Whether you want to do some hardcore fishing for the Silver King, or have the kids shelling on North Captiva and Cayo Costa, Southwest Florida Charters has got you covered.

The experienced anglers can try their hand at Tarpon fishing. When Tarpon are hooked they fight hard, with over 63% breaking free. This makes them a great fish to show off your fishing skills. You’ll have special robust rods provided for you, to give you the best chance of reeling in these beauties.

For people new to fishing, the backwater 4-hour trips are great for experiencing the full breadth of what is on offer in these waters. You will target various species, including Shark, Snook, Trout, Sheepshead, Redfish, and many more. Whatever the time of year there will be something great to fish here. Location and species will change depending on the season, but Captain Michal will have your lines in the water and hooking fish in no time.

You will fish aboard a 24’ Pro-Line boat, restored in 2012. She has 200 HP Yamaha engine and a maximum cruising speed of 35 knots. Whichever location Capt. Michal takes you to, you’ll be hooking the fish fast. His Simrad Sidescan fishfinder will get you on top of the fish in even the most hidden places.

You will be fishing like a pro soon enough – the rods are custom handmade and the reels are all Shimano Saragosas. Using top of the line gear makes a huge difference when you are fishing. More experienced anglers can bring their own equipment too if they wish.

Whichever species you choose to target, Capt. Michal is happy to fillet it for you. All you need to do is choose which trip you would like, grab your snacks, and decide how you will cook your catch!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Apr 30
    $600
    This trip is the most popular for its diversity. It is best suited for the groups looking for the all around Southwest Florida Fishing experience. You will target Snook, Redfish, Trout, Sheepshead, Sharks, and many more. Time of year will dictate where and what you fish specifically, but there's always a line in the water ready to go! Bring a friend or the kids. All are welcome. Talk to the captain beforehand if you wish to target a specific species.
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Backwater (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Apr 30
    $600
    This trip is great for people who want their lines in the water and are happy to target many species. You'll catch Redfish, Snook, Trout, Sheepshead, Sharks and more. Depending on the time of year will change the location and species targeted, but there is always something to hook. Great for groups looking for the Southwest Florida Fishing experience. Bring a friend or the kids. All are welcome.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour – Fishing/Shelling Combo
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $900
    This fishing, shelling, and lunch combo trip has become a staple in the area! Take a trip to some of the best shelling beaches in Southwest Florida, do some fishing along the way, and visit a local restaurant on the water. Each trip is customized to the individual after booking, making it a great option for families. Some groups just want to fish whereas others want to spend more time on the beach. It’s completely up to you. Bagged lunches are welcome.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $900
    This is best suited for the groups who think a 4-hour fishing trip isn't enough fishing time! You will target Snook, Redfish, Trout, Sheepshead, Sharks, and many more. Time of year will dictate where and what you fish specifically, but there's always a line in the water ready to go! Bring a friend and the kids. All are welcome. Talk to the captain beforehand if you wish to target a specific species.
  • Private trip
    Tarpon Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Jul 10
    $1,050
    This is an adventure tailored to Tarpon hunters! The captain will provide some of the heaviest rods along with the best bait to handle the fish. Tarpon fishing is intense; expect to travel miles to find the best areas and pursue the "Silver King". The captain recommends older kids and adults; however all are welcomed. Just be prepared! Talk to the captain beforehand for more information.
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FAQs about Southwest Florida Charters

Southwest Florida Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • $600 per group, additional $100 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) (4 hours)
  • $600 per group, additional $100 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Backwater (PM) (4 hours)
  • $900 per group, additional $100 per person after 4 guests - 6 Hour – Fishing/Shelling Combo (6 hours)
  • $900 per group, additional $100 per person after 4 guests - 6 Hour Trip (6 hours)
  • $1,050 per group, additional $100 per person after 3 guests - Tarpon Trip (6 hours)

When you book a trip with Southwest Florida Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS Simrad
  • Fishfinder Simrad Sidescan
  • Live Bait Well
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Southwest Florida Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Dan James rods and reels are Shimano Saragosa's)
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks (Water)
  • Fishing License

Southwest Florida Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing (Up to 9 miles out)
  • Wreck Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

Southwest Florida Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Drift Fishing
  • Handline

Top targeted fish species with Southwest Florida Charters include:
  • Cobia
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Shark (Bull)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Spotted Seatrout
  • Tarpon

Meet the Captain

Michal Zeleny
Fort Myers, Florida, United States
ID & License verified
64 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since May 2018
I grew up in the Fort Myers, Sanibel area. After completing my undergraduate degree at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh I decided to come back to Fort Myers and start my career on the water. I am thrilled to now be able to share my experiences and knowledge with my customers. It's never a dull moment out on the water!

About this listing

Targeted species

Cobia Cobia
Grouper (Gag) Gag Grouper
Grouper (Goliath) Goliath Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish) King Mackerel (Kingfish)

Boat specs

Pro-Line (Center console) originally built in 1977, and restored in 2012. Powered by a 200HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 35 knots.

Length
24 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Up to 9 miles out
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Popping
Drift Fishing
Handline

Amenities

GPS
Simrad
Fishfinder
Simrad Sidescan
Live Bait Well
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Dan James rods and reels are Shimano Saragosa's
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Water
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 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 not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
No min. age, life jackets supplied
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
Disabled Accessible

Payment

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

Fort Myers Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating Summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 64 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (64)
April fishing trip
Double trouble
April fishing trip
+61
Angler Rating
58
3
1
1
0
Anglers Claimed
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
95%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Catch intended fish
94%
Sort By:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 64 reviews
Hal A.
New York, NY
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Michal

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip on August 17, 2023
Mike is affable and knowledgeable in all areas. He is fully committed to his folks having the best experience. After that its...
Hal A. recommends Southwest Florida Charters
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Hal A. recommends Southwest Florida Charters
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Jesse H.
Brooklyn Park, MN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

April fishing trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) on April 4, 2023
Jesse H. recommends Southwest Florida Charters
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Jesse H. recommends Southwest Florida Charters
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Robert B.
Cape Coral, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Michal

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) on March 16, 2023
Robert B. recommends Southwest Florida Charters
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Robert B. recommends Southwest Florida Charters
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Carla C.
Westchester, IL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Family of 4 Day Trip with Captain Michael

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip – Backwater (PM) on April 4, 2022
Great experience! Caught several Spotted Sea Trouts, a Cobia and finished the day with a Hammerhead Shark! Captain Michael...
Carla C. recommends Southwest Florida Charters
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Carla C. recommends Southwest Florida Charters
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Brian M.
Yarmouth, ME
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome Trip with Captain Mike!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip – Backwater (PM) on April 18, 2022
My family and I did a half day trip with Capt. Mike and it was the highlight of our week in Florida.  Mike knows the waters...
Brian M. recommends Southwest Florida Charters
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Brian M. recommends Southwest Florida Charters
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