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Charlotte Harbor's Premier Offshore Charter

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

Summary

Ready for a full day of fishing in Charlotte Harbor? Captain Cody's 8-hour charter takes you right where the action is. We'll be after mahi mahi, sailfish, and grouper in the bay and inshore waters. Whether you're new to fishing or have years of experience, this trip's got something for everyone. Captain Cody brings all the gear, bait, and licenses you'll need, plus he'll clean your catch at the end. Just remember to pack some food and drinks to keep you going through the day. With hands-on guidance and plenty of time on the water, you'll have the best shot at landing some great fish. It's a real Florida fishing experience from start to finish. The boat can take up to three guests, so grab a couple friends and get ready for a day out on Charlotte Harbor.
Charlotte Harbor's Premier Offshore Charter

Rods, Reels, and Catches

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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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Full-Day Fishing Fun on Charlotte Harbor

Ready to spend a day on the water chasing some of Florida's most prized catches? Captain Cody's 8-hour Charlotte Harbor fishing charter is your ticket to a top-notch angling adventure. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, this trip has something for everyone. We'll be targeting a mix of inshore favorites and even venturing out for some nearshore action if conditions allow. Pack your cooler, grab your sunscreen, and let's hit the water for a full day of fishing in one of Florida's most productive areas.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard Captain Cody's boat, you're in for a treat. We'll cruise out into the expansive Charlotte Harbor, known for its diverse fishing grounds. From grass flats to mangrove shorelines, deep channels to oyster bars, this place has it all. The captain will use his local knowledge to put you on the fish, whether that means sight-casting to tailing redfish, working topwater lures for explosive snook strikes, or dropping lines in deeper water for tasty grouper. With 8 full hours on the water, we've got plenty of time to try different spots and techniques. Don't worry about bringing gear - the captain provides top-quality rods, reels, and tackle. Just remember to bring some grub and drinks to keep your energy up throughout the day.

Techniques & Terrain

On this trip, we'll use a variety of fishing methods to target different species. For inshore fishing, we might start by casting soft plastics or live bait around mangrove edges for snook and redfish. If the tide is right, we could wade the grass flats, sight-fishing for cruising reds or speckled trout. As the day heats up, we might move to deeper water and drop live pinfish or cut bait for grouper or snapper. If conditions allow and you're up for it, we might even run out to nearshore reefs for a shot at some hard-fighting pelagics like mahi-mahi or the occasional sailfish. Captain Cody will tailor the techniques to match the conditions and what's biting, always aiming to put you on the most action possible.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Charlotte Harbor is home to a variety of sought-after game fish. Let's break down some of the top targets you might encounter on your trip:

Snook: These hard-fighting linesiders are a Florida favorite. Snook love to hang around structure, ambushing bait as it swims by. They're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Spring and fall are prime times for snook fishing, but they can be caught year-round in Charlotte Harbor. The satisfaction of landing a big snook is hard to beat!

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a blast to catch. They range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to big bull reds over 20 pounds. Redfish often cruise in shallow water, sometimes with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs - a sight that gets any angler's heart racing. Fall is typically the best time for reds, but they're available year-round.

Tarpon: Known as the "Silver King," tarpon are the ultimate game fish for many anglers. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow over 100 pounds and are famous for their spectacular leaps when hooked. Tarpon migrate through Charlotte Harbor, with peak season typically from late spring through summer. Landing a tarpon is a bucket-list experience for any fisherman.

Sea Trout: Speckled trout are abundant in Charlotte Harbor and make for great eating. These spotted predators often school up over grass flats, eagerly hitting lures and live bait. While they don't grow as large as some other species, their willingness to bite and tasty fillets make them a popular target. You can catch trout year-round, but cooler months often see the biggest specimens.

