Boca Grande Fishing Charters 

5.0
(65 reviews)
 
State licensed
 6301 Boca Grande Causeway, Placida, FL 33946, United States–

Boca Grande Fishing Charters 

Placida, FL, United States
–
24 ft
4
5.0
(65 reviews)

Boca Grande Fishing Charters and Captain John Kelso welcome you to a fine day of fishing in Florida. Captain John has over 25 years of experience fishing the waters of Florida and will help you catch fish regardless of your skill level. He will meet you in Placida and take you to the best inshore as well as backcountry spots, making sure you have the biggest chance of landing a great catch. Join him aboard and have a great time on the water!

You will be fishing aboard a restored 24' custom-built Aquasport bay boat. The spacious design allows for up to 4 anglers and the captain. The boat is equipped with safety gear as well as GPS, VHF radio, and fishfinder electronics used for efficient navigation on the water. It has also got a large livewell, an ice-box, a fighting chair, and a Power Pole shallow water anchoring system. The boat runs on a 200 HP Honda engine.

You and Captain John will fish inshore and nearshore spots, flats, and the backcountry for Shark, Goliath Grouper, Snook, Redfish, Mangrove Snappers, and Spotted Seatrout. You will use light and hard tackle to attract your prey and you can keep the fish you catch. Kids are welcome to join the trip.

Captain John will provide all of the necessary fishing equipment on this charter as well as a fishing license. What you should bring are just the snacks and drinks of your choice.

Join the captain and Boca Grande Fishing Charters, their guests always have fun!

Boca Grande Fishing Charters and Captain John Kelso welcome you to a fine day of fishing in Florida. Captain John has over 25 years of experience fishing the waters of Florida and will help you catch fish regardless of your skill level. He will meet you in Placida and take you to the best inshore as well as backcountry spots, making sure you have the biggest chance of landing a great catch. Join him aboard and have a great time on the water!

You will be fishing aboard a restored 24' custom-built Aquasport bay boat. The spacious design allows for up to 4 anglers and the captain. The boat is equipped with safety gear as well as GPS, VHF radio, and fishfinder electronics used for efficient navigation on the water. It has also got a large livewell, an ice-box, a fighting chair, and a Power Pole shallow water anchoring system. The boat runs on a 200 HP Honda engine.

You and Captain John will fish inshore and nearshore spots, flats, and the backcountry for Shark, Goliath Grouper, Snook, Redfish, Mangrove Snappers, and Spotted Seatrout. You will use light and hard tackle to attract your prey and you can keep the fish you catch. Kids are welcome to join the trip.

Captain John will provide all of the necessary fishing equipment on this charter as well as a fishing license. What you should bring are just the snacks and drinks of your choice.

Join the captain and Boca Grande Fishing Charters, their guests always have fun!

John Kelso
Captain
John Kelso
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
+2
US $600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
4 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
+2
US $600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
5 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
+2
US $700
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
5 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
+2
US $700
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
+2
US $800
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
+2
US $800
Entire boat: up to 4 people
4 Hour Trip - Tarpon (AM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
5 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Jul 1
Tarpon
US $900
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hour Trip - Tarpon (AM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
5 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Jul 1
Tarpon
US $950
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 Hour Trip - Tarpon (AM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Jul 1
Tarpon
US $1,000
Entire boat: up to 4 people
8 Hour Trip – Inshore
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
+2
US $1,000
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
65 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (79)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
95%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
100%
Recommended
91%
Caught fish

Reviews (65)

  • Shelby Waltemath
    Shelby Waltemath
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great for Families!

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on April 19, 2026 • 5 adults • 3 children

    Cpt John and Mark definitely put in the work to find us some good fishing! Were great and patient with my 11, 8, and 4 year old. Fishing was a little slow but fishing is fishing.

  • Ginger Chastain
    Ginger Chastain
    Repeat angler
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2024
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Simply the Best!

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on May 14, 2025 • 2 adults

    Boca Grande Fishing Charters is hands down the BEST charter I have experienced. John and Mark go out of their way to give a personalized experience and put you on fish. We caught a variety of fish. Most important to me was that John and Mark shared their knowledge with my son regarding techniques used for saltwater fishing that he was able to use beyond our time spent with this crew. I will never use another charter service when we are in this area.

  • William Petska
    William Petska
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with John

    6 Hour Trip - Tarpon (AM) on April 23, 2024 • 2 adults

    Went out with John and mark from Boca Grande fishing charters and had a absolute wonderful time tried to tarpon fish in the morning but weather wouldn’t cooperate so we went in closer to shore and caught a variety of different fish till a lil later in the day the weather worked in our favor and tried for tarpon and had a blast hooking into a landing some of the most amazing fish we ever fished for would HIGHLY recommend this charter to anyone looking for a awesome day out on the water

  • Dan Leach
    Dan Leach
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Outstanding experience!

    8 Hour Trip – Inshore on April 14, 2024 • 2 adults

    John, and first mate Mark are great at what they do. It goes beyond that though. They are great people. I have dealt with many outfitters (hunting and fishing) over my many years. Most, quite honestly suck. These guys are right at the top. Personable, know their job, very accommodating, and they work their butts off to find fish. I will not use any other outfitter in Boca. Period! Thanks John and Mark! Can't wait to fish with y'all again. I want that big Tarpon!

  • Ginger Chastain
    Ginger Chastain
    Repeat angler
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2024
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great day on the water!

    5 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on April 15, 2024 • 4 adults

    John and Mark provided us with a great day of fishing. They were attentive to each member of our party to ensure everyone not only caught fish but enjoyed each catch! They were very personable and gave extra attention to details such as food and snacks; as well as a break at the marina with ice cream. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and will definitely book another trip with them.

  • Brandon Welcher
    Brandon Welcher
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    BOOK THIS BOAT!

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on June 26, 2024 • 3 adults

    Our time on the water today was awesome! We caught a ton of fish and shared many laughs with this wonderful captain and crew. Even my wife caught fish! Captain John did a great job and we would recommend him to anyone traveling to this area. When we come back we will definitely book with him again!

  • Michael High
    Michael High
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    Full Day Trip With Captain John 5.12.22

    8 Hour Trip – Inshore on May 12, 2022 • 3 adults

    Had an amazing trip! Having a full day, Captain John was able to put us on all kinds of different fish. Started the day with our first tarpon within 30 minutes. After a few hours of getting beat up by the tarpon, we decided to head to the mangroves and catch a few snook. Continued on fishing for some bait fish, cast netting, and just having a great time. Towards the end of the day, we went back out for some more tarpon, but the waters were a bit rough, so we chose to go back in a bit a attempt to snag a Goliath Grouper. Unfortunately we were not able to get one this trip. They just weren't biting. Captain John then decided to take us over to another spot to fish some reds. Having plenty of bait, we caught one after another. The tarpon was a thrill for sure, but the reds were just as fun! Captain John himself was a pleasure to fish with. Really knew the lay of the waterways and interacted with us during the trip. Very hospitable and polite. Overall, I will be using Captain John again and would HIGHLY recommend.

  • Morgan Buck
    Morgan Buck
    Repeat angler
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2019
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great day!!

    5 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on August 3, 2024 • 4 adults

    The guys were wonderful with my family!! We caught multiple species of fish, had tons of bait! These guys are the real deal!! My boys had a wonderful time on their first fishing charter! Would highly recommend. Sunshine all day, which was a huge blessing!

  • Jason Sorensen
    Jason Sorensen
    ca
    Ontario, Canada
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing Experience

    6 Hour Trip - Tarpon (AM) on May 21, 2024 • 2 adults

    Captain John and his mate Mark were top notch. Hooked up with multiple tarpon and got a beast of a fish to the boat. Don’t hesitate to book with Captain John! You won’t be disappointed!

  • Briana Hohnarth
    Briana Hohnarth
    us
    New Jersey, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Best Charter Experience!

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on May 3, 2024 • 4 adults

    Amazing day on the water with Captain John! Would highly recommend. Took us to the best spots, caught fish all day. Will 100% be booking next time we come.

