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Premier 6-Hour Fishing Charter in Punta Gorda
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Punta Gorda, FL
- $300 - $800 price range
- Updated Date: August 29, 2025
Summary
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Rods, Reels, and Smiles
Reeling in the catch of the day.
Peaceful afternoon on the water.
Full Day Fishing: Charlotte Harbor's Hidden Gems
Ready for a full day of non-stop fishing action in Charlotte Harbor? This 6-hour trip with Chum em up charters is your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing Punta Gorda has to offer. We'll hit the water at 8 AM sharp, giving you plenty of time to target a variety of species including snook, tarpon, sheepshead, crevalle jack, and cobia. With room for up to 3 anglers, it's the perfect trip for a small group looking to make some serious memories on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
As we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. Charlotte Harbor is a fisherman's playground, with its mix of grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and deep channels. We'll start by hitting some of my favorite spots where the fish have been biting lately. Depending on the tide and conditions, we might start by drifting the flats for snook or working the deeper holes for tarpon. The beauty of a full day trip is we've got time to try different tactics and locations if the fish aren't cooperating in one spot.
Gear Up for Success
On my boat, we use a mix of light and medium tackle, perfect for the variety of species we'll be targeting. I'll provide all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need. We'll be using a combination of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. For you newbies out there, don't worry - I'll show you the ropes on how to work a topwater plug or bounce a jig off the bottom. And for you seasoned anglers, feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got a lucky streak going.
Top Catches This Season
Lately, the fishing has been on fire. We've been hooking into some monster snook around the mangroves, and the tarpon have been rolling through in good numbers. The sheepshead bite has been steady, especially around structure. Crevalle jacks have been busting bait on the surface, providing some heart-pumping action. And let's not forget about the cobia - these bruisers have been showing up more frequently, giving anglers a real workout.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Snook: These line-sided predators are a favorite among local anglers. They love to hang around structure, waiting to ambush their prey. Snook put up a heck of a fight, often making powerful runs and jumping clear out of the water. Spring and fall are prime times for snook, but we catch them year-round in Charlotte Harbor.
Tarpon: Known as the "Silver King," tarpon are the ultimate game fish. These prehistoric beasts can grow over 100 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. Tarpon season peaks from May to July, but we often find resident fish throughout the year. Landing a tarpon is a true bucket-list experience for any angler.
Sheepshead: Don't let their striped appearance fool you - these fish are clever and challenging to catch. Sheepshead have powerful jaws lined with human-like teeth, perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles. They're most active in the cooler months and provide excellent table fare.
Crevalle Jack: If you're looking for a fish that pulls like a freight train, the crevalle jack is your target. These hard-fighting fish often travel in schools, creating exciting topwater action. Jacks can be found year-round but are especially active in the warmer months.
Cobia: These curious fish are often called "crab eaters" due to their fondness for crustaceans. Cobia are known for their powerful runs and can grow to impressive sizes. They typically show up in our waters from spring through fall, often following large rays or hanging around structure.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Charlotte Harbor isn't just another fishing spot - it's a diverse ecosystem that keeps anglers on their toes. One minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, and the next you could be battling a bull shark in the deeper channels. The variety of fishing opportunities here is what makes each trip unique. Plus, with a full day on the water, we've got time to really explore and find where the fish are biting.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, this full day trip in Charlotte Harbor is calling your name. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some trophy fish or a newcomer wanting to learn the ropes, I've got you covered. Remember, we've only got room for 3 on the boat, so don't wait too long to book. The fish are biting, and your next big catch is waiting. Let's get out there and make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime!
Learn more about the species
Cobia
Cobia are like the supermodels of Charlotte Harbor – long, sleek, and often mistaken for sharks. These bruisers can top 6 feet and 100 pounds, though 20 to 40-pounders are more common. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure, especially in spring and fall as they migrate. Cobia are prized for both their fight and their firm, white meat. They're curious fish, often following boats or even divers. To catch one, keep your eyes peeled – sight fishing is half the fun. When you spot one, toss out a live eel or a large jig. My local tip: always have a ready rod with a bright-colored bucktail jig. Cobia can appear out of nowhere, and you'll want to be ready. Once hooked, be prepared for long runs and stubborn battles. It's an experience you won't forget!
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of Charlotte Harbor. These bruisers usually run 3 to 15 pounds, but can top 30. Look for them busting bait schools in open water or around structure. They're here year-round, but really fire up in summer and fall. Jacks are pure muscle, giving you an arm-burning fight on light tackle. While not great eating, they're catch-and-release superstars. To find them, watch for birds diving or bait spraying on the surface. These guys are aggressive, so noisy topwater lures or fast-retrieved spoons work great. My favorite trick is to cast a popper into the frenzy and hang on tight. Just be ready for screaming runs and be careful of their sharp gill plates when handling them. Pound for pound, jacks are some of the hardest fighting fish in the harbor.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the striped convicts of Charlotte Harbor, easily recognized by their human-like teeth. These tasty fish typically run 1 to 8 pounds, hanging around docks, pilings, and oyster bars. Winter and early spring are prime seasons when they school up to spawn. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their challenging bite and excellent table fare. Their sweet, white flesh is a local delicacy. To catch them, you'll need patience and a delicate touch – they're notorious bait stealers. Use small hooks and natural baits like fiddler crabs or oysters. My go-to trick is to scrape some barnacles off a piling to create a chum slick, then drop your bait right in. When you feel that subtle nibble, set the hook hard. These striped fighters put up a great scrap on light tackle, making for a fun day on the water.
Snook
Snook are a prized catch in Punta Gorda, known for their hard-fighting spirit and tasty flesh. These fish typically range from 1.5 to 3 feet long, with some monsters reaching over 4 feet. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structures in Charlotte Harbor. Spring and fall are prime seasons, as snook move between inshore and offshore waters. Anglers love targeting snook for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat. To up your chances, try using live bait like pinfish or mullet near structure during tide changes. Remember, snook can be line-shy, so use fluorocarbon leader when sight fishing. Keep an eye out for their distinct black lateral line – it's a dead giveaway when you spot one cruising the shallows.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the silver kings of Charlotte Harbor, and for good reason. These prehistoric beasts can grow over 6 feet long and top 100 pounds. You'll find them rolling in the harbor's deeper channels and flats from late spring through summer. Tarpon fishing is all about the thrill – their bone-jarring strikes and spectacular aerial displays make for an unforgettable fight. While not great eating, they're strictly catch-and-release, which keeps the population healthy. Early mornings and evenings are prime times to spot them feeding on the surface. If you're lucky enough to hook one, remember to bow to the king when it jumps to prevent a broken line. Live bait like mullet or crabs work well, but nothing beats the rush of getting a tarpon to eat a fly. Just be ready for a battle that could last over an hour!
About the 20 ft Century Boat
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 32
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115
