Captain Dave / Building Up Sports Academy
Charter operator

Captain Dave / Building Up Sports Academy

West Palm Beach, United States
100+ reviews
Founder of Building Up Sports Academy, I have been running fishing camps and clinics for over 18 years in South Florida and Nantucket, Mass. I have been fishing this waterway for close to 20 years. We started running Peacock charters 9 years ago. I live on the Lake Clarke Shores chain of lakes and canals.

Charter

Rating

5.0
105 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

99%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
99%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Caught fish

All reviews (105)

Showing 15 of 105 reviews
  • Michael Brown
    Michael Brown
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2024
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Magical Family Fishing Experience with Captain Dave!

    Sunset Peacock Charter (2 1/2 Hour)4 adults2 children

    If you're looking for the perfect family adventure in the heart of Florida's freshwater canals, look no further than Captain Dave — he is truly one of a kind! From the very first cast to the last, Captain Dave made our family feel right at home on the water. He has a genuine gift with kids — patient, encouraging, and incredibly fun — keeping every little angler locked in and fired up from start to finish. The smiles on our children's faces were absolutely priceless as they turned the trip into their own little fishing tournament, competing to see who could land the next catch! What really sets Captain Dave apart is his deep knowledge of the water. He knows exactly where the fish are hiding and wasted no time getting us to the hot spots. Every catch and release was a celebration, and he took the time to educate the whole family on the different species we were reeling in — making the experience as educational as it was exciting. It felt less like a fishing trip and more like an outdoor classroom with a rod in your hand. As the afternoon wound down, Captain Dave treated us to a stunning canal sunset cruise that gave us the most breathtaking, magical family photo with a full Florida sunset as our backdrop. It's the kind of moment you frame and hang on the wall forever. Captain Dave isn't just a charter captain — he's a storyteller, a teacher, and a genuinely warm human being who pours his heart into every trip. This is a personal, unforgettable experience that the whole family will talk about for years to come. Highest possible recommendation. Book him. You won't regret a single second! 🎣🌅

    Reported catch:
    Peacock Bass
  • Elle Bunn
    Elle Bunn
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    A Must Book!

    Sunset Peacock Charter (2 1/2 Hour)4 adults2 children

    Not all fishing charters are created equal—and this one set the bar high. We had an incredible sunset fishing trip with Captain Dave, and honestly, it was the highlight of our time on the water. From the moment we stepped on the boat, he made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. You can tell right away he knows his stuff—he shared tips, explained everything clearly, and made sure we were actually catching fish, not just sitting around waiting. What really stood out was how kind and patient he was the entire time. Whether you’re experienced or brand new, he meets you where you are and makes it fun. And the sunset? Unreal. Perfect ending to an already amazing trip. If you’re even thinking about booking a charter—do it with Captain Dave. You won’t regret it.

    Reported catch:
    Largemouth Bass
  • Kim Schmutzler
    Kim Schmutzler
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great experience

    Sunset Peacock Charter (2 1/2 Hour)4 adults1 child

    For my son and three grandchildren, they are used to fishing in northern Wisconsin so this was a special treat. They were super lucky and caught quite a few fish, including a peacock bass, which was a surprise to even the captain. They had a great time and talked about how wonderful the captain was, I would definitely recommend this adventure.

  • Martina Young-montney
    Martina Young-montney
    us
    Missouri, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    Great day with 3 13 year olds

    4 Hour Charter (AM)5 adults

    My husband and I booked with captain Dave to fish for peacock bass for our son and two friends. We did not catch peacock bass due to the cold snap a few weeks back, but did catch lots of other fish and had a great day. He did a great job taking us to different spots and helping the boys. I would book with him again for sure!

    Reported catch:
    Largemouth Bass
  • Chris Gerbig
    Chris Gerbig
    Repeat angler
    us
    Kentucky, US
    Member since 2023
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Har a great afternoon fishing with Dave!

    3 Hour Trip – Peacock Charter (PM)2 adults

    My son and I spent 3 hours in the canals fishing with Captain Dave. Caught 13 fish and enjoyed the peaceful afternoon.

    Reported catch:
    Catfish
    Largemouth Bass

Real catches shared by our community

  • Building Up Sports Academy – Captain Dave
    Building Up Sports Academy – Captain DaveWest Palm Beach, FL
    Magical Family Fishing Experience with Captain Dave!
    Michael B.
    Michael B.
  • Building Up Sports Academy – Captain Dave
    Building Up Sports Academy – Captain DaveWest Palm Beach, FL
    A Must Book!
    Elle B.
    Elle B.
  • Building Up Sports Academy – Captain Dave
    Building Up Sports Academy – Captain DaveWest Palm Beach, FL
    Har a great afternoon fishing with Dave!
    Chris G.
    Chris G.
  • Building Up Sports Academy – Captain Dave
    Building Up Sports Academy – Captain DaveWest Palm Beach, FL
    Beautiful fishing experience!
    Sheldon F.
    Sheldon F.
  • Building Up Sports Academy – Captain Dave
    Building Up Sports Academy – Captain DaveWest Palm Beach, FL
    Fishing with David
    Travis B.
    Travis B.
  • Building Up Sports Academy – Captain Dave
    Building Up Sports Academy – Captain DaveWest Palm Beach, FL
    Slabs
    Courtney L.
    Courtney L.
  • Building Up Sports Academy – Captain Dave
    Building Up Sports Academy – Captain DaveWest Palm Beach, FL
    April fishing trip
    Kelly F.
    Kelly F.
  • Building Up Sports Academy – Captain Dave
    Building Up Sports Academy – Captain DaveWest Palm Beach, FL
    Fantastