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.
Verified

My Charter Listing

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
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%
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Showing:
5 of 9 reviews
Jim H.
Bradenton, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

September fishing trip

2 Hour Sunset Experience on September 27, 2025
Captain and equipment were top notch. Wife and I had a great sunset trip.ย  Would highly recommend this company.
Jim H. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Jim H. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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1 person finds this review helpful
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Sean C.
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 on November 9, 2025
very knowledable captain. would go again certainly.
Sean C. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Sean C. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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John R.
Sacramento, California
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day with Capt Jamie

4 Hour Trip on June 5, 2025
I have fished with Jamie for more than 20 years and he, and his boats, have never disappointed. Clean, professional, and truly...
John R. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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1 person finds this review helpful
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John R. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Jane D.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great fishing outing

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip on November 24, 2025
our group of 5 caight enough fush for a delicious dinner and had a lot of fun doing it
Jane D. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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Jane D. recommends Bone Island Adventures
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