Operating out of Bokeelia, Florida, Bent Rod Charters LLC specializes in providing their clients with epic inshore and flats fishing trips. Captain John Middleton has over 35 years of experience, fishing freshwater, inshore, and offshore. He’s a 4th generation Floridian who grew up fishing Pine Island Sound, Caloosahatchee River, Matlacha, and Bokeelia.
His boat is a 22’ Pathfinder bay boat that can carry up to 5 anglers, 4 of them fishing comfortably at the same time. It comes with a 200 HP Yamaha VMAX engine, a live bait tank, a cooler for your food/drinks, and top-quality navigational electronics and safety gear.
The captain will take you to the most productive fisheries and do everything he can to put you on the likes of Tarpon, Spotted Seatrout, Shark, Snook, Redfish, Mangrove Snapper, Flounder, and so much more. Depending on the targeted species and the package you choose, you can expect to do some epic bottom fishing, trolling, drifting, and even bow fishing (gear for 2 guests is provided).
You’ll be supplied with all the other fishing gear, lures, frozen bait, and live bait (freshly caught the morning before the trip). The captain uses Daiwa Black Gold reels along with light tackle rods. He also uses some Shimano Stratic. Aside from fishing gear, he also provides snorkeling equipment for all 6 guests – the clients should just let him know if they want to mix their fishing with snorkeling.
You can keep whatever fish is legal at that time, and the captain will clean your catch free of charge. Feel free to bring your food, drinks, and sunscreen. The captain has a cooler with ice on board where you can store your goods.
Bent Rod Charters LLC will do everything in their power for you to have a comfortable, productive, and fun fishing experience!
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (59)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Appropriate for children
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Caught fish
98%
Mar 9, 2025
3 Hour Relaxing Trip (AM)
We had a wonderful time with Captain John. He took us out with our college age daughter for a Spring Break fishing trip and we all caught several fish and quite a few keepers. Capt. John knew all the right spots to take us and was a great conversationalist. We had a Dolphin companion and saw a couple Manatee. Just a great family day. Can’t wait to do it again.
We had a wonderful time with Captain John. He took us out with our college age daughter for a Spring Break fishing trip and we...
Jul 26, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM)
Had a great time with captain john, caught our limit in snapper and went for snook and caught a couple! Would definitely recommended!
Had a great time with captain john, caught our limit in snapper and went for snook and caught a couple! Would definitely recommended!
Mar 12, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM)
John is very knowledgeable and patient! We really enjoyed the half day charter! Will definitely recommend his service and use him again!
John is very knowledgeable and patient! We really enjoyed the half day charter! Will definitely recommend his service and use...
Apr 17, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM)
Thanks captain for getting us on some good snook and experiencing the Florida waters
Thanks captain for getting us on some good snook and experiencing the Florida waters
Mar 1, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM)
Captain John puts you on the fish!! Highly recommended.
Captain John puts you on the fish!! Highly recommended.
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (59)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Appropriate for children
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Caught fish
98%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
3 Hour Relaxing Trip (AM) on March 9, 2025
We had a wonderful time with Captain John. He took us out with our college age daughter for a Spring Break fishing trip and we all caught several fish and quite a few keepers. Capt. John knew all the right spots to take us and was a great conversationalist. We had a Dolphin companion and saw a couple Manatee. Just a great family day. Can’t wait to do it again.
We had a wonderful time with Captain John. He took us out with our college age daughter for a Spring Break fishing trip and we all caught several fish and quite a few keepers. Capt. John knew all the right spots to take us and was a great conversationalist. We had a Dolphin companion and saw a couple Manatee. Just a great family day. Can’t wait to do it again.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on July 26, 2025
Had a great time with captain john, caught our limit in snapper and went for snook and caught a couple! Would definitely recommended!
Had a great time with captain john, caught our limit in snapper and went for snook and caught a couple! Would definitely recommended!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 12, 2025
John is very knowledgeable and patient! We really enjoyed the half day charter! Will definitely recommend his service and use him again!
John is very knowledgeable and patient! We really enjoyed the half day charter! Will definitely recommend his service and use him again!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on April 17, 2025
Thanks captain for getting us on some good snook and experiencing the Florida waters
Thanks captain for getting us on some good snook and experiencing the Florida waters
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 1, 2025
Captain John puts you on the fish!! Highly recommended.
Captain John puts you on the fish!! Highly recommended.