Captain

Bill Schwalm

St. James City, United States

Federal waters

10+ reviews

Capt. Bill runs trips out of St. James City aboard a 2022 Grady White 30' Marlin. These waters are known for Snappers and Groupers and he will show you how to catch them. With 15 years of experience, he has a trick or two up his sleeve, and the only way to learn is to join him out on the water!

Charter

Better Days Charter Service

St. James City

Instant Confirmation

Trips from

US $925

Rating

5.0

20 reviews

4.9

Boat & Equipment

5.0

Captain & Crew

4.9

Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (25)

All reviews (20)

Showing 1 – 5 of 20 reviews

Amy Amy
Illinois, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Captain Bill and our Fantastic Fishing Excursion
6 Hour Trip on March 7, 2026 • 3 adults
We found Captain Bill by chance and boy were we lucky! What a great day. Captain Bill took care of us, and it made for a great day! His boat is beautiful; the equipment was superb; and Captain Bill took care of the rest. He loves working with kids and was excited to have our 13-year-old son on board. He really knows the waters and all the variety of fish. We caught a ton of smaller fish as we did a 6-hour excursion that kept us about 30 miles from shore. If you want the big grouper, first fish when they are in season and second, you need to go out much further. I would book Captain Bill again in a heartbeat.
Response from Captain
March 10, 2026
Amy, Brian, and JJ: Thank you so much for the kind review. I really enjoyed having you on board. It was great to watch JJ reel in some fish. Too bad there’s not a Scout badge for Saltwater fish cause he would get one for sure. Thanks again and hope to see you in the future. Capt. Bill
Joseph Balkovatz
Colorado, US
•
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Offshore
6 Hour Trip on December 21, 2025 • 4 adults
Having fished offshore everywhere from the rugged coasts of Alaska to the tropical waters of the Dominican Republic, I can say with confidence that this experience was absolute first-rate! Captain Bill truly delivered for our family trip. He is the perfect blend of what you want: Experienced, Kind, Helpful, and Determined. Whether you are a seasoned angler or out with the family, his expertise and attitude make all the difference. If you're looking for a captain who is as dedicated to your success as he is, look no further. :-)
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
December 22, 2025
Joe, thank you for the great review! I’m happy that your family enjoyed the day and glad that last spot paid off for some nice snapper. Also, thanks for helping me spot the markers in the fog.Hope to see you some time next year. Kind regards, Capt Bill Schwalm
Bruce Loban
Minnesota, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Capt Bill Schwalm
8 Hour Trip on February 13, 2026 • 5 adults
Capt.had to deal with fog both on the way out and in ...he handled it like pro...when we got on the spot we caught so many fish a couple of my buddies had to stop because they were to tired of reeling in fish. Capr Bill has class,patience, and knowledge ,would highly recommend him to anyone ,My wife would have even enjoyed how comfortable his 30' boat is. Thank you Bill
Response from Captain
February 14, 2026
Bruce, thanks for the great review. Glad your group enjoyed the trip. Great bunch of guys. Yes, it was a little stressful in the fog, thanks for your help spotting the markers. By the way, I had 16,000 steps on my phone today. Take care, Capt Bill Schwalm
Keith Bollheimer
Repeat angler
Michigan, US
•
Member since 2025
•
2 trips
5.0
Verified
February fishing trip
6 Hour Trip on February 4, 2026 • 4 adults
Captain Bill was very helpful and very professional.. Made it a very interactive experience.. Went above and beyond. Excellent equipment and top of the line Grady White boat. Does this because he loves what he’s doing. Would recommend him to everyone
Response from Captain
February 6, 2026
Keith, thank you so much for the very nice review. I really enjoyed having your group on board yesterday Hope to see you again in the future. Capt Bill
Nancy Harders
Repeat angler
Nebraska, US
•
Member since 2026
•
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Great trip
Trip for Nancy on February 9, 2026 • 3 adults
The boat was very comfortable and clean The captain is very knowledgeable and friendly. He was able to get us on some very nice fish. We would go with him again.
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
February 14, 2026
Nancy, thanks for the nice review. I really enjoyed having you and Shawn on the Boat and especially happy to share a 50th anniversary experience with you folks.Hope to see you in the future. Capt Bill.