Rating

5.0
65 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (79)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
95%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
100%
Recommended
91%
Caught fish

All reviews (65)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 65 reviews
Justin Pajl
Justin Pajl
us
South Dakota, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
April fishing trip
4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on April 16, 2026 • 3 adults • 1 child

John and Mark were great all around! They picked us up on time, traveled 15 minutes and we were catching fish as soon as we put our bait in the water! They were great with helping and teaching my kids about how to fish, what to look for to catch fish and was always attentive when they were having troubles. Would highly recommend John and Mark for your next fishing experience!

Reported catch:
Snook
Redfish
John Kelso
Response from Captain

Thank you for the review. I really appreciate it. We really enjoyed have you guys on the boat. The kids are great. It makes me happy seeing kids catching fish and having a good time. Thanks again. John

Trent Jackson
Trent Jackson
us
Louisiana, US
Member since 2017
5.0
Verified
Best Trip
4 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM) on May 29, 2026 • 4 adults

The guys went above and beyond to make our trip enjoyable. One of the most enjoyable trips we have taken. The crew knew where the fish were at and how to make the experience too notch.

Reported catch:
Sheepshead
Snook
Mangrove Snapper
Jack Crevalle
Shelby Waltemath
Shelby Waltemath
us
Wisconsin, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great for Families!
4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on April 19, 2026 • 2 adults • 3 children

Cpt John and Mark definitely put in the work to find us some good fishing! Were great and patient with my 11, 8, and 4 year old. Fishing was a little slow but fishing is fishing.

Reported catch:
Snook
Redfish
Speckled Trout
Jared Roberts
Jared Roberts
Repeat angler
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2024
3 trips
5.0
Verified
Great Experience
5 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on June 30, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 child

Both of my boys caught inshore slams. This was our second trip with Captain Kelso. He delivered again.

Reported catch:
Snook
Redfish
Speckled Trout
Kyle Carpenter
Kyle Carpenter
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
May fishing trip
4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on May 28, 2026 • 1 adult • 3 children

John Kelso
Response from Captain

Thank you.

FAQs about Boca Grande Fishing Charters

Boca Grande Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $600 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM) (5 hours)
  • US $800 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $800 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 4 Hour Trip - Tarpon (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $950 per group - 5 Hour Trip - Tarpon (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group - 6 Hour Trip - Tarpon (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group - 8 Hour Trip – Inshore (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Boca Grande Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Boca Grande Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • First mate
  • Fishing license
Boca Grande Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Boca Grande Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
Top targeted fish species with Boca Grande Fishing Charters include:
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Shark (Bonnethead)
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Your captain

John Kelso
John Kelso
Placida, Florida, United States
ID & license verified
65 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since May 2021
Captain John welcomes you to Placida and offers to take you on a memorable sea adventure full of fishing action and fun!
John Kelso
John Kelso
Fully verified
65
reviews
2021
member since
~1h
response
Captain John welcomes you to Placida and offers to take you on a memorable sea adventure full of fishing action and fun!

The fish you can target

Goliath Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Redfish
Redfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Bonnethead Shark
Bonnethead Shark
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Snook
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Goliath Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Redfish
Redfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Bonnethead Shark
Bonnethead Shark

Real catches by this captain

  • Great for Families!
    Shelby W.
    Shelby W.
  • Simply the Best!
    Ginger C.
    Ginger C.
  • Great day!!
    Morgan B.
    Morgan B.
  • BOOK THIS BOAT!
    Brandon W.
    Brandon W.
  • Fishing with John
    Robert H.
    Robert H.
  • Best Charter Experience!
    Briana H.
    Briana H.
  • Great day on the water!
    Ginger C.
    Ginger C.
  • Outstanding experience!
    Dan L.
    Dan L.
  • Fantastic Day
    Daniel C.
    Daniel C.
  • Fishing with John
    Elizabeth S.
    Elizabeth S.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
24 ft
Year built
1986
Restored in
2018
Boat manufacturer
Aquasport
Boat type
Bay boat
Engine model
Honda
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle

Which amenities are available onboard

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

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 1 day prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 1 day 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
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Pay online in full
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
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
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3.5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Placida right now

Grouper (Goliath)Grouper (Goliath)
Jack CrevalleJack Crevalle
RedfishRedfish
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Boca Grande Fishing Charters
Boca Grande Fishing Charters
State licensed
5.0
(65)
24 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+8
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $600