Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters 

5.0
(16 reviews)
 
State licensed
 5800 Riverview Boulevard, Bradenton, FL 34209, United States–

Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters 

Bradenton, FL, United States
–
25 ft
6
5.0
(16 reviews)

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Book your next trip with Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters and find out what the fishing in Bradenton is all about.

These waters are known for Red Grouper, Gag Grouper, Lane Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Vermilion Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Grunt, and more – with any luck, it won't be long before 'Fish on!' During the trip you might be spinning, trolling, drifting, bottom fishing, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Planning a family adventure? Kids are absolutely welcome! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there's one on board. Snacks are also a good idea so that everyone stays happy and energized!

You'll be dropping lines from a 25' Mako center console that can carry up to 6 passengers. It has everything you need for a productive day on the water. Capt. Matt will supply rods and reels for you. Live bait is included, but it's good to ask about this 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! Keep in mind that some fish may have harvest limits or closed seasons. If you don't know what to expect, ask the captain.

You can't go wrong when you bring sunglasses, bottled water, and sunblock (non-spray). If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

The click of a button is the only thing keeping you from a great day on the water with Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters!

Book your next trip with Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters and find out what the fishing in Bradenton is all about.

These waters are known for Red Grouper, Gag Grouper, Lane Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Vermilion Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Grunt, and more – with any luck, it won't be long before 'Fish on!' During the trip you might be spinning, trolling, drifting, bottom fishing, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Planning a family adventure? Kids are absolutely welcome! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there's one on board. Snacks are also a good idea so that everyone stays happy and energized!

You'll be dropping lines from a 25' Mako center console that can carry up to 6 passengers. It has everything you need for a productive day on the water. Capt. Matt will supply rods and reels for you. Live bait is included, but it's good to ask about this 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! Keep in mind that some fish may have harvest limits or closed seasons. If you don't know what to expect, ask the captain.

You can't go wrong when you bring sunglasses, bottled water, and sunblock (non-spray). If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

The click of a button is the only thing keeping you from a great day on the water with Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters!

Matt Kissell
Captain
Matt Kissell
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
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4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Snapper (Mangrove)
Grouper (Gag)
Grouper (Red)
Snapper (Yellowtail)
+3
US $700
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour Trip – Offshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Mangrove)
Grouper (Gag)
+6
US $700
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Offshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Mangrove)
Grouper (Gag)
+5
US $900
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8 Hour Trip – Offshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Snapper (Mangrove)
Grouper (Gag)
Grouper (Red)
Snapper (Yellowtail)
+4
US $1,250
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (20)

Reviews (16)

  • Kevin Atkinson
    Kevin Atkinson
    Repeat angler
    us
    Kentucky, US
    •
    Member since 2023
    •
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Top Tier Experience!

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore on December 27, 2025 • 5 adults • 1 child

    If you are looking for a top-tier fishing experience near Holmes Beach, look no further than Captain Matt Kissell at Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters. We did a 4-hour trip and the action was absolutely non-stop. Matt had us on the fish almost immediately—we didn't waste a second of our time. By the time we headed back to the docks, we had caught ** over 60 fish** in our group of five. We were pulling in Sea Bass, Flounder and several other species throughout the morning. Aside from his expert knowledge of the local spots, Matt was incredibly professional and friendly. Most importantly, he was fantastic with the kids. He kept them engaged, safe, and excited the entire time, which made the trip stress-free for me. If you want a captain who is hardworking, patient, and knows exactly where the fish are hiding, book with Matt. We will definitely be back!

  • Emmit Dobbyn
    Emmit Dobbyn
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Epic Fishing Trip!

    6 Hour Trip – Offshore on August 12, 2026 • 6 adults

    Great trip out on the water with the boys. Capain Matt took us right to hot spots where we easily caught a ton of Snapper and Grouper. Fish were biting as fast as we could drop lines in the water! We had mixed skill levels in the group and everyone had a great time. Definitely would book again, this was the best value compared to all the other charters we looked at.

  • David Graves
    David Graves
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    •
    Member since 2022
    •
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters for the Win!!

    4 Hour Trip – Offshore on March 22, 2026 • 3 adults

    Took a sunday trip with Matt and it did not dissapoint!! He was ready when we got to launch and wasted No time getting us on the water. He was knowledgeable about the fish we caught , kept us baited up and lines in the water, could not have been more pleased with this young and aspiring Captain. Everythig was supplied and the boat was great, highly recommended getting on the water with Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters!!!

  • Laffin Dave
    Laffin Dave
    us
    Massachusetts, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Perfect day fishing

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore on April 12, 2026 • 4 adults

    Great day fishing with Captain Matt, currently making fish tacos with our catch this a.m. Highly suggest booking with Captain Matt if your in the Bradenton Fl area. We will be back next year for more.

  • Jonathan Skeens
    Jonathan Skeens
    us
    Tulsa, OK, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Blast!

    6 Hour Trip – Offshore on August 15, 2026 • 6 adults

    Matt is such a good man! Our group had a great time. Matt was very helpful, friendly, and a great guy. We got a lot of fish!

  • Jamie Clark
    Jamie Clark
    Repeat angler
    us
    Colorado, US
    •
    Member since 2023
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome trip w/ Captain Matt!!

    6 Hour Trip – Offshore on June 8, 2026 • 6 adults

    Had a great trip with the family. Caught around 50 fish as a group.

  • Michael Yarmas
    Michael Yarmas
    us
    Maryland, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Caught fish right from the start. Had a great day! Thank you Captain!!

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore - 12:00 PM on June 13, 2026 • 4 adults
  • Nick Joyner
    Nick Joyner
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2018
    5.0

    Great day on the water!

    6 Hour Trip – Offshore on February 11, 2026

    We had a phenomenal day on the water with Captain Matt. From hogs to groupers and a variety of others, we could not have had a better day on the water.

  • Samantha Ogline
    Samantha Ogline
    Member since 2026
    5.0

    half day trip with captain Matt

    4 Hour Trip – Offshore on January 14, 2026

    we had a fantastic day fishing offshore with Captain Matt, He put us on the fish quick and his experience and customer service is top notch!

  • Allan Towles
    Allan Towles
    us
    Illinois, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Excellent Trip

    4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore - 12:00 PM on May 22, 2026 • 2 adults

    Captain Matt did a great job! He got us on fish the very first drop. We caught three different kinds of grouper a Spanish Mackerel and two Sharks. we are very pleased with this trip. We had alot of fun! I would highly recommend this fishing trip!

Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (20)

All reviews (16)

Showing 1 – 5 of 15 reviews
Kevin Atkinson
Kevin Atkinson
Repeat angler
us
Kentucky, US
•
Member since 2023
•
4 trips
5.0
Verified
Top Tier Experience!
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore on December 27, 2025 • 4 adults • 1 child

If you are looking for a top-tier fishing experience near Holmes Beach, look no further than Captain Matt Kissell at Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters. We did a 4-hour trip and the action was absolutely non-stop. Matt had us on the fish almost immediately—we didn't waste a second of our time. By the time we headed back to the docks, we had caught ** over 60 fish** in our group of five. We were pulling in Sea Bass, Flounder and several other species throughout the morning. Aside from his expert knowledge of the local spots, Matt was incredibly professional and friendly. Most importantly, he was fantastic with the kids. He kept them engaged, safe, and excited the entire time, which made the trip stress-free for me. If you want a captain who is hardworking, patient, and knows exactly where the fish are hiding, book with Matt. We will definitely be back!

Reported catch:
Gag Grouper
Grunt
Matt Kissell
Response from Captain

I’m glad you guys had a great time! had a pleasure fishing with you all.

Emmit Dobbyn
Emmit Dobbyn
us
Florida, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Epic Fishing Trip!
6 Hour Trip – Offshore on August 12, 2026 • 6 adults

Great trip out on the water with the boys. Capain Matt took us right to hot spots where we easily caught a ton of Snapper and Grouper. Fish were biting as fast as we could drop lines in the water! We had mixed skill levels in the group and everyone had a great time. Definitely would book again, this was the best value compared to all the other charters we looked at.

Reported catch:
Mangrove Snapper
Gag Grouper
Red Grouper
Grunt
David Graves
David Graves
Repeat angler
us
Texas, US
•
Member since 2022
•
5 trips
5.0
Verified
Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters for the Win!!
4 Hour Trip – Offshore on March 22, 2026 • 3 adults

Took a sunday trip with Matt and it did not dissapoint!! He was ready when we got to launch and wasted No time getting us on the water. He was knowledgeable about the fish we caught , kept us baited up and lines in the water, could not have been more pleased with this young and aspiring Captain. Everythig was supplied and the boat was great, highly recommended getting on the water with Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters!!!

Reported catch:
Gag Grouper
Grunt
Red Grouper
Matt Kissell
Response from Captain

Yall were a pleasure to be on the water with!! Thanks for the review. Im glad it was a good time, look forward to fishing with you guys again!

Allan Towles
Allan Towles
us
Illinois, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Excellent Trip
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore - 12:00 PM on May 22, 2026 • 2 adults

Captain Matt did a great job! He got us on fish the very first drop. We caught three different kinds of grouper a Spanish Mackerel and two Sharks. we are very pleased with this trip. We had alot of fun! I would highly recommend this fishing trip!

Matt Kissell
Response from Captain

Thanks Allan! Im glad you had a fun trip i emjoyed the day fishing with you guys!

Laffin Dave
Laffin Dave
us
Massachusetts, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Perfect day fishing
4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore on April 12, 2026 • 4 adults

Great day fishing with Captain Matt, currently making fish tacos with our catch this a.m. Highly suggest booking with Captain Matt if your in the Bradenton Fl area. We will be back next year for more.

Reported catch:
Mangrove Snapper
Gag Grouper
Matt Kissell
Response from Captain

you guys were a fun time thanks for booking!

FAQs about Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters

Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Offshore (4 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Offshore (6 hours)
  • US $1,250 per group - 8 Hour Trip – Offshore (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (If fishing with live bait it will be included in price)
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Cleaning and filleting fish are included in price)
  • Fishing license (No fishing license required, ice bait and tackle is included in price)
Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing (Tampa bay intercoastal and nearshore off the beach)
  • Offshore fishing (Up to 9 nautical miles offshore)
  • Reef fishing (Live bottom ledges and reefs )
  • Wreck fishing (Sunken ships ans barges )
Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters include:
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • Grunt
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Lane)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Vermilion)
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)

Your captain

Matt Kissell
Matt Kissell

Bradenton, Florida, United States

ID & license verified
15 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since November 2025
Angler's Choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

Capt. Matt Kissell is your guide to an unforgettable fishing adventure in the waters of Bradenton, Florida. Explore these waters teeming with Gag Grouper,Red Grouper and Grunt under Matt's expert guidance. The only way to learn is to join them on the water.

Matt Kissell
Matt Kissell
Fully verified
Angler's Choice
15
reviews
2025
member since
~1h
response
Capt. Matt Kissell is your guide to an unforgettable fishing adventure in the waters of Bradenton, Florida. Explore these waters teeming with Gag Grouper,Red Grouper and Grunt under Matt's expert guidance. The only way to learn is to join them on the water.

The fish you can target

Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
Grunt
Grunt
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Lane Snapper
Lane Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
Grunt
Grunt
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Sheepshead
Sheepshead

Real catches by this captain

  • Blast!
    Jonathan S.
    Jonathan S.
  • Epic Fishing Trip!
    Emmit D.
    Emmit D.
  • Caught fish right from the start.  Had a great day! Thank you Captain!!
    Michael Y.
    Michael Y.
  • Perfect day fishing
    Laffin D.
    Laffin D.
  • Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters for the Win!!
    David G.
    David G.
  • Top Tier Experience!
    Kevin A.
    Kevin A.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
25 ft
Year built
1997
Restored in
2022
Boat manufacturer
Mako
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Suzuki
Powered by
2 x 200HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Drift Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Snorkeling equipment
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
If fishing with live bait it will be included in price
Catch cleaning & filleting
Cleaning and filleting fish are included in price
Fishing license
No fishing license required, ice bait and tackle is included in price

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.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup included in price
Transfer from hotels or jetties in Bradenton to departure site is available and included in trip rates.
Child friendly
No age limit for kids or adults
You keep catch

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 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

 Visa

 Mastercard

 American Express

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 2% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Bradenton right now

Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
Grouper (Red)Grouper (Red)
SheepsheadSheepshead
Snapper (Yellowtail)Snapper (Yellowtail)

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters
Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Charters
State licensed
5.0
(16)
25 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+7
4 hour trip • 6 persons
US $700