Fred Gowdy Charters 

4.8/5 (311 reviews)
Recent reports
 
State licensed
 Imperial river boat ramp S Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 27551, United States

Fred Gowdy Charters 

Up to 9 miles
Bonita Springs, FL, United States
20 ft
3
4.8/5 (311 reviews)

If you want to fish all year round for a variety of species in a variety of places, then Fred Gowdy Charters is for you. Captain Fred Gowdy has over 15 years of experience, and runs trips both nearshore and inshore.

You will spend your day on a 2015 20' Carolina Skiff JVX. These beauties are known for their quality and style, and can comfortably fit 3 anglers. So grab your friends, partner, or even kids over 7 years old.

The 90 HP engine will have you on the fish in no time. Coupled with the fishfinder and Capt. Fred's extensive knowledge of the area, you'll have your lines in the water and hooking your target fish before you know it.

Each trip heads out to different fisheries, so your target species will vary. Capt. Fred knows where to go to fish for Cobia, Redfish, Mangrove Snapper, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, Bass, Great Barracuda, Blacktip Shark, and many more. Just choose your species and the trip to match.

Even Tarpon can be caught year round here. These 'Silver Kings' break the line in over 60% of cases. This is a great opportunity to test your skills and see who will end up on top – you or the Tarpon!

Capt. Fred is happy to catch live bait before the trip, or to wait for customers to catch it together. Whether you want the extra time fishing, or the added experience of catching your own live bait, just let Capt. Fred know before the trip. For some species that only need shrimp as their bait, it will be unnecessary to catch any more during the day.

For those with more experience, you are welcome to bring your own fly fishing equipment. For everyone else, the standard light tackle is all included. You don't need to worry about your rods, reels, lures, or live bait – Capt. Fred will have everything prepared for you for your fishing adventure.

He can't wait to welcome you on board and looks forward to showing you a great time on the water.

If you want to fish all year round for a variety of species in a variety of places, then Fred Gowdy Charters is for you. Captain Fred Gowdy has over 15 years of experience, and runs trips both nearshore and inshore.

You will spend your day on a 2015 20' Carolina Skiff JVX. These beauties are known for their quality and style, and can comfortably fit 3 anglers. So grab your friends, partner, or even kids over 7 years old.

The 90 HP engine will have you on the fish in no time. Coupled with the fishfinder and Capt. Fred's extensive knowledge of the area, you'll have your lines in the water and hooking your target fish before you know it.

Each trip heads out to different fisheries, so your target species will vary. Capt. Fred knows where to go to fish for Cobia, Redfish, Mangrove Snapper, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, Bass, Great Barracuda, Blacktip Shark, and many more. Just choose your species and the trip to match.

Even Tarpon can be caught year round here. These 'Silver Kings' break the line in over 60% of cases. This is a great opportunity to test your skills and see who will end up on top – you or the Tarpon!

Capt. Fred is happy to catch live bait before the trip, or to wait for customers to catch it together. Whether you want the extra time fishing, or the added experience of catching your own live bait, just let Capt. Fred know before the trip. For some species that only need shrimp as their bait, it will be unnecessary to catch any more during the day.

For those with more experience, you are welcome to bring your own fly fishing equipment. For everyone else, the standard light tackle is all included. You don't need to worry about your rods, reels, lures, or live bait – Capt. Fred will have everything prepared for you for your fishing adventure.

He can't wait to welcome you on board and looks forward to showing you a great time on the water.

Loading...
Loading
Loading
Loading

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

4.8
311 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (660)

What anglers say

96%
Great experience
95%
Family friendly
99%
Friendly captain
98%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
92%
Caught fish

All reviews (311)

Filter
Frequently mentioned
Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...
Showing 15 of 311 reviews
Jennifer O'Brien
Jennifer O'Brien
us
Minnesota, US
Member since 2026
1
5.0
Verified
Fabulous trip!
4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) on March 2, 20262 adults
I booked this trip for my dad (81) and daughter (21) and they both had a terrific time. My dad was impressed with how much effort Captain Fred put into the trip, moving to spots where they had great success catching fish. He is knowledgeable, personal and helpful. My daughter loved the whole experience and both said would book Captain Fred again in a heartbeat. It was definitely a memory-maker! Also, Captain Fred expertly filleted their trout and they took it to The Fish House in Bonita Springs where they were able to have it prepared for lunch! It was delicious! Fabulous trip!
Response from Captain
March 3, 2026
Thanks guys....hope to fish with you again!!! 😃
Lawrence Gibbs
Lawrence Gibbs
us
California, US
Member since 2025
0
5.0
Verified
Easy access, put us right on the fish.
2 hour backwater am on July 30, 20253 adults
Took my 17yoa grandson and his girlfriend who are visiting me from California for a morning fishing trip with Captain Gowdy. Was prompt at the dock, and provided ample guidance and direction for 3 novice fishermen. Put us on the fish in first hole and we had a wonderful time, even in the extreme heat of Florida summers. Would chatter again if the opportunity arises. Teens loved the experience and we all caught fish (snapper), which we ate that afternoon.
Response from Captain
July 30, 2025
Hope to fish with you again!!!
Larry Ruehlen
Larry Ruehlen
us
Michigan, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
Fred had us catching fish within 10 minutes. with us learning the ropes.
2 hour backwater pm on June 9, 20263 adults
We had a great time catching Red Snapper. Fred was patient with our group of inexperienced fishermen and made it fun for my boys.
Response from Captain
June 10, 2026
Hope you enjoyed your fresh mangrove snapper filets...see you next time!!!
Sal Cimbalo
Sal Cimbalo
us
New York, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Fred
4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) on April 29, 20261 adult
mr. Gowdy was a great guide. Took me to various places within Estero Bay. Showing me different fish catching techniques. Caught snook, trout snapper and even a puffer fish. he is very attentive and knowledgeable. I highly recommend his services. Five stars across the board.👍🏻
Reported catch:
Snook
Mangrove Snapper
Speckled Trout
Response from Captain
April 29, 2026
Hope to fish with you again!!!
Luke Peterson
Luke Peterson
us
Illinois, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
On Fish!
2 hour backwater am on June 4, 20262 adults
will do again! great dude and we boxed the fish we are eating for dinner! thanks!
Reported catch:
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Response from Captain
June 4, 2026
Thanks guys...enjoy your fresh mangrove snapper!!!

