Damn Good Punta Gorda Fishing Charters

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters In Punta Gorda, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter in Punta Gorda

Fly Fishing Backcountry & Flats

NEW
17 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda Tarpon Special

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22 ft 1 - 4 People From $920
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Punta Gorda

Fishing Nirvana In Boca Grande

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17 ft 1 - 2 People From $500
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Boca Grande

Boca Grande Tarpon - 95% Success

97% (38)
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Matlacha

Inshore Redfish Roundup

100% (2)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Bokeelia

Grouper/Snapper 40mi+

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34 ft 1 - 12 People From $2,000

Top Types of Trips in Punta Gorda

Top Species for in Punta Gorda

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Target Species in Punta Gorda

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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)

Deep Sea Fishing Charters In Punta Gorda, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Cape Coral

Cape Coral Back Bays

96% (24)
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $475
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Bokeelia

Wrecks And Reefs For Trophies

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33 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Cape Coral

American Red Snapper Trip

100% (2)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Bokeelia

Rod Bending Quick Trip

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33 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Cape Coral

Big Fish In Fort Myers

100% (2)
32 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,300
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Bokeelia

Red Grouper Special

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28 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,000

Inshore Fishing Charters In Punta Gorda, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Cape Coral

Half Day AM Or PM - Cape Coral

83% (6)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter in Punta Gorda

Fly Fishing Backcountry & Flats

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17 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Punta Gorda

Fishing Nirvana In Boca Grande

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17 ft 1 - 2 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda Tarpon Special

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22 ft 1 - 4 People From $920
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Cape Coral

Saltwater Fly Fishing Action

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23 ft 1 - 6 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter in Cape Coral

Full Day Or 3/4 Day - Cape Coral

83% (6)
1 - 4 People From $750

Flats Fishing Charters In Punta Gorda, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Placida

Boca Grande Tarpon

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24 ft 1 - 3 People From $800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter in Punta Gorda

Fly Fishing Backcountry & Flats

NEW
17 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Cape Coral

Saltwater Fly Fishing Action

NEW
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Cape Coral

Half Day AM Or PM - Cape Coral

83% (6)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Punta Gorda

Fishing Nirvana In Boca Grande

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17 ft 1 - 2 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter in Cape Coral

Full Day Or 3/4 Day - Cape Coral

83% (6)
1 - 4 People From $750

More Fishing Charters In Punta Gorda, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Placida

Back Country/ Inshore

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24 ft 1 - 3 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Cape Coral

Cape Coral Back Bays

96% (24)
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $475
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Cape Coral

Full Day Offshore Trip

100% (2)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Englewood

16 Hour Pulley Ridge Trip

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36 ft 1 - 12 People From $7,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Bokeelia

Bokeelia Tarpon Fishing

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24 ft 1 - 3 People From $1,100
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Cape Coral

Inshore Bay Trip - 23' Aqua Star

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 5 People From $500
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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Punta Gorda

What are the best fishing charters in Punta Gorda?

Why should I book a fishing charter in Punta Gorda with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 71 trips in Punta Gorda, and the most popular trips in the area are Punta Gorda Tarpon Special guided by Mike, Fishing Nirvana in Boca Grande guided by Leighton, and Fly Fishing Backcountry & Flats guided by Roger.

Our guides in Punta Gorda are rated a 4.88 out of 5 based on 3657 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly charters / fishing lessons in Punta Gorda? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Punta Gorda.

What types of fishing charters are common in Punta Gorda?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Punta Gorda as well as inshore fishing, flats fishing, and nearshore fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Punta Gorda are: 1. tarpon, 2. snook, 3. redfish, 4. speckled trout, and 5. mangrove snapper.

The most common fishing techniques in Punta Gorda are light tackle fishing, live bait fishing, and bottom fishing but artificial lure fishing and heavy tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much do Punta Gorda fishing charters cost?

Prices in Punta Gorda can range anywhere from about $550 to $3,700, but the average price for a half day trip in Punta Gorda is $781. The average price for a full day trip in Punta Gorda is $2,218.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for fishing in Punta Gorda?

The most popular season for fishing in Punta Gorda is spring, and most anglers book their trips 32 days in advance.

Do I need a Punta Gorda fishing license and what are the bag limits in Punta Gorda?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Punta Gorda, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Punta Gorda. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Punta Gorda.

Punta Gorda Fishing Overview

Punta Gorda offers a diverse range of local habitats for gamefish, making it an ideal destination for fishing enthusiasts. With direct access to all types of fishing grounds, there are endless opportunities for fishing in this area. The inshore fishery is particularly noteworthy, providing the possibility of monster catches throughout the year.

The waters of Charlotte Harbor are home to a variety of fish species, including Redfish, Snook, Speckled Trout, Permit, Flounder, and Tarpon. Nearshore hotspots offer the chance to target Snapper, Grouper, Barracuda, Cobia, Amberjack, and Sharks. For those willing to venture into the Gulf, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and Tuna can be found.

Fishing trips in Punta Gorda can last an entire day for those determined to land a prize. However, half-day trips for Snook or Redfish are a good option for those with limited time. Extending the trip by a few hours allows for bottom fishing at the nearshore reefs. Full-day trips are best for offshore adventures.

Punta Gorda, meaning ""fat point"" in Spanish, is identified by the wide peninsula extending into Charlotte Harbor. There are several spots where charters typically launch from, including Laishley Park and Marina on the Peace River and Ponce De Leon Park.

It is important to note that both saltwater and freshwater anglers must carry a Florida fishing license. While most charter operators in Punta Gorda supply a license for saltwater trips, it is always best to check ahead of time. Fishing licenses can be purchased online for those planning on freshwater fishing or shore fishing without a guide.

Punta Gorda Inshore Fishing

Fishing in Punta Gorda is a year-round affair with something always in season. The only question is what you want to target. Inshore trips are the most popular Punta Gorda because of the quantity and quality of fish here. There are endless inshore waters to be fished between the Peace River, Myakka River, and the Gasparilla Sound.

Punta Gorda is a prime location to go after the Backcountry Slam which consists of catching a redfish, speckled trout, and a snook all in a single day. As April comes around, tarpon fishing heats up and, these migrating Tarpon can be caught through August. As the summer heat subsides and fall comes around, bull Redfish, snook, and speckled trout head up into the flats and intertidal creeks. This is an excellent time to sight-fish for redfish, and take a shot at the Backcountry Slam.

Punta Gorda Deep Sea and Nearshore Fishing Charters

For those looking to leave land behind, there are plenty of Punta Gorda deep sea fishing charters available. There are highly productive nearshore and offshore fishing grounds just a short boat ride from the heart of town. The transition from winter to early spring brings hard-fighting game fish like Cobia and Permit to the nearshore reefs that dot the waters off of Punta Gorda.

Continuing into the summer, tarpon arrive in waters around 20 feet deep and within 1-3 miles off the shore. For those longer trips out to deeper offshore fishing, various species of grouper, snapper, and other deepwater structure dwellers can be caught year-round. Fishing in Punta Gorda during the winter is every bit as productive as in the summer. In the colder months, prized game fish like amberjack and kingfish reign supreme.

Popular Types of Fishing In Punta Gorda, FL

Punta Gorda fishing charters offer a variety of options for anglers of all levels. The most common types of fishing charters in Punta Gorda are inshore, offshore, and backcountry. Inshore charters are perfect for those who want to stay close to shore and catch species like snook, redfish, and trout. Offshore charters take you further out to sea to catch bigger fish like grouper, snapper, and kingfish. Backcountry charters are great for those who want to explore the mangrove-lined waterways and catch species like tarpon, snook, and redfish.

Some of the most common fish to catch in Punta Gorda include tarpon, snook, redfish, trout, grouper, snapper, and kingfish. Depending on the type of fishing charter you choose, you may also have the opportunity to catch other species like shark, barracuda, and cobia.

When booking a Punta Gorda fishing charter, be sure to ask about visiting landmarks like Boca Grande Pass and Charlotte Harbor. These areas are known for their abundance of fish and are popular destinations for many fishing charters. So, whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, there's a Punta Gorda fishing charter that's perfect for you.

The Best Places To Fish In Punta Gorda, FL

Punta Gorda, Florida is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. With its abundance of waterways and diverse fish species, there are plenty of great spots to cast a line. Whether you're looking for a peaceful day of fishing or an exciting fishing charter adventure, here are some of the best places to fish in Punta Gorda:

1. Charlotte Harbor - This expansive estuary is home to a variety of fish species, including tarpon, snook, and redfish. Fishing charters are available for those looking to explore the harbor's many channels and flats.

2. Boca Grande Pass - Known as the ""Tarpon Capital of the World,"" Boca Grande Pass is a must-visit spot for serious anglers. Fishing charters are available for those looking to hook into a trophy-sized tarpon.

3. Peace River - This scenic river is a great spot for freshwater fishing, with species like bass, catfish, and bluegill. Kayak and canoe rentals are available for those looking to explore the river's many twists and turns.

4. Gasparilla Sound - This shallow bay is a prime spot for flats fishing, with species like redfish, trout, and snook. Fishing charters are available for those looking to explore the sound's many grass flats and mangrove islands.

5. Lemon Bay - This scenic bay is a great spot for inshore fishing, with species like snook, redfish, and trout. Fishing charters are available for those looking to explore the bay's many channels and oyster bars.

Other Things To Do In Punta Gorda, FL

While Punta Gorda fishing charters are a popular attraction, there are plenty of other things to do in this vibrant Florida city. Take a stroll through the charming Fishermen's Village, where you can shop, dine, and enjoy live music. For a taste of history, visit the Military Heritage Museum or the Charlotte County Historical Center. If you're looking for outdoor adventure, head to the Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours for a thrilling airboat ride or hike through the beautiful Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. And don't forget to check out the local farmers' market for fresh produce and artisanal goods. With so much to see and do, Punta Gorda is the perfect destination for a fun-filled vacation.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Todd was awesome! Plenty of shooting. Great experience with my son and grandson. Highly recommend.

    Tracy B. | October 21, 2024

    Trip: Iguana Hunting Veteran Guides

  • ★★★★★
    Capt. Rolland was an excellent guide he provided great equipment and education on the iguanas that we hunted. The action was consistent throughout the hunt. Capt. Rolland has an eagle eye to spot the iguana’s which keeps the hunt moving along with good numbers of iguanas.

    Jodi K. | September 14, 2024

    Trip: Cape Coral Iguana Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with Captain Tim. He is a seasoned guide that knows the area waters and knows where the fish are. He took the time to make sure my kids were casting properly and made sure they were never out of bait. We all enjoyed the trip and caught a lot of fish.

    Andrew H. | August 7, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Trip - 23 parker custom

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time! Todd was a blast. Highly recommend this hunt. A lot more challenging than I thought it would be. Which just made it that much better.

    Bob H. | July 28, 2024

    Trip: Iguana Hunting Veteran Guides

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip with Kyle, he was very accommodating to our variety of fishing experiences!! Some caught on the first cast!! Fun times had by all!

    Jennifer A. | July 10, 2024

    Trip: Inshore swfl

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time. Very knowledgeable and capable guide. Fishing can be tough and there was a lot of pressure from other people. We moved several times to stay on the fish and Capt. Bobby seemed to alway know exactly where to find them. We caught a lot including snook, trout, and redfish. Highly recommend, kid friendly, quality boat and equipment.

    Caleb Z. | June 24, 2024

    Trip: Placida Inshore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    James is as good as it gets.

    Tom D. | June 17, 2024

    Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Roland was great. Patient with inexperienced hunters and very personable. Highly recommend.

    Bill K. | June 6, 2024

    Trip: Cape Coral Iguana Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    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 K. | June 3, 2024

    Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Hey there Tim was great! Lillie was a great 1st mate! Caught some fish, always good. But also got a great trip out on the water! Dolphins were out and about; great to be out in God’s country!

    Charles M. | May 8, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Trip - 23 parker custom

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

    Nathan G. | May 6, 2024

    Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Dan was awesome and we had a great time!!! Highly recommend using Dan, well worth the money we paid and more!!

    Kyle L. | May 2, 2024

    Trip: Fort Myers / Sanibel Inshore Action

  • ★★★★★
    Roland was awesome had a great time out there with him.

    Michael S. | April 16, 2024

    Trip: Cape Coral Iguana Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    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!

    Patrick M. | April 16, 2024

    Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great time stalking the canal system of Cape Coral with Roland! Very professional guide, informative and knowledgeable. His equipment was top notch from the boat to the high performance Gamo air gun systems. The optics were 100% on! During our two hour trip we located and collected 8 iguana! My first trip hunting iguana but not my last!

    Jeff G. | April 9, 2024

    Trip: Cape Coral Iguana Hunt

  • ★★★★★
    Great day on the water with an awesome captain. Immaculate boat and equipment. We didn’t land any tarpan but we hooked a few and saw many. Would highly recommend this charter!

    Greg D. | April 7, 2024

    Trip: Bokeelia Tarpon Action

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

    Mike S. | April 7, 2024

    Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip

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

    Robert G. | April 6, 2024

    Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    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 L. | March 29, 2024

    Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    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 L. | March 27, 2024

    Trip: Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick each and every one of them, and our network spans all across the US and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

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