Captain
James Merkel

Member since August 2025 Holmes Beach, United States
Background
Capt. Jamie has been professionally fishing and diving the waters of Sarasota and Bradenton for more than 30 years, grew up on Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island, and has an unmatched passion for all things on and under the water. Let him show you the very definitions of class, customer service, and work ethic.

Hey, I'm Captain James Merkel

Holmes Beach, United States
Background
Capt. Jamie has been professionally fishing and diving the waters of Sarasota and Bradenton for more than 30 years, grew up on Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island, and has an unmatched passion for all things on and under the water. Let him show you the very definitions of class, customer service, and work ethic.
9
Reviews
Verified

My Charter Listing

Bone Island Adventures

State licensed
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(9 reviews)
Holmes Beach
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $625

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 9 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (6)
Lots of Action!
Lots of Action!
Lots of Action!
+3
Angler rating
9
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%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 9 reviews
Rasa G.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Excellent Captain

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip - 1:00 PM on December 27, 2025
We had great time with Captain James with Bones Island Adventures, very knowledgeable, professional and fun. The boat was well...
Rasa G. recommends Bone Island Adventures
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Rasa G. recommends Bone Island Adventures
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Read more
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
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Jamie S. recommends Bone Island Adventures
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Read more
Steve B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with James

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip on December 31, 2025
Jamie was a great captain on our trip out on New Years Eve. We plan to go again on our next time to the area.
Steve B. recommends Bone Island Adventures
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Steve B. recommends Bone Island Adventures
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Tim R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fantastic Outing.

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip on December 27, 2025
Great time with a great captain. Really enjoyed the outing and would definitely recommend!!
Tim R. recommends Bone Island Adventures
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Tim R. recommends Bone Island Adventures
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Mick B.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Cold wind, cold water

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip on January 2, 2026
Not a great day of catching due to the conditions, but Capt. Jamie worked to put us on fishโ€ฆhad a fun morning regardless....
Mick B. recommends Bone Island Adventures
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Mick B. recommends Bone Island Adventures
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Read more
  • Settings