Discover the pristine waters off Florida’s west coast with Gulfcart Charters. Sett off from Bradenton or Coquina Beach, and the Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Island, and Gulf of Mexico will be your oysters. Offering inshore and nearshore fishing opportunities, Captain Eric Chaignet provides a personal service on each trip. An avid angler since childhood, he’s run charters since 2014, and loves showing customers the rich fishery of this corner of Florida.

The 23’ Dorado bay boat is a suitable vessel for all fishing. A light boat, she can peruse the shallow inshore waters and speed off to the nearshore reefs. She only needs one 250 HP Yamaha engine to get her up to 40 knots! In the skinny waters, the wireless trolling motor will help you navigate without disturbing the spooky fish around you. All the appropriate fishing gear is taken care of, so all you’ll need to do is bring some drinks and snacks.

Using the latest Penn and Shimano gear, along with live bait (prepared before the trip), you’ll bottom fish the reefs, flats, or backcountry. Inshore, expect to catch some delicious Flounder, Redfish, Mangrove Snappers, while also testing your skills against stubborn Snook and Sharks. Head out to the reefs and see the real beauty of the Gulf’s fishing. Target Snappers and Amberjack, Barracuda and Cobia, and even try handlining for mammoth Goliath Grouper.

Whatever trip you opt for, you’re in for an exciting, productive day. After you return to shore, the captain will prepare and clean your catch so that you can take it home. Everything is taken care of, so just bring yourselves, some snacks, and the appropriate attire – don’t forget the sunscreen and the shades! Come and experience the magnificent fishing that the Gulf has to offer and make everlasting memories with Gulfcart Charters.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Dolphin/ Manatee tour
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    US $300
    Search the local waters around cortez and anna maria island for dolphins, manatees, and more!
  • Private trip
    2 Hour Trip – Family (3PM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Jan 1 - Dec 1 (Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
    US $350
    Get the kiddos fishing – that's the crew's motto! This trip is best for families with kids under or 7 years of age. The departure time may vary slightly.
  • Private trip
    2 Hour Trip – Family Fun (1PM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 12:45 PM
    Seasonal trip Jan 1 - Dec 1 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
    US $350
    Get the kiddos fishing – that's the crew's motto! This trip is best for families with kids under or 7 years of age. The departure time may vary slightly. Departure also possible at 3:00 p.m.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Inshore
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:30 AM
    US $600
    Explore the shallow waters of the Manatee Rivers and the Gulf's inshore bays. Home to a range of tough-fighting and delicious fish, you'll try bottom fishing the flats and backcountry for a range of species. Take Flounder, Redfish, and Mangrove Snapper home to eat, while you can also test your angling skills against the coveted Snook.
    Targeted fish
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Snook
    Snook
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spotted Seatrout
    Spotted Seatrout
    Shark (Blacktip)
    Blacktip Shark
    Flounder
    Flounder
    Sheepshead
    Sheepshead
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Inshore (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    Seasonal trip (Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
    US $600
    Explore the shallow waters of the Manatee Rivers and the Gulf's inshore bays. Home to a range of tough-fighting and delicious fish, you'll try bottom fishing the flats and backcountry for a range of species. Take Flounder, Redfish, and Mangrove Snapper home to eat, while you can also test your angling skills against coveted Snook.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Nearshore
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:30 AM
    US $600
    Head off to the Gulf of Mexico's wealth of nearshore reefs. Target a range of delicious fish, and test your skills against some incredible, tough-fighting game fish. Grouper, Snapper, Hogfish, Cobia, Kingfish, and Shark are just some of the creatures you'll be going after. Try bottom fishing with live bait.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Grouper (Goliath)
    Goliath Grouper
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Snook
    Snook
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Grouper (Gag)
    Gag Grouper
    Snapper (Yellowtail)
    Yellowtail Snapper
    Hogfish
    Hogfish
    Shark (Bull)
    Bull Shark
    Snapper (Lane)
    Lane Snapper
    Grunt
    Grunt
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Nearshore (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    Seasonal trip (Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
    US $600
    Head off to the Gulf of Mexico's wealth of nearshore reefs. Target a range of delicious fish, and test your skills against some incredible, tough-fighting game fish. Grouper, Snapper, Hogfish, Cobia, Kingfish, and Shark are just some of the creatures you'll be going after. Try bottom fishing with live bait.
  • Private trip
    3/4 day inshore (6hour)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:30 AM
    US $800
    Enjoy a fun day fishing the inshore waters surrounding Anna Maria Island and Tamp Bay
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Grouper (Goliath)
    Goliath Grouper
    Snook
    Snook
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Grouper (Gag)
    Gag Grouper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Shark (Blacktip)
    Blacktip Shark
    Tripletail
    Tripletail
    Flounder
    Flounder
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
    Shark (Bonnethead)
    Bonnethead Shark
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:30 AM
    US $800
    Spending 6 hours on the water will give you maximum time to perfect your technique and reel in as many delicious fish as possible. Head out to the Gulf's numerous and plentiful reefs in search of Snappers, Groupers, Hogfish, Cobia, and many more. You'll try bottom fishing with live bait to entice the bite of these incredible fish, and end the day with great memories and a treat to take home.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Grouper (Goliath)
    Goliath Grouper
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Grouper (Gag)
    Gag Grouper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Hogfish
    Hogfish
    Shark (Bull)
    Bull Shark
    Snapper (Lane)
    Lane Snapper
    Grunt
    Grunt
There are 4 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Gulfcart Charters

