Goodman Charters
+38If you’re ready to have fun fishing in Fort Myers, look no further than Goodman Charters. Having logged many hours on these tides, Captain James knows them forwards and back.
Fishing around here will often see you targeting Snook, Tarpon, Speckled Trout, Mangrove Snapper, Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Red Grouper, Pompano, Cobia, Permit, Lane Snapper, Goliath Grouper, and more, depending on the time of year. During the trip, you might be light tackle fishing, bottom fishing, or something more specialized in this area.
Goodman Charters is a kid-friendly charter service, so get ‘em offline and onto the water! Children must wear life vests, so find out if the appropriate size is available on board. And you can’t go wrong with snacks so that nobody gets cranky on an empty stomach!
Your boat for the day is a 24’ Bay boat with space for 6 passengers. Capt. James will supply rods and reels for you, along with lures. Live bait is on offer, but be sure to ask about it so you know if you’ll be catching it yourself. There’s no need to buy a fishing license, so all you have to do is show up ready for a good time!
A few items to bring include sunglasses, a hat, and sunblock (non-spray). Some drinks will be offered, but let the captain know if you wish to bring your own. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just be sure to avoid hard liquor and glass bottles. Keep in mind that some fish may have harvest limits or closed seasons. Your captain will help you follow regulations while you fish.
Now, time to hit the water with Goodman Charters!
Captain
James Goodman
Most popular features:
Trip availability and prices
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (5)
+2Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
86%
Caught fish
100%
The captain canceled
Trip was supposed to happen on June 29, 2025
The charter operator canceled 2 days prior to the trip date. This is an automated posting.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
8 hour fishing trip.
8 Hour Trip on March 26, 2025
Look no further, book a trip with captain James! My son and I had an amazing day on the water. Captain James put us on the fish right away and kept us on it all day. He was knowledgeable and helpful. I would definitely go fishing with him again. Thanks Captain James!
Look no further, book a trip with captain James! My son and I had an amazing day on the water. Captain James put us on the fish right away and kept us on it all day. He was knowledgeable and helpful. I would definitely go fishing with him again. Thanks Captain James!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great Day on the Water
6 Hour Trip on May 1, 2025
There’s no such thing as a bad day fishing… captain worked hard to put us on fish and he did. The fish have to bite and they weren’t. Captain worked hard and gave extra time off the clock. Boat was a little small but the experience was great and captain was very friendly. You can’t go wrong with this charter.
There’s no such thing as a bad day fishing… captain worked hard to put us on fish and he did. The fish have to bite and they weren’t. Captain worked hard and gave extra time off the clock. Boat was a little small but the experience was great and captain was very friendly. You can’t go wrong with this charter.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
What a great day for my daughter and I!
6 Hour Trip on March 31, 2024
Captain James was very knowledgeable of the area and accommodating on our trip! In the morning the bite was a little slow but Captain James was persistent with finding where the fish were and providing us with an amazing day! We caught Snook, Jack Crevalle, Sea Trout and Redfish. Although my daughter out fished me, I still lost the “big one” towards the end of our day as he took line off the reel and broke free. We will definitely book you again the next time we’re in the area! Thanks Captain James!
Captain James was very knowledgeable of the area and accommodating on our trip! In the morning the bite was a little slow but Captain James was persistent with finding where the fish were and providing us with an amazing day! We caught Snook, Jack Crevalle, Sea Trout and Redfish. Although my daughter out fished me, I still lost the “big one” towards the end of our day as he took line off the reel and broke free. We will definitely book you again the next time we’re in the area! Thanks Captain...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great captain! Great day fishing 🎣
6 Hour Trip on April 12, 2024
Captain James knows his stuff. First time fishing in the US and you never know what to expect, but James was exceptional and put us on the fish straight away. Took the wife and teenagers along and they loved it. When the fishing slowed down James moved us to the next spot. James did his best to keep us on the fish and helped us all non stop right to the end.
Captain James knows his stuff. First time fishing in the US and you never know what to expect, but James was exceptional and put us on the fish straight away. Took the wife and teenagers along and they loved it. When the fishing slowed down James moved us to the next spot. James did his best to keep us on the fish and helped us all non stop right to the end.
FAQs about Goodman Charters
What are the trip rates for Goodman Charters?
Goodman Charters offers the following trips to customers:
- US $550 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Half day trip (4 hours)
- US $650 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip (5 hours)
- US $750 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 6 Hour Trip (6 hours)
- US $950 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 8 Hour Trip (8 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Goodman Charters?
When you book a trip with Goodman Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Live Bait Well
- Wireless Trolling Motor
- Ice Box
What's included in the trip price with Goodman Charters?
Trips booked with Goodman Charters include:
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Live Bait (Included )
- Lures
- Catch cleaning & filleting (Yes it's included )
- Drinks (I bring water any other beverages are welcome )
- Fishing License (Licenses are included in price and cover all guests )
What types of fishing does Goodman Charters offer?
Goodman Charters offers the following types of fishing:
- Inshore Fishing
- Nearshore Fishing
- Reef Fishing
- Wreck Fishing
- Flats Fishing
- Backcountry Fishing
What fishing techniques does Goodman Charters offer?
Goodman Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
- Light Tackle
- Heavy Tackle
- Bottom Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Goodman Charters?
Top targeted fish species with Goodman Charters include:
- Cobia
- Grouper (Goliath)
- Grouper (Red)
- Jack Crevalle
- Permit
- Pompano
- Redfish
- Snapper (Lane)
- Snapper (Mangrove)
- Snook
- Speckled Trout
- Tarpon
Your captain
Fort Myers, Florida, United States
Meet Captain James, whose love for fishing and the oceans runs deep. Southwest Florida has been his playground since he could walk, and he picked up a fishing rod as soon as he could. He has a Marine Science degree from FGCU, and he's dedicated to understanding and protecting our precious waterways. Capt. James is driven by a desire to share the wonders of this unique area with others. He's also an experienced photographer, so you'll have amazing photos with your catch!
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing
Which fishing techniques you can try
Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
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
Included
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Yes it's included
Drinks
I bring water any other beverages are welcome
Fishing License
Licenses are included in price and cover all guests
How cancellations work
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.
What the listing policies are
Pickup included in price
Child Friendly
No age limits
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
How you can pay
Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% 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
Bank Transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 2.5% charge will apply.
What’s biting in Fort Myers right now
Cobia
Grouper (Goliath)
Grouper (Red)
Jack Crevalle
Permit
Redfish
Snapper (Mangrove)
Snook
Tarpon