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
4.8 / 5
(23 reviews)
Angler's choice
Holmes Beach
 Last booking: 5 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $625

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 23 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (20)
Great day in the Gulf
Fish Caught!
Fish Caught!
+17
Angler rating
21
1
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
92%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 23 reviews
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   NEW  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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Joseph H. 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   NEW  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
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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

Jessica L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best fishing trip to date

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - 1:00 PM on March 11, 2026
We had a blast fishing with Captain Jamie today.ย  Our kids wanted to catch a shark and we did just that.ย  Not a ton of fish...
Jessica L. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Jessica L. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Blake W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day in the Gulf

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip on June 12, 2026
Capt James was great & knowledgeable. Boat was equipped & ready. Would highly recommend
Blake W. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Blake W. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Evan B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - 1:00 PM on May 6, 2026
Had a great trip with captain james. didnt catch all the fish we wanted but he put us on them and we had alot of fun doing...
Evan B. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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