Captain
James Merkel

Member since August 2025 Holmes Beach, United States
Background
Raised on Longboat Key and on the waters of the Suncoast, Captain Jamie has run charters for more than three decades, all over the globe. With a deep and rich history in offshore, inshore, and flats fishing, Captain Jamie is often recognized for his appearances on the ESPN networks and The World Fishing Network, as well as hundreds of radio and print appearances, from local papers to the Wall Street Journal. A true man of service on the water, Captain Jamie studied Biological Oceanography in college and is a graduate of Disney University, mastering the customer service and safety standards that have become synonymous with such a great tradition. Also recognized as a premier SCUBA Instructor, Instructor Trainer, and Course Director since the early 90's, having certified more than a thousand divers and Dive Instructors, Captain Jamie is a master of safe in-water operations for all ages and all environments. His joyful and confident approach to all charters are a benchmark for customer service and ensure that every charter ends with success.

Hey, I'm Captain James Merkel

Holmes Beach, United States
Background
Raised on Longboat Key and on the waters of the Suncoast, Captain Jamie has run charters for more than three decades, all over the globe. With a deep and rich history in offshore, inshore, and flats fishing, Captain Jamie is often recognized for his appearances on the ESPN networks and The World Fishing Network, as well as hundreds of radio and print appearances, from local papers to the Wall Street Journal. A true man of service on the water, Captain Jamie studied Biological Oceanography in college and is a graduate of Disney University, mastering the customer service and safety standards that have become synonymous with such a great tradition. Also recognized as a premier SCUBA Instructor, Instructor Trainer, and Course Director since the early 90's, having certified more than a thousand divers and Dive Instructors, Captain Jamie is a master of safe in-water operations for all ages and all environments. His joyful and confident approach to all charters are a benchmark for customer service and ensure that every charter ends with success.
Anglers Choice
Verified

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(42 reviews)
Angler's choice
Holmes Beach
 2 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $625

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 42 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (51)
Jamie was so cool !
Great trip on the water!!
Great trip on the water!!
+48
Angler rating
40
1
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 42 reviews
Brian M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day with Bone Island Fishing

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip on June 17, 2026
Had an awesome trip with Captain Jamie at Bone Island Fishing Charters. He was great โ€” super friendly and accommodating...
Brian M. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Brian M. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Joseph H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fish Caught!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip on June 3, 2026
We wanted to make sure we had some fish we could eat after the trip! Capt Jamie put us on some speckled trout due to the high...
Joseph H. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Joseph H. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Kent H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip on the water!!

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip on July 15, 2026
Amazing day with Captain Jamie! We saw dolphins and then caught several fish for our dinner plus a few extras. Trout, for eating...
Kent H. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Kent H. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Courtney C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

What a great day!!!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip on July 9, 2026
Captain Jamie made our experience the highlight of our trip to Anna Maria. Not only was he incredibly knowledgeable, he was...
Courtney C. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Courtney C. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Amanda M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome Fishing trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip on June 10, 2026
Captain James was awesome! He was very knowledgeable about fishing. He was funny and the kids loved him as well. We caught...
Amanda M. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Amanda M. recommends Bone Island Adventures
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful