Fred Gowdy Charters
Fred Gowdy Charters
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.
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (682)
What anglers say
All reviews (321)
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!
Thanks guys....hope to fish with you again!!! 😃
This was a great experience for everyone! Ultimately, I was looking for a good experience for my two boys (9 and 12). Fred was awesome with my boys, taking time to help and explain as he was also trying to catch us fish. We caught a little of everything, from snapper to catfish and even sharks! This was a great trip and cant say enough how enjoyable Fred was. Will be back the next time we are in the area!
You guys were alot of fun...looking forward to fishing with you guys again!
My 13yo son and I had a really great trip on this charter with Fred! He is extremely knowledgeable about fishing, and how to adjust to the dynamics of fishing in Bonita Springs. Furthermore, he really enjoys teaching people how to fish and catch. We learned a lot from fishing from him and hope to be back sometime soon.
Thanks for the great review...what a great mangrove snapper!!!
Fred went beyond our expectations to make the trip what we wanted. He was very helpful and attentive with the kids.
Nice to fish with you guys!!!
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.👍🏻
Hope to fish with you again!!!
FAQs about Fred Gowdy Charters
- US $300 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 2 hour backwater am (2 hours)
- US $300 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 2 hour backwater pm (2 hours)
- US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) (4 hours)
- US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Backwater (PM) (4 hours)
- US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Peacock Bass & Snook (4 hours)
- US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Backwater (6 hours)
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Live bait well
- Wireless trolling motor
- Ice box
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Live bait (Live bait is included in the price. If the opportunity arises we may get some while trip is underway. )
- Lures
- Catch cleaning & filleting (Will filet any fish back at dock if we decide to keep any.)
- Fishing license (Freshwater license required for peacock bass. )
- River fishing (Freshwater trips are in the Golden Gate canals.)
- Inshore fishing
- Nearshore fishing
- Reef fishing
- Wreck fishing
- Flats fishing
- Backcountry fishing
- Light tackle
- Heavy tackle
- Bottom fishing
- Barracuda (Great)
- Bass (Peacock)
- Cobia
- Grouper (Gag)
- Jack Crevalle
- Redfish
- Shark (Blacktip)
- Snapper (Mangrove)
- Snook
- Tarpon
- Tripletail
Your captain
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
Captain Fred Gowdy has been fishing for over 25 years. He decided to change this love of fishing into his occupation. He can't wait to show you the waters and hope you will have a great time out there with him. He knows where the fish are and have your lines in the water in no time!
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
Captain Fred Gowdy has been fishing for over 25 years. He decided to change this love of fishing into his occupation. He can't wait to show you the waters and hope you will have a great time out there with him. He knows where the fish are and have your lines in the water in no time!
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Which fishing techniques you can try
Which amenities are available onboard
How cancellations work
Free cancellation up to 1 day prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 1 day 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.
What the listing policies are
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
How you can pay
Pay online in full
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
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
Checks
What’s biting in Bonita Springs right now
Barracuda (Great)
Cobia
Grouper (Gag)
Jack Crevalle
Redfish
Snapper (Mangrove)
Snook
Tarpon
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