EXPERIENCE LEGENDARY REDFISH CHARTERS IN BOCA GRANDE & PUNTA GORDA, FL
Redfish are one of the most consistent inshore species we target throughout Boca Grande, Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor. Also known as Red Drum, Spot-Tails or “Bull Reds,” these fish can be caught year-round, from shallow grass flats and mangrove shorelines to large schools of adult Redfish moving through Charlotte Harbor.
Captain Danny Latham has spent nearly three decades guiding these waters and more than 30 years fishing Southwest Florida tournaments. In addition to our dedicated Redfish trips, he personally guides both our Boca Grande fishing charters and Punta Gorda fishing charters, adjusting each trip around the season, tides, weather and where the fish are actually moving.
WHY CHOOSE REELFISHING CHARTERS FOR REDFISH?
✅ Nearly 30 Years of Guiding Experience — Local knowledge built from thousands of days fishing Boca Grande, Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor.
✅ No Fish–No Pay Guarantee — Available on qualifying backcountry and flats trips.
✅ Tournament Proven — 50+ tournament wins throughout Danny’s competitive fishing career.
✅ Quality Tackle — Penn spinning reels, Fenwick rods and PowerPro braided line for everything from slot Redfish to Bull Reds.
THE THRILL OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REDFISH FISHING
Redfish are known for their powerful, sustained runs, making them one of our favorite light-tackle inshore species. They range from smaller juvenile fish to “Bull Reds” over 40 inches, while many of the Redfish we catch on the flats are between 18 and 30 inches.
Redfish cruise shallow grass flats, mangrove shorelines and oyster bars looking for shrimp, crabs and baitfish. At times you’ll see them “tailing” in shallow water as they feed along the bottom. Successfully targeting Redfish often comes down to stealth, accurate casting and understanding how their location changes with the tides.
Redfish Feeding Habits & Fishing Techniques
Redfish tolerate a wide range of water temperatures and salinity, which helps make them a year-round target in Southwest Florida. Around Charlotte Harbor, we find them along mangrove shorelines, oyster bars and shallow grass flats, with their location changing throughout the year as water temperatures, tides and bait movement change.
We use several techniques depending on the conditions:
- Live Bait: Live shrimp and live or cut pinfish are effective around mangrove shorelines, oyster bars and deeper edges.
- Artificial Lures: Weedless soft plastics and gold spoons are excellent choices for covering shallow grass flats and working around structure.
- Fly Fishing: Redfish are a great sight-fishing target for fly anglers, particularly during lower winter tides. A 7–9 weight fly rod with shrimp, crab or baitfish patterns works well when presenting a fly to cruising or tailing fish. Learn more about our Fly Fishing Charters.
BOCA GRANDE & PUNTA GORDA REDFISH SEASONS
We fish for Redfish 12 months a year in Southwest Florida. The fish don’t disappear when the seasons change—their location, feeding patterns and the way we target them change with water temperature, tides and bait movement throughout Boca Grande, Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor.
Winter Redfish (January–February)
- Where We Find Them: Deeper potholes, canals and protected areas as lower winter tides push fish off the shallow flats.
- How We Fish: Live shrimp, crabs and slow-moving soft plastics.
Spring Redfish (March–May)
- Where We Find Them: Grass flats and mangrove shorelines as warmer water and bait return to the shallows.
- How We Fish: Live bait and artificials worked along mangroves, grass and structure.
Summer Redfish (June–August)
- Where We Find Them: Back bays, mangrove shorelines and areas around the passes. Early mornings can be especially productive during the hotter months.
- How We Fish: Live pinfish, cut bait and artificials depending on conditions.
Fall Redfish (September–December)
- Where We Find Them: Fall is an exciting time for Redfish in Southwest Florida as larger fish begin schooling and moving through Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding waters.
- How We Fish: Live or cut bait and artificials, with opportunities to sight-cast when schools are visible.
Local Knowledge Pays Off
Redfish behavior can change quickly with the tide, wind, water temperature and bait movement. Captain Danny has spent decades fishing Boca Grande, Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor and adjusts each trip based on the conditions that day—whether we’re looking for larger Redfish around the harbor and passes or working shallow grass flats and mangrove shorelines.
REDFISH CHARTER RATES
JANUARY – MARCH & AUGUST – DECEMBER (Standard Season)
- 4 Hours: $650 — Morning or afternoon
- 6 Hours: $900
- 8 Hours: $1,200
APRIL – JULY (Peak Tarpon Season)
- 6 Hours: $1,200 — Limited availability; call for times
- 10 Hours: $2,000 — Extended full day
Redfish Facts
spots
colors
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pounds
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fish per angler per day
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) FOR REDFISH CHARTERS
1. What is the best time of year to catch Redfish in Boca Grande and Punta Gorda?
Redfish can be caught year-round in Boca Grande, Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor. Fall can be especially exciting as larger Redfish begin schooling throughout the harbor and surrounding waters, while winter and spring often provide excellent opportunities on shallow grass flats and along mangrove shorelines.
2. Do you use live bait or artificial lures for Redfish?
We use both depending on the conditions. Live shrimp, pinfish and cut bait can all be productive, while soft plastics, spoons and fly patterns work well when sight-fishing or covering shallow water. Captain Danny adjusts the technique based on the season, tides, water conditions and how the fish are feeding that day.
3. What is the difference between Redfish and Red Drum?
They’re the same fish. Red Drum is the official common name, while Redfish is the name most anglers use throughout Florida.
4. Does ReelFishing Charters offer a guarantee for Redfish trips?
Yes. Our No Fish–No Pay Guarantee applies to qualifying backcountry and flats fishing trips. If you don’t catch a gamefish, your trip is free. The guarantee does not apply to peak-season Tarpon charters.
5. Where do Redfish trips launch from?
Launch locations vary depending on where you’re staying and where the fishing is best. We fish throughout Boca Grande, Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor, and Captain Danny chooses the location based on the season, tides, weather and current fishing conditions.
BOOK YOUR REDFISH FISHING TRIP
Ready to fish for Redfish in Boca Grande, Punta Gorda or Charlotte Harbor? Captain Danny personally guides each trip and plans your day around the season, tides, weather and current fishing conditions.
Whether you’re looking to sight-fish shallow flats, work mangrove shorelines or target larger Redfish moving through Charlotte Harbor, we’ll tailor the trip to your experience level and the type of fishing you want to do.
Contact ReelFishing Charters
Phone:
📞 (941) 628-6869
Email:
📨 reelfishing@comcast.net
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