GASPARILLA GUIDE SERVICE
Fish Boca Grande with local guides who grew up on these waters. We offer inshore and nearshore fishing charters built on real knowledge, local tradition, and time spent on the water.
GASPARILLA GUIDE SERVICE
Gasparilla Guide Service provides premier inshore and nearshore fishing charters in the waters surrounding Boca Grande, Florida. Our trips are led by native guides who grew up fishing these waters and know them through real experience, not guesswork.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or stepping onto a fishing boat for the first time, our charters are designed to be relaxed, productive, and authentic to the Boca Grande fishing tradition. From the quiet back bays to the powerful currents of Boca Grande Pass, every trip is planned around tides, seasons, and fish behavior rather than a rigid schedule.
Tarpon season is the highlight of the year and books quickly, especially during peak tides. Early reservations are strongly recommended.
In addition to fishing charters, we also offer private Boca Grande boat tours and scenic cruises. Sunset cruises, lunch outings, sightseeing trips, and barrier island exploration are perfect for those looking to enjoy the water at a slower pace. Popular destinations include Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, and Useppa Island, local favorites for a laid-back day on the water.
Trips & Rates
Traditional Boca Grande Pass Tarpon
Boca Grande is known worldwide as the Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World—and for good reason. Hooking a Silver King in Boca Grande Pass is a true rite of passage. Traditional pass fishing is the method that built this fishery’s legendary reputation and remains one of the most exciting ways to target tarpon.
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Half Tide (3 hours): $850
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Full Tide (5 hours): $1,000
Tarpon (Beach & Harbor)
These trips focus on targeting tarpon along the beaches, inside the harbor, and near local passes. Depending on conditions, anglers may sight-cast to cruising fish or intercept moving schools. This style of fishing is highly visual and changes daily with tides, weather, and fish movement.
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4 hours: $800
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8 hours: $1,600
Back Bay
Back bay fishing offers excellent year-round opportunities for Snook, Redfish, and Trout. These trips explore shallow grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and island edges throughout Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound, making them ideal for anglers of all experience levels
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4 hours: $500
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6 hours: $650
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8 hours: $900
Nearshore
Our nearshore fishing charters run just off the beach to productive waters that include natural and artificial reefs, rock piles, wrecks, and deep channels. These trips are perfect for targeting a variety of seasonal species while staying close to shore.
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6 hours: $750
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8 hours: $1,000
Sunset, Sightseeing & Lunch Cruises
Looking for something other than fishing? We also offer private Boca Grande boat tours and cruises, perfect for families, couples, or small groups. Enjoy sunset views, island sightseeing, or a relaxed lunch cruise on the water.
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3 hours: $300
Our Fleet
“If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.”
At Gasparilla Guide Service, we believe in using the right boat for the job. Each vessel in our fleet is purpose-built to match the type of fishing we’re doing that day, ensuring the best possible experience on the water.
24-foot Morgan Inboard
Miss Chris is a 24-foot Morgan inboard, rigged in the traditional style used for Boca Grande Pass tarpon fishing. She is stable, dependable, and built to handle strong tides the way local anglers have done for generations.
This is the boat for authentic Boca Grande Pass tarpon fishing.
22-foot Custom-Built Fishing Boat
Ole’ Blue is a 22-foot custom-built fishing machine powered by a reliable 200 HP Suzuki four-stroke. She is equipped with modern electronics, livewells, and ample space for a full day on the water.
Ideal for tarpon, nearshore, and inshore fishing.
Shallow-Draft Flats Boat
The Lake & Bay Palm Beach is a shallow-draft flats boat designed to run skinny water with ease. Featuring multiple livewells, a poling platform, spacious casting decks, and modern electronics, she is perfectly suited for back bay and flats fishing throughout Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every trip is fully equipped for a safe and productive day on the water. Your charter includes:
- Cold bottled water
- Rods, reels, and all necessary tackle
- Live bait and ice
- Florida fishing licenses
- Fish cleaning and bagging after the trip
We recommend bringing:
- Sunscreen
- Lunch and snacks
- Drinks of your choice
- Rain gear or long-sleeve SPF shirts
- Swimwear
- Camera or phone for photos
For safety and comfort, please leave the following items behind:
- Hard liquor
- Personal coolers (iced coolers are provided)
- Fishing gear (all equipment is supplied)
- Shoes with black soles
- Glass bottles
- Firearms
Our goal is to provide a safe, relaxed, and memorable day on the water. Each trip is tailored to your experience level and goals, whether you fish often or it’s your first time holding a rod.
You can expect a clean, well-maintained boat, quality tackle, and professional guidance throughout the trip. We handle licenses, bait, and setup so you can focus on fishing and enjoying the water.
Departure and return times are often dictated by tides and weather. Safety always comes first, and every charter is run with respect for the conditions and the fishery.
• Our policy is all charters are booked with a 50% deposit
• If you need to change or reschedule your trip, give us a call or email, we will work with you to accommodate your schedule.
• If you cancel within 7 days of your trip, your deposit is forfeited
• Charters that are canceled within 24 hours will lose the full price of the trip
• Bad weather days are at the captain’s discretion. Usually winds that are over 15 knots will be canceled. We will work to reschedule your trip, if we can’t, deposits will be refunded in-full.
What Our Guests Are Saying
Real experiences from anglers, families, and visitors who’ve spent time on the water with Gasparilla Guide Service.
