Capt. Barry Cuda Backwater Charters invites you on a fun fishing and sightseeing adventure on the beautiful Estero Bay in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. You will have a great time fishing with Captain Barry who is a USCG licensed captain and an extremely positive person.

He’ll take you out on a 23’ Key West Bay Reef center console boat powered by a 250 HP Suzuki engine. This speedy boat has everything you need for a successful trip including Simrad electronics, a wireless trolling motor to sneak up on the fearful fish, a live well, and an icebox.

Capt. Barry will take you to the abundant waters of Estero Bay where you can target shallow water species like Redfish, Spanish and King Mackerel, Trout, Sheepshead, Mangrove Snapper, Snook, Jack Crevalle, Pompano, Ladyfish, Sharks, and Rays. Sometimes, you can even catch Black Drum, Bluefish, and Cobia.

This area is famous for its wildlife which includes all kinds of marine species, bird species, and more. You’re likely to see manatees, dolphins, ospreys, egrets, herons, cormorants, and anhingas. Eagles and turtles are present as well. This means you will have the unique opportunity to take in the best that Estero Bay has to offer, above and below the waterline.

You are advised to bring protective clothing, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen for your convenience. Capt. Barry will provide the fishing gear including the rods, reels, tackle, bait, and water. If you are having a great time you are welcome to extend your trip at $100 per hour.

Explore the rich waters of Estero Bay and have the adventure to remember with Capt. Barry Cuda Backwater Charters!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
    US $600
    This trip will take you to Estero Bay where common catches are Seatrout, Redfish, Snook, Jack, Pompano, Mangrove Snapper, Ladyfish, Sharks, and Ray. Sometimes, you can also catch Black Drum, Bluefish, and Cobia. You are also likely to see manatees, porpoises, ospreys, egrets, herons, and more. This trip includes bait, tackle, and water. Bring protective clothing, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen lotion – no spray.
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Jack (Horse-eye)
    Horse-eye Jack
    Ladyfish
    Ladyfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spotted Seatrout
    Spotted Seatrout
    Pompano
    Pompano
    Sheepshead
    Sheepshead
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Backwater (PM)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    US $600
    This trip will take you to Estero Bay where common catches are Seatrout, Redfish, Snook, Jacks, Pompano, Mangrove Snapper, Ladyfish, Sharks, and Rays. Sometimes, you can also catch Black Drum, Bluefish, and Cobia. You are also likely to see Manatees, Porpoises, Ospreys, Egrets, Herons, etc. This trip includes bait, tackle, and water. Bring protective clothing, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen lotion - no spray.
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip - Backwater
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
    US $700
    This trip lasts for 5 hours and takes you to Estero Bay where you can target Seatrout, Redfish, Snook, Jacks, Pompano, Mangrove Snapper, Ladyfish, Sharks, and Rays. Sometimes, you can also catch Black Drum, Bluefish, and Cobia. You are also likely to see Manatees, Porpoises, Ospreys, Egrets, Herons, etc. This trip includes bait, tackle, and water. Bring protective clothing, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen lotion - no spray.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip - Backwater
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $800
    This 3/4 day trip will take you to Estero Bay where you can target Seatrout, Mangrove Snapper, Redfish, Snook, Jacks, Pompano, Ladyfish, Sharks, and Rays. Sometimes, you can also catch Black Drum, Bluefish, and Cobia. You are also likely to see Manatees, Porpoises, Ospreys, Egrets, Herons, etc. This trip includes bait, tackle, and water. Bring protective clothing, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen lotion - no spray.
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FAQs about Capt. Barry Cuda Backwater Charters

Capt. Barry Cuda Backwater Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $600 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Backwater (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 5 Hour Trip - Backwater (5 hours)
  • US $800 per group - 6 Hour Trip - Backwater (6 hours)

When you book a trip with Capt. Barry Cuda Backwater Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder Simrad
  • Live Bait Well
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Capt. Barry Cuda Backwater Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Drinks (Clients bring their own snacks)
  • Fishing License
  • Fly Fishing Equipment

Capt. Barry Cuda Backwater Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing (Estero Bay, Pine Island Sound)
  • Nearshore Fishing (Inside of 9 miles)
  • Flats Fishing (Estero Bay)
  • Backcountry Fishing

Capt. Barry Cuda Backwater Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly Fishing
  • Drift Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Capt. Barry Cuda Backwater Charters include:
  • Cobia
  • Jack Crevalle
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Pompano
  • Redfish
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Spotted Seatrout

Meet the Captain

Barry Nicholls
Fort Myers Beach, Florida, United States
ID & license verified
49 Customer reviews
Response time 6 hours
Member since March 2017
Captain Barry has fished the local waters for a long time and knows how important it is not just to put you on the fish, but to make your day fun, too. He has a great sense of humor and is very knowledgeable about the different fish species, techniques, and the local waters. He is also very good at transferring that knowledge onto his guests if they are interested in knowing more. So don't be shy, ask away and you will receive mind-blowing answers.

About this listing

Targeted species

Cobia Cobia
Jack Crevalle Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish) King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Pompano Pompano

Boat specs

Key West Bay Reef (Center console) originally built in 2015, and restored in 2023. Powered by a 250HP Suzuki engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 40 knots.

Length
23 ft
Capacity
3 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Estero Bay, Pine Island Sound
Nearshore Fishing
Inside of 9 miles
Flats Fishing
Estero Bay
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Simrad
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Drinks
Clients bring their own snacks
Fishing License
Fly Fishing Equipment

Cancellation policy

Deposit non-refundable

If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.

Listing policies

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child Friendly
I love to teach!
No Smoking
Catch and Release Mandatory
Due to health concerns, as well as conservation

Payment

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

Fort Myers Beach Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 49 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (160)
Half day trip on Estero Bay
Half day trip on Estero Bay
Half day trip on Estero Bay
+157
Angler rating
46
3
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
90%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 49 reviews
Todd C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

All fun, no stress

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) on April 5, 2024
This is your guy. With or without experience, Barry will teach and show you what it takes. He will take you to several places...
Todd C. recommends Capt. Barry Cuda Backwater Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Barry Nicholls Captain replied

Aric H.
Cedar Falls, IA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Barry

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) on February 19, 2022
This was a last-minute booking…I initiated the trip late afternoon before the morning we wanted to fish.  Capt Barry connected...
Aric H. recommends Capt. Barry Cuda Backwater Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Barry Nicholls Captain replied

Geoffrey P.
Bonita, CA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Barry

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) on January 7, 2022
Capt. Barry Cuda started off with a quick lesson on fishing safely and the rules on his boat. Within 5 minutes we were on fish....
Geoffrey P. recommends Capt. Barry Cuda Backwater Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Barry Nicholls Captain replied

Ted D.
Naples, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip on Estero Bay

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip – Backwater (AM) on August 21, 2022
We have lived in Naples for a year and caught nothing but catfish, so wanted to learn a new approach to inshore fishing. I...
Ted D. recommends Capt. Barry Cuda Backwater Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Barry Nicholls Captain replied

Scott P.
Buffalo Grove, IL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

3/4 Day with Captain Cuda

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip - Backwater on February 12, 2022
We had a great time today with Captain Barry Cuda fishing.  His boat is in excellent shape and is a really nice boat, very...
Scott P. recommends Capt. Barry Cuda Backwater Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Barry Nicholls Captain replied