Beach & Backcountry Charters

Backcountry Fishing Trip

About Your Guide

James Willis

Independent Guide
Capt. James was born and raised in Charlotte County, Florida and has been fishing the surrounding waters since he was a boy. His years of accumulated experience and local knowledge have given him the edge over other Southwest Florida fishing charters. His extensive knowledge of the area helps him to confidently navigate the shallow waters of Charlotte Harbor and the oyster bar riddled Pine Island Sound. Knowing where the fish are and when they will be there, is key to producing quality catches. Capt. James has the expertise to deliver a great day of fishing in Southwest Florida.

About Your Guide

James Willis

Independent Guide
Capt. James was born and raised in Charlotte County, Florida and has been fishing the surrounding waters since he was a boy. His years of accumulated experience and local knowledge have given him the edge over other Southwest Florida fishing charters. His extensive knowledge of the area helps him to confidently navigate the shallow waters of Charlotte Harbor and the oyster bar riddled Pine Island Sound. Knowing where the fish are and when they will be there, is key to producing quality catches. Capt. James has the expertise to deliver a great day of fishing in Southwest Florida.
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Backcountry Fishing Trip

NEW 1 - 3 People 4 - 6 Hours From $500
Backcountry Fishing Trip
Backcountry Fishing Trip
Backcountry Fishing Trip
Backcountry Fishing Trip
Backcountry Fishing Trip
Backcountry Fishing Trip
Backcountry Fishing Trip
Backcountry Fishing Trip
Backcountry Fishing Trip
Backcountry Fishing Trip
Backcountry Fishing Trip
Backcountry Fishing Trip
Backcountry Fishing Trip
Backcountry Fishing Trip
Backcountry Fishing Trip
Backcountry Fishing Trip

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Step aboard for an unforgettable backcountry fishing adventure in the heart of Southwest Florida. With Captain James leading the way, you’ll explore the winding mangrove shorelines and shallow flats of Charlotte Harbor, Boca Grande, and Pine Island Sound—his home waters and lifelong fishing grounds. This isn’t just where Captain James guides; it’s where he grew up fishing, and his deep-rooted knowledge of the area brings every trip to life.

Targeting redfish, snook, and speckled sea...

About Your Trip

Step aboard for an unforgettable backcountry fishing adventure in the heart of Southwest Florida. With Captain James leading the way, you’ll explore the winding mangrove shorelines and shallow flats of Charlotte Harbor, Boca Grande, and Pine Island Sound—his home waters and lifelong fishing grounds. This isn’t just where Captain James guides; it’s where he grew up fishing, and his deep-rooted knowledge of the area brings every trip to life.

Targeting redfish, snook, and speckled sea
trout, you’ll fish from a custom 18’ tunnel skiff designed to glide across skinny water and access the hidden honey holes of the backcountry. Depending on the season, you could be stalking tailing redfish on the flats, easing into the mangrove tunnels in search of ambush-ready snook, or drifting over grassy shallows packed with feeding trout. Spring and fall bring massive schools of redfish to Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound—some up to twenty pounds—and during the lowest tides, these fish push up onto outside bars and flats in search of crabs and shrimp.

Snook are another favorite target, especially for anglers who crave a hard-fighting, acrobatic fish. These aggressive predators hang tight to structure—docks, mangrove roots, oyster bars—and deliver explosive strikes on light tackle. When the bite is on, there’s nothing quite like wrestling a snook out from under thick cover in less than two feet of water. Some areas call for finesse and lighter line; others demand heavier gear to muscle fish away from structure. Either way, it’s high-stakes, high-reward fishing every time.

As fall rolls in and the weather cools, speckled sea trout start stacking up on the warm, shallow flats, offering non-stop action for anglers of all experience levels. In the spring, they’re just as plentiful—and just as willing to crush a live shrimp or soft plastic. On a good day, you might find yourself catching trout one after another, with redfish, cobia, and bluefish crashing the party.

Captain James supplies everything you need for a successful day on the water—rods, reels, tackle, bait, ice, and fishing licenses are all included. All you need to bring is your food, drinks, sun protection, and sense of adventure. Whether you’re casting from the bow at a laid-up tarpon, sneaking a lure past a hidden snook, or sight-fishing redfish cruising the flats, this trip delivers the full spectrum of inshore Florida fishing.

With unmatched local knowledge, quality gear, and a passion for these waters, Captain James is ready to show you what makes Southwest Florida one of the country’s premier backcountry fishing destinations.
Amenities

Water Type

Inshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

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.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 30 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

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

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat photo for Backcountry Fishing Trip
Boat Type
Center Console
Boat Length
18'
Boat Restroom
No

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Center Console
Boat Length
18'
Boat Restroom
No
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Technique

Light Tackle Fishing

Type of Fishing

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Backcountry Fishing Trip
August 12th, 2025
Port Charlotte, Florida
Backcountry Fishing Trip
September 25th, 2025
Port Charlotte, Florida
Backcountry Fishing Trip
August 12th, 2025
Port Charlotte, Florida
Backcountry Fishing Trip
August 12th, 2025
Port Charlotte, Florida
Backcountry Fishing Trip
August 12th, 2025
Port Charlotte, Florida
Backcountry Fishing Trip
August 12th, 2025
Port Charlotte, Florida
Backcountry Fishing Trip
August 14th, 2025
Port Charlotte, Florida
Backcountry Fishing Trip
August 14th, 2025
Port Charlotte, Florida
Backcountry Fishing Trip
August 14th, 2025
Port Charlotte, Florida
Backcountry Fishing Trip
August 12th, 2025
Port Charlotte, Florida
Backcountry Fishing Trip
August 14th, 2025
Port Charlotte, Florida
Backcountry Fishing Trip
September 25th, 2025
Port Charlotte, Florida
Backcountry Fishing Trip
September 25th, 2025
Port Charlotte, Florida
Backcountry Fishing Trip
September 25th, 2025
Port Charlotte, Florida
Backcountry Fishing Trip
September 25th, 2025
Port Charlotte, Florida
Backcountry Fishing Trip
September 25th, 2025
Port Charlotte, Florida
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