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Punta Gorda's Ultimate Inshore Fishing Adventure

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

Summary

Looking to make the most of your day on the water in Punta Gorda? Captain Cody's 8-hour inshore fishing charter has you covered. You'll be targeting some of Florida's favorite gamefish – snook, redfish, speckled trout, and even tarpon when they're running. Charlotte Harbor's rich waters provide a perfect backdrop for anglers of all levels. Whether you're just starting out or you've been fishing for years, Captain Cody tailors the trip to your experience. He'll supply all the gear, bait, and licenses you need, plus clean your catch at the end of the day. Just bring along some food and drinks, and you're set for a full day of fishing action. With room for up to three guests, it's a great way to spend time with friends or family while learning new techniques and hopefully landing some impressive fish. Captain Cody's hands-on approach means you'll get plenty of guidance throughout the day, maximizing your chances for a successful trip.
Punta Gorda's Ultimate Inshore Fishing Adventure

Rods Bent, Fish On!

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Vibrant Mahi Mahi caught in Punta Gorda

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Six cero mackerel, bluefish, and king mackerel caught in Punta Gorda

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4 anglers caught 11 fish in Punta Gorda

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Explore Charlotte Harbor with expert guides

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Hook a Grand Slam on Charlotte Harbor

Ready for the ultimate inshore fishing adventure in Punta Gorda? Captain Cody's got you covered with this full-day charter that'll have you chasing the Florida grand slam: snook, redfish, and speckled trout. And if you're lucky, you might even tangle with the silver king himself – the mighty tarpon. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this 8-hour trip is tailored to give you the best shot at landing some of Charlotte Harbor's most prized game fish.

What to Expect on the Water

You'll be hitting the water early, so grab your coffee and snacks because we're in for a full day of action. Captain Cody knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you right on top of the fish. We'll be working the flats, mangrove shorelines, and deeper holes where the big boys like to hang out. Expect to throw soft plastics, live bait, and maybe even do some sight fishing if conditions are right. The best part? All the gear and know-how are provided, so you just need to show up ready to reel 'em in.

Techniques That Land Lunkers

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of tried-and-true inshore fishing techniques. You might start off working a topwater lure at first light, watching snook explode on the surface. As the sun climbs, we'll switch to live bait or jigs, bouncing them along the bottom for redfish or working them through the water column for trout. If tarpon are around, get ready for some serious action – these acrobatic fighters will test your skills and your drag. Captain Cody will coach you on the finer points of each technique, ensuring you're presenting your bait just right to entice those bites.

Top Catches This Season

Charlotte Harbor's been on fire lately, with anglers pulling in some real beauties. Slot-sized redfish have been crushing baits near the mangroves, while gator trout are lurking in the deeper grass flats. Snook fishing's been hot too, with some bruisers in the 30-inch range being caught and released. And let's not forget about the tarpon – when they're rolling through, it's a sight you won't soon forget. Remember, it's all catch-and-release for these gamefish, ensuring the fishery stays healthy for years to come.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: These hard-fighting linesiders are the prize of inshore fishing. They love to ambush prey near structure, so we'll be casting close to mangroves and docks. Snook are known for their explosive strikes and powerful runs. They're most active in the warmer months, but with Captain Cody's know-how, you can catch them year-round. Landing a big snook is a true test of an angler's skill – are you up for the challenge?

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. They've got a distinctive spot on their tail and put up a great fight on light tackle. Redfish love to root around in shallow water for crabs and shrimp, so we'll be looking for their telltale "tailing" behavior. Fall is prime time for big schools of reds, but they're catchable all year in Charlotte Harbor.

Speckled Trout: Don't let their name fool you – these spotted predators are aggressive feeders and a blast to catch. They school up over grass flats and can be caught on a variety of lures and live baits. Trout are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle touch is needed when setting the hook. Winter is often the best time for big "gator" trout, but we catch them in good numbers throughout the year.

Tarpon: The silver king is the ultimate game fish for many anglers. These prehistoric beasts can grow over 100 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic leaps and long, powerful runs. Tarpon migrate through the area from late spring through summer, offering anglers a shot at the fish of a lifetime. Hooking one is thrilling – landing one is an accomplishment you'll never forget.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Punta Gorda's not just another fishing spot – it's a slice of angling paradise. The diversity of fish, the beautiful scenery, and the chance to hook into something truly special keep folks coming back year after year. Whether you're watching the sunrise over the harbor as you cast your first line, or feeling the rush of a big snook taking drag, these are the moments that make fishing here so special. And with Captain Cody at the helm, you're in for a day of fishing stories you'll be telling for years to come.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, what are you waiting for? This 8-hour Punta Gorda inshore fishing charter is your ticket to some of the best angling Florida has to offer. Captain Cody's got the skills, the gear, and the local knowledge to put you on fish all day long. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch or wanting to introduce the family to the joys of inshore angling, this trip's got you covered. Just bring your sun protection, some grub, and a good attitude – we'll take care of the rest. Don't miss out on your chance to experience world-class fishing in Charlotte Harbor. Book your spot now and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish are the bulldogs of Charlotte Harbor. These copper-colored bruisers typically range from 18-27 inches and fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or cruising mangrove shorelines in 1-3 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love reds for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To target them, look for pushes of water or tails breaking the surface on calm days. A gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp worked slowly is tough to beat. When you hook up, keep your rod tip down and let the drag do the work - these fish will test your gear. One local trick: chum with cut mullet to bring reds into casting range. With some patience, you'll be battling bull reds in no time.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Speckled trout are a staple here in Charlotte Harbor. These silver beauties usually run 15-20 inches and put up a sporty fight on light tackle. You'll find them over grass flats and potholes in 2-6 feet of water, especially early and late in the day. Fall through spring is prime time as the water cools. Trout are popular for their willingness to bite and tasty white meat. They're great for novice anglers but can still challenge the pros. To get into some trout, try drifting live shrimp under a popping cork. Work it with subtle twitches - the pop mimics feeding and draws strikes. Or throw soft plastics on a jighead, bouncing them slowly along the bottom. Keep your rod tip up when you hook one to avoid those head shakes. With some practice, you'll be reeling in trout all day.

Sea Trout

Snook

Snook are prized gamefish here in Charlotte Harbor. These sleek predators typically run 24-36 inches and put up an impressive fight. Look for them around mangroves, docks, and other structure in 1-4 feet of water. They love ambushing bait in current, so fish the edges of passes on moving tides. Spring and fall are peak seasons as water temps are ideal. Anglers target snook for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The meat is excellent too, with a mild flavor. To land a big one, try freelining live pinfish or pilchards near structure. Let the bait swim naturally and be ready - when a snook hits, it's explosive. Set the hook hard and keep tension to turn its head away from cover. With some skill and luck, you'll bring in a trophy snook to remember.

Snook

Tarpon

Tarpon are the kings of Charlotte Harbor, and for good reason. These prehistoric giants can top 100 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other. We typically see them in the 40-80 pound range, cruising the flats and channels in 3-8 feet of water. Peak season is May through July when they gather to spawn. Anglers come from all over to battle tarpon - it's a true bucket list fish. The sheer power and acrobatics make for an unforgettable fight. While not the best eating, it's all about the thrill of the catch and release. To hook up, try drifting live crabs or pinfish on the tide. When you see a pod of tarpon rolling, cast just ahead of them. Once hooked, bow to the king when it jumps to avoid breaking off. Stay patient, and you might land the fish of a lifetime.

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

Hop aboard Captain Cody's boat for a full day of inshore fishing action in beautiful Punta Gorda, Florida. Over 8 hours, you'll explore the rich waters of Charlotte Harbor, casting lines for prized catches like snook, redfish, speckled trout, and even tarpon when in season. Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler, Captain Cody tailors the experience to your skill level, offering tips and hands-on help to ensure everyone has a great time on the water. He provides all the gear, bait, and licenses you'll need, plus he'll clean your catch at the end of the day. Just bring along some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled for a day of reeling in the big ones. With room for up to 3 guests, it's the perfect way to spend quality time with family or friends while experiencing the best of Florida's inshore fishing.
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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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