Straw Hats Fishing Charters

Straw Hats Fishing Charters welcomes you aboard to discover the rich waters of western Florida. Based out of Port Charlotte, you can discover the wealth of inshore fishing that just adds to the beauty of the “Suncoast.”

Captain Cody Cristello invites you on an exciting adventure to find your favorite fish. Born to charter captains in the Keys, he’s fished his whole life, gaining his own license aged just 18. He promises to let you in on all his secrets to land that prized catch.

Step aboard the brand new 26’ Avenger bay boat and hit the waters from the rivers to the reefs. Up to 6 guests are welcome on board, heading from sweet spot to sweet spot in search of some prized fish. Make use of the 360-degree view and the spacious deck as you battle it out with monster fish, while the captain will provide water and chips to keep you energized. All the gear is brand new!

Get ready to put your fishing skills and physical strength to the test, as you go prowl the waters of surrounding Port Charlotte, Boca Grande, or Englewood in search of some tough-fighting and delicious creatures. Snook, Sharks, and Tarpon will provide the toughest battle to come aboard, while Redfish, Trout, and Snappers also promise to put up a fight.

After working up a sweat, you can even go snorkeling to cool off. Get in touch with your captain and he can provide the equipment. If an evening cruise is more your speed, ask Capt. Cody to take you dolphin watching and sightseeing. He can also take you out to Cabbage Key island for shelling and any other activities you enjoy on the shore. Water is served on board, and you are welcome to bring your own alcohol (no glass containers).

At the end of the day, your captain will clean and fillet your edible catch to take home, so you’re good to go. All you need will be provided, including the license. Make Straw Hats Fishing Charters your next stop in western Florida



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Shared trip
    Double Angler Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $450
    This is a two people fishing trip that can accommodate one or 2 fishermen who are looking for that bite with live bait or lures. You'll be targeting fish that’s biting the best during that time of the season.
  • Private trip
    2 Hour Trip – Sunset Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Dec 1 - Dec 31
    US $375
    This is a sunset fishing time to target the last 2 hours of the day. You'll chase the fish that’s biting the best in the area and watch the sunset on the horizon. You'll take your time and enjoy the scenery as well as a lot of wildlife activity.
  • Private trip
    Underwater Light Fishing (Night)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 10:30 PM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Jun 30
    US $500
    You’ll go out and target Snook and Tarpon gathering under lit piers and docks. It’s a very action-packed trip with guaranteed fish. To make sure everyone's fully comfortable, this trip is limited to a maximum of 4 anglers.
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $625
    The rich waters of Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande Pass. Up to 6 guests are welcome aboard to test your bottom fishing skills or let the trolling lines do the work, as you target Snapper, Redfish, Trout, Jack, Shark, and more. Settle in for a thrilling morning of fishing pushing your fishing skills to the limit, all the while trying to catch something tasty for lunch.
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
    US $625
    As the sun goes down, you'll have the chance to explore the riches of western Florida against a stunning backdrop as you go bottom fishing, trolling, and even handlining, to show off your fishing skills. These waters are full of Redfish, Jack, Snapper, Shark, Bass, and many more creatures, so rest assured that you'll be in for an exciting evening.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour – River Fishing Adventure
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Dec 31
    US $650
    Head up the Peace River up to the brackish water and Explore 15 miles of river banks that home to plenty of exciting fish when the season is right but it's always a great smooth trip, As there is normally gators on the shoreline as well, fishing wise we go target a wide varity of snappers, drum, sharks, and Jacks, and there are always a great chance of catching a snook or a tarpon, Well be stop at Navigator to take a nice hearty awesome lunch/bathroom break before we head on and continue the adventure.
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Night Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 PM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Sep 1
    US $700
    The lights of the docks and bridges enable you to experience fishing like no other. Get out on the water as the sun goes down and stay fishing until midnight, as you experience the thrill of fishing under the stars, The fish don't rest up, so why should you? Go out and get your fill of the exciting and delicious inshore fish species that have made Charlotte Harbor their home.
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip – Shark Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Mar 25 - Nov 1
    US $700
    Keep yourself busy over the course of 5 hours as you go up against some of the water's strongest, most deadly creatures. Fish the Charlotte Harbor area and get your fish on against tough-fighting Sharks. This body of water is also known as the Tarpon capital of the world, so get your hands full of tough-fighting fish, as you experience fishing like never before. Get in touch with your captain if you'd like to go out by night and he can arrange.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – Boca Grande Inshore
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $825
    Spend the day bottom fishing, trolling, popping, and even handlining, to attract whatever's biting. Depending on the season, you can catch Snook, Snappers, Drum, Jacks, Redfish, and many more prized creatures. Settle in for a thrilling fishing experience, with the chance to stop off for lunch in a beautiful spot.
  • Private trip
    Family&Kids – 3/4 Day on the Water
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 15 - Dec 1
    US $875
    You will spend the first 2 and a half hours targeting fish that bite easily and quickly to keep your children entertained and engaged. The last 1 and a half hours will be spent along the beach or small islands in the bay looking for sharks teeth and shells or a restaurant in the area with the best dining and scenery to offer. After that, to finalize the 7 hours total on the water, you will spend the rest of the time fishing for whatever is biting best at the time of the year.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Inshore
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,000
    You will be sticking inshore throughout the whole trip as you target a variety of different areas of Charlotte Harbor, all the way up to Pine Island and Boca Grande pass and beyond! You'll fish for Snook, Redfish, Trout, Sheepshead, as well as many different types of Snapper.
  • Private trip
    7 Hour Trip – Reef Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Oct 31
    US $1,050
    This trip will take you up to lose sight of land into the Gulf of Mexico. You will fish the multiple reefs and wrecks where Snapper, Sheepshead, Mackerel, many different kinds of Shark, and many other game fish lays and breeds over the structure.
  • Private trip
    7 Hour Trip – Tarpon
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Sep 1
    US $1,100
    This trip will take you out towards the Boca Grande Pass and you'll spend your time fishing for the Silver King, employing different techniques. Sharks often show up on this trip as well. This trip has a max of three fisherman.
  • Private trip
    10 Hour Trip – Offshore
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    9 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Aug 1 - Aug 2
    US $1,250
    This trip will take you offshore to target Grouper, Cobia, Flounder, all depending on the season. When trolling, you'll also have the chance to hook into Kingfish, Mackerel, and many other types of fish that are out in the deeper part of the Gulf.
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FAQs about Straw Hats Fishing Charters