Gulfcart Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $300 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Dolphin/ Manatee tour (2 hours)
  • US $350 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - 2 Hour Trip – Family (3PM) (2 hours)
  • US $350 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - 2 Hour Trip – Family Fun (1PM) (2 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip – Inshore (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip – Inshore (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip – Nearshore (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip – Nearshore (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $800 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - 3/4 day inshore (6hour) (6 hours)
  • US $800 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - 3/4 Day Trip – Nearshore (6 hours)

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

Trips booked with Gulfcart Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Penn and Shimano)
  • Live Bait (Prepared before the trip)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Fishing License

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

Gulfcart Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Spinning
  • Handline

Top targeted fish species with Gulfcart Charters include:
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Cobia
  • Flounder
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Speckled Trout

Meet the Captain

Eric Chaignet
Cortez, Florida, United States
17 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
110 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since January 2019
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 Eric has been fishing recreationally for over 20 years, deciding to make a profession out of his passion back in 2014. When not running charters, he's often competing in fishing tournaments, and has a few impressive spearfishing titles to his name. He loves to spend as much time on the water as possible and is delighted that running charters allows him to share his passion with others and, hopefully, pass on his skills.
Our Team
Eric C.
Captain

About this listing

Targeted species

Barracuda (Great) Great Barracuda
Cobia Cobia
Flounder Flounder
Grouper (Gag) Gag Grouper

Boat specs

T craft (Bay boat) originally built in 2020. Powered by a 250HP Suzuki engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 40 knots.

Length
24 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

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

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Handline

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Penn and Shimano
Live Bait
Prepared before the trip
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days 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 agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child Friendly
Must be at least 8 years old
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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
Visa
Mastercard
PayPal
Bank Transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

Cortez Fishing Calendar

Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 110 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (122)
Another successful trip!
Another successful trip!
Another successful trip!
+119
Angler rating
99
3
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
93%
Appropriate for children
96%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
98%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 110 reviews
Raymond F.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

What a great day

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip – Inshore on October 30, 2023
One of the best fishing days we had in a long time. Eric put us on the fish early, too many to count of Spanish mackerel and...
Raymond F. recommends Gulfcart Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Raymond F. recommends Gulfcart Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Barbara L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing Excursion

VERIFIED   3/4 day inshore (6hour) on December 26, 2023
Captain Eric is excellent.  Every time we have booked with Captain Eric, he has done everything possible to give us a safe...
Barbara L. recommends Gulfcart Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Eric Chaignet Captain replied

MAURICIO H.
Davenport, FL
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

2 hour short trip

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip – Family Fun (1PM) on May 27, 2023
This was our first family fishing trip, we decided on two hrs just in case.  the goal was for our little one (7 years old)...
MAURICIO H. recommends Gulfcart Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
MAURICIO H. recommends Gulfcart Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Michelle L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Another successful trip!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip – Nearshore on February 21, 2024
This was our second trip with Captain Eric and it was magnificent!  Everyone in our group (ages ranging from 10 to late 40s)...
Michelle L. recommends Gulfcart Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Michelle L. recommends Gulfcart Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Marissa B.
Tampa, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

4 hour Inland trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip – Inshore on June 6, 2023
Captain Eric was fantastic. He knew exactly where to find all the fish and was excellent with accommodating us novice anglers....
Marissa B. recommends Gulfcart Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Marissa B. recommends Gulfcart Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful