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Anchors Away Charters – Inshore/Back Country 

4.8
(3 reviews)
Recent reports
 
State licensed
 15001 Gasparilla Road, Placida, FL 33946, United States–
+341
+338

Anchors Away Charters – Inshore/Back Country 

Placida, FL, United States
–
18 ft
2
4.8
(3 reviews)
Trips & prices
Targeted species
Boat info
What's biting
What's included
Contact captain
Trips & prices
What's included
Targeted species
Boat info
Reviews
Contact captain

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If you're looking for a premier Florida fishing experience, Anchors Away Charters in Placida should be at the top of your list! Operating in the stunning and beautiful waters of Gasparilla Sound and Charlotte Harbor, this charter offers the chance to fish some of the state's most protected and productive inshore grounds. Led by Captain Jeff Watkins, a lifelong fisherman with deep local knowledge, you'll be guided to the best fishing spots for a memorable day out.

Capt. Jeff's passion for fishing started when he was just 4 years old, and his expertise is apparent in his intimate knowledge of the area's fishing hotspots. Whether you're targeting Redfish, Snook, or Spotted Seatrout, Captain Jeff will share valuable tips and techniques to help you reel in your dream catch. The boat you'll be cruising on, an 18' Shallow Sport center console, is perfectly suited for these shallow waters, giving you access to spots that larger boats can't reach. Equipped with top-notch navigational tools, safety equipment, and a wireless trolling motor, it ensures a smooth, stealthy experience.

Your inshore adventure will focus on the waters of Gasparilla Sound and Charlotte Harbor, which are teeming with fish. Depending on the day, conditions, and your skills, you'll use a mix of artificial lures, live bait, and cut bait to attract Redfish, Snook, Spotted Seatrout, and more—each offering exciting rod-bending action. Captain Jeff provides all necessary gear, including rods, reels, tackle, and a fishing license.

One thing to note: while you can catch Redfish and Snook on this charter, they are catch-and-release only to help preserve the fishery. It's all part of Captain Jeff's commitment to sustainable fishing practices.

Looking for something different? Captain Jeff also offers offshore trips (Anchors Away Charters-Offshore) so don't miss the chance to explore the waters further!

If you're looking for a premier Florida fishing experience, Anchors Away Charters in Placida should be at the top of your list! Operating in the stunning and beautiful waters of Gasparilla Sound and Charlotte Harbor, this charter offers the chance to fish some of the state's most protected and productive inshore grounds. Led by Captain Jeff Watkins, a lifelong fisherman with deep local knowledge, you'll be guided to the best fishing spots for a memorable day out.

Capt. Jeff's passion for fishing started when he was just 4 years old, and his expertise is apparent in his intimate knowledge of the area's fishing hotspots. Whether you're targeting Redfish, Snook, or Spotted Seatrout, Captain Jeff will share valuable tips and techniques to help you reel in your dream catch. The boat you'll be cruising on, an 18' Shallow Sport center console, is perfectly suited for these shallow waters, giving you access to spots that larger boats can't reach. Equipped with top-notch navigational tools, safety equipment, and a wireless trolling motor, it ensures a smooth, stealthy experience.

Your inshore adventure will focus on the waters of Gasparilla Sound and Charlotte Harbor, which are teeming with fish. Depending on the day, conditions, and your skills, you'll use a mix of artificial lures, live bait, and cut bait to attract Redfish, Snook, Spotted Seatrout, and more—each offering exciting rod-bending action. Captain Jeff provides all necessary gear, including rods, reels, tackle, and a fishing license.

One thing to note: while you can catch Redfish and Snook on this charter, they are catch-and-release only to help preserve the fishery. It's all part of Captain Jeff's commitment to sustainable fishing practices.

Looking for something different? Captain Jeff also offers offshore trips (Anchors Away Charters-Offshore) so don't miss the chance to explore the waters further!

Jeff Watkins
Captain
Jeff Watkins
31 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour
Popular features
Fishing license
Live bait
You keep catch
Catch cleaning & filleting
Child friendly
Popular features
Fishing license
Live bait
You keep catch
Catch cleaning & filleting
Child friendly

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Backbay
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
+3
US $550
Entire boat: 2 people
5 Hour Trip- Inshore/Backcountry
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Snook
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
Spanish Mackerel
+3
US $650
Entire boat: 2 people
6 Hour Trip – Inshore/Backbay
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
+3
US $750
Entire boat: 2 people
8 Hour Trip – Inshore/Backbay
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
+3
US $950
Entire boat: 2 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.8
3 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.5
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (27)

Reviews (3)

  • Daniel Mulcrone
    Daniel Mulcrone
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Grandson fishing trip

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Backbay on March 19, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 child

    Capt jeff was kind ,knowledgable and helpful! We enjoyed our fishing day and caught great fish even on a windy cold day. Count on him to find fishing holes, we are enjoying our fresh fish he cleaned as I type this review

  • Adam Keeping
    Adam Keeping
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2022
    4.7
    Verified

    April fishing trip

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Backbay on April 19, 2022 • 2 adults

FAQs about Anchors Away Charters – Inshore/Back Country

Anchors Away Charters – Inshore/Back Country offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $550 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Backbay (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group - 5 Hour Trip- Inshore/Backcountry (5 hours)
  • US $750 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Inshore/Backbay (6 hours)
  • US $950 per group - 8 Hour Trip – Inshore/Backbay (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Anchors Away Charters – Inshore/Back Country, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor MinKota
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Anchors Away Charters – Inshore/Back Country include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Shimano/Penn)
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Fishing license
Anchors Away Charters – Inshore/Back Country offers the following types of fishing:
  • River fishing
  • Inshore fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Anchors Away Charters – Inshore/Back Country offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Spinning
  • Popping
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with Anchors Away Charters – Inshore/Back Country include:
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Permit
  • Pompano
  • Redfish
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout

Your captain

Jeff Watkins
Jeff Watkins
Placida, Florida, United States
16 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
37 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since July 2016
Captain Jeff is a top rated Boca Grande fishing guide, he grew up locally and has been fishing the waters of Boca Grande, Charlotte Harbor, Lemon Bay, Pine Island Sound, and The Gulf Of Mexico all his life. Therefore he knows these waters like the back of his hand and specializes in providing fun engaging fishing charters and above all making lifelong memories. If you are looking for a day on the water you will remember for years to come, look no further. Choose Captain Jeff as your Boca Grande Fishing Guide. Captain Jeff's objective is to give you the best fishing experience possible, and a great time out on our beautiful waters. He is a US Coast Guard Licensed Captain, insured, and also one of only a few Captains in the area that possess NOAA Federal Reef & Pelagic fishing permits which allow you to legally fish in federal waters which is past 9 miles . I look forward to putting my years of experience to work for you!
Jeff Watkins
Jeff Watkins
Fully verified
16
reports
37
reviews
2016
member since
~1h
response
Captain Jeff is a top rated Boca Grande fishing guide, he grew up locally and has been fishing the waters of Boca Grande, Charlotte Harbor, Lemon Bay, Pine Island Sound, and The Gulf Of Mexico all his life. Therefore he knows these waters like the back of his hand and specializes in providing fun engaging fishing charters and above all making lifelong memories. If you are looking for a day on the water you will remember for years to come, look no further. Choose Captain Jeff as your Boca Grande Fishing Guide. Captain Jeff's objective is to give you the best fishing experience possible, and a great time out on our beautiful waters. He is a US Coast Guard Licensed Captain, insured, and also one of only a few Captains in the area that possess NOAA Federal Reef & Pelagic fishing permits which allow you to legally fish in federal waters which is past 9 miles . I look forward to putting my years of experience to work for you!

The fish you can target

Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Permit
Permit
Pompano
Pompano
Redfish
Redfish
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Snook
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Permit
Permit
Pompano
Pompano
Redfish
Redfish
Sheepshead
Sheepshead

