Captain Jake Nickol's Fishing Charters
Experience the world class fishery of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico with an experienced Captain who was born and raised fishing Florida’s Gulf Coast Waters. We offer a trip for everyone, from the exhilarating hunt for illusive inshore game fish like snook, redfish, and tarpon to relaxing sunset cruises around the scenic barrier islands of Florida. Whatever your ideal day on the water is we will make it happen! All trips led by a USCG licensed and insured Captain with years of experience on our waterways.
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (103)
+100Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
100%
Jul 20, 2025
Half Day Trip
EPIC
It was the BEST. Jake is WONDERFUL. Patient, kind, respectful and at peace. Every moment was fun. Especially, when we caught a small shark. Even the times we weren't fishing. While he was taking us to another place to fish; he was playing music and allowed us to choose some songs to play. Drove pacifically. He let us be ourselves. At the dock, he went to get his truck to secure his boat on truck. While he did that, we had some fun with Florida birds. He allowed us to feed the birds with the bait we used to fish. The fish we caught. He cleaned them up and we were able to keep them. One of the BEST moments of my life!!! Blessings Jake! Thank you for everything!!
It was the BEST. Jake is WONDERFUL. Patient, kind, respectful and at peace. Every moment was fun. Especially, when we caught...
Captain replied
Jul 9, 2025
3/4 Day Trip
Fish Fear Him. We Recommend Him
Captain Jack Nichols is the real deal—part fishing guide, part local legend, and possibly part fish himself. From the second we stepped on the boat, he had us laughing, learning, and reeling ‘em in like pros (well… semi-pros). Thanks to his patience and Jedi-level persistence, we landed snook, red drum, trout, and mangrove snapper like it was our job. Communication? Spot on. Captain Jack kept us in the loop, gave clear instructions, and made sure everyone felt confident (even when we tangled lines or missed a hookset). On top of that, he gave us excellent recommendations for local restaurants and businesses—seriously, this guy should run for mayor. If you want a captain who knows the fish, knows the area, and knows how to make your day on the water unforgettable—book with Captain Jack Nichols. 10/10 would fish again!!
Captain Jack Nichols is the real deal—part fishing guide, part local legend, and possibly part fish himself. From the second we...
Captain replied
Jul 15, 2025
2 hr trip
Great day with Jake and the kids!
I took my grandsons, 11 and 14, on their first fishing charter. Jake was patient and kind and super helpful. He made the kids feel at ease and they had a blast catching fish! Jake kept things moving and didn't let us sit in one spot too long if the fish weren't biting in that location. The kids liked the first trip so much that they asked for a second trip with Jake. We will definitely be booking with Jake again if we're back in the area. I can't recommend him enough. Thanks for a memorable week!!
I took my grandsons, 11 and 14, on their first fishing charter. Jake was patient and kind and super helpful. He made the kids...
Captain replied
Jul 5, 2025
2 hr trip
Highly recommend—Captain Jake is amazing!
We had such an incredible time with Captain Jake! My wife and I enjoy trying new things, so during our three-day weekend on St. Pete Beach, we decided to book this fishing excursion. Right on time, Captain Jake was at the dock to pick us up, had the bait fish fresh, and had several fishing poles ready to go. Now… we have dabbled with fishing (mostly with our five year old nephews), so we needed some guidance. Captain Jake was an excellent teacher… and very patient until we were able to cast our own lines like [almost] pros! And he was ready with a new bait fish to put on our hook every time we needed it. Also… Captain Jake knows the local [secret] fishing spots. We had a couple fish hooked within the first 20 minutes of our trip. And we continued to bites the whole time… even though sometimes the fish won the battles. We were able to keep several of the fish we caught—including red fish and snapper (had to release some due to local regulations, which was totally fine—and we really appreciated Captain Jake’s respect and love for nature and the local ecosystem). Also caught a trout that was over 23 inches (released her as well because it appeared that she may have been full of eggs—again, a tribute to Captain Jake’s knowledge and compassion for marine life). Of the fish we caught and kept, Captain Jake cleaned them (giving us a lesson in the process)—we then took the fresh fish filets to a local restaurant, and they cooked them up to our specifications! Overall, was an amazing experience—learned a lot and had such a blast (my wife was glowing saying how proud of us she was for hours after). Would (and definitely will) book another fishing with Captain Jake again.
We had such an incredible time with Captain Jake! My wife and I enjoy trying new things, so during our three-day weekend on St....
