EXPERIENCE LEGENDARY REDFISH CHARTERS IN BOCA GRANDE & PUNTA GORDA, FL

ReelFishing Charters offers world-class Redfish fishing adventures in the pristine waters of Southwest Florida. Whether you call them Red Drum, Spot-Tails, or “Bull Reds,” targeting this prized inshore species is our specialty. With full-service locations in both Boca Grande and Punta Gorda, FL, Captain Danny and the ReelFishing Charters team provide exhilarating trips for anglers of all skill levels, year-round.

WHY CHOOSE REELFISHING CHARTERS FOR REDFISH?

 

  • 25+ Years of Guiding Experience: Decades of local knowledge to find the massive feeding schools.

  • Guaranteed Fish: Our No Fish-No Pay Guarantee on backcountry/flats trips means you book with confidence!

  • Tournament Proven: 50+ tournament wins prove our methods consistently deliver results.

  • Top-Tier Equipment: We use premium gear like Penn spinning reels matched with Fenwick rods and Power Pro braided line to handle their powerful runs.

Man holding large bull redfish caught on a light-tackle charter in Boca Grande, Florida.

THE THRILL OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REDFISH FISHING

Redfish are renowned for their powerful, sustained runs, making them a premier light-tackle target. Ranging from 12 inches up to massive “Bull Reds” over 40 inches, the average Redfish we catch in the flats is between 18–30 inches.

Redfish are opportunistic feeders that cruise the shallow grass flats and mangrove shorelines, often “tailing” as they root for shrimp and crabs in the mud. Targeting Redfish requires stealth, precision casting, and knowing exactly where to find them as the tides change.

Redfish Hunting & Feeding Habits

 

Redfish have high tolerance for variations in water temperature and salinity, meaning they are productive targets all year. They use structure—especially mangrove lines and oyster bars—as ambush points, but the best action is often found on the vast, shallow flats of Charlotte Harbor.

We employ a variety of effective techniques to get the fish feeding:

  • Live Bait: Live shrimp and cut or live pinfish are highly effective, especially when fishing under mangrove canopies.

  • Artificial Lures: We successfully use weedless soft plastic artificial lures and gold spoons, which mimic their favorite forage.

  • Fly Fishing: Redfish are an exceptional target for fly anglers, particularly during the low winter tides. We recommend a 7–9 weight fly rod and a well-placed crustacean pattern to sight-cast to tailing fish. Learn more about our dedicated Fly Fishing Charters here.

BOCA GRANDE & PUNTA GORDA REDFISH SEASONS

We fish for Redfish 12 months a year in Southwest Florida. While the approach changes with the weather, you can find consistent action year-round in Boca Grande and Punta Gorda.

Winter Redfish (January–February)

 

  • Where They Are: Move into deeper potholes and canals as low tides push them off shallow flats.

  • Best Techniques: Shrimp, crabs, and slow-moving soft plastics.

  • Expected Catch Rate: 10–30 fish/day (Focus on quality)

Spring Redfish (March–May)

 

  • Where They Are: Return to grass flats and mangrove lines as bait moves back in.

  • Best Techniques: Live bait chumming and casting artificials under structure.

  • Expected Catch Rate: 10–50 fish/day (Strong, aggressive bites)

Summer Redfish (June–August)

 

  • Where They Are: Feed heavily in the back bays and along the passes. The action is fantastic, but we focus on early mornings.

  • Best Techniques: Live pinfish and cut bait. Peak time for aggressive strikes.

  • Expected Catch Rate: 20–50+ fish/day (Steady action)

Fall Redfish (September–December)

 

  • Where They Are: Peak “School Time” in Southwest Florida! Large spawning schools (“Bull Reds”) move onto the flats.

  • Best Techniques: Sight-casting to large schools with live or cut bait.

  • Expected Catch Rate: 20–100+ fish days are common! (Targeting trophy-class fish)

Local Knowledge Pays Off

 

Whether you are sight-fishing for trophy-sized Bull Reds along the Boca Grande beaches or stalking smaller, aggressive fish in the expansive backcountry flats of Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor, fishing with a full-time, native guide like Captain Danny is the best way to ensure success.