Real catches by this captain

  • Angler holding a large redfish aboard a flats boat on a calm coastal waterway.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Inshore fishing around Boca Grande, Placida, and Englewood continues to be productive as we move through September. Water temperatures are still warm, bait is plentiful, and fishing the right tides and times of day can produce some great action. Redfish Redfish have been holding throughout the backcountry, along mangrove shorelines, around oyster bars, and in sandy potholes. We’re also starting to see more fish grouping up as we move closer to fall. Higher tides have been especially productive for targeting fish tight to the mangroves. Note: We practice catch and release on redfish. Snook Snook fishing continues to be good throughout the area. Fish can be found around mangrove shorelines, docks, passes, creek mouths, and other areas with good moving water. Early mornings and strong tidal movement have been producing some of the better bites. Note: We also practice catch and release on snook. Trout, Snapper, Pompano & Sheepshead For anglers looking to bring home some fresh fish for dinner, we focus on several species depending on what’s biting, including: Spotted Seatrout Mangrove Snapper Pompano Sheepshead Trout have been steady across the grass flats, particularly around deeper grass and potholes. Mangrove snapper continue to provide good action around docks, structure, mangrove shorelines, and deeper holes. Pompano can also show up along sandy edges and passes when conditions are right. Sheepshead are always a possibility around structure, although we typically see the better numbers as the water begins cooling later in the year. Live shrimp and small baitfish fished under a cork or free-lined have been producing, along with light-tackle artificial. Paying attention to the tides and moving water continues to be one of the biggest keys to putting fish in the boat this time of year.
  • A fisherman filleting a large fish at a cleaning station by the dock, showcasing a fresh catch of the day.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Mangrove Snapper
    Daniel M.
    Daniel M.
    Capt jeff was kind ,knowledgable and helpful! We enjoyed our fishing day and caught great fish even on a windy cold day. Count on him to find fishing holes, we are enjoying our fresh fish he cleaned as I type this review
  • Adult angler proudly holding a large redfish on the bow of a shallow-water fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Redfish
    Inshore fishing in Boca Grande/Placida has been great as well. Winter time low and cooler water allows for some great fishing. Trout, Snook, Redfish, Snapper, Ladyfish are just some of what we are catching. We fish the very shallow backcountry flats in our 18 ft Shallowsport tunnel hull which will allow us to run in water as little as 8 inches deep. Live, cut bait, and artificials are the weapons of choice. Most the fishing is catch and release on the inshore trips but at times we can keep a few Trout, Snapper, and Sheepshead depending on the bite. If your looking to bring back a lot of fish to eat then this wouldn’t be the recommended trip for you. The 8 hr offshore trip would be the trip. get your trip booked and let’s go fishing
  • Angler holding a large redfish in shallow coastal water, with mangroves and a scenic fishing backdrop.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Redfish
    Inshore Gasparilla Sound and Charlotte Harbor has been producing Redfish, Snook, Trout, Jacks, Catfish, and Snapper. Using mostly live and cut baits the morning bite has been the best as water temps on the flats are close to 90 deg. Redfish and Snook have been up close to the mangroves and the docks . Moving water is the key. Trout have slowed a little because of the warmer water but we've been finding them on the deeper potholes on the flats. Of coarse the pesky Catfish are on the hunt and we've had to sort through a few for sure. Get your trip booked today but remember Snook & Redfish are still closed for harvesting so catch and release only on those. If your looking for a meat trip inshore is not the trip . Look at my other listing for offshore where we have alot more options of fish to keep.
  • Three anglers proudly displaying their Redfish catch while fishing in a scenic coastal environment.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Redfish
    The inshore/backcountry fishing is on fire. The big schools of Redfish have showed up and are roaming the shallow backwaters of Gasparilla Sound & Charlotte Harbor. Schools of 300 big Redfish are not uncommon this time of yr. Snook fishing is also been steady with Snook taking artificials as well as live & cut bait throughout the area. Also getting a few small Tarpon to come out and play on the flats and the Speckled Sea Trout up to 24 inches have been the best I've seen in years. We use a combination of artificial baits (Soft plastics, top waters, Mirro Deans, gold spoons) Live bait ( Shrimp, whitebait, pilchards, pinfish) Cut baits ( Ladyfish, mullet, cigar minnows, crab) depending on the conditions and tide. We fish the shallow backwaters and mangrove shorelines throughout Placida, Charlotte Harbor, and Boca Grande. Get your inshore fishing charter booked today and lets get out and catch some fish.
  • Adult angler and child proudly holding a large inshore fish aboard a small motorboat on a calm, mangrove-lined waterway.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    The Redfish schools are showing up with sometimes upwards of 300 fish in one school. Big bull Redfish that are eager to eat anything in their paths. Trout are all over the grass flats throughout the Gasparilla Sound area. And Snook we have been getting some big ones around the docks . Lets go fishing!! *the harvest of Snook, Redfish, & Trout is closed in this area. We can catch them but they will have to be released.
  • Adult angler holding a large snook over calm coastal waters from a fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    The inshore Placida Fishing Charters have been very consistent as well. Summer is on it’s way here in Boca Grande Florida and the water temps are getting hot and so is the fishing, Snook, Trout, and Redfish have all been biting on our inshore trips. This time of year we change up our fishing patterns a little bit as the water is getting warmer and we start to get our summer higher tides. On our inshore trips we run a 18 ft Shallow Sport tunnel hull which is made to run in waters as shallow as 8 inches. This boat gives Anchors Away Charters the upper hand when fishing the shallow back country in Gasparilla Sound. Inshore fishing can be a little more laid back then fishing offshore, the bite can be a little slower at times but always an enjoyable day out on the water. Get your trip Booked Today !!!!! **Note** The harvest of Redfish, Snook, & Trout have been closed by the state of Florida until May 2021. We can still catch them but they will have to be released.
  • Two anglers pose on a small boat while a young woman holds a large inshore fish over mangrove-lined waters.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Inshore Fishing Is On Fire. Redfish & Snook Fishing Is The Best I Have Seen In Yrs. Closed For Harvesting But A Blast To Catch. Yesterday’s Trip With Two People We Caught 14 Redfish & 10 Snook and That Was Just A 4 Hr. Get Your Trip Booked Today!!

