Goodman Charters

Fort Myers, Florida
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Fishing charter

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide James Goodman
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

James Goodman

Certified Damn Good Guide
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
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 possible while growing up in Fort Myers has given him lots of experience and extensive knowledge of the waterways. As well as this he has years of experience taking high quality photos using a dslr camera as you can see by some of the photos in the image gallery. This will allow you to capture your memory with the highest quality possible.

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide James Goodman

James Goodman

Certified Damn Good Guide
Independent Guide
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 possible while growing up in Fort Myers has given him lots of experience and extensive knowledge of the waterways. As well as this he has years of experience taking high quality photos using a dslr camera as you can see by some of the photos in the image gallery. This will allow you to capture your memory with the highest quality possible.
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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

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.
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Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip

100% (15) Fort Myers Beach, FL 1 - 5 People 4 - 8 Hours From $475
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About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

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

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 Trip

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.
Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

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.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

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

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 4 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

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

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 Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip
Boat Type
Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Blazer bay
Year Built
2021
Boat Length
24'

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
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Recent Reviews of Goodman Charters

5.0
based on 15 reviews

Tom

Verified Review

James is as good as it gets.

Tom

Verified Review

James is as good as it gets.
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Glenn

Verified Review

My wife and I had a great day on the water with James. He was personable and informative (marine science degree I believe).He obviously knows his way around the Ft Myers waters. Put us on snook, redfish, trout, and even some grouper and mackerel. He even got my wife to fish and we got to watch her fight a big red. Love his preference to catch and release.Highly recommend.
Tons of fun. Thanks James...

Glenn

Verified Review

My wife and I had a great day on the water with James. He was personable and informative (marine science degree I believe).He obviously knows his way around the Ft Myers waters. Put us on snook, redfish, trout, and even some grouper and mackerel. He even got my wife to fish and we got to watch her fight a big red. Love his preference to catch and release.Highly recommend.
Tons of fun. Thanks James
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Nathan

Verified Review

Great guide and person. Fishing was great will be back again someday.

Nathan

Verified Review

Great guide and person. Fishing was great will be back again someday.
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Patrick

Verified Review

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 us!
Kudos to a genuinely nice young man who damn sure knows how to help you catch fish and have fun!
Good boat and equipment as well.
5...

Patrick

Verified Review

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 us!
Kudos to a genuinely nice young man who damn sure knows how to help you catch fish and have fun!
Good boat and equipment as well.
5 stars easy!
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Mike

Verified Review

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

Mike

Verified Review

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

Verified Review

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

Robert

Verified Review

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

Verified Review

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. We would highly recommend taking a day trip with James.

Erica

Verified Review

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. We would highly recommend taking a day trip with James.
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Karen

Verified Review

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!

Karen

Verified Review

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!
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Sky

Verified Review

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. James knew where the action was and put us on some fish. I had an excellent time catching multiple species. Overall, my buddy and I...

Sky

Verified Review

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. James knew where the action was and put us on some fish. I had an excellent time catching multiple species. Overall, my buddy and I felt welcomed and enjoyed hanging out with James and his mate Joe. Solid dudes. Would recommend booking and I will book again when I’m back in the area. Future charters have some big shoes to fill!
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Robin

Verified Review

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

Robin

Verified Review

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

Verified Review

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 tunes too!

Will definitely be hiring James again and recommending to my friends.

Joe

Verified Review

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 tunes too!

Will definitely be hiring James again and recommending to my friends.
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David

Verified Review

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.

David

Verified Review

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.
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Richard

Verified Review

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…

Richard

Verified Review

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…
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Greg

Verified Review

Very good captain! Super friendly and knowledgeable.

Greg

Verified Review

Very good captain! Super friendly and knowledgeable.
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Stephen

Verified Review

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 caught a bunch and had a great time. Captain James was very nice, helpful and knew his job well. He...

Stephen

Verified Review

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 caught a bunch and had a great time. Captain James was very nice, helpful and knew his job well. He got us to the right spots, next time, they will be bigger . we will go again to be sure.
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Cobia
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Lane Snapper
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Mangrove Snapper
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Permit
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Red Grouper
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Redfish
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Snook
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Speckled Trout
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Good
Tarpon
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
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  • 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)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Live Bait Fishing

Types of Fishing

Flats
Inshore
Nearshore

Need a Place to Stay?

Goodman Charters Photo Gallery

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