Southwest Florida
Target Species
SWFL Fishing Charters targets the finest inshore and nearshore species Southwest Florida has to offer — from the legendary Silver King to bull reds tailing on the flats.
World-Class Fishing, Right in Our Backyard
Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding waters of Southwest Florida are home to some of the most sought-after inshore species on the planet. Captain Matt has spent 20+ years learning every flat, pass, and mangrove edge — so you spend less time searching and more time fighting fish.
Tarpon
The Silver King
Season
April – July (peak May & June)
Size range
50–200+ lbs
Top spot
Boca Grande Pass
Boca Grande is the tarpon capital of the world — and we fish it like locals. Every spring, hundreds of giant tarpon stack in Boca Grande Pass during their annual migration, offering some of the most electrifying fishing on the planet. These prehistoric fish can exceed 200 lbs and will test every bit of your tackle and stamina.
Techniques we use:
- Live bait (crabs, threadfin)
- Artificial lures on the flats
- Sight-fishing in the pass
Tarpon are one of the oldest fish species on earth — their lineage dates back over 100 million years. They breathe air using a modified swim bladder, which is why you'll see them rolling on the surface.
Snook
The Linesider
Season
Year-round (best May – October)
Size range
5–30+ lbs
Top spot
Mangrove shorelines
Snook are the ultimate inshore predator in Southwest Florida — smart, powerful, and incredibly fun to catch. We target them along mangrove edges, in tidal creeks, and around structure throughout Charlotte Harbor, Lemon Bay, and Pine Island Sound. Early morning topwater action is as good as it gets in inshore fishing.
Techniques we use:
- Live bait under mangroves
- Topwater lures at dawn
- Jigs and soft plastics around structure
Snook are euryhaline — they can live in both fresh and saltwater. They're also protandric hermaphrodites: all snook are born male and the larger fish transition to female as they grow.
Redfish
The Bull Red
Season
Year-round (best September – December)
Size range
5–40+ lbs
Top spot
Charlotte Harbor grass flats
Sight-fishing for tailing redfish on the grass flats of Charlotte Harbor is one of the most rewarding experiences in all of inshore fishing. We pole the flats quietly, spot fish before they see us, and make precise presentations. Redfish are available year-round, with fall producing the biggest bull reds.
Techniques we use:
- Sight-casting on the flats
- Live pinfish and mullet
- Gold spoons and soft plastics
Redfish get their name from their copper-red coloring. The distinctive black spot near their tail is thought to confuse predators — making them strike the wrong end of the fish.
Black Drum
The Drummer
Season
Year-round (best winter & spring)
Size range
5–50+ lbs
Top spot
Charlotte Harbor
Black drum are a hard-fighting, underrated species that thrive in Charlotte Harbor's shallow grass flats and oyster bars. They're often found tailing alongside redfish and can grow to impressive sizes. A great target for anglers looking for something different.
Techniques we use:
- Live shrimp on the bottom
- Fiddler crabs near oyster bars
- Sight-casting on the flats
Black drum make a literal drumming sound by vibrating muscles against their swim bladder — you can actually hear them underwater. Juveniles have bold black stripes that fade as they mature.
Goliath Grouper
The Giant
Season
Year-round
Size range
50–400+ lbs
Top spot
Nearshore Gulf structure
Goliath Grouper are one of the most awe-inspiring fish in Florida waters. These massive fish can exceed 400 lbs and are a catch-and-release only species. Our nearshore charters specifically target Goliath Grouper on Gulf bottom structure — the fight is unlike anything in inshore fishing.
Techniques we use:
- Heavy tackle with large live bait
- Stout rods and braided line
- Bottom fishing on structure
Goliath Grouper are a protected species in Florida — all must be released. They can live over 37 years and are known to make a booming sound to defend territory and during spawning aggregations.
Sharks
The Apex Predator
Season
Year-round
Size range
Varies by species
Top spot
Nearshore Gulf waters
Southwest Florida's nearshore Gulf waters are home to several shark species including bull sharks, blacktip sharks, and nurse sharks. Our nearshore charters offer an exciting opportunity to target these apex predators on appropriate tackle — a thrilling experience for anglers of all ages.
Techniques we use:
- Chunk bait on the bottom
- Live bait on circle hooks
- Drifting nearshore structure
Bull sharks are one of the few shark species that can survive in both saltwater and freshwater. They've been found hundreds of miles up rivers and are considered one of the most aggressive shark species.
Ready to Target Your Species?
Tell Captain Matt what you're after and he'll put together the perfect trip.