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.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM)
    In demand! Last booked: 1 day ago
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $425
    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)
    In demand! Last booked: 6 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    US $425
    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
    US $425
    On this shorter trip you will target Snook, and Butterfly Peacock Bass. You will use artificial plugs. Anglers will need to purchase a freshwater fishing license for this trip.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Nearshore
    FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $525
    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
    US $625
    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:
  • US $425 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $425 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Backwater (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $425 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Peacock Bass & Snook (4 hours)
  • US $525 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip – Nearshore (4 hours)
  • US $625 per group, additional US $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 (Freshwater license required for peacock bass. )

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
72 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
263 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
Freshwater license required for peacock bass.

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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Recent fishing reports

Peacock Bass heating up!!!
Peacock Bass heating up!!!
March 2, 2024
Using shiners and topwater plugs...pretty soon the jig woll get them on the beds!!!
Continue reading

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 259 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (560)
Fred Boat Trip
Good charter trip.
Good charter trip.
+557
Angler rating
229
24
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 259 reviews
Scott S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Due to weather didn't expect much.

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) on January 30, 2024
The weather was as cold as it gets in S Florida yet Cap Fred Gowdy had us on Fish most of the day. We didn’t expect much...
Scott S. recommends Fred Gowdy Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Scott S. recommends Fred Gowdy Charters
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

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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Nicholas M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fred Boat Trip

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) on March 20, 2024
Fred was a great boat captain. He was super friendly to me, my 8 year old son and my uncle, taking us around to several spots...
Nicholas M. recommends Fred Gowdy Charters
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Chris C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Nice guys finish first

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip – Backwater (PM) on February 8, 2024
Captain Goudey is what you’re looking for in a guide. Personable, knowledgeable, and somebody you actually enjoy spending...
Chris C. 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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