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Capt JB’s Charters 

4.9
(180 reviews)
 
State licensed
 1 Bay Avenue, Apalachicola, FL 32320, United States–
+95
+92

Capt JB’s Charters 

Apalachicola, FL, United States
–
25 ft
6
4.9
(180 reviews)
Trips & prices
Targeted species
Boat info
What's biting
What's included
Contact captain
Trips & prices
What's included
Targeted species
Boat info
Reviews
Contact captain

“Capt JB’s Charters” invites you on a fishing adventure launching out of Apalachicola, Florida! A day out with Captain John, a local to the area, gives you the opportunity to get a taste the areas peace and quiet, as well as some epic fishing!

Hop aboard his spacious 25’ Epic center console, ideal for up to 6 anglers. She’s powered by a 250 HP Yamaha 4-stroke engine and is rigged with top-notch navigational electronics, including GPS and Fishfinder. There’s also a T-top cockpit for welcome shade, a live well, and a 10’ power pole shallow water anchoring system to keep you rooted.

Capt. John accommodates all of your inshore and nearshore fishing needs! He’ll have you going after the likes of Redfish, Black Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Tripletail, and Pompano. What’s more, he offers specialized Shark trips, as well as nighttime Flounder gigging trips!

On board you’ll find equipment for a wide range of fishing techniques including bottom fishing, spinning, popping, drift fishing, trolling, and jigging. If you want to bring your own gear and tackle, feel free to do so! All you really need are any drinks and snacks you’d like to enjoy.

Enjoy a serene day on the waters just outside Apalachicola and go home with some seriously tasty fish aboard Capt JB’s Charters!

“Capt JB’s Charters” invites you on a fishing adventure launching out of Apalachicola, Florida! A day out with Captain John, a local to the area, gives you the opportunity to get a taste the areas peace and quiet, as well as some epic fishing!

Hop aboard his spacious 25’ Epic center console, ideal for up to 6 anglers. She’s powered by a 250 HP Yamaha 4-stroke engine and is rigged with top-notch navigational electronics, including GPS and Fishfinder. There’s also a T-top cockpit for welcome shade, a live well, and a 10’ power pole shallow water anchoring system to keep you rooted.

Capt. John accommodates all of your inshore and nearshore fishing needs! He’ll have you going after the likes of Redfish, Black Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Tripletail, and Pompano. What’s more, he offers specialized Shark trips, as well as nighttime Flounder gigging trips!

On board you’ll find equipment for a wide range of fishing techniques including bottom fishing, spinning, popping, drift fishing, trolling, and jigging. If you want to bring your own gear and tackle, feel free to do so! All you really need are any drinks and snacks you’d like to enjoy.

Enjoy a serene day on the waters just outside Apalachicola and go home with some seriously tasty fish aboard Capt JB’s Charters!

John Layne
Captain
John Layne
31 years of experience
responds within an hour
Popular features
Fishing license
Live bait
You keep catch
Child friendly
Ice box
Popular features
Fishing license
Live bait
You keep catch
Child friendly
Ice box

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Apalachiola River Tours
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 4:00 PM
US $299
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Dolphin & Sea Shelling Tours
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 6:00 PM
US $299
Entire boat: up to 5 people
Bay & Flats Fishing Charter
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 7:30 AM
US $399
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Bay / Flats / Shelling Your Choice
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $475
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Bay & Flats Fishing Charter
In high demand Last booked: 2 days ago
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (7:30 AM, 4:00 PM)
US $475
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Bay Nighttime Shark Fishing
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:00 PM
Black Drum
Shark (Mako)
Shark (Nurse)
Shark (Bonnethead)
+1
US $475
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 2 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
180 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (156)

What anglers say

93%
Great experience
95%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
99%
Good boat
96%
Recommended
88%
Caught fish

All reviews (180)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 180 reviews
Heather Dutton
Heather Dutton
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Fantastic Fishing & Fun!
Bay & Flats Fishing Charter on July 11, 2026 • 4 adults • 1 child

Captain JB was great! He communicated well befor the trip and was geat to talk with throughout our fishing trip. Amazing knowledge of the area that only comes from being a local. It was a family trip and our 3 kids (11, 15, & 16) had the best time. captain JB made sure they each enjoyed it. We were onto fish within 5 minutes of dropping the trolling motor. Captain did a great job of helping our very limited experienced family. His boat was very comfortable for everyone and road like a dream across the water. Book the trip!

Reported catch:
Flounder
Speckled Trout
Angela Marksberry
Angela Marksberry
us
Indiana, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Fun for all
Bay & Flats Fishing Charter - 4:00 PM on June 15, 2026 • 5 adults

On our trip we had a boat of five fishing with three that were inexperienced fishers and he did a great job of helping everyone especially since we had so many fishing in tight quarters. Since we had two teenage girls he stopped and let them collect shells (which wasn't originally planned!). Then on the way back in he stopped under the bridge so we could get close to the dolphins because he knew it was time for them to be coming in to feed. It was a great time had by all!

Reported catch:
Speckled Trout
Michael Gallik
Michael Gallik
Repeat angler
us
Tennessee, US
Member since 2024
3 trips
5.0
Verified
Great Family Trip
Bay & Flats Fishing Charter on August 4, 2026 • 1 adult • 2 children

My 2 sons aged 7 and 12 and I took an inshore trip to fish for some trout and redfish. Capt. JB was great. He worked with us through some spotty weather on our stay, was informative and professional and great at teaching us how to catch fish. If your in the Apalachicola area and looking for some fishing I'd recommend him.

Reported catch:
Speckled Trout
Rusty McIntosh
Rusty McIntosh
Repeat angler
us
Illinois, US
Member since 2021
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Beat trip ever!!
Bay & Flats Fishing Charter on August 7, 2026 • 1 adult • 3 children

The experience was awesome. Capt. Ayden was super engaging with the kiddos and answering all of their questions. Which made catching the fish that much more meaningful to our kids. would highly recommend and will definitely be using again.

Reported catch:
Flounder
Speckled Trout
Jerry Pece
Jerry Pece
Repeat angler
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Excellent Fishing Trip
Bay & Flats Fishing Charter on September 5, 2026 • 5 adults • 1 child

Capt. JB was extremely hospitable....knowledgable...and put us on the fish. We caught 38 . He cleaned them and we picked them up and cooked them that night. We will see JB again next year.

FAQs about Capt JB’s Charters

Capt JB’s Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $299 per group, additional US $15 per person after 4 guests - Apalachiola River Tours (3 hours)
  • US $299 per group, additional US $50 per person after 5 guests - Dolphin & Sea Shelling Tours (3 hours)
  • US $399 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Bay & Flats Fishing Charter (3 hours)
  • US $475 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Bay / Flats / Shelling Your Choice (4 hours)
  • US $475 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Bay & Flats Fishing Charter (4 hours)
  • US $475 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Bay & Flats Fishing Charter - 4:00 PM (4 hours)
  • US $475 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Bay Nighttime Shark Fishing (4 hours)
When you book a trip with Capt JB’s Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Multimedia system
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box Fish Boxes & Clean Drink Boxes
  • Radar
Trips booked with Capt JB’s Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (When available!)
  • Lures
  • Fishing license
Capt JB’s Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • River fishing
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing
  • Flats fishing
Capt JB’s Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly fishing
  • Drift fishing
  • Flounder gigging
Top targeted fish species with Capt JB’s Charters include:
  • Black Drum
  • Flounder
  • Pompano
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Shark (Bull)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon
  • Tripletail

Your captain

John Layne
John Layne
Apalachicola, Florida, United States
5 Fishing Reports
180 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since February 2017
Captain John Layne was born and raised fishing in the bays and flats of the Apalachicola Bay. He's an avid angler and passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with his guests. Hooking big Redfish inshore is his specialty! He also loves sharing his knowledge and learning from other passionate anglers.
John Layne
John Layne
5
reports
180
reviews
2017
member since
~1h
response
Captain John Layne was born and raised fishing in the bays and flats of the Apalachicola Bay. He's an avid angler and passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with his guests. Hooking big Redfish inshore is his specialty! He also loves sharing his knowledge and learning from other passionate anglers.

The fish you can target

Black Drum
Black Drum
Flounder
Flounder
Pompano
Pompano
Redfish
Redfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Bull Shark
Bull Shark
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Tripletail
Tripletail
Black Drum
Black Drum
Flounder
Flounder
Pompano
Pompano
Redfish
Redfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark

Real catches by this captain

  • Angler proudly displaying a Speckled Trout while fishing on a sunny day.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Rusty M.
    Rusty M.
    The experience was awesome. Capt. Ayden was super engaging with the kiddos and answering all of their questions. Which made catching the fish that much more meaningful to our kids. would highly recommend and will definitely be using again.
  • Young angler holding a silvery coastal fish aboard a boat under a sunny blue sky.
    Fish 1
    Weakfish
    Heather D.
    Heather D.
    Captain JB was great! He communicated well befor the trip and was geat to talk with throughout our fishing trip. Amazing knowledge of the area that only comes from being a local. It was a family trip and our 3 kids (11, 15, & 16) had the best time. captain JB made sure they each enjoyed it. We were onto fish within 5 minutes of dropping the trolling motor. Captain did a great job of helping our very limited experienced family. His boat was very comfortable for everyone and road like a dream across the water. Book the trip!
  • Elongated-snouted fish leaping beside the boat while hooked, creating an exciting inshore fishing action scene.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Bonnethead Shark
    Angela M.
    Angela M.
    On our trip we had a boat of five fishing with three that were inexperienced fishers and he did a great job of helping everyone especially since we had so many fishing in tight quarters. Since we had two teenage girls he stopped and let them collect shells (which wasn't originally planned!). Then on the way back in he stopped under the bridge so we could get close to the dolphins because he knew it was time for them to be coming in to feed. It was a great time had by all!
  • A group of anglers proudly displaying a large Redfish caught during a charter trip, showcasing a beautiful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Today we did a family fun trip out collecting sea shells and watching dolphins then ended the trip with a little bull red drum fishing. Amazing day out on the water.
  • A young angler proudly displaying a large Redfish while fishing on a sunny day.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Redfish
    Tyler L.
    Tyler L.
    The bite was a little slow due to the cold front, but we still caught fish. My son caught an 80 lb stingray as well, it gave him quite a fight and he loved it!
  • A family group proudly displaying their catches, including a large Redfish, during a charter fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Quick 3hr run this morning produced some nice fish, with some blue skies.
  • A young angler proudly holding a Speckled Trout against a stunning sunset backdrop while fishing from a boat.
    Richard C.
    Richard C.
    Captain John made the day memorable. Great tunes, plenty of fish, and a great morning on the water.
  • A young angler and an adult proudly displaying a caught shark on a boat, showcasing a memorable fishing experience.
    Fish 1
    Bonnethead Shark
    Marcie G.
    Marcie G.
    Bays and flats was a great trip for the group we had— the nine year old had a fantastic time and caught a bonnet-head.
  • A family enjoying a fishing trip on a sunny day, with a child actively participating in casting from the boat.
    Steve C.
    Steve C.
    The casual relaxing approach to the experience, combined with a beautiful sunrise made for HAPPY fishers turned catchers.
  • An angler stands on a boat, casting into the open waters under a bright sky, showcasing a serene fishing environment.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Wyatt R.
    Wyatt R.
    John was great to work with. Very knowledgeable, great teacher, and he made sure we caught several fish. My wife and I have only ever freshwater fished, and he did a great job teaching us different ways to cast and reel our catches in. Super friendly guy, and definitely worth the money! If we ever come back to Appalacicola, we will definitely use him again.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
25 ft
Year built
2017
Boat manufacturer
Epic
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha 4 stroke
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
44 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Flats Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Flounder Gigging

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Multimedia system
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box
Fish Boxes & Clean Drink Boxes
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
When available!
Lures
Fishing license

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 not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
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
 PayPal
 Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Apalachicola right now

Black DrumBlack Drum
FlounderFlounder
PompanoPompano
RedfishRedfish
Shark (Blacktip)Shark (Blacktip)
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon
TripletailTripletail

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Capt JB’s Charters
Capt JB’s Charters
State licensed
4.9
(180)
25 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+8
4 hour trip • 6 persons
US $475