Get ready to experience some of the most productive inshore and nearshore fishing possible with Captain Johnny Riggs! Located opposite Charlotte Harbor, you’ll set off from Punta Gorda – a prime location to fish the backwaters and skinny waters of the Peace River or Boca Grande. Come discover this incredible fishery for yourself!

Capt. Johnny was born and raised in this area, so it’s fair to say he knows a thing or two about casting a line here. He’ll customize your angling adventure to perfectly suit your needs. All ages are welcome aboard for a wonderful day on the water fishing for Sharks, Snook, and everything in between.

You’ll be casting off from a 24’ Proline center console, powered by a 150 HP Yamaha motor. She can comfortably accommodate up to 4 guests. Restored in 2016, this boat features all the modern amenities you’ll need for a successful day on the water. This includes Hummingbird electronics, a shallow water anchoring system, and a trolling motor for sneaking up on your target fish!

However you want to spend your day in the Punta Gorda area, Capt. Johnny has a trip to suit you. Choose between collecting shells on the local islands and fishing for species such as Redfish, Snook, Snappers, Sharks, and the huge Goliath Grouper.

When in season, you’ll also get the chance for an exciting face-off with the “Silver King” (Tarpon). Capt. Jonny uses a variety of techniques on his trips, such as trolling, jigging, drift fishing, bottom fishing, and even bowfishing. If there’s a fish you’d like to target or a technique you’d like to try, just let him know!

In his own words, this is the “best place to fish anywhere,” and Capt. Johnny will provide all the gear you need, as well as your fishing license. When you return to shore, he’ll even clean your keeper fish for you to take home.

With so many options, there’s definitely a trip for you, and you can be safe in the knowledge that you’ll be well looked after. Come cast off with Captain Johnny Riggs!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4 Hour Flats Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $600
    This 4-hour trip is the perfect introduction to Punta Gorda's fishery! You'll be fishing the inshore waters of the Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound, and Boca Grande area. You'll be targeting seasonal fish such as Redfish, Snook, Trout, Cobia, and Sharks. Capt. Johnny will make sure you're decked out with all the fishing gear you need, as well as a valid license.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – Flats / Bay
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $800
    A 6-hour trip is the perfect amount of time to hit some very reliable spots to bend the rods, and still push a little further to make the trip epic. This adventure is very popular as it provides enough time to fish and hook plenty of Snook, Redfish, Trout, Cobia, Sharks, and whatever else is biting. Capt. Johnny will provide all the fishing gear you need, as well as your fishing license, so just bring plenty of energy with you!
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – Tarpon
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Apr 1 - Aug 31
    US $1,000
    From April to August, Boca Grande boasts the largest Tarpon population in the world. This majestic fish puts on a show that's hard to top, and your captain will help you reel in the trophy catch of your dreams! These fish are aerial artists and the second you hook one you'll agree it deserves the name "The Silver King." Capt. Johnny will provide all the gear you need to reel in this slice of royalty, as well as a valid fishing license.
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Trip – Tarpon
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Apr 1 - Aug 31
    US $1,200
    Come fish the "Tarpon Capital of the World" alongside Capt. Johnny, and get ready to take on the "Silver King." The April–August season is not one to miss, and this trip offers you the fantastic opportunity to spend your entire day challenging this world-famous fish. You're sure to finish the day feeling stronger than ever before! Your captain will provide all the fishing gear you need, as well as your license.
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FAQs about Captain Johnny Riggs

Captain Johnny Riggs offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $600 per group - 4 Hour Flats Trip (4 hours)
  • US $800 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Flats / Bay (6 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Tarpon (6 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - 8 Hour Trip – Tarpon (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Captain Johnny Riggs, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS Hummingbird
  • Fishfinder Hummingbird
  • Live Bait Well
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Ice Box
  • Radar Hummingbird

Trips booked with Captain Johnny Riggs include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks
  • Fishing License

Captain Johnny Riggs offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing (Up to 9 miles offshore)
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

Captain Johnny Riggs offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Fly Fishing (Bring your own equipment)
  • Drift Fishing
  • Bowfishing

Top targeted fish species with Captain Johnny Riggs include:
  • Cobia
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • Permit
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Bull)
  • Shark (Hammerhead)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Meet the Captain

Johnny Riggs
Punta Gorda, Florida, United States
61 Customer reviews
Response time 8 hours
Member since October 2016
Captain Johnny Riggs is a military veteran with many years of service. He feels lucky to have been born and raised in Punta Gorda, spending his formative years and those that followed fishing these warm waters. In Captain Johnny's words: "It's home, and the best place to fish ANYWHERE!" Captain Johnny is happy to tailor each and every trip he offers to his customers, and enjoys every minute of guiding.

About this listing

Targeted species

Cobia Cobia
Grouper (Gag) Gag Grouper
Grouper (Goliath) Goliath Grouper
Grouper (Red) Red Grouper

Boat specs

Pro-Line (Center console) originally built in 1973, and restored in 2016. Powered by a 150HP Yamaha engine.

Length
24 ft
Capacity
4 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Up to 9 miles offshore
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Fly Fishing
Bring your own equipment
Drift Fishing
Bowfishing

Amenities

GPS
Hummingbird
Fishfinder
Hummingbird
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box
Radar
Hummingbird

Trip includes

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

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 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 Punta Gorda to departure site is available and included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Limits apply
Catch and Release Allowed

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

Punta Gorda Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 47 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (31)
4 hour trip
Half day trip
A un-forgettable day with Captain Johnny Riggs!
+28
Angler rating
47
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
91%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 47 reviews
James K.
Pembroke Pines, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Flat's Trip, with Captain Johnny

VERIFIED   4 Hour Flats Trip on June 14, 2023
We got bait first thing in the morning, and were on the fish the whole time, Trout, Snook and Snapper.
James K. recommends Captain Johnny Riggs
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Barton W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Johnny

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip – Flats / Bay on February 20, 2023
Barton W. recommends Captain Johnny Riggs
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Barton W. recommends Captain Johnny Riggs
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Mikaela A.
Bluford, IL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

4 hour bay trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Flats Trip on August 30, 2022
It was a great trip and Captain Johnny knew exactly how and where the fish would be. Almost every cast, we were hooking and...
Mikaela A. recommends Captain Johnny Riggs
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Mikaela A. recommends Captain Johnny Riggs
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Devon R.
Cape Coral, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip – Flats / Bay on April 12, 2021
Booked the trip and was greeted by a man who looked like a cross between Mathew McConaughey and a greek god.  The legend of...
Devon R. recommends Captain Johnny Riggs
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Devon R. recommends Captain Johnny Riggs
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Marry V. C.
Port Charlotte, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

A un-forgettable day with Captain Johnny Riggs!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Flats Trip on March 13, 2020
This by far was the most exciting fishing charter we have ever been on. Can you believe we had 3 people at once catching something....
Marry V. C. recommends Captain Johnny Riggs
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Marry V. C. recommends Captain Johnny Riggs
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