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.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM)
    In demand! Last booked: 4 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $395
    This trip will have you using both live bait and artificial bait to target Tarpon, Snook, and Redfish. All live bait and gear are provided for. You need only remember to bring your snacks and water.
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Backwater (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    $395
    You will be using live bait and artificial lures for Snook, Tarpon, and Redfish.
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Peacock Bass & Snook
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 AM
    $395
    On this shorter trip you will target Snook, and Butterfly Peacock Bass. You will use artificial plugs.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Nearshore
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $495
    Hit the close reefs and run crab traps for Tripletail.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – Backwater
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $600
    This trip is great for targeting Snook, Redfish, and even Tarpon. Test your skills against the Silver King! You will use both live bait and artificial lures. Don't forget to bring plenty of water and food along too.
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FAQs about Fred Gowdy Charters

Fred Gowdy Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • $395 per group, additional $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) (4 hours)
  • $395 per group, additional $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Backwater (PM) (4 hours)
  • $395 per group, additional $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Peacock Bass & Snook (4 hours)
  • $495 per group, additional $50 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip – Nearshore (4 hours)
  • $600 per group, additional $50 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Backwater (6 hours)

When you book a trip with Fred Gowdy Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Fred Gowdy Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Fishing License

Fred Gowdy Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • River Fishing
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

Fred Gowdy Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Fred Gowdy Charters include:
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Bass (Peacock)
  • Cobia
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Tarpon
  • Tripletail

Meet the Captain

Fred Gowdy
Bonita Springs, Florida, United States
70 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
252 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since June 2018
Angler's Choice
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 15 years. He recently 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!

About this listing

Targeted species

Barracuda (Great) Great Barracuda
Bass (Peacock) Peacock Bass
Cobia Cobia
Grouper (Gag) Gag Grouper

Boat specs

Carolina Skiff JVX (Skiff) originally built in 2015. Powered by a 90HP Yamaha engine.

Length
20 ft
Capacity
3 persons

Types of fishing

River Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

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.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Min. age 7, life vests provided
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

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

Bonita Springs fishing calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 248 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (542)
Fishing with Fred
N\/a
N\/a
+539
Angler rating
219
23
2
2
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
95%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Caught fish
90%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 248 reviews
John H.
Dahlonega, GA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best Captain in South Florida!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip – Peacock Bass & Snook on April 4, 2023
If you are searching FishingBooker for a guide around Naples, Fort Myers, etc, just stop wasting your time searching and book...
John H. recommends Fred Gowdy Charters
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Stuart E.
Peterborough, United Kingdom
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

4 Hour Trip – Peacock Bass

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip – Peacock Bass & Snook on August 22, 2023
On vacation from the UK, I chose Capt. Gowdy based on reviews on Fishing Booker.  I spoke to Fred pre-trip and we decided...
Stuart E. recommends Fred Gowdy Charters
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Billy K.
Odessa, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day on the water with Capt Fred

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) on September 24, 2023
10/10 will book again with this experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly captain. We enjoyed our trip. He knew some awesome...
Billy K. recommends Fred Gowdy Charters
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  Fred Gowdy Captain replied

Steve B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Peacock Bass Fishing Trip with Capt. Fred with a Bonus!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip – Peacock Bass & Snook on September 19, 2023
The three of us booked the 4 Hour Peacock Bass Trip with Capt. Fred on Sep 19th and had a great time. Captain was very professional...
Steve B. recommends Fred Gowdy Charters
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  Fred Gowdy Captain replied

Jeff T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Experience

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip – Backwater on July 20, 2023
Had a great time. Fred was very professional & new exactly where to go to get fish. Was so fun the fish we caught we actually...
Jeff T. recommends Fred Gowdy Charters
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