James Gibson Charters LLC
Looking for an adventure that really showcases what the waters of West Florida have to offer? Captain James Gibson is an inshore fishing fanatic, and he can’t wait to introduce you to the incredible species here. A local fisherman, Capt. James specializes in targeting Floridian-famous fish such as Snook, Redfish, and the mighty “Silver King” (Tarpon). Come aboard James Gibson Charters to discover that inshore fishing is just as exciting as any offshore excursion!
Capt. James was born and raised on the west coast of Florida, and has been fishing the plentiful waters of Sarasota, Bradenton, and Tampa Bay for over 15 years. He’s passionate about inshore fishing, and loves nothing more than sharing this passion with other anglers. No matter your age or skill level, he’ll help you discover your love for fishing Florida’s shallows!
You’ll be casting off from your captain’s 22’ Pathfinder. She can accommodate up to 5 guests, but your captain recommends 3 for comfort. If you’d like to bring kids aboard, they are more than welcome to join in the fun. Just let him know in advance. He’ll make sure your group is decked out with life jackets, as well as drinking water and a cooler for your snacks.
Depending on when you visit and what you’d like to target, Capt. James will happily cater your trip to your preferences. You can spend your whole day fishing, or mix it up with some island hopping and dolphin-watching. You can choose to hook the much-sought-after Tarpon from May through August, or go after other inshore favorites such as Snapper, Trout, Redfish, and Snook. Your trip can look exactly how you’d like it to.
Capt. James will make sure you’re equipped with rods, reels, tackle, and live bait, which he’ll usually prepare before each trip. Your fishing license will also be included. Just bring your favorite snacks and drinks, and get ready to discover what makes West Florida’s inshore fishing so incredible!
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (283)
+280Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
99%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Caught fish
97%
Apr 16, 2025
Half Day Trip (PM)
Good Time Catchin’ Fish w/ My Sons
We went out inland fishing with Capt. James and had a great time. Capt. James was a great guy, great to my 10 and 13 year olds, and he got us on fish at every stop. We spent the first hour on some speckled sea trout. Caught about a dozen and kept 7 of them that were 15+ inches. Caught a couple good sized catfish and a stinky needle fish. Then we spent the rest of the time hitting multiple spots along mangrove edges hitting some snook. Really fun fish to catch. They hit hard and fight hard. We didn’t get to keep any since they need to be at least 27 inches, but had fun catching a few each that were between 20-23”. All in all it was a great time. My boys loved it, and we all enjoyed the trout fillets that night that Capt James sent us home with. Salt, pepper and Italian seasoning on the pan seared fillets, then served with a white wine, garlic lemon butter parsley sauce. Absolutely amazing.
We went out inland fishing with Capt. James and had a great time. Capt. James was a great guy, great to my 10 and 13 year olds,...
Captain replied
Mar 20, 2025
Half Day Trip (PM)
Best time we've had in FL
Captian James is super friendly and extremely knowledgeable. We had some newbies and he was very patient and helpful. We caught a lot of fish and got some great insights on the fishing in Sarasota. I highly recommend going out fishing with Captian James.
Captian James is super friendly and extremely knowledgeable. We had some newbies and he was very patient and helpful. We caught...
Captain replied
Aug 8, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM)
Awesome early August Day on the water
My 11 year old daughter and I had a fantastic day on the water. Captain James put us on the fish very quickly and kept the day exciting.
My 11 year old daughter and I had a fantastic day on the water. Captain James put us on the fish very quickly and kept the day...
Captain replied
Mar 25, 2025
2 Person Half Day Fishing Trip (PM)
Great afternoon
Had a great time with Capt James. He didn’t waste anytime getting us the on fish. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Look forward to another charter with him in the future.
Had a great time with Capt James. He didn’t waste anytime getting us the on fish. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Look forward...
Captain replied
Mar 25, 2025
4 Hour Trip (AM) MAX 2
Best Fishing Guide in FL
Snook, reds and sea trout !! We caught all of these and more. Wish we booked more time the bite was continuous. Captain James was on it and made this one of the best fishing trips I’ve had.
Snook, reds and sea trout !! We caught all of these and more. Wish we booked more time the bite was continuous. Captain James...
Captain repliedTrip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (283)
+280Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
99%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Caught fish
97%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Good Time Catchin’ Fish w/ My Sons
Half Day Trip (PM) on April 16, 2025
We went out inland fishing with Capt. James and had a great time. Capt. James was a great guy, great to my 10 and 13 year olds, and he got us on fish at every stop. We spent the first hour on some speckled sea trout. Caught about a dozen and kept 7 of them that were 15+ inches. Caught a couple good sized catfish and a stinky needle fish. Then we spent the rest of the time hitting multiple spots along mangrove edges hitting some snook. Really fun fish to catch. They hit hard and fight hard. We didn’t get to keep any since they need to be at least 27 inches, but had fun catching a few each that were between 20-23”. All in all it was a great time. My boys loved it, and we all enjoyed the trout fillets that night that Capt James sent us home with. Salt, pepper and Italian seasoning on the pan seared fillets, then served with a white wine, garlic lemon butter parsley sauce. Absolutely amazing.
We went out inland fishing with Capt. James and had a great time. Capt. James was a great guy, great to my 10 and 13 year olds, and he got us on fish at every stop. We spent the first hour on some speckled sea trout. Caught about a dozen and kept 7 of them that were 15+ inches. Caught a couple good sized catfish and a stinky needle fish. Then we spent the rest of the time hitting multiple spots along mangrove edges hitting some snook. Really fun fish to catch. They hit hard and fight hard. We...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Best time we've had in FL
Half Day Trip (PM) on March 20, 2025
Captian James is super friendly and extremely knowledgeable. We had some newbies and he was very patient and helpful. We caught a lot of fish and got some great insights on the fishing in Sarasota. I highly recommend going out fishing with Captian James.
Captian James is super friendly and extremely knowledgeable. We had some newbies and he was very patient and helpful. We caught a lot of fish and got some great insights on the fishing in Sarasota. I highly recommend going out fishing with Captian James.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Awesome early August Day on the water
Half Day Trip (AM) on August 8, 2025
My 11 year old daughter and I had a fantastic day on the water. Captain James put us on the fish very quickly and kept the day exciting.
My 11 year old daughter and I had a fantastic day on the water. Captain James put us on the fish very quickly and kept the day exciting.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great afternoon
2 Person Half Day Fishing Trip (PM) on March 25, 2025
Had a great time with Capt James. He didn’t waste anytime getting us the on fish. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Look forward to another charter with him in the future.
Had a great time with Capt James. He didn’t waste anytime getting us the on fish. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Look forward to another charter with him in the future.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Best Fishing Guide in FL
4 Hour Trip (AM) MAX 2 on March 25, 2025
Snook, reds and sea trout !! We caught all of these and more. Wish we booked more time the bite was continuous. Captain James was on it and made this one of the best fishing trips I’ve had.
Snook, reds and sea trout !! We caught all of these and more. Wish we booked more time the bite was continuous. Captain James was on it and made this one of the best fishing trips I’ve had.
FAQs about James Gibson Charters LLC
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