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
(13 reviews)
Angler's choice
Holmes Beach
 Last booking: 2 hours ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $625

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 13 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (11)
Very Fun Morning
Very Fun Morning
Best fishing trip to date
+8
Angler rating
13
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 13 reviews
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   NEW  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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Barbra S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Very Fun Morning

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip on March 30, 2026
Our group of 5 had a great morning with Captain Jamie. While 3 were fishing, the other 2 of us relaxed on the boat. We have...
Barbra S. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Barbra S. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Jamie S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Lots of Action!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - 1:00 PM on October 23, 2025
My family and I had a great time with Captain Jamie!ย  He was very knowledgeable and great to fish with. We had an action packed...
Jamie S. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Jamie S. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

David C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day of fishing!

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip - 1:00 PM on March 26, 2026
Captain James brought my two sons, their grandpa and me out into the bay for an amazing day of fishing! We had a great time.
David C. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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David C. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Roy F.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Plethora of fish

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip on March 11, 2026
Roy F. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Roy F. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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