Here are some frequently asked questions to help you.
Guaranteed!! If you don’t catch a game fish on one of Reelfishing Charters backcountry/flats trips the trip is free! Guaranteed! No questions asked! With extensive knowledge about the waters around Boca Grande, Captain Danny will make it his goal to make your Boca Grande fishing charters the best fishing outing you’ve ever experienced. Depending on the weather, wind and tidal conditions he will discuss with you the best options for a productive trip outlining which species of fish we should target.
No. Captain Danny runs Punta Gorda fishing charters and Fort Myers fishing charters as well as being a Boca Grande fishing guide service. He picks up at several locations around Southwest Florida including Burnt Store Marina, Laishely Park, Pineland Marina, Placida and the Boca Grande guide docks. Other arrangements can be made if necessary. We try to make fishing with Reelfishing charters as easy as possible
Give Captain Danny a call or send an email giving him the best times to contact you along with a daytime, nighttime and cell phone number and he will call you at his earliest convenience, normally between 5pm and 9pm, the same day. Ask him any questions you like. He is always willing to help you choose the right charter package.
Charters can only be re-scheduled in case of unfavorable weather conditions at Captain’s discretion. It is our discretion to go or not to go. The winds are bad to us when it is a small craft advisory. This means that the winds are over 25 knots and gusty, probably not the nicest day on the water. Rain is not considered unfavorable weather unless it is associated with thunderstorms and lighting. However, if the rain is so much that the captain thinks that you will not be able to enjoy your trip, then at his discretion he will cancel the charter. Rule of thumb, we generally do not go out on bad days.Should the determination be made that bad weather will be a factor for your fishing charter the Captain will call you about rescheduling. If we are forced to cancel your charter due to weather and are unable to reschedule your deposit will be refunded in full within 7 days.
The first thing anyone should ever do before they think of fishing Boca Grande is make sure they are prepared before they leave the dock. Most backcountry guides in Southwest Florida dress in light colored, light weight, long sleeve, long pant clothing. Believe me this is not a fashion statement we are making down here. It is because the sun is relentless and the clothing protects us. Polarized Sunglasses are a must. I recommend the best Costa Del Mar Sunglasses. And of course a hat, suntan lotion, and lots of water. Once you have all these things get ready for the time of your life!
No, although, he does have alternative methods for women passengers and if needed you’re usually not too far from a public facility.
No. Captain Danny supplies all the proper license and stamps for up to 5 anglers. The only tag not supplied is one for Tarpon. He strongly discourages keeping Tarpon as skin mounts are almost non-existent today, fiberglass mounts look better, last longer and allow the fish to go free.
Captain Danny supplies everything you need for Boca Grande Tarpon fishing charters, including:- Boat, Fuel, Ramp Fees, Insurance:
– Tackle, Lures, and Bait
– Cooler with ice
– Fishing License
Depending on the length of charter consider bringing food, drinks, camera, hat, sun block, a rain jacket if the weather looks like rain and appropriate attire. His boat is equipped with an ice chest for your food and drinks. Most of his charters are catch and release however, if you would like to have a few for dinner you might consider a small cooler to keep in your vehicle for the trip home.
Yes. Captain Danny is federally licensed by the United States Coast Guard. Also, his boat has many redundant safety features and he will brief you at the beginning of the trip about where to find life jackets, first aid kit, and fire extinguishers.
If you are an inexperienced fisherman or wanting to bring a child don’t be discouraged because there are miles of pristine beaches and acres of secluded backcountry that provide limitless opportunities for beginning or advanced anglers. Everyone starts somewhere and we would love it if you did it with us.
Captain Danny specializes in quality inshore/nearshore and light tackle fishing, matching the equipment to the species of fish targeted. Although light tackle does not necessarily mean we only catch small fish, it’s not uncommon to catch fish over 100lbs. He will recommend what types of fishing will be most productive and do everything possible to tailor it to your desires.
I use Sardines, Threadfin, Crabs, Mullet, Mackerel, Pinfish, Shrimp, Grunts, Blue Runners and assorted artificial lures and flies. The bait used depends on the type of fishing we do and the time of year. Live baits are always a favorite usually resulting in more numbers and larger fish. However, if you’re interested in using or learning to use artificial lures or fly I have mastered these skills and I’m always willing to teach you.
Yes and encourage this practice because it saves one of our most valuable resources… the fish. Today, most inshore waters experience tremendous fishing pressure by the sheer volume of anglers. Most of our inshore and offshore species have bag and size regulations and under no circumstances will an illegal fish be kept. However, if you desire to keep some for dinner that’s perfectly ok.
If not released and you’re planning on keeping some for dinner they’re kept alive in the livewell or on ice. Captain Danny will gladly fillet and bag your catch at the end of the charter.
Deposit Information
- A deposit of $200 per day is required at the time of booking.
- Once your deposit is received that date is held for your private charter and any other inquiries for that date or time are denied.
- We are unable to hold days unless a deposit has been received.
- If booking a multiple boat charter a $200 deposit per boat, per day is required
- Your credit card will be billed for this amount and the remaining balance will be paid on the day of your charter.
Remaining Balance
- The remaining balance must be paid in cash on the day of the charter.
- We can run/ bill your card for the remaining balance but you will be subject to a transaction fee.
If you need to cancel, we ask that you do so no later than 30 days before your trip in order to receive a refund of your deposit. If you need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances (a death in the family, weather related delays preventing you from getting into town, an injury, etc.) please just let us know and we will try to get you rescheduled and work something out with you as quickly as possible. No-shows will be charged for the entire price of the trip.
Maintaining and operating a safe, properly outfitted quality fishing boat is expensive and today’s fuel costs alone are staggering. There are many additional costs that one never sees on a fishing charter. For example, charter insurance, launch and dock fees, bait, boat maintenance, and many other factors. You get what you pay for in charter boats, and Captain Danny strives to keep his costs down to give you the best value in the area. The excitement of chartering your own guide, catching fish and making memories to last a lifetime… is well worth the expense.
Gratuities are never expected but greatly appreciated. If the captain did a good job, made the trip enjoyable and you had a good time you might consider rewarding those efforts. 15%-20% is standard.