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.
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (696)
What anglers say
Reviews (324)
Marty Boykin5.0VerifiedFantastic trip!
4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) on August 8, 2026 • 2 adultsWhat a fantastic freshwater experience! My husband is an experienced fisherman and I have fished on occasion. Captain Fred easily accommodated both of us. We went to several sweet spots and caught red fish, snapper, trout, lady fish and catfish. The 4-hr trip went by quickly. Captain Fred filleted our red fish and snapper and recommended Fish House to cook it for us. We had it blackened, jerk and fried. It’s the best food we’ve had on our trip! This was an excellent charter and one that we would both HIGHLY RECOMMEND! We had a great time! Thank you, Captain Fred!!
Jennifer O'brien5.0VerifiedFabulous trip!
4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) on March 2, 2026 • 2 adultsI 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!
Zachary ParkerRepeat angler5.0VerifiedGreat day great captain
4 Hour Trip – Peacock Bass & Snook on May 8, 2026 • 2 adultsCaptain Fred was great. He put us on the fish we caught lots of snook, snapper and even a red fish. He worked hard to put us on the fish and we would recommend him to anyone looking for a fun time on the water
Luke Peterson5.0VerifiedOn Fish!
2 hour backwater am on June 4, 2026 • 2 adultswill do again! great dude and we boxed the fish we are eating for dinner! thanks!
James Kuhns5.0VerifiedAwesome time
2 hour backwater am on August 21, 2026 • 2 adultsGreat Captain and experience. 10/10 recommend
John Cooksey5.0VerifiedGREAT time!!!!!
2 hour backwater am on July 15, 2026 • 2 adultsHighly recommend Fred…Knowledgeable, laid back, FUN!!!! Great trip!!!!
Amanda Redman5.0Verifiedgreat fishing trip
2 hour backwater am on July 7, 2026 • 2 adultsCaptain Fred was very kind and professional and very knowledgeable
Mike Mike4.7VerifiedNice fishing trip
2 hour backwater am on July 6, 2026 • 2 adultsCaptain Fred was very nice and accommodating. Wished we would have caught bigger fish like we did last time with him but we did catch many different kinds.
Todd Strader5.0VerifiedSouthwest Florida Peacock Bass
4 Hour Trip – Peacock Bass & Snook on October 21, 2025 • 2 adultsIf you dream of catching peacock bass Fred is your guide. The scenery is a little rough but that’s where the fish live in the neighborhood canals of east Naples. Fred is a great captain and fun to fish with.
Elizabeth Massé5.0VerifiedGreat fishing
2 hour backwater pm on August 15, 2026 • 2 adultsEasy and efficient
Rating
Anglers' gallery (696)
What anglers say
All reviews (324)
What a fantastic freshwater experience! My husband is an experienced fisherman and I have fished on occasion. Captain Fred easily accommodated both of us. We went to several sweet spots and caught red fish, snapper, trout, lady fish and catfish. The 4-hr trip went by quickly. Captain Fred filleted our red fish and snapper and recommended Fish House to cook it for us. We had it blackened, jerk and fried. It’s the best food we’ve had on our trip! This was an excellent charter and one that we would both HIGHLY RECOMMEND! We had a great time! Thank you, Captain Fred!!
Thanks for the great review...the fish looks delicious!!!
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!!!
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!!!
