's Gulf Coast. Stretching roughly 700 square miles from Boca Grande Pass in the south to the Peace and Myakka River mouths in the north, it encompasses a staggering variety of habitat — deep grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, tidal creeks, and open water — all within a short run of the dock.
That diversity of habitat means diversity of species and year-round fishing action. Snook hold on the mangrove edges from Punta Gorda to Placida. Redfish school on the shallow grass flats throughout the harbor. Spotted seatrout stack on the deeper grass in the cooler months. And every spring, the tarpon migration funnels through Boca Grande Pass at the harbor's southern mouth — one of the most spectacular fishing events in the world.
Captain Matt has fished Charlotte Harbor his entire life. He grew up on these waters, learned the tides and the structure, and has spent over two decades refining his approach to every species the harbor holds. When you book a charter, you're not just getting a boat — you're getting 20+ years of local knowledge working for you.
Captain Matt covers the entire harbor system — from Boca Grande Pass to the upper reaches of the Peace River delta.
World-famous tarpon capital
The deep channel at the southern mouth of Charlotte Harbor is the most celebrated tarpon fishery on earth. Every spring, hundreds of giant Silver Kings stack in the Pass. Year-round, the rip edges hold snook, cobia, and permit.
Year-round redfish & snook
The shallow grass flats north of Punta Gorda are prime sight-fishing territory. Tailing redfish, cruising snook, and schools of seatrout make this area productive in every season. The Peace River mouth adds fresh water influence that concentrates fish.
Mangrove snook & backcountry reds
The extensive mangrove shorelines and tidal creeks of Port Charlotte hold some of the best snook fishing in the harbor. Early morning topwater along the mangrove edges is a local specialty that produces explosive strikes.
Shallow flats & grass beds
The waters around Placida and Gasparilla Sound offer classic Southwest Florida flats fishing. Shallow grass beds hold redfish and trout, while the deeper channels connecting to Boca Grande Pass see tarpon and snook migrations.
Pristine backcountry flats
North of Boca Grande, Cape Haze and Lemon Bay offer some of the most pristine backcountry fishing in the region. Protected from wind and boat traffic, these areas hold resident populations of redfish and snook year-round.
Legendary flats fishing
The southern reaches of Charlotte Harbor blend into Pine Island Sound — a vast expanse of shallow grass flats that is one of the most storied redfish and snook fisheries in Florida. Sight-fishing here on a calm morning is unforgettable.
Year-Round
Charlotte Harbor is one of Florida's premier snook fisheries. Mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and tidal creek mouths hold snook in every season. Spring and fall are peak, but snook can be caught year-round in the harbor's protected waters.
Year-Round
Shallow grass flats throughout the harbor hold resident redfish populations. Sight-fishing tailing reds is one of the most exciting experiences in inshore fishing. Fall brings large schools of bull reds to the open flats.
April – July
The tarpon migration through Boca Grande Pass is the highlight of the fishing calendar. Giant Silver Kings averaging 80–150 lbs stage in the Pass from April through July, with May and June being the peak months.
Fall – Spring
The deep grass flats of Charlotte Harbor produce excellent seatrout fishing in the cooler months. Fish stack on the edges of grass beds in 4–8 feet of water, making them accessible and fun to catch on light tackle.
Real catches from Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding waters
Captain Matt grew up fishing Charlotte Harbor. He's not reading a chart — he's fishing from memory, instinct, and 20+ years of daily experience on the water.
From Boca Grande Pass to the Peace River delta, Captain Matt covers the entire Charlotte Harbor system. Wherever the fish are, that's where you'll be.
The 23 ft Hanson draws just inches of water, accessing the shallow flats and backcountry creeks that hold the biggest fish — areas bigger boats simply can't reach.
Charlotte Harbor fishes well in every season. Captain Matt knows which species are active and where to find them regardless of time of year or weather conditions.
All trips include rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing license. Gratuity not included.
4 Hours
$600
A focused morning or afternoon session targeting snook, redfish, and trout on the Charlotte Harbor flats.
Book This Trip8 Hours
$900
Cover the full harbor — from the Punta Gorda flats to the Boca Grande Pass area. Maximum time, maximum variety.
Book This Trip8 Hours
$1,200
Target giant Silver Kings in Boca Grande Pass during tarpon season (April–July). The ultimate Charlotte Harbor experience.
Book This TripAll prices are for the full boat. Gratuity not included. Call to confirm availability.
5.0 Stars · 200+ Happy Anglers
Captain Matt has guided anglers from across the country on Charlotte Harbor. Here's what they say.
Read All ReviewsOne of Florida's greatest inshore fisheries is waiting. Call or book online today.
