Eight Ways To Fish

Choose your water, choose your day.

Bay (inshore) trips fish the back bays, mangroves, and grass flats. Gulf (nearshore) trips run out to the reefs and ledges within nine miles of the beach. All trips are private — your party only — and capped at six passengers.

Catch on a half-day bay fishing charter in Sarasota Most Popular

Half-Day Bay

4 Hours · Inshore · AM or PM

Grass flats, mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and docks. Snook, redfish, speckled trout, and snapper. The perfect family or first-timer trip.

Sheepshead caught on a half-day Gulf charter

Half-Day Gulf

4 Hours · Nearshore · AM or PM

Run straight out to the nearshore reefs and ledges. Snapper, grouper, sheepshead, hogfish, mackerel, and other pelagic species.

Snook caught on a 3/4-day bay charter

3/4-Day Bay

6 Hours · Inshore

Six hours to work multiple tides and cover more water. Snook, redfish, big trout, and bonus species when they show up.

Gag grouper from a 3/4-day Gulf charter

3/4-Day Gulf

6 Hours · Nearshore

Hit multiple spots without hurrying. Snapper, sheepshead, kingfish, grouper, and other Gulf species (in season).

Trophy grouper from a full-day bay and Gulf combo charter Best Variety

Full-Day Combo

8 Hours · Bay + Gulf

The whole story. Start in the bay for snook and redfish, then run out the pass for snapper, grouper, and whatever else is biting on the reefs. Two fisheries, one big day.

Trophy fish on a Reel Smart Charters bucket list trip Bucket List

Bucket List Trip

6 Hours · Pick Your Target

Six hours dialed in on one trophy species — pick from tarpon, shark, or goliath grouper. Specialized gear, specialized spots, one unforgettable hookup.

Solo angler with an inshore catch Solo

Single Angler

4 Hours · Inshore Only

Going alone? Built for the solo angler — four hours in the bay at a price that doesn't punish you for fishing without a crew.

Sunset cruise on the Gulf with Reel Smart Charters Date Night

Sunset Cruise

3 Hours · Gulf Only · Evening

Three hours on the Gulf as the sun sets. Light tackle for whatever's biting, or skip the rods entirely and just watch the sky light up. Bring drinks, bring a date, bring the family.

Every trip includes: Florida fishing license, all bait and tackle, ice and bottled water, catch cleaning at the dock on request, and a captain who knows where the fish actually are. We never go offshore — all Gulf trips stay within nine miles of the beach.

No Surprises

What's included. What to bring.

✓ We Provide

  • Florida saltwater fishing license
  • All bait — live, frozen, or artificial as needed
  • All rods, reels, and terminal tackle
  • Cooler, ice, and bottled water
  • Full safety gear on board
  • Catch cleaning at the dock (upon request)
  • Photos of your catch

📋 Bring With You

  • Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Hat & light long-sleeve shirt
  • Snacks / lunch (longer trips)
  • Beverages of choice (BYOB welcome)
  • Camera or phone (Cap Jon takes photos too)

Gratuity: A 25% gratuity is automatically added to all trips with five or more passengers. For smaller groups, a tip of around 20% of the trip price is the standard for the charter fishing industry.

The Fine Print

Booking & weather policies.

Deposit & Payment

A 50% deposit secures your date. Balance is paid the day of the trip — cash or credit card.

Cancellation

Cancel 48+ hours out 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.

Weather

Captain's call. If it's not safe to go, we'll reschedule at no charge or refund your deposit in full. We don't fish through lightning or small-craft advisories.

Group Size

Trips are private to your party only — no shared boats. Up to six passengers max; not everyone has to fish.

Kids

Kids are encouraged — Reel Smart Charters is a family-friendly charter and we love teaching the next generation to fish. Kids 6 and under are required to wear a life vest at all times on the boat.

Pick a date. We'll handle the rest.

Half-day, combo, or full-day — your call. Book online or shoot us a text.

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