Rock Island Charters invites you to team up with Captain Francisco Garcia for some awesome fishing in Florida’s beautiful Nature Coast. He’s very passionate about what he does, and his enthusiasm can be quite contagious. Doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced veteran or someone just getting started, you’ll be hooked all the same.

You’ll be doing all the fishing from a 22’ Xpress performance fishing boat that’s powered by a single 175 HP Yamaha engine. This is an agile vessel that is just perfect for braving these inshore waters. Thanks to a GPS unit and fishfinder, you’ll stay on the fish at all times, and there’s also a livewell on board for bait storage.

If you’re new to the world of fishing, Capt. Francisco will be more than happy to show you one of the best methods for catching Redfish - dead sticking. You just put some cut bait on a hook without any weights and just let it sit on the water. More experienced anglers can make use of the artificial lures that will be provided, so feel free to pick your favorite method for the job.

Other than Redfish, these waters are also home to the likes of Black Drum, Spotted Seatrout, Snook, and more besides. Looking for something other than fishing? Sign up for a fun scalloping trip then!

Capt. Francisco will make sure you have all the necessary fishing gear for the job, and will also clean and fillet your catch after the trip. Complimentary light snacks and water can be found on board, but do bring your own if you’re so inclined. The only thing missing here is you, so come on aboard!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip (Fri, Sat, Sun)
    US $450
    This trip usually involves shallow-water dead sticking for slot Redfish and jigging for Speckled Seatrout on the pristine grass flats.
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FAQs about Rock Island Charters

Rock Island Charters offers the following trip to customers:
  • US $450 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (4 hours)

When you book a trip with Rock Island Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well

Trips booked with Rock Island Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Snacks (Beef Jerky)
  • Drinks (Dozen Bottled Waters)
  • Fishing License

Rock Island Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

Rock Island Charters offers the following fishing technique:
  • Light Tackle

Top targeted fish species with Rock Island Charters include:
  • Black Drum
  • Cobia
  • Redfish
  • Snook
  • Spotted Seatrout

Meet the Captain

Francisco Garcia
Spring Hill, Florida, United States
ID & license verified
18 Customer reviews
Response time 5 hours
Member since April 2018
Captain Francisco Garcia has been fishing the area for over 25 years. His father got him into fishing when he was young, and he hasn't looked back since. He loves nothing more than to put people on fish and see them get their personal bests. He's a big fan of Redfish, having caught a huge 36" one during an especially lucky day.

About this listing

Targeted species

Black Drum Black Drum
Cobia Cobia
Redfish Redfish
Snook Snook

Boat specs

Xpress (Center console) originally built in 2016. Powered by a 175HP Yamaha VMax SHO engine.

Length
22 ft
Capacity
4 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Snacks
Beef Jerky
Drinks
Dozen Bottled Waters
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 18 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (23)
Great day!
September fishing trip
September fishing trip
+20
Angler rating
17
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
88%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
92%
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Showing:
5 of 18 reviews
Charles S.
Spring Hill, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing trip with Capt. Francisco Garcia

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip on July 15, 2023
The half day fishing trip with my grandson was a birthday gift from my wife I will cherish forever. We caught a lot of fish...
Charles S. recommends Rock Island Charters
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  Francisco Garcia Captain replied

Kelly O.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip on March 15, 2024
My Dad and son had a fantastic day! We hope to book another trip next time we are in Florida.
Kelly O. recommends Rock Island Charters
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Kelly O. recommends Rock Island Charters
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Nicholas A.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

September fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip on September 8, 2023
Nicholas A. recommends Rock Island Charters
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  Francisco Garcia Captain replied

Daniel H.
East Lansing, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day with Capt. Chico

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip on December 30, 2022
Had a good day on the water with captain Chico! Conditions were really tough as we were fishing following the coldest weather...
Daniel H. recommends Rock Island Charters
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  Francisco Garcia Captain replied

Clay R.
Cary, NC
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip with Captain Francisco Garcia

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip on November 5, 2022
We had an absolute blast with Captain Francisco! Took our reservation last minute, put us on fish right away, and I had just...
Clay R. recommends Rock Island Charters
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  Francisco Garcia Captain replied