Straw Hats Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $225 per person - Double Angler Trip (2 hours)
  • US $375 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 2 Hour Trip – Sunset Fishing (2 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $60 per person after 3 guests - Underwater Light Fishing (Night) (3 hours)
  • US $625 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $625 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group, additional US $45 per person after 4 guests - 6 Hour – River Fishing Adventure (6 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Night Fishing (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Shark Fishing (5 hours)
  • US $825 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Boca Grande Inshore (6 hours)
  • US $875 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Family&Kids – 3/4 Day on the Water (7 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Full Day Inshore (7 hours)
  • US $1,050 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - 7 Hour Trip – Reef Fishing (7 hours)
  • US $1,100 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - 7 Hour Trip – Tarpon (7 hours)
  • US $1,250 per group, additional US $25 per person after 4 guests - 10 Hour Trip – Offshore (9 hours)

When you book a trip with Straw Hats Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Snorkeling Equipment On request
  • Live Bait Well
  • Multimedia System
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Ice Box
  • Radar

Trips booked with Straw Hats Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait (Yes it’s all included on all trips.)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Yes this is included and we do it right on the boat at the end of the trip. )
  • Snacks (Chips)
  • Drinks (Water)
  • First Mate (if needed )
  • Fishing License (Saltwater and fresh water , all included.)

Straw Hats Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • River Fishing (depending on tides)
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing (up to 9 miles)
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

Straw Hats Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Popping
  • Drift Fishing
  • Handline

Top targeted fish species with Straw Hats Fishing Charters include:
  • Black Drum
  • Bonito
  • Cobia
  • Grouper (Black)
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Shark (Hammerhead)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spotted Seatrout
  • Tarpon

Meet the Captain

Cody Cristello
Port Charlotte, Florida, United States
ID & license verified
240 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since August 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.
Growing up on the Charlotte Harbor his whole life, Captain Cody was always an avid boater. Both his parents are captains in the keys and he decided to follow in their footsteps, and make use of his experience and love for the water, by making his passion a profession at the age of 18 in 2011. With a record catch of 185 pound Tarpon out of the Charlotte Harbor, he's just the guy to get you reeling in the big fish or have a great time in general.

About this listing

Targeted species

Black Drum Black Drum
Bonito Bonito
Cobia Cobia
Grouper (Black) Black Grouper

Boat specs

Avenger (Bay boat) originally built in 2018. Powered by a 300HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 50 knots.

Length
26 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

River Fishing
depending on tides
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
up to 9 miles
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Popping
Drift Fishing
Handline

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Snorkeling Equipment
On request
Live Bait Well
Multimedia System
Wireless Trolling Motor

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Yes it’s all included on all trips.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Yes this is included and we do it right on the boat at the end of the trip.
Snacks
Chips
Drinks
Water
First Mate
if needed
Fishing License
Saltwater and fresh water , all included.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 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 not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Must be at least 3 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
American Express
PayPal
Bank Transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 5% charge will apply.

Port Charlotte Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 240 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (445)
Above and beyond!
Above and beyond!
Above and beyond!
+442
Angler rating
235
3
2
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
99%
Appropriate for children
97%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
80%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 240 reviews
Brian M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Above and beyond!

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip (AM) on April 15, 2024
Had a great charter with Captain Cody today. Picked us up on time and had hooks in the water at the first location within minutes....
Brian M. recommends Straw Hats Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Cody Cristello Captain replied

David C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Had a great time!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (PM) on December 27, 2023
We originally booked a shark fishing trip. Cody called a few days prior to let us know that with current weather that the chances...
David C. recommends Straw Hats Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Cody Cristello Captain replied

Adam B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Worked extra hard to get us on fish!

VERIFIED   NEW  6 Hour Trip – Boca Grande Inshore on March 26, 2024
Had some super unfortunate weather pushing us off the spots originally planned to target some bigger fish, but Capt Cody worked...
Adam B. recommends Straw Hats Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Cody Cristello Captain replied

Jeff R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Hardworking Holiday Trip Port Charlotte

VERIFIED   7 Hour Trip – Reef Fishing on December 26, 2023
We had a great time with Capt. Cody—multiple locations for a 3/4 day inshore trip.  The weather cooperated and we had the...
Jeff R. recommends Straw Hats Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Cody Cristello Captain replied

Michael R.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome day on the water with a young family

VERIFIED   Family&Kids – 3/4 Day on the Water on November 22, 2023
We had an incredible time with a family of 5 (ages 8, 10, 17).  We all got to actively fish, not exclusively troll, which...
Michael R. recommends Straw Hats Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Cody Cristello Captain replied