Red Snapper: While not as common in the harbor itself, we might have a chance at these prized reef fish if we venture to nearshore waters. Red snapper are known for their fierce fights and delicious white meat. They typically hang around structure in deeper water. If we get into the snapper, be ready for some sore arms and a tasty dinner!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's a reason Charlotte Harbor is a top fishing destination in Florida. The diverse ecosystem supports a huge variety of fish species, giving anglers a shot at multiple trophy catches in a single day. The vast expanse of the harbor means there's always somewhere to fish, regardless of wind direction. And with a full 8 hours on the water, you've got time to really explore and find the hot spots. Captain Cody's local expertise means you're not just fishing blindly - you're tapping into years of experience on these waters. Plus, the scenery ain't bad either - keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and a variety of birds as we cruise around.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to bend a rod and feel the thrill of a big fish on the line, this 8-hour Charlotte Harbor fishing charter is calling your name. With all gear provided, expert guidance from Captain Cody, and some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, it's a can't-miss opportunity for anglers of all levels. Whether you're looking to tick some species off your bucket list, learn new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends or family, this trip delivers. Spaces are limited to ensure a quality experience, so don't wait - book your spot now and get ready for a full day of fishing action in beautiful Charlotte Harbor. The fish are waiting!

Learn more about the species

Red Snapper

Red Snapper are a prized catch in Charlotte Harbor, known for their brilliant red color and tasty white meat. These bottom-dwellers typically range from 1-2 feet long and weigh under 10 pounds, though monsters over 30 pounds exist. You'll find them near structure in deeper waters, usually 30-100 feet down. Late spring through fall is prime time, when water temps hit that 60-70 degree sweet spot. Anglers love Red Snapper for their strong fight and excellent table fare. To land one, we'll drop baits like cigar minnows or squid to the bottom on heavy tackle. A local trick is to use multiple hooks on your rig - these guys often hunt in schools, so you might hook several at once. Just be ready for a battle when you set that hook!

Red Snapper

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are a Charlotte Harbor favorite. These copper-colored bruisers, with their tell-tale black tail spot, typically run 20-30 inches in the harbor. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising mangrove shorelines, often in just a foot or two of water. Fall is prime time when big schools flood the flats. Redfish are loved for their bulldog fighting style and excellent table fare. To target them, we'll sight-fish with light tackle, using live bait or artificial lures. A local secret: look for pushing water or "muds" stirred up by feeding reds in ultra-shallow areas. When you spot them, make a quiet approach and present your bait ahead of the school. Get ready for some drag-screaming action when they hit!

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a staple of Charlotte Harbor fishing. These spotted beauties usually run 14-20 inches long, though gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them over grass flats and around oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. Winter and early spring are prime seasons when trout school up in deeper holes. Anglers love Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor on the table. They're great for both novice and experienced fishers. To target them, try soft plastic jigs or live shrimp under a popping cork. Here's a local trick: fish the edges of grass flats on moving tides, especially early morning or late evening. The trout will be actively feeding during these low-light periods.

Sea Trout

Snook

Snook are the crown jewels of Charlotte Harbor fishing. These sleek predators, with their distinctive black lateral line, typically run 1-3 feet long. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and grass flats in shallow inshore waters. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are just right. Snook are famous for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll test your skills and your gear. Anglers love 'em for the challenge and their excellent eating quality. To boost your chances, try live bait like pinfish or mullet around structure during moving tides. A local secret: cast parallel to mangrove shorelines early in the morning for best results. Remember, snook are temperature sensitive, so adjust your tactics based on the season.

Snook

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of Charlotte Harbor, and for good reason. These prehistoric beasts can reach 6 feet long and 100+ pounds, with powerful, armor-like scales. You'll find them rolling in deeper channels and along the beaches, especially from late spring through summer. Tarpon fishing is all about the thrill - their bone-jarring strikes and spectacular aerial acrobatics make for an unforgettable battle. While not prized for eating, the sheer challenge of hooking and landing one keeps anglers coming back. We typically use live bait like mullet or crabs, but artificial lures can work too. Here's a local tip: when you see tarpon "daisy-chaining" on the surface, cast just ahead of the lead fish for your best shot at a hookup. Just be ready for the fight of your life!

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 a full day of fishing in Charlotte Harbor? Join Captain Cody on an 8-hour charter where you'll cast lines for mahi mahi, sailfish, and grouper in the bay and inshore waters. This trip is perfect for anglers of all levels, from first-timers to seasoned pros. Captain Cody provides all the gear, bait, and licenses you'll need, plus he'll clean your catch at the end. Just bring your own snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day. With hands-on guidance and local expertise, you'll make the most of your time on the water. Whether you're aiming to reel in a big one or just enjoy a relaxing day fishing, this Charlotte Harbor charter offers something for everyone. Book your spot now and get ready for a great day out on the water!
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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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