Southwest Florida
Where We Fish
SWFL Fishing Charters explores the full breadth of Southwest Florida's inshore fishery — from the world-famous tarpon grounds of Boca Grande Pass to the backcountry flats of Pine Island Sound.
Charlotte Harbor & Beyond
Our charters launch from Boca Grande and cover the rich coastal waters of Charlotte Harbor, the Gulf passes, and the surrounding estuaries. Captain Matt knows every flat, creek, and mangrove edge — so wherever the fish are biting, that's where we'll be.
Signature Fishing Grounds
Boca Grande
Tarpon Capital of the World
Boca Grande Pass is the most famous tarpon fishery on the planet. Every spring, hundreds of giant tarpon stack in the pass during their annual migration, drawing anglers from around the globe. We fish it like locals — because we are. Outside of tarpon season, the surrounding flats and Charlotte Harbor offer excellent snook, redfish, and trout action year-round.
Charlotte Harbor
Florida's Premier Inshore Estuary
One of Florida's largest and most productive estuaries, Charlotte Harbor is the backbone of SWFL inshore fishing. Spanning over 200 square miles, the harbor holds massive populations of snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, and tarpon. The grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars provide year-round habitat for every major inshore species.
Punta Gorda
Heart of Charlotte Harbor
Punta Gorda sits at the northern end of Charlotte Harbor where the Peace River meets the bay. The area offers exceptional year-round inshore fishing with easy access to the harbor's best flats. Snook and redfish are abundant along the mangrove edges, and the Peace River backwaters hold fish when conditions push them out of the open harbor.
Port Charlotte
Canal Systems & Open Flats
Port Charlotte's extensive canal systems and open harbor flats hold excellent populations of snook and redfish throughout the year. The canals provide sheltered fishing during rough weather and are prime snook habitat, especially around docks, bridges, and tidal flow points. The open flats adjacent to Charlotte Harbor are productive for redfish and trout.
Englewood & Lemon Bay
Protected Estuary Sight-Fishing
Lemon Bay is a protected estuary just north of Boca Grande that offers some of the best sight-fishing in Southwest Florida. The shallow grass flats and mangrove shorelines are ideal for poling and sight-casting to tailing redfish and cruising snook. The area is less pressured than Charlotte Harbor and consistently produces quality fish.
Gasparilla Island & Placida
Boca Grande's Backyard
Gasparilla Island flanks the famous Boca Grande Pass and the surrounding Placida Harbor area offers excellent year-round inshore action away from the crowds. The flats between Gasparilla and the mainland are prime redfish and snook territory, and the harbor itself holds tarpon during the spring migration.
Pine Island Sound & Matlacha
Backcountry Sight-Fishing Paradise
Pine Island Sound is a vast, shallow estuary with some of the best sight-fishing in all of Florida. The sound's clear, shallow water makes it ideal for poling and spotting fish before they see you. Matlacha Pass and the surrounding backcountry channels hold redfish, snook, and tarpon in a stunning Old Florida setting.
Burnt Store Marina
Southern Charlotte Harbor Access
Burnt Store Marina provides excellent access to the southern reaches of Charlotte Harbor and the flats surrounding Matlacha Pass. The area is known for consistent redfish and snook action, with easy access to both the open harbor and the protected backwaters. A great launching point for exploring the less-pressured southern end of the harbor.
Cayo Costa & Cabbage Key
Old Florida Island Adventure
For full-day trips, we venture out to the beautiful barrier islands of Cayo Costa and Cabbage Key — combining world-class fishing with a taste of Old Florida island life. These remote islands offer pristine fishing in untouched waters, with the option to stop for lunch at the legendary Cabbage Key restaurant.
All Service Areas
Boca Grande
Tarpon Capital of the World
Boca Grande Pass is the most famous tarpon fishery on the planet. Every spring, hundreds of giant tarpon stack in the pass during their annual migration, drawing anglers from around the globe. We fish it like locals — because we are. Outside of tarpon season, the surrounding flats and Charlotte Harbor offer excellent snook, redfish, and trout action year-round.
Charlotte Harbor
Florida's Premier Inshore Estuary
One of Florida's largest and most productive estuaries, Charlotte Harbor is the backbone of SWFL inshore fishing. Spanning over 200 square miles, the harbor holds massive populations of snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, and tarpon. The grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars provide year-round habitat for every major inshore species.
Punta Gorda
Heart of Charlotte Harbor
Punta Gorda sits at the northern end of Charlotte Harbor where the Peace River meets the bay. The area offers exceptional year-round inshore fishing with easy access to the harbor's best flats. Snook and redfish are abundant along the mangrove edges, and the Peace River backwaters hold fish when conditions push them out of the open harbor.
Port Charlotte
Canal Systems & Open Flats
Port Charlotte's extensive canal systems and open harbor flats hold excellent populations of snook and redfish throughout the year. The canals provide sheltered fishing during rough weather and are prime snook habitat, especially around docks, bridges, and tidal flow points. The open flats adjacent to Charlotte Harbor are productive for redfish and trout.
Englewood & Lemon Bay
Protected Estuary Sight-Fishing
Lemon Bay is a protected estuary just north of Boca Grande that offers some of the best sight-fishing in Southwest Florida. The shallow grass flats and mangrove shorelines are ideal for poling and sight-casting to tailing redfish and cruising snook. The area is less pressured than Charlotte Harbor and consistently produces quality fish.
Gasparilla Island & Placida
Boca Grande's Backyard
Gasparilla Island flanks the famous Boca Grande Pass and the surrounding Placida Harbor area offers excellent year-round inshore action away from the crowds. The flats between Gasparilla and the mainland are prime redfish and snook territory, and the harbor itself holds tarpon during the spring migration.
Pine Island Sound & Matlacha
Backcountry Sight-Fishing Paradise
Pine Island Sound is a vast, shallow estuary with some of the best sight-fishing in all of Florida. The sound's clear, shallow water makes it ideal for poling and spotting fish before they see you. Matlacha Pass and the surrounding backcountry channels hold redfish, snook, and tarpon in a stunning Old Florida setting.
Burnt Store Marina
Southern Charlotte Harbor Access
Burnt Store Marina provides excellent access to the southern reaches of Charlotte Harbor and the flats surrounding Matlacha Pass. The area is known for consistent redfish and snook action, with easy access to both the open harbor and the protected backwaters. A great launching point for exploring the less-pressured southern end of the harbor.
Cayo Costa & Cabbage Key
Old Florida Island Adventure
For full-day trips, we venture out to the beautiful barrier islands of Cayo Costa and Cabbage Key — combining world-class fishing with a taste of Old Florida island life. These remote islands offer pristine fishing in untouched waters, with the option to stop for lunch at the legendary Cabbage Key restaurant.
Ready to see trip options & pricing?
Inshore, tarpon & nearshore charters starting at $600.
Pick Your Waters — We Know Them All
Tell Captain Matt where you want to fish and he'll put together the perfect trip.