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
2 persons
Boat length
18 ft
Year built
2009
Boat manufacturer
Shallow Sport
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 90HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Spinning
Popping
Drift Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
MinKota
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Shimano/Penn
Live bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fishing license

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 14 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 14 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.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
You keep catch
Trout, Snapper, Pompano, Sheepshead
Catch and release allowed
Encouraged
Catch and release mandatory
Redfish & Snook

How you can pay

Book with 25% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 25% 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
 American Express
 PayPal
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Placida right now

Jack CrevalleJack Crevalle
PermitPermit
RedfishRedfish
SheepsheadSheepshead
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
SnookSnook
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Anchors Away Charters – Inshore/Back Country
Anchors Away Charters – Inshore/Back Country
State licensed
4.8
(3)
18 ft
Group size 1 - 2
1 - 2
Fish 1
Fish 2
+7
4 hour trip • 2 persons
US $550

Recent fishing reports

Inshore Action
Inshore Action
September 22, 2026
Inshore fishing around Boca Grande, Placida, and Englewood continues to be productive as we move through September. Water temperatures are still warm, bait is plentiful, and fishing the right tides and times of day can produce some great action. Redfish Redfish have been holding throughout the backcountry, along mangrove shorelines, around oyster bars, and in sandy potholes. We’re also starting to see more fish grouping up as we move closer to fall. Higher tides have been especially productive for targeting fish tight to the mangroves. Note: We practice catch and release on redfish. Snook Snook fishing continues to be good throughout the area. Fish can be found around mangrove shorelines, docks, passes, creek mouths, and other areas with good moving water. Early mornings and strong tidal movement have been producing some of the better bites. Note: We also practice catch and release on snook. Trout, Snapper, Pompano & Sheepshead For anglers looking to bring home some fresh fish for dinner, we focus on several species depending on what’s biting, including: Spotted Seatrout Mangrove Snapper Pompano Sheepshead Trout have been steady across the grass flats, particularly around deeper grass and potholes. Mangrove snapper continue to provide good action around docks, structure, mangrove shorelines, and deeper holes. Pompano can also show up along sandy edges and passes when conditions are right. Sheepshead are always a possibility around structure, although we typically see the better numbers as the water begins cooling later in the year. Live shrimp and small baitfish fished under a cork or free-lined have been producing, along with light-tackle artificial. Paying attention to the tides and moving water continues to be one of the biggest keys to putting fish in the boat this time of year.
Continue reading
Inshore Action
Inshore Action
September 22, 2026
Inshore fishing around Boca Grande, Placida, and Englewood continues to be productive as we move through September. Water temperatures are still warm, bait is plentiful, and fishing the right tides and times of day can produce some great action. Redfish Redfish have been holding throughout the backcountry, along mangrove shorelines, around oyster bars, and in sandy potholes. We’re also starting to see more fish grouping up as we move closer to fall. Higher tides have been especially productive for targeting fish tight to the mangroves. Note: We practice catch and release on redfish. Snook Snook fishing continues to be good throughout the area. Fish can be found around mangrove shorelines, docks, passes, creek mouths, and other areas with good moving water. Early mornings and strong tidal movement have been producing some of the better bites. Note: We also practice catch and release on snook. Trout, Snapper, Pompano & Sheepshead For anglers looking to bring home some fresh fish for dinner, we focus on several species depending on what’s biting, including: Spotted Seatrout Mangrove Snapper Pompano Sheepshead Trout have been steady across the grass flats, particularly around deeper grass and potholes. Mangrove snapper continue to provide good action around docks, structure, mangrove shorelines, and deeper holes. Pompano can also show up along sandy edges and passes when conditions are right. Sheepshead are always a possibility around structure, although we typically see the better numbers as the water begins cooling later in the year. Live shrimp and small baitfish fished under a cork or free-lined have been producing, along with light-tackle artificial. Paying attention to the tides and moving water continues to be one of the biggest keys to putting fish in the boat this time of year.
Continue reading