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Charlotte Harbor Elite Offshore Fishing Charter

  • Published Date: August 19, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Punta Gorda, FL
  • $600 - $1,100 price range
  • Updated Date: October 27, 2025

Summary

Captain Cody's 4-hour Charlotte Harbor fishing charter is a great way to get out on the water and land some nice catches. You'll be targeting mahi mahi, sailfish, and grouper in the productive bay and inshore waters. Whether you're new to fishing or have years of experience, Captain Cody provides hands-on guidance to help you make the most of your time. All the gear, bait, and licenses are taken care of, so you can focus on reeling in fish. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks for the trip. At the end, Captain Cody will clean your catch, letting you head home with fresh fillets. It's a focused fishing trip without any fuss - just you, some rods, and the chance to hook into some quality fish in beautiful Charlotte Harbor.
Charlotte Harbor Elite Offshore Fishing Charter

Reels and Rods

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Angler fishing for tarpon in Florida

Awesome Tarpon!

A fisherman holding a redfish in FL

Majestic Redfish at Sunset!

A fisherman catching a redfish in Punta Gorda

Grand Redfish!

Redfish caught while fishing in Punta Gorda

Proud Redfish Catch!

Crevalle Jack caught while fishing in FL

Youthful Jack Crevalle Power!

Lone angler fishing in Punta Gorda

Joyful Spotted Seatrout!

A single cobia fish caught while fishing in Punta Gorda

Vast Cobia!

Two redfish caught while fishing in FL

Unforgettable Double Redfish!

Redfish caught in Florida

Beautiful Redfish!

Redfish caught while fishing in Punta Gorda

Fantastic Redfish!

Angler fishing for tarpon in Florida

Awesome Tarpon!

A fisherman holding a redfish in FL

Majestic Redfish at Sunset!

A fisherman catching a redfish in Punta Gorda

Grand Redfish!

Redfish caught while fishing in Punta Gorda

Proud Redfish Catch!

Crevalle Jack caught while fishing in FL

Youthful Jack Crevalle Power!

Lone angler fishing in Punta Gorda

Joyful Spotted Seatrout!

A single cobia fish caught while fishing in Punta Gorda

Vast Cobia!

Two redfish caught while fishing in FL

Unforgettable Double Redfish!

Redfish caught in Florida

Beautiful Redfish!

Redfish caught while fishing in Punta Gorda

Fantastic Redfish!

Angler fishing for tarpon in Florida

Awesome Tarpon!

A fisherman holding a redfish in FL

Majestic Redfish at Sunset!

A fisherman catching a redfish in Punta Gorda

Grand Redfish!

Redfish caught while fishing in Punta Gorda

Proud Redfish Catch!

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Reel in the Action: 4-Hour Charlotte Harbor Fishing

Ready to wet a line in one of Florida's best-kept fishing secrets? Captain Cody's got you covered with this 4-hour Charlotte Harbor fishing charter. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler, you'll have a shot at landing some of the area's most prized catches. We're talking red snapper, snook, tarpon, sea trout, and redfish - the kind of fish that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. So grab your hat and sunscreen, 'cause we're heading out for some serious rod-bending action!

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're cruising the productive waters of Charlotte Harbor, rod in hand, with Captain Cody at the helm. He knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the fish. For four solid hours, you'll be targeting everything from hard-fighting snook to acrobatic tarpon. The best part? Captain Cody's got all the gear, bait, and licenses covered. Just bring your game face (and maybe a sandwich or two) and get ready to make some fishing memories. This trip's perfect for groups of up to three, so grab your buddies or bring the family for a day on the water you won't forget.

Fishing Know-How

On this charter, you'll get to try out a variety of fishing techniques. Depending on what's biting, you might be casting lures along mangrove shorelines for snook, drifting live bait for tarpon, or bottom fishing for tasty red snapper. Captain Cody's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, and he'll tailor the approach to match the conditions and your skill level. Don't worry if you're new to this - he'll show you the ropes, from setting the hook to fighting a big one. And when you land that monster, he'll even clean your catch so you can take home the freshest fish dinner you've ever had.

The Local Hotspots

Charlotte Harbor's a fish factory, plain and simple. With its mix of shallow flats, deep channels, and nearby Gulf access, it's like a buffet for gamefish. Captain Cody knows all the sweet spots - from the grass flats where sea trout hang out to the deeper holes where the big snook like to lurk. He'll run you to the best areas based on the tides, weather, and what's been hitting. One minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish, the next you could be battling a high-flying tarpon. It's this variety that keeps anglers coming back to Charlotte Harbor year after year.

Species Spotlight

Red Snapper: These tasty bottom-dwellers are a favorite for good reason. With their bright red color and delicious white meat, they're a prize catch. Red snapper love structure, so we'll target wrecks and reefs. They put up a good fight, especially the bigger ones, which can weigh up to 20 pounds or more. Peak season is typically summer through fall, but we can find them year-round in the right spots.

Snook: Ah, the mighty snook - the "soap dish" as some old-timers call 'em. These ambush predators are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. We'll look for them around mangroves, docks, and beaches. Snook fishing is hot in the warmer months, especially during their spawning runs in summer. Landing a big snook is a real accomplishment, and they're one of the best-eating fish out there when in season.

Tarpon: If you're after a real challenge, look no further than the "silver king." Tarpon are the giants of Charlotte Harbor, with some fish pushing well over 100 pounds. These prehistoric-looking fish are famous for their spectacular leaps and long, drag-screaming runs. Spring and early summer are prime time for tarpon, but we can find them most of the year. Even if you don't land one (and trust me, they're tough to get to the boat), just hooking up with a tarpon is an experience you'll never forget.

Sea Trout: Don't let their name fool you - these aren't your average trout. Speckled sea trout are aggressive predators that love to hit topwater lures, making for some exciting visual strikes. We'll find them over grass flats and around oyster bars. They're great for anglers of all skill levels and provide steady action throughout the year. A "gator" trout (over 20 inches) is a real trophy.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are a staple of Charlotte Harbor fishing. We target them in the shallows, often sight-fishing for tailing reds in less than two feet of water. They're known for their powerful runs and their distinctive spot near the tail. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but we catch them year-round. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like watching a redfish crush a topwater lure in skinny water.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish - though that's a big part of it. Charlotte Harbor offers a unique mix of natural beauty and fishing opportunity that's hard to beat. One minute you're casting to mangrove islands teeming with wildlife, the next you're battling a fish that's bigger than your kid. Captain Cody's local knowledge means you're not just fishing, you're getting an insider's tour of one of Florida's most diverse ecosystems. Plus, with the variety of species available, every trip is different. You never know what you might hook into next, and that's half the fun.

Time to Get Your Line Wet

Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here, but the best way to experience it is to get out on the water yourself. This 4-hour trip with Captain Cody is the perfect intro to Charlotte Harbor fishing, or a great way for experienced anglers to scratch that fishing itch without taking up the whole day. With all gear provided and fish cleaning included, it's as hassle-free as it gets. So why not book your spot now? The fish are biting, and there's nothing like the feeling of a bent rod and a screaming reel to make your day. Trust me, once you fish Charlotte Harbor, you'll be hooked for life. Let's make it happen - your next big catch is waiting!

Learn more about the species

Red Snapper

Red Snapper are prized catches in Charlotte Harbor, typically ranging from 1-2 feet long and weighing up to 10 pounds. You'll find them hanging around structure in deep water, usually 30-620 feet down. These fish love rocky bottoms and reefs where they can ambush prey. Spring and fall are prime seasons, when water temps hit that sweet spot between 50-70 degrees. Anglers go crazy for Red Snapper because of their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. That light, flaky white meat is tough to beat. To up your chances, try using cigar minnows or fresh squid as bait. And here's a local tip - when you feel that initial bite, wait an extra second or two before setting the hook. Red Snapper often grab bait with their lips first before fully committing. That pause can mean the difference between landing a trophy and telling a story about the one that got away.

Red Snapper

Redfish

Redfish are a Charlotte Harbor favorite, known for their copper color and distinctive tail spot. Most run 18-27 inches, but trophy "bull reds" can top 40 inches. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, often in just a foot or two of water. Fall is prime time when schools of big reds invade the flats. Anglers love targeting them for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. Look for redfish around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and sandy potholes in grass flats. Gold spoons and soft plastics work great, but nothing beats a live pinfish or crab for big reds. Here's a local secret: on low tides, look for "pushes" of water - that's often a redfish moving through ultra-shallow areas. A well-placed cast in front of that push can lead to an explosive strike.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a staple of Charlotte Harbor fishing. These silvery, spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches and love hanging around grass flats in 2-6 feet of water. Fall through spring is prime time, when cooler water temps have them feeding aggressively. Trout are popular targets because they're abundant, put up a good fight, and taste great on the dinner table. Look for them over grass beds, especially where there's a mix of sand potholes. Soft plastic jigs and live shrimp are go-to baits. Here's a local tip: on cooler days, try fishing deeper holes and channels where trout congregate. A slow-bounced jig along the bottom can be deadly in these spots. Remember, a light touch on the hookset is key - trout have soft mouths, so set too hard and you might pull the hook.

Sea Trout

Snook

Snook are one of Charlotte Harbor's most sought-after gamefish. These sleek predators typically run 1-3 feet long and love to hang out around mangroves, docks, and other structure in shallow water. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are in the sweet spot. Snook put up an incredible fight, often making acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. They're also excellent eating when in season. Look for them around points, creek mouths, and along mangrove shorelines, especially on moving tides. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish work great, but artificial lures can be deadly too. Here's a pro tip: when you hook one, keep your rod tip up and be ready to steer them away from structure. Snook are masters at wrapping you around pilings or roots to break free.

Snook

Tarpon

Tarpon are the crown jewels of Charlotte Harbor fishing. These prehistoric beasts can reach 6 feet and 150 pounds, putting on aerial displays that'll leave you speechless. You'll find them rolling in deep channels or cruising flats, often in water as shallow as 3 feet. Spring and early summer are prime, with May and June being peak tarpon season. Anglers love targeting them for the sheer challenge and thrill of the fight - it's a true test of skill and endurance. Look for tarpon around bridges, passes, and along beach edges. Live bait like crabs or threadfin herring work well, but many locals swear by artificials like DOA Baitbusters. Here's a local secret: when you see tarpon "laying up" on the surface, a well-placed fly can be dynamite. Just remember, these fish are catch-and-release only, so handle them with care.

Tarpon

About the Vera Vita Charters

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Ready for some action-packed fishing in Charlotte Harbor? Join Captain Cody for a 4-hour charter that'll have you reeling in mahi mahi, sailfish, and grouper from the bay and inshore waters. Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned pro, this trip is perfect for honing your skills and landing an impressive catch. Captain Cody's got all the gear, bait, and licenses covered, plus he'll clean your fish when you're done. Feel free to pack some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up. With room for up to 3 guests, you can bring a couple friends along for the ride. Captain Cody's hands-on approach means you'll get plenty of tips and tricks to improve your technique. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and get ready for a day of reeling in some big ones on the beautiful waters of Charlotte Harbor!
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Make unforgettable memories on Punta Gorda’s waters with Vera Vita Sportfishing—book your fishing adventure today and reel in the excitement! Join Captain Cody on Charlotte Harbor for an expert-led, action-packed inshore fishing experience with Vera Vita Sportfishing in Punta Gorda!

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