Florida Gulf Coast Outfitters 

Amazing experience. I have never been on a fishing trip and as a female I feel like captain John and Dathan were amazing. My mother, father, husband and our 15 year old son went and both John and Dathan were so accommodating. They really helped us to enjoy our day and catch a lot of fish. They let us know what we were doing beforehand so we had a good idea of the day. We went to several different spots to fish and they helped us bait hooks, and prep the lines so we could reel the fish in. The boys of our trip were doing a lot of that on their own so they gave great pointers and tips on how to really hook the fish. The weather was great and captain John made sure to get a day for us that was ideal. We had flexibility going into the charter for different days. He truly wanted us to have to best day. The water was not choppy and they even have bean bag chairs on the boat which are a life saver. Great for a short cat nap between spots or even riding out for a smoother trip. We caught grouper, yellowfin, snapper of all different sizes. Our son had the biggest catch of the day with a 15lb grouper to start the charter. We had great music to listen too and they really took care of us all day. When the day was finished they cleaned and filleted the fish for us and even offered to vacuum seal everything. All in all a perfect day of fishing and fun.

My husband and I recently embarked on a splendid fishing charter, guided by Captain John, a remarkably courteous and attentive host. His crew was swift and skilled, expertly rigging lines and enhancing our experience with their proficiency. Captain John was not only accommodating but also shared his many years of expert fishing techniques, instructing me on the art of jigging—which significantly increased my catch! The experience transcended mere fishing; Captain John’s engaging personality made conversing with him as delightful as the sport itself. His extensive knowledge and uncanny ability to locate extraordinary fishing spots earned him the affectionate nickname from my husband, "the old man of the sea," inspired by the classic novel, even though he's not that old!! LoL!! Unlike my former spouse, also a fishing captain, Captain John went even deeper and revealed secret locations abundant with large, varied species of fish that left us astounded by our haul. I caught the largest fish of my life at this secret spot. This trip was not only the most enjoyable but also the most fruitful fishing expedition of my life. Despite the physical exhaustion by day's end, I was overwhelmed with joy from this unparalleled adventure. It was, without a doubt, an experience to treasure forever!!!

From the moment we set sail with Captain John, it was clear we were in for an extraordinary day on the waters of the Florida Gulf Coast. As an avid fisherman, I've experienced numerous charters, but none compared to the adventure Captain John provided. He expertly navigated us through a myriad of top-notch GPS locations, each more fruitful than the last. The sheer volume and variety of saltwater fish we caught were nothing short of astonishing—I still can't believe the size of some of the catches that had our eyes nearly popping out! Captain John's precision and knowledge of the sea made our experience feel almost supernatural. How he managed to keep us continuously hauling in fish after fish was simply amazing. But it wasn’t just the fishing that set Captain John apart—it was his charismatic personality and the exceptional service provided by his crew. They were attentive and helpful to the point of making us feel like we were guests at a five-star hotel, not just aboard a fishing boat. This trip wasn’t just a fishing expedition; it was a day to remember with a captain who became more than just a guide. He made us laugh, shared stories, and truly enjoyed every moment on the water with us. My wife, friends, and I are unanimous in our verdict—Captain John is more than just a skilled captain; he’s a joy to be around. For anyone looking for the best fishing adventure of their lives, look no further than Captain John. You’re not just signing up for a fishing trip; you’re signing up for an unforgettable experience with a top-notch captain and his stellar crew. We can’t recommend him highly enough and are already planning our next trip back!

Our deep sea fishing excursion with Captain John was the highlight of our vacation. From the moment we left the dock it was evident we were in capable hands. Captain John's expertise and passion for fishing was clearly evident throughout the day. One of the highlights of the day was battling Grouper that put up an impressive fight. The phrase of the day was "does he ride". Well I'm here to tell you we had 5 huge "riders" come back to shore with us along with many Mangrove Snappers as a bonus. The boat itself was well maintained and equipped with top of the line gear. I highly recommend Florida Gulf Coast Outfitters and Captain John. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a novice this is the charter for you.

I am very fortunate to have been able to experience a considerable number of charters during my 77 years. From angling for King Salmon in the Pacific Northwest to battling Giant Bluefin Tuna off the New England coast, I have to say that fishing with Captain John offshore in the gulf of Mexico for monster Grouper and African Pompano has to rank in the top 5 of my many trips.