REDFISH CHARTER RATES

JANUARY – MARCH & AUGUST – DECEMBER (Standard Season)

  • 4 Hours: $650 (Morning or Afternoon)

  • 6 Hours: $900 (Full-Action Trip)

  • 8 Hours: $1200 (Ultimate Full Day)

APRIL – JULY (Peak Tarpon Season*)

  • 6 Hours: $1200 (Limited Availability – Call for Times)

  • 10–12 Hours: $2000 (Extended Full Day)

No Fish – No Pay Guarantee! If you don’t catch a gamefish on one of my backcountry or flats fishing trips, your trip is completely free — no questions asked! That’s my promise to every angler. (Please note: this guarantee does not apply to Peak SeasonTarpon charters.)

Due to high demand during Boca Grande’s peak Tarpon fishing season, ReelFishing Charters offers only 6-hour, 10-hour, and 12-hour trips from April through July.
6-hour trips depart at 7:00 AM–1:00 PM and 2:00 PM–8:00 PM.

Please note: Experience the difference — not all Boca Grande fishing charters are equal. With over 25 years of local expertise, 50+ tournament wins, and premium gear, Captain Danny delivers the ultimate fishing adventure with guaranteed results.

Redfish Facts

10

spots

The most distinguishing mark on the red drum is one large black spot on the upper part of the tail base. Having multiple spots is not uncommon for this fish but having no spots is extremely rare.
4

colors

The color of red drum ranges from a deep blackish, coppery color to nearly silver. The most common color is reddish-bronze.
24

inches

Red drum is a fast growing fish reaching approximately 11 inches and one pound in its first year, 17-22 inches and 3 1/2 pounds in two years, and 22-24 inches and 6-8 pounds in three years.
94

pounds

The record red drum was 94 pounds.
12

months

Redfish season in Florida is open all year.
1

fish per angler per day

The legal slot for keeping Redfish in Southwest Florida is 18”-27” and only one fish per angler per day and a maximum of 2 per boat.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) FOR REDFISH CHARTERS

1. What is the best time of year to catch Redfish in Boca Grande and Punta Gorda?

 

The Fall months (September – December) are the best time to catch large schools of breeding “Bull Reds” throughout the Charlotte Harbor system. However, Redfish are caught year-round, with the Winter and Spring months offering excellent action on the shallow flats.

2. Do you use live bait or artificial lures for Redfish?

 

We use a combination of both. While live shrimp and cut bait are generally the most productive, Captain Danny frequently uses soft plastic lures and fly patterns, especially when sight-casting to fish in clear, shallow water. We tailor the technique to the season and the fish’s feeding patterns.

3. What is the difference between Redfish and Red Drum?

 

They are the same fish! “Red Drum” is the official name, and “Redfish” is the common name used throughout Florida.

4. Does ReelFishing Charters offer a guarantee for Redfish trips?

 

Yes. We offer a No Fish-No Pay Guarantee on all our backcountry/flats trips. Our 25+ years of guiding experience and 50+ tournament wins mean we are highly confident in putting you on the fish!

5. Where do Redfish trips launch from?

 

We operate out of multiple locations to put you on the best bite. We frequently launch near Boca Grande for Gulf-side action and near Punta Gorda for expansive Charlotte Harbor flats fishing. We choose the location that is most convenient for you and most productive for the fish that day.

BOOK YOUR REDFISH FISHING TRIP TODAY!

Ready to experience the best Redfish fishing charter in Boca Grande and Punta Gorda, FL? Captain Danny and the ReelFishing Charters team are standing by to get you on the water and into the fish. Don’t miss out on the thrill of catching a trophy Bull Red!

Contact ReelFishing Charters

 

Phone:
📞 (941) 628-6869

Email:
📨 reelfishing@comcast.net

Book Online:
🗓️ https://reelfishing.com/contact-us-2/

Follow Us:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelfishing_charters/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Captain-Danny-Latham/100044211195151/
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReelFishingCharters

 

The fishing charter experience is not all the same. Book with our team, which has over 25 years of experience and a proven track record, to ensure you get your guaranteed catch!