Captain replied
St. Petersburg, Florida
Jun 21, 2025
Half Day Trip
Half Day Inshore charter with Capt Jake
We recently booked a half day inshore trip with Capt Jake in June. I booked the charter for my father in law who recently moved to Florida. I figured this would be a great way to show him what Florida fishing is all about and Capt Jake did not disappoint. Jake picked our group up (3 fishermen) right on time with a live well full of fresh bait. Before arriving at our first spot, Jake explained the game plan and gave us some pointers to help ensure we would have the greatest chance for success. It didn’t take long before the fish started to show up. Our first catch was a hard fighting redfish. After landing the fish, Capt Jake measured it to make sure it was legal size and in the cooler it went. After a few missed bites and some more tips from Jake we were hooked up to a very healthy snook. (A fish on my father in laws bucket list) After a quick picture and a healthy release we were on the way to spot #2. Within minutes of setting up on the second spot the drag was screaming and we were all yelling with excitement. With clear and concise direction from the Capt I was able to wrangle another healthy snook away from the pilings for a great picture before release. After a morning of battling snook and redfish Capt Jake suggested we try one more spot for a seatrout to see if we could complete our inshore “slam.” However, Mother Nature had a different plan. But, with Capt Jake’s experience and local knowledge he was able to keep us safe and dry. Upon returning to the dock Jake cleaned our catch while giving us some recommendations on how to prepare it and what spices to use. Dinner turned out awesome and we were able to keep our dinner guests entertained with all the stories from our morning trip. It really was the prefect ending to a great trip. We will definitely use Capt Jake’s services again in the very near future and encourage anyone looking for a memorable day on the water to do the same. He taught us a lot and kept us laughing all day. This is a trip we will not soon forget. Thanks agin for a great day Capt Jake!
We recently booked a half day inshore trip with Capt Jake in June. I booked the charter for my father in law who recently moved...
Captain repliedTrip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (103)
+100Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
100%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
EPIC
Half Day Trip on July 20, 2025
It was the BEST. Jake is WONDERFUL. Patient, kind, respectful and at peace. Every moment was fun. Especially, when we caught a small shark. Even the times we weren't fishing. While he was taking us to another place to fish; he was playing music and allowed us to choose some songs to play. Drove pacifically. He let us be ourselves. At the dock, he went to get his truck to secure his boat on truck. While he did that, we had some fun with Florida birds. He allowed us to feed the birds with the bait we used to fish. The fish we caught. He cleaned them up and we were able to keep them. One of the BEST moments of my life!!! Blessings Jake! Thank you for everything!!
It was the BEST. Jake is WONDERFUL. Patient, kind, respectful and at peace. Every moment was fun. Especially, when we caught a small shark. Even the times we weren't fishing. While he was taking us to another place to fish; he was playing music and allowed us to choose some songs to play. Drove pacifically. He let us be ourselves. At the dock, he went to get his truck to secure his boat on truck. While he did that, we had some fun with Florida birds. He allowed us to feed the birds...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Fish Fear Him. We Recommend Him
3/4 Day Trip on July 9, 2025
Captain Jack Nichols is the real deal—part fishing guide, part local legend, and possibly part fish himself. From the second we stepped on the boat, he had us laughing, learning, and reeling ‘em in like pros (well… semi-pros). Thanks to his patience and Jedi-level persistence, we landed snook, red drum, trout, and mangrove snapper like it was our job. Communication? Spot on. Captain Jack kept us in the loop, gave clear instructions, and made sure everyone felt confident (even when we tangled lines or missed a hookset). On top of that, he gave us excellent recommendations for local restaurants and businesses—seriously, this guy should run for mayor. If you want a captain who knows the fish, knows the area, and knows how to make your day on the water unforgettable—book with Captain Jack Nichols. 10/10 would fish again!!
Captain Jack Nichols is the real deal—part fishing guide, part local legend, and possibly part fish himself. From the second we stepped on the boat, he had us laughing, learning, and reeling ‘em in like pros (well… semi-pros). Thanks to his patience and Jedi-level persistence, we landed snook, red drum, trout, and mangrove snapper like it was our job. Communication? Spot on. Captain Jack kept us in the loop, gave clear instructions, and made sure everyone felt confident (even when we tangled...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great day with Jake and the kids!
2 hr trip on July 15, 2025
I took my grandsons, 11 and 14, on their first fishing charter. Jake was patient and kind and super helpful. He made the kids feel at ease and they had a blast catching fish! Jake kept things moving and didn't let us sit in one spot too long if the fish weren't biting in that location. The kids liked the first trip so much that they asked for a second trip with Jake. We will definitely be booking with Jake again if we're back in the area. I can't recommend him enough. Thanks for a memorable week!!
I took my grandsons, 11 and 14, on their first fishing charter. Jake was patient and kind and super helpful. He made the kids feel at ease and they had a blast catching fish! Jake kept things moving and didn't let us sit in one spot too long if the fish weren't biting in that location. The kids liked the first trip so much that they asked for a second trip with Jake. We will definitely be booking with Jake again if we're back in the area. I can't recommend him enough. Thanks for a memorable...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Highly recommend—Captain Jake is amazing!
2 hr trip on July 5, 2025
We had such an incredible time with Captain Jake! My wife and I enjoy trying new things, so during our three-day weekend on St. Pete Beach, we decided to book this fishing excursion. Right on time, Captain Jake was at the dock to pick us up, had the bait fish fresh, and had several fishing poles ready to go. Now… we have dabbled with fishing (mostly with our five year old nephews), so we needed some guidance. Captain Jake was an excellent teacher… and very patient until we were able to cast our own lines like [almost] pros! And he was ready with a new bait fish to put on our hook every time we needed it. Also… Captain Jake knows the local [secret] fishing spots. We had a couple fish hooked within the first 20 minutes of our trip. And we continued to bites the whole time… even though sometimes the fish won the battles. We were able to keep several of the fish we caught—including red fish and snapper (had to release some due to local regulations, which was totally fine—and we really appreciated Captain Jake’s respect and love for nature and the local ecosystem). Also caught a trout that was over 23 inches (released her as well because it appeared that she may have been full of eggs—again, a tribute to Captain Jake’s knowledge and compassion for marine life). Of the fish we caught and kept, Captain Jake cleaned them (giving us a lesson in the process)—we then took the fresh fish filets to a local restaurant, and they cooked them up to our specifications! Overall, was an amazing experience—learned a lot and had such a blast (my wife was glowing saying how proud of us she was for hours after). Would (and definitely will) book another fishing with Captain Jake again.
We had such an incredible time with Captain Jake! My wife and I enjoy trying new things, so during our three-day weekend on St. Pete Beach, we decided to book this fishing excursion. Right on time, Captain Jake was at the dock to pick us up, had the bait fish fresh, and had several fishing poles ready to go. Now… we have dabbled with fishing (mostly with our five year old nephews), so we needed some guidance. Captain Jake was an excellent teacher… and very patient until we were able to cast...
St. Petersburg, Florida
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Inshore charter with Capt Jake
Half Day Trip on June 21, 2025
We recently booked a half day inshore trip with Capt Jake in June. I booked the charter for my father in law who recently moved to Florida. I figured this would be a great way to show him what Florida fishing is all about and Capt Jake did not disappoint. Jake picked our group up (3 fishermen) right on time with a live well full of fresh bait. Before arriving at our first spot, Jake explained the game plan and gave us some pointers to help ensure we would have the greatest chance for success. It didn’t take long before the fish started to show up. Our first catch was a hard fighting redfish. After landing the fish, Capt Jake measured it to make sure it was legal size and in the cooler it went. After a few missed bites and some more tips from Jake we were hooked up to a very healthy snook. (A fish on my father in laws bucket list) After a quick picture and a healthy release we were on the way to spot #2. Within minutes of setting up on the second spot the drag was screaming and we were all yelling with excitement. With clear and concise direction from the Capt I was able to wrangle another healthy snook away from the pilings for a great picture before release. After a morning of battling snook and redfish Capt Jake suggested we try one more spot for a seatrout to see if we could complete our inshore “slam.” However, Mother Nature had a different plan. But, with Capt Jake’s experience and local knowledge he was able to keep us safe and dry. Upon returning to the dock Jake cleaned our catch while giving us some recommendations on how to prepare it and what spices to use. Dinner turned out awesome and we were able to keep our dinner guests entertained with all the stories from our morning trip. It really was the prefect ending to a great trip. We will definitely use Capt Jake’s services again in the very near future and encourage anyone looking for a memorable day on the water to do the same. He taught us a lot and kept us laughing all day. This is a trip we will not soon forget. Thanks agin for a great day Capt Jake!
We recently booked a half day inshore trip with Capt Jake in June. I booked the charter for my father in law who recently moved to Florida. I figured this would be a great way to show him what Florida fishing is all about and Capt Jake did not disappoint. Jake picked our group up (3 fishermen) right on time with a live well full of fresh bait. Before arriving at our first spot, Jake explained the game plan and gave us some pointers to help ensure we would have the greatest chance for success. ...
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