Everything You
Wanted to Ask.

Easiest way is the Book a Trip page — you'll fill out date, trip length, and party size, and we'll confirm by phone or email within a few hours. You can also text Captain Jon at (941) 424-7913.

A 50% deposit reserves your date. The remaining balance is paid the day of the trip. We accept cash and all major credit cards.

Cancellation: Cancel 48+ hours before your trip and your deposit is refunded in full. Inside of 48 hours, you forfeit 50% of the trip price. No-call / no-show: full trip price is owed.

Gratuity: A 25% gratuity is automatically added to all trips with five or six passengers. For smaller groups, gratuity is not included in the trip price — a tip of around 20% of the trip price is the standard for the charter fishing industry.

Reel Smart Charters operates out of public marinas in the Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice area. Once you book, we'll send detailed driving directions and parking instructions. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to load the boat.

Staying on the water with a dock? Ask about dock pickup when booking — we may be able to come to you.

Most trips start at 8:00 AM. Afternoon and evening trips are also available. We'll confirm your exact start time when you book.

Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred), polarized sunglasses, a hat, and a light long-sleeve shirt. Bring snacks and your own drinks — BYOB is welcome. A waterproof phone bag is smart if you want photos. We provide everything else.

Glass containers (cans only), illegal substances, and any pets without prior arrangement. Excessive drinking is also a no-go — a couple drinks is fine; we want to bring everyone home safely.

Inshore trips are in protected back-bay water and seasickness is rare. Nearshore trips can occasionally roll a bit — if you're prone, take Bonine the night before AND morning of (Dramamine works too). Eat a light breakfast, stay hydrated, and watch the horizon.

Inshore (bay, flats, mangroves): snook, redfish, speckled trout, mangrove snapper, sheepshead, jack crevalle, ladyfish, and tarpon during the spring/summer migration.

Nearshore (reefs and ledges within 9 miles): mangrove snapper, gag and red grouper (in season), Spanish and king mackerel, cobia, triggerfish, sheepshead, and the occasional shark.

Captain Jon picks the trip plan based on what's biting that week — seasons, water temp, and tide stage all factor in.

Honestly? There's no bad time. Spring is tarpon and snook. Summer is snapper and redfish. Fall is the kingfish and cobia run plus thick redfish schools. Winter brings sheepshead and trophy trout. There's always something biting.

No — Reel Smart focuses on inshore and nearshore only. We stay within nine nautical miles of the beach, where the fishing is excellent and the rides are short. If you want to go offshore (50+ miles for grouper/snapper), we can refer you to a captain we trust.

Yes, within Florida FWC regulations. Many species have slot limits (size minimums and maximums), bag limits (number per person per day), and seasonal closures. Captain Jon knows the current rules cold — he'll let you know what's a keeper. Catch and release is encouraged on trophy or protected fish.

Yes. Catch cleaning at the dock is included on request — just let him know during the trip. He'll fillet your keepers, bag them, and ice them down for the ride home. Tips for cleaning are always appreciated.

No — your Florida saltwater fishing license is included for everyone aboard, covered by the captain's vessel license. One less thing to worry about.

Up to six passengers per trip. Every charter is private to your group only — we don't combine parties. Not everyone has to fish; passengers who just want to come along are welcome.

Absolutely — kids are encouraged. Reel Smart Charters is a family-friendly charter, and we love teaching the next generation to fish. Captain Jon is patient, knows how to keep young anglers engaged, and has a knack for finding fish the kids can actually fight.

Yes. Kids 6 and under are required to wear a life vest at all times on the boat — whether the boat is moving or not. We have properly sized vests on board for every passenger.

More than OK. Probably half our trips are with first-timers, including total beginners who've never held a rod. Captain Jon teaches the fundamentals: how to cast, how to set the hook, how to fight a fish without breaking the line. You'll catch fish.

Captain's call — and Captain Jon's call is always conservative. We don't fish through lightning or small-craft advisories. If we cancel, you can reschedule at no charge or get a full deposit refund. Florida pop-up storms are common; we typically know the night before whether to go.

Reel Smart Charters is fully insured and U.S. Coast Guard licensed. The boat carries all required safety equipment: PFDs for everyone aboard, throwable cushion, fire extinguishers, flare kit, VHF radio, and first aid.