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
June 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Loading...
Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
2 hour backwater am
2 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Oct 31
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
US $250
Entire boat: 2 people
2 hour backwater pm
2 hour trip starts at 12:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Oct 31
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
US $250
Entire boat: 2 people
4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM)
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
US $450
Entire boat: 2 people
4 Hour Trip – Peacock Bass & Snook
4 hour trip starts at 10:00 AM
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
US $450
Entire boat: 2 people
4 Hour Trip – Backwater (PM)
4 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
US $450
Entire boat: 2 people
6 Hour Trip – Backwater
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
US $650
Entire boat: 2 people
There are 6 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

4.8
311 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (660)

What anglers say

96%
Great experience
95%
Family friendly
99%
Friendly captain
98%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
92%
Caught fish

All reviews (311)

Filter
Frequently mentioned
Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...
Showing 15 of 311 reviews
Jennifer O'Brien
Jennifer O'Brien
us
Minnesota, US
Member since 2026
1
5.0
Verified
Fabulous trip!
4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) on March 2, 20262 adults
I booked this trip for my dad (81) and daughter (21) and they both had a terrific time. My dad was impressed with how much effort Captain Fred put into the trip, moving to spots where they had great success catching fish. He is knowledgeable, personal and helpful. My daughter loved the whole experience and both said would book Captain Fred again in a heartbeat. It was definitely a memory-maker! Also, Captain Fred expertly filleted their trout and they took it to The Fish House in Bonita Springs where they were able to have it prepared for lunch! It was delicious! Fabulous trip!
Response from Captain
March 3, 2026
Thanks guys....hope to fish with you again!!! 😃
Lawrence Gibbs
Lawrence Gibbs
us
California, US
Member since 2025
0
5.0
Verified
Easy access, put us right on the fish.
2 hour backwater am on July 30, 20253 adults
Took my 17yoa grandson and his girlfriend who are visiting me from California for a morning fishing trip with Captain Gowdy. Was prompt at the dock, and provided ample guidance and direction for 3 novice fishermen. Put us on the fish in first hole and we had a wonderful time, even in the extreme heat of Florida summers. Would chatter again if the opportunity arises. Teens loved the experience and we all caught fish (snapper), which we ate that afternoon.
Response from Captain
July 30, 2025
Hope to fish with you again!!!
Larry Ruehlen
Larry Ruehlen
us
Michigan, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
Fred had us catching fish within 10 minutes. with us learning the ropes.
2 hour backwater pm on June 9, 20263 adults
We had a great time catching Red Snapper. Fred was patient with our group of inexperienced fishermen and made it fun for my boys.
Response from Captain
June 10, 2026
Hope you enjoyed your fresh mangrove snapper filets...see you next time!!!
Sal Cimbalo
Sal Cimbalo
us
New York, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Fred
4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) on April 29, 20261 adult
mr. Gowdy was a great guide. Took me to various places within Estero Bay. Showing me different fish catching techniques. Caught snook, trout snapper and even a puffer fish. he is very attentive and knowledgeable. I highly recommend his services. Five stars across the board.👍🏻
Reported catch:
Snook
Mangrove Snapper
Speckled Trout
Response from Captain
April 29, 2026
Hope to fish with you again!!!
Luke Peterson
Luke Peterson
us
Illinois, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
On Fish!
2 hour backwater am on June 4, 20262 adults
will do again! great dude and we boxed the fish we are eating for dinner! thanks!
Reported catch:
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Response from Captain
June 4, 2026
Thanks guys...enjoy your fresh mangrove snapper!!!

FAQs about Fred Gowdy Charters

Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading

The fish you can target

Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
3 persons
Boat length
20 ft
Year built
2015
Boat manufacturer
Carolina Skiff JVX
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 90HP
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading

What’s biting in Bonita Springs right now

Loading

Compare similar fishing charters

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

Recent fishing reports


Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading