Captain Jon, owner of Reel Smart Charters in Sarasota Florida
"Every tide tells you something different. The trick is learning to hear what the bay is saying."
The Story

25+ years on these waters.

Captain Jon wasn't born in Florida — but he's called it home for over twenty-five years, and these waters have been his classroom every one of them. He cut his teeth wading the flats and running other people's boats up and down the coast, and earned his USCG license before opening his own program — Reel Smart Charters.

He doesn't run "tourist trips." Every charter is built around your day — your pace, your skill level, your goals. First-timer? He'll get you bending a rod within the first hour. Tournament angler? He'll put you on the structure that actually holds fish that week.

Reel Smart is built around the people who book it. No upsells, no surprises — just a captain who has spent his life learning these waters and wants to show them to you.

The Reel Smart Way

How we run a charter.

1

Your Day, Your Way

Want to chase tarpon all morning? Done. Want the kids to feel rods bend on snapper? Easy. Every trip is custom — we plan it together over a quick phone call or text before your trip.

2

Local Knowledge, Free

You don't pay extra for the spots. Every honey hole and every pattern Jon has learned on these waters — it's all on the table when you book.

3

Conservation First

Reel Smart works alongside Florida FWC biologists to help protect and respect the local wildlife. We follow the seasons and help keep the fishery healthy for the next generation.

The Boat & Gear

Built for these waters.

A shallow-running bay boat with the electronics, livewell, and tackle to fish hard from the back of the bay to the nearshore reefs.

Reel Smart Charters bay boat
  • ⚓ The Boat Center-console bay boat with shallow draft and a smooth ride — comfortable for up to six passengers, with a shaded console for breaks from the sun.
  • 🎣 Rods & Reels Premium spinning and conventional setups matched to the species. Light tackle for inshore, heavier gear for nearshore reefs.
  • 🪱 Bait, Tackle, License Live shrimp, pinfish, threadfins, scaled sardines — whatever the fish are eating that week. Florida fishing license is included on every charter.
  • 🧊 Ice, Water, Cooler Bottled water and a cooler full of ice for your catch. Bring your own snacks and a cold beer if that's your thing.
  • 🛟 Safety Reel Smart Charters is fully insured and U.S. Coast Guard licensed, with full safety gear on board and a captain with sharp weather-watching habits.

Want to fish with Reel Smart Charters?

Pick a date. We'll talk through what you want to catch, then put you on it.

Book Your Trip →