Visit Marco Island and enjoy top-tier fishing with Southbound Fishing Charters! Captain John and his elite team of native captains grew up on the beautiful island, and spent their lives exploring the abundant fishing its surrounding waters have to offer. They’ll take you to all their favorite spots, and show you a great time on the water!

Fish aboard a brand new 24’ Pathfinder performance fishing boat powered by a 300 HP Yamaha outboard motor or 2021 25’ Carolina Skiff as we get skinny through the backwaters of Marco Island and the 10,000 Islands. These beautiful vessels have a wide and spacious deck that can comfortably accommodate up to 6 guests, where the large bow offers a stable platform to fish from. There are 2 livewells for bait and catch, along with a clean icebox to keep refreshments chilled throughout the day.

Capt. John and his crew will have quality Shimano fishing equipment ready to put you on the fish. Trips include all the gear you’ll need for a productive day of fishing, as well as live bait (Shrimp, Pilchards, or Mullet), fishing licenses, and bottled water. The locals always know best and guarantee we’ll clean and fillet your catch so you can take it home or the best places in town.

You have the chance to fish Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands targeting Tarpon, Redfish, Snook, Pompano, Snapper, Black Drum, Trout, Grouper, and Shark.

Children are very welcome on board, as are anglers of all skill levels. With access to a premium fleet of vessels, Southbound can accommodate large groups and unique trips upon request.

Book your trip with Southbound Fishing Charters and enjoy some of the best fishing Florida has to offer!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM) – Inshore
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $575
    We will be fishing the backcountry of the 10,000 islands targeting Snook, Trout, Redfish, Tarpon on the flats and the mangrove islands. This is a great 4-hour trip to go on as an introductive to the productive waters of the islands.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM) – Inshore
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    US $575
    If you want to sleep in, book this trip and explore these productive grounds in the afternoon hours. We will be fishing the backcountry of the 10,000 islands on the flats and mangroves targeting Snook, Trout, Redfish, Tarpon.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM) – Shark/Tarpon
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $600
    This trip will have you exploring the beautiful waters out of Marco Island for 4 hours. You'll be fishing for Sharks and Tarpon nearshore with heavy tackle for a fishing adventure you won't forget.
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip – Inshore
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $775
    Spend a few more hours on the prolific waters of the Ten Thousand Islands, and experience the great fishing they have to offer. We will be fishing the backcountry targeting Snook, Trout, Redfish, Tarpon on the flats and the mangrove islands.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip – Extreme Inshore
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,000
    This is an 8-hour trip that will have you extreme fishing the inshore waters of the Ten Thousand Islands. This is all day fishing so bring lunch and some drinks. We will target all types of inshore fish from Snook to Redfish and Tarpon.
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FAQs about Southbound Fishing Charters

Southbound Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $575 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) – Inshore (4 hours)
  • US $575 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) – Inshore (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) – Shark/Tarpon (4 hours)
  • US $775 per group - 3/4 Day Trip – Inshore (6 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group - Full Day Trip – Extreme Inshore (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Southbound Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS Simrad
  • Fishfinder Simrad
  • Live Bait Well 3 Livewells
  • Wireless Trolling Motor i-Pilot
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Southbound Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Shimano)
  • Live Bait (Shrimp, Pilchards, Mullet)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks
  • Fishing License (Licensed up to 6 people)

Southbound Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

Southbound Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Handline

Top targeted fish species with Southbound Fishing Charters include:
  • Black Drum
  • Pompano
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon
  • Tripletail

Meet the Captain

John Pipitone
Marco Island, Florida, United States
236 Fishing Reports
193 Customer reviews
Response time 6 hours
Member since May 2016
Grew up on the small island of Marco. I began fishing as a kid and got my own boat when I was 15. I started going fishing after school and on the weekend with my buddies. I fell in love with the backcountry and the abundance of fish that you can catch. After many years of fishing, I decided to start my own charter business to show people what I have learned over the years. Book a trip today and see what fishing around Marco is all about

About this listing

Targeted species

Black Drum Black Drum
Pompano Pompano
Redfish Redfish
Shark (Blacktip) Blacktip Shark

Boat specs

Pathfinder (Bay boat) originally built in 2019. Powered by a 300HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 50 knots.

Length
25 ft
Capacity
4 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Handline

Amenities

GPS
Simrad
Fishfinder
Simrad
Live Bait Well
3 Livewells
Wireless Trolling Motor
i-Pilot
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Shimano
Live Bait
Shrimp, Pilchards, Mullet
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Fishing License
Licensed up to 6 people

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 not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% 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

Marco Island Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 193 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (179)
March fishing trip
March fishing trip
March fishing trip
+176
Angler rating
181
6
2
1
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
95%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
91%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 193 reviews
Scott K.
Chicago, Illinois
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome Half Morning Day with Cap John

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) – Inshore on April 18, 2022
My 9 year old son and I had great trip with Captain John.  Great dude and patient with my boy.  Caught a bunch of Spanish...
Scott K. recommends Southbound Fishing Charters
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Bobby M.
Elsmere, DE
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

AM trip with Captain Christian

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) – Inshore on April 20, 2022
The overall expert was great. We were on the fish right away and got to catch at a variety of different locations. This trip...
Bobby M. recommends Southbound Fishing Charters
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Bobby M. recommends Southbound Fishing Charters
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Rich M.
VLG WELLINGTN, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Lots of species, lots of fun

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip – Extreme Inshore on September 2, 2021
We took a full day trip with Capt John. We landed snook, redfish, ladyfish, pompano, Spanish mackerel, Jacks, snapper and even...
Rich M. recommends Southbound Fishing Charters
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Rich M. recommends Southbound Fishing Charters
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Tana R.
Los Angeles, CA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

2 Days with Captain John

VERIFIED   3/4 Day Trip – Inshore on January 16, 2021
Our two day fishing trip with Captain John was fantastic!  John was easy going and good company.  Brand new, gorgeous boat...
Tana R. recommends Southbound Fishing Charters
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  John Pipitone Captain replied

Matt S.
New Berlin, WI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

March fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) – Inshore on March 13, 2023
Ideal trip.  Professional and productive.
Matt S. recommends Southbound Fishing Charters
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Matt S. recommends Southbound Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful