About Your Trip

Flats

Inshore

Nearshore

These trips are nearshore/inshore with a maximum distance offshore of 9 miles. Most fishing will be with live bait for snook, sea trout, redfish, tarpon, jack crevalle, snapper, grouper, and permit. Fishing licenses are included with trip as well as all tackle necessary. Water and ice will also be included, as well as the fileting of fish.

About Your Guide

Certified Damn Good Guide

Independent Guide

Laid-back

Talkative

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Comfortable

Quality

Captain James has been fishing southwest Florida his whole life picking up a rod as soon as he could walk. He has a deep passion for fishing and caring for the oceans. With a degree in Marine science from FGCU he has a deeper understanding of the challenges we face in protecting our waterways. This is part of what drives him to want to share such a unique area with others and help them learn to fish here. Being on the water as much as ... Read More

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

175 lb tarpon

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Smoked fish dip

Whats your favorite band?

AC/DC

Whats your favorite movie?

Happy gilmore

Whats your favorite sports team?

Cubs

Whats your drink of choice?

La croix

What was your last halloween costume?

A dj

What do you want for Christmas this year?

Fishing gear

How did you get started guiding?

I Grew up fishing in swfl, mainly in estero bay with friends who's parents were guides and have always wanted to guide since I realized it was a possibility.

What makes you different from other guides?

I have a degree in marine science and have a deep interest and care for our waterways. I try to relay with clients any information they are curious about. I also am a proficient photographer and am able to capture memories made on the water with the highest quality.

Start Location

1219 Morningside Drive, Fort Myers, FL, USA (this guide can be flexible with their start location) | Bodies of water fished: Pine Island Sound, Matanzas Pass, Sanibel Island, Caloosahatchee River, Captiva Island, Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, Matlacha Pass, Boca Grande Pass, Fort Myers Beach, Pine Island

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Blazer bay
Year Built: 2021
Boat Length: 24
Engine Manufacturer: Yahmaha
Total Horsepower: 300
Number of Engines: 1
Additional Amenities: Livewells, powerpole, trolling motor, gps/fishfinder

Amenities and Information

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Yes, Included

Location

This trip has multiple pickup locations.

Weather

You will get a refund if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Species

Cobia, Lane Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Permit, Red Grouper, Redfish, Snook, Speckled Trout, Tarpon

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing, Live Bait Fishing

Packing / Extras

Everything you'll need for your trip: All rods, reels, and tackle are included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and any gear of your own you want to use on the trip.
Where to Buy a Fishing License: No license needed for this trip.

Things to Keep in Mind

Payment & Tipping: We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancel up to 1 day before the trip and receive credit back to your account.

Pricing Matrix

	8 Hours	6 Hours	5 Hours	4 Hours
5 People	$1,072.50	$852.50	$742.50	$632.50
4 People	$962.50	$742.50	$632.50	$522.50
3 People	$962.50	$742.50	$632.50	$522.50
2 People	$962.50	$742.50	$632.50	$522.50
1 Person	$962.50	$742.50	$632.50	$522.50

Reviews

Patrick

Verified Review Fishing

April 16

Capt. James’ excellent customer care and service was only exceeded by his fishing and boating knowledge. We felt safe and well cared for on a two day trip where both days exceeded our expectations! We experienced great numbers of fish caught, which was exactly what we asked him to provide ...Read More

Mike

Verified Review Fishing

April 5

James was excellent. Very knowledgeable and personable. Put us on fish all morning. I would highly recommended him.

Robert

Verified Review Fishing

April 6

Captain James was amazing. He was very helpful and patient with my kids.
Robbie

Erica

Verified Review Fishing

March 24

James was a great captain! He and his first mate were great with our kids and super helpful with always keeping bait on and casts in the best spots. He was very knowledgeable about the area, the different types of fish and how to spot the right areas. ...Read More

Karen

Verified Review Fishing

March 26

Captain James is an outstanding guide. He is knowledgable and professional. He is passionate about fishing and conservation. He had us catching fish and showed us an abundance of wildlife. A highly competent Captain (and crew). Thanks Joe. 10/10 we will be booking again!

Sky

Verified Review Fishing

March 12

If I could give six stars I would. I probably couldn’t have asked for a better first time experience saltwater fishing. James is clearly passionate about the waters and his knowledge was shown with every question we had answered. James was beyond patient, professional, and cares about his clients’ time. ...Read More

Robin

Verified Review Fishing

February 15

Captain James really worked hard for us today. What a friendly guy. Thanks James .

Joe

Verified Review Fishing

January 22

Choosing James to captain our one available day for fishing in Florida was the best choice we made.

Very clean boat, and James is very knowledgeable both on fishing and the local scene. We very much enjoyed hanging out with James and catching more fish than we could carry back. Excellent ...Read More

David

Verified Review Fishing

January 8

The trip was everything advertised. Even though James is young, his Fishing knowledge and skills are beyond his years. We had a special request for a target species and he made it happen. A real pleasure.

Richard

Verified Review Fishing

October 21

James did a great job, confirming the trip and getting back to me right away with any question. Amazing experience! Went above and beyond to get us on the fish. Highly recommend! Very pleasant and motivated young man!
Great Captain…

Greg

Verified Review Fishing

October 10

Very good captain! Super friendly and knowledgeable.

Stephen

Verified Review Fishing

September 14

Our trip today was great all the way. We met captain James, on time, at the marina and we were off. We got lucky and the weather was great, water was calm and the fish were biting. Although they were small, we ...Read More

First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is the home of over 1500 Damn Good fishing and hunting guides. Our mission is to unlock the outdoors for everyone, and we want to help you get out there through our no-hassle online booking experience and our team of outdoors experts.

We vet our guides to make sure they are the best of the best. We want guides who not only put you on 'em, but show you a great time, keep you safe, and give you a memorable experience with your group.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the case of inclement weather, our guides will make the call and we'll work with you to reschedule your trip or issue a credit for the full deposit of the trip to be used on any of our trips across the country. Your safety is our top concern.

Each trip’s price is set by the guide and factors in all of their costs. A big determinant of cost is often the type of boat and associated fuel costs, but other guide costs include leases, marina / slip fees, bait costs, and the cost to provide and maintain all of the gear you’ll need on your trip.

Once you book the trip, we will connect you directly with the guide to go over any additional details. In the meantime, our team is always available to answer your questions via email, text, chat, or call!