Pine Island Backwater Charters

Located on a beautiful island oasis on the west coast of Florida, Pine Island Backwater Charters give you the chance to get close and personal to a variety of inshore game fish as well as dolphins, manatees, ospreys, and eagles.  Captain Pete Gulbrandsen will guide you through the natural treasures around the island, while targeting desirable inshore game fish such as Tarpon, Redfish, Snook, and Trout.

The 18’ East Cape Fury flats skiff has been designed specifically for getting into these shallowest of waters. Comfortable in just 6" of water, she’ll allow you to explore the best of the backcountry’s meandering creeks and mangroves where few other boats can go. With a push pole, you’ll creep up quietly on the spooky fish, while the boat’s shallow hull and built-in spray rails will let you explore the beaches of Sanibel, Captiva, and Cayo Costa, too.

Get ready for a serious fishing adventure as you target beasts such as Tarpon, Snook, and False Albacore as they migrate along the coastline in summer and fall. Capt. Pete also owns two fishing kayaks, and he will occasionally strap one to the back of the Fury to enable you to travel into even narrower and skinnier waters. Let him know if you’re interested in this, and your trip can take another dimension.

Test your skills on the fly or with artificial bait on light tackle for a range of exciting fish. As well as the Tarpon and Snook, you can also land delicious Redfish and Trout. Come before sunrise for a particularly rewarding trip, but Capt. Pete can tailor his trips to what works best for you.

While you’ll mainly be practicing catch and release, Capt. Pete can clean and fillet any catch you’d like to take home with you. Head home with a delicious treat in store, and make the most of Florida’s west coast fishery with Pine Island Backwater Charters!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $350
    Whether you've only got a few hours to spare and are looking for that fix of fishing, or you fancy learning the ropes of fishing the backcountry, this 4-hour trip is just for you. Let your captain know when suits, and explore these productive shallow waters for beauties such as Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, and Trout.
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $450
    Spending those extra few hours on the water will give you the chance to go after a wider range of fish. Hit the backcountry, flats, and much more, as you explore western Florida's rich fishing grounds. Get ready for a thrilling and productive day out as you test tour strength against Tarpon and Snook, and land Redfish and Trout to take home for a delicious treat.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $550
    Make the most of the incredible waters on offer out of western Florida as you explore the shallow backcountry and flats around Pine Island and beyond. You'll have plenty of time to show off your angling skills, as you target monsters like Tarpon and Snook, but don't forget to go after Redfish, Trout, and many more to head home with a delicious treat for dinner and beyond.

FAQs about Pine Island Backwater Charters

Pine Island Backwater Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $350 per group - Half Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $450 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $550 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Pine Island Backwater Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Wireless Trolling Motor

Trips booked with Pine Island Backwater Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks (Water)
  • Fishing License
  • Fly Fishing Equipment

Pine Island Backwater Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

Pine Island Backwater Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Pine Island Backwater Charters include:
  • Little Tunny (False Albacore)
  • Redfish
  • Snook
  • Spotted Seatrout
  • Tarpon

Meet the Captain

Pete Gulbrandsen
St. James City, Florida, United States
5 Customer reviews
Member since January 2016
Captain Pete loves sharing the passion for fishing that has grown inside him over 30 years of participating in the sport. Every morning he wakes up excited to spend another day stalking Redfish, Trout, Snook, and Tarpon through the flats and mangroves around Pine Island, and can't wait to show you why he leaps out of bed.

About this listing

Targeted species

Little Tunny (False Albacore) Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Redfish Redfish
Snook Snook
Spotted Seatrout Spotted Seatrout

Boat specs

East Cape Fury (Flats boat) originally built in 2012. Powered by a 90HP Etec 90 engine.

Length
18 ft
Capacity
3 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Water
Fishing License
Fly Fishing Equipment

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 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 included in price
Transfer from hotels or jetties in St. James City to departure site is available and included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
No Alcohol
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
Recommended

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
Checks

St. James City Fishing Calendar

Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 5 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (4)
4 Hour Trip with Capt. Pete
4 Hour Trip with Capt. Pete
4 Hour Trip with Capt. Pete
+1
Angler rating
5
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 5 reviews
Dave R.
Cape Coral, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fantastic Inshore Fishing!

Half Day Trip on February 9, 2017
With his extensive knowledge of local waters, Pete provided me with an excellent opportunity to fish the creeks and backwaters...
Dave R. recommends Pine Island Backwater Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Dave R. recommends Pine Island Backwater Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Jaedin N.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

4 Hour Trip with Capt. Pete

Half Day Trip on June 16, 2017
Had a blast with Capt. Pete! This guy is very knowledgeable and knows how to put people on that trophy fish! We caught 2 Baby...
Jaedin N. recommends Pine Island Backwater Charters
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Jaedin N. recommends Pine Island Backwater Charters
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Al Z.
Fort Myers, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

February fishing trip

Half Day Trip on February 13, 2017
After 40 plus years in the guide biz in the north east, I found a guide that fishes with the same desire to guide his clients...
Al Z. recommends Pine Island Backwater Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Al Z. recommends Pine Island Backwater Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Frank Z.
United States
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

6 hr trip is just the right amount of time!

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip on May 25, 2018
Had a great time and experience with Capt Pete! The next time I come down to the Ft Myers area I’ll be sure to book another...
Frank Z. recommends Pine Island Backwater Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Frank Z. recommends Pine Island Backwater Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Lee Z.
Brandon, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fun with Pete

Half Day Trip on February 3, 2017
Pete works hard to make sure you have fun.  He knows lots of spots and moves around until he finds a productive spot.
Lee Z. recommends Pine Island Backwater Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Lee Z. recommends Pine Island Backwater Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful