Captain

Florida gulf coast outfitters

Port Charlotte, United States

Federal waters

10+ reviews

Capt. John runs trips out of Placida aboard a SeaVee 340Z center console. These waters are known for Snappers and Groupers and he will show you how to catch them, whether you're trolling or bottom fishing. With great knowledge of the area, he has a trick or two up his sleeve, and the only way to learn is to join him out on the water!

Charter

Florida Gulf Coast Outfitters

Port Charlotte

Instant Confirmation

Trips from

US $1,600

Rating

5.0

13 reviews

5.0

Boat & Equipment

5.0

Captain & Crew

5.0

Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (54)

All reviews (13)

Showing 1 – 5 of 13 reviews

Tucker Fisher
Member since 2021
5.0
Full day off shore fishing
8 Hour Day Trip 25-40 miles on March 25, 2025
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.
Reported catch:
+2
Response from Captain
March 27, 2025
We want to thank you all for giving us the opportunity here at Florida gulf coast outfitters! We are very passionate about our fishing and truly put 100% into all our trips! It never gets old to us! It’s so awesome to watch everyone experience Saltwater fishing! Being from up North and knowing how freshwater fishing is? There’s just No comparison! We’re so glad that you all enjoyed yourselves, the music,the ride, bean bags and of course can’t forget “Starlink” to connect on Wi-Fi! We hope you join us again in the near future! American Red Snapper is coming soon!!! And again thank you and the family from myself, Dathan, and Lori!
Annmarie Siegel
Member since 2024
5.0
A Trip of a Lifetime!!!
4 Hour Trip 1-15 miles on April 15, 2024
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!!!
Reported catch:
+3
Response from Captain
April 30, 2024
Annmarie! Thank you both for choosing FGCO out of the many offshore fishing charters! Every customer is special to us and given as much attention as possible. We want to pass off our experiences and hopefully they can beat our biggest catches! It’s all about smiles and memories! Thank you for allowing us to do that! We look forward to your return when ready!
Michael Vistia
Member since 2024
5.0
The Best of the Best!!!
4 Hour Trip 1-15 miles on April 7, 2024
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!
Reported catch:
+3
Response from Captain
April 28, 2024
Man Mike! What a great review! Totally appreciate it and can’t wait to get out again! I remember once we got the chum slick going the Yellowtail Snapper were plentiful! Dodging them big barracuda were tricky, but we got em all in the box! And how bout them Snapper tacos!!! Omg… what a great time! Looking forward to the next one! We go that xtra mile and I think that’s what separates us from some of the others! Comfort is key!! FGCO! We Stay Tight! 🎣
Helen Linsemeyer
Member since 2024
5.0
Best Day Ever
8 Hour Day Trip 25-40 miles on March 11, 2024
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.
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
April 17, 2024
Thank you so much! And it was a great day from the start of catching live bait to our first spot! Chum bags out and we had plenty of snapper lit up behind the boat along with Lesser amberjacks! Filled the box with big Mangs! And then headed for the big Grouper! Y’all did great and look forward to the next of many more trips to come!! Thank you for choosing FGCO! “We Stay Tight!”
Coastal Tree Experts, Inc.
Member since 2024
5.0
What a BLAST!!
8 Hour Day Trip 25-40 miles on April 10, 2024
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.
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
April 28, 2024
Thank you Bob for a great review and more importantly a long time friend since the first time we met at the marina! We’ve had so many great times and memories built from the backcountry to the offshore game! You are definitely my top 5 people I’d rather fish with regardless of what waters we venture into. Thank you for your service in Vietnam! Much respect my friend! Tight lines! 🎣

What's biting with Florida Gulf Coast Outfitters in Port Charlotte

With summer coming to an end, Redfish come out to play! Reel in this prized fish for a great day on the water, with Tarpon still a possibility. Offshore waters are brimming with Kingfish.