ReelFishing Charters – Reservations, Policies & Trip Information

Boca Grande • Punta Gorda • Charlotte Harbor

Booking a fishing charter should be simple, stress-free, and tailored to your family’s needs. This page outlines everything you need to know before reserving your trip—policies, payment details, pickup locations, weather considerations, and what to bring.

These policies ensure a safe, enjoyable, and professionally managed experience for every guest who steps aboard ReelFishing Charters.

How to Make a Reservation

Ready to book your fishing adventure? Captain Danny makes scheduling easy.

☎️ Call or Text

(941) 628-6869
Fastest way to confirm availability or ask trip-related questions.

📨 Email

reelfishing@comcast.net

🗓️ Online Booking Request

Check Availability & Book Your Charter

Booking Notes

  • Trips fill fast during peak Tarpon season (April–July).

  • Please include the number of anglers, preferred trip length, and any special needs.

  • Clear communication ensures we tailor the trip to tides, weather, and your goals.

Group of anglers holding a large trophy tarpon during a Boca Grande fishing charter with ReelFishing Charters.

Deposit, Payment & Cancellation Policies

Deposit Requirements

✔ Standard trips: $200 per day at the time of booking
✔ Peak Tarpon Season (April 1 to July 31): $500 per day at the time of booking
✔ Multiple-boat trips require a deposit per boat, per day
✔ Your deposit is applied toward your trip total, and the remaining balance is due on the day of the charter
✔ Dates cannot be held without a deposit


Remaining Balance

Your final balance is due on the day of the trip and may be paid by:

  • Cash

  • Check

  • Venmo

Need to use a credit card?
We can process it, but a 3.5% transaction fee applies.


Gratuities

Tips are never required but always appreciated.
If the Captain provided a great experience, 15–20% is customary.


Cancellation Policy

Because we reserve your date exclusively for you and turn away other inquiries once your deposit is received, our cancellation terms are:

✔ 30 or more days before your trip: your deposit is refunded in full within 7 days.
✔ Fewer than 30 days before your trip: the deposit is forfeited unless we’re able to rebook your date. If we rebook it, your deposit is refunded.
✔ Within 7 days of your trip, or a no-show: the full trip price is charged to the card on file, unless we’re able to rebook the date.

We don’t profit from cancellations, and we make every reasonable effort to rebook your date. If something unexpected happens, such as a family emergency, injury, or weather delaying your travel, contact Captain Danny. He’ll work with you to reschedule if possible.

Extenuating Circumstances

Life happens.
If something unexpected occurs, contact Captain Danny—he will work with you to reschedule if possible.

Pickup Locations Across Southwest Florida

ReelFishing Charters offers multiple convenient pickup points to reduce travel time and maximize fishing time.

Boca Grande Area

  • 424 Bayou Ave, Boca Grande, FL

  • Placida Park Boat Ramp

Punta Gorda & Charlotte Harbor

  • 9060 Alfred Blvd, Punta Gorda, FL

  • Laishley Park Boat Ramp

  • Burnt Store Marina

  • Ponce Park (PGI)

  • Alligator Creek (upon request)

Cape Coral / Pine Island

  • Pineland Marina

  • Burnt Store Marina

Custom Pickup Options

Waterfront vacation rental? Resort? Difficult-to-access location?
Captain Danny may be able to pick you up directly by water. Ask during booking.

Pickup Surcharges

Most locations are included, but areas requiring extra run-time may incur a fee:

  • Sanibel Island – $75

  • Captiva Island – $75

Ask the Captain if your location requires a surcharge.

What to Bring

For comfort and safety, please bring:

  • Hat

  • Polarized sunglasses

  • Sun-protective clothing

  • Non-marking shoes

  • Lotion-style sunscreen (no spray sunscreen on the boat)

  • Snacks, drinks, lunch

  • Camera/phone for photos

  • Child life jacket (required for kids under 6)

Relax, enjoy the scenery, and get ready to catch fish!

Tackle & Equipment Provided

Every trip includes premium, professionally rigged gear:

  • Penn spinning reels

  • Fenwick rods

  • Berkley and Spider Wire braided line

  • All bait, lures, leaders & terminal tackle

Captain Danny sets up everything in advance to give you every advantage over Snook, Redfish, Trout, Tarpon, and other inshore species.

Alcohol Policy

Moderate consumption of beer and wine is welcome.
For safety:

  • No hard alcohol permitted

  • Guests arriving intoxicated will have the charter canceled with full payment due

  • Please drink responsibly — heat + sun increase alcohol’s effects significantly

Safety will always come first.

Weather Policy

All weather decisions are made solely at the Captain’s discretion for your safety.

Trips may be delayed, rescheduled, or canceled for:

  • Small craft advisories

  • Winds exceeding 25 knots

  • Severe storms

  • Lightning

  • Heavy rain that prevents enjoyable fishing

Light rain is not a reason to cancel unless it affects visibility or safety.

If weather forces cancellation

  • Your deposit will be refunded in full within 7 days

  • Or the trip may be rescheduled, if possible

Your safety is the priority.

Mechanical Policy

Mechanical failures are rare, but if one occurs:

  • Captain will attempt to reschedule your charter at a convenient time

  • OR arrange another trusted local guide for your original date

  • If rescheduling is impossible, your deposit is fully refunded

We want your experience to be seamless start to finish.

Customer Conduct Policy

To ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment:

  • Any dangerous, disrespectful, or aggressive behavior may result in immediate termination of the trip

  • No refunds or discounts will be issued

  • Full payment becomes due immediately

The Captain is responsible for the safety of all guests onboard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much is the deposit for a fishing charter?

A $200 deposit per day is required at booking. For trips from April 1 through July 31 (peak Tarpon season), the deposit is $500 per day. Multiple-boat trips require a deposit per boat, per day. The deposit is applied to your trip total.

2. What happens if we need to cancel our charter?

Cancel at least 30 days before your trip and your deposit is refunded in full. Within 30 days, the deposit is forfeited unless we’re able to rebook your date. Cancellations within 7 days and no-shows are charged the full trip price, unless the date is rebooked. If something unexpected comes up, contact Captain Danny and he’ll work with you to reschedule

3. What forms of payment do you accept?

The balance is due on the day of the charter by cash, check, or Venmo. Credit cards are accepted with a 3.5% transaction fee.

4. What happens if the weather is bad?

All weather decisions are made by the Captain. If unsafe conditions arise, such as strong winds, lightning, or small craft advisories, the trip will be rescheduled or your deposit refunded in full.

5. Where do fishing charters depart from?

Pickup locations include 424 Bayou Ave (Boca Grande), 9060 Alfred Blvd (Punta Gorda), Laishley Park, Burnt Store Marina, Pineland Marina, and other access points across Charlotte Harbor.