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Vera Vita's Elite Charlotte Harbor Fishing Charter

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

Summary

Ready for a real Florida fishing adventure? Join Captain Cody on his 6-hour Charlotte Harbor charter, where you'll target mahi mahi, sailfish, and grouper in both bay and offshore waters. This trip is perfect for all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned anglers. You'll get hands-on guidance and expert support to maximize your time on the water. Captain Cody provides all the gear, bait, and licenses you need, plus he'll clean your catch when you're done. Just bring your food and drinks, and you're set for a productive day of fishing. With room for up to 3 guests, it's a great way to enjoy some quality time on the water with friends or family. Whether you're after the acrobatic leaps of a sailfish, the hard-fighting mahi mahi, or the tasty grouper, this Charlotte Harbor trip offers a bit of everything. Book now with Vera Vita Sportfishing for a complete Florida fishing experience.
Vera Vita's Elite Charlotte Harbor Fishing Charter

Reels and Keels

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4 anglers caught 11 fish in Punta Gorda

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Vibrant Mahi Mahi caught in Punta Gorda

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Atlantic Sailfish being caught during fishing trip in Punta Gorda

Reel in the big catch with Vera Vita

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Anglers with Atlantic Sailfish in Punta Gorda

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4 anglers caught 11 fish in Punta Gorda

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One person fishing in FL

Vibrant Mahi Mahi caught in Punta Gorda

Fisherman enjoying a day of fishing in FL

Explore Charlotte Harbor with expert guides

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

Punta Gorda Mahi fishing charters at its best

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Trophy Mahi landed in Punta Gorda waters

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Atlantic Sailfish being caught during fishing trip in Punta Gorda

Reel in the big catch with Vera Vita

Cero Mackerel and Little Tunny caught while fishing in FL

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Anglers with Atlantic Sailfish in Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda fishing memories made here

4 anglers caught 11 fish in Punta Gorda

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Vibrant Mahi Mahi caught in Punta Gorda

Fisherman enjoying a day of fishing in FL

Explore Charlotte Harbor with expert guides

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Charlotte Harbor's Offshore Fishing Bonanza

Ready for some serious rod-bending action in Charlotte Harbor? Captain Cody's got you covered with this 6-hour fishing charter that'll have you chasing mahi mahi, sailfish, and grouper in both inshore and offshore waters. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler, this trip is tailored to give you a shot at landing some of Florida's most prized catches. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, and let's hit the water for a day you won't forget!

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard Captain Cody's boat, you're in for a treat. This isn't your average fishing trip - it's a full-on adventure into the heart of Charlotte Harbor's fish-rich waters. You'll start by cruising out of the harbor, keeping an eye out for diving birds that often signal schools of bait fish below. As you transition from the bay to offshore waters, the excitement builds. Captain Cody knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have you on the fish in no time. Whether you're trolling for mahi mahi, sight-casting to sailfish, or dropping lines for grouper, every moment is packed with potential for a big catch.

Top Catches This Season

Fishing in Charlotte Harbor is all about variety, and this trip delivers in spades. You'll be using a mix of techniques to target different species throughout the day. For mahi mahi, expect to do some trolling with rigged ballyhoo or artificial lures. When sailfish are in the area, Captain Cody might have you on the lookout for tailing fish, ready to cast live bait their way. And for those bottom-dwelling grouper? You'll be dropping heavy jigs or live bait to the structure below. The captain provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. He'll show you the ropes if you're new to these techniques, or if you're experienced, he'll let you take the lead while offering tips to improve your game.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just the fish that keep folks booking trips with Captain Cody - it's the whole package. From the moment you step on board, you're treated like family. The captain's got a knack for making everyone feel comfortable, whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro. He's patient with beginners, showing them how to cast and reel properly, and he's always ready with a joke or a fishing story to keep the mood light. For the more experienced anglers, he's a wealth of knowledge about the local fishery and is always happy to share tips and tricks to up your game. And let's not forget the convenience factor - with all gear provided and fish cleaning included, all you need to worry about is having a good time and maybe bringing home some fresh fillets for dinner.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish): These colorful acrobats are a favorite among Charlotte Harbor anglers. Known for their vibrant blue-green and yellow colors, mahi mahi are as beautiful as they are delicious. They're fast swimmers and hard fighters, often putting on aerial displays when hooked. Mahi can be found year-round in these waters, but the best action is typically from late spring through early fall. They're often found near floating debris or weed lines, and when you find one, you've usually found a whole school. Captain Cody knows just where to look for these fish, and once you hook into one, you'll see why they're such a popular target.

Sailfish: The sailfish is the holy grail for many offshore anglers, and for good reason. These majestic fish are known for their incredible speed and their spectacular leaping abilities. In Charlotte Harbor, sailfish are most commonly encountered in the cooler months, from late fall through early spring. They're often found along the edges of the Gulf Stream, where warm and cool waters meet. Sailfishing is as much about the hunt as it is about the catch - spotting a sailfish's distinctive sail slicing through the water is an unforgettable sight. When hooked, they put on an incredible show, often tail-walking across the water's surface.

Grouper: When it comes to bottom fishing, grouper are the kings of Charlotte Harbor. These hefty fish are known for their powerful runs and their tendency to try to wrap you around structure. Goliath grouper, in particular, are a sight to behold - these massive fish can weigh hundreds of pounds and put up a fight like no other. Other common grouper species in the area include gag and red grouper. Grouper fishing is a year-round activity here, but many anglers prefer the cooler months when the fish move into shallower waters. Captain Cody knows all the best spots to drop a line for these tasty bottom-dwellers.

Permit: While not as common as the other species on this list, permit are a prized catch in Charlotte Harbor. These silvery, disc-shaped fish are known for their finicky eating habits and their powerful runs when hooked. They're often found around structures like wrecks and reefs, and sight-fishing for them can be an exciting challenge. Permit are available year-round, but the best fishing is typically in the warmer months. Landing a permit is considered a real accomplishment, even for experienced anglers.

Tripletail: Don't let their odd appearance fool you - tripletail are excellent fighters and even better eating. These unique-looking fish are often found floating near the surface, mimicking debris. They're ambush predators, waiting for smaller fish to come near before striking. Tripletail can be caught year-round in Charlotte Harbor, but they're most active in the warmer months. Sight-fishing for tripletail can be incredibly exciting, and Captain Cody has a keen eye for spotting these masters of camouflage.

Time to Book Your Spot

So there you have it, folks - a day on the water with Captain Cody is more than just a fishing trip, it's a full-on Charlotte Harbor adventure. Whether you're after the acrobatic mahi mahi, the majestic sailfish, or the hard-pulling grouper, this charter has something for everyone. With all gear provided, expert guidance from the captain, and the chance to bring home some of the tastiest fish in the Gulf, this trip is a no-brainer for anyone looking to experience the best of Charlotte Harbor fishing. Don't miss out on this top-rated charter - spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So grab your sunscreen, pack your cooler, and get ready for a day of world-class fishing you'll be talking about for years to come. Book your Charlotte Harbor fishing charter today and let Captain Cody show you why this is one of Florida's premier fishing destinations!

Learn more about the animals

Goliath Grouper

Goliath grouper are the giants of Charlotte Harbor. These massive fish can reach 8 feet long and 800 pounds. You'll find them around deep structure like wrecks, reefs, and bridges. They're here year-round but most active in summer. Goliaths are catch-and-release only, but boy do they put up a fight. It's like trying to lift a Volkswagen off the bottom. Use heavy tackle - at least 100-pound test line and a 20/0 circle hook. Big live baits like jacks or stingrays work best. Here's a pro tip: when you feel the bite, don't set the hook. Just start reeling and hang on tight. The circle hook will do its job. Be ready for that initial run - it's powerful enough to yank you right off your feet!

Goliath Grouper

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi mahi are a real treat to catch around Charlotte Harbor. These colorful fighters average 15-30 pounds but can get up to 60. Look for them near floating debris or weedlines, usually within 30 miles of shore. They're most active in warmer months from spring through fall. Mahi put up an acrobatic fight, leaping and tail-walking across the surface. Their meat is also excellent eating - firm, white, and mild. To up your chances, keep an eye out for frigate birds working an area. That's often a dead giveaway there are mahi feeding below. When you hook one, get it in quick or the whole school might follow it to the boat. Makes for some exciting action when several mahi are hooked at once!

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Permit

Permit are one of the trickiest fish to catch in Charlotte Harbor, but man are they worth it. These silvery, disc-shaped fish average 15-25 pounds in our waters. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or hanging around nearshore structure. Spring and fall are prime permit seasons here. Anglers love targeting them for the challenge - they have incredible eyesight and spook easily. When hooked, permit put up a stubborn, powerful fight. For the best shot at fooling one, use a small crab or shrimp fly and make a long, accurate cast well ahead of the fish. Let it sink, then give it the tiniest twitch. Patience is key - sometimes you have to make dozens of casts before a permit commits. But when one finally eats, hold on tight!

Permit

Tripletail

Tripletail are an odd-looking but tasty fish we catch around Charlotte Harbor. They usually run 5-15 pounds but can reach over 30. You'll spot them floating on their sides near buoys, channel markers, or floating debris. Look for their distinctive three-lobed tail. Tripletail feed year-round but are most active in warmer months. Anglers love targeting them because they're relatively easy to spot, put up a good fight, and taste great. To catch one, ease up quietly and pitch a live shrimp or small crab on light tackle. Let it drift naturally past the fish. Be ready - when a tripletail decides to eat, it happens fast. One local trick: if you spook one, circle back in 15 minutes. They often return to the same spot.

Tripletail

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 serious fishing action in Charlotte Harbor? Captain Cody's got you covered with this 6-hour charter that'll take you from the bay to offshore waters. You'll be targeting mahi mahi, sailfish, and grouper – a trio of awesome catches that'll keep you on your toes. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this trip is perfect for honing your skills. The captain provides all the gear, bait, and licenses, so all you need to worry about is bringing some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up. With room for 3 guests, it's a great option for a small group or family outing. Captain Cody's expertise means you'll get plenty of hands-on guidance to improve your technique and boost your chances of landing that big one. And when you do make a catch, he'll even clean it up for you. It's a full-service fishing experience that maximizes your time on the water and your opportunities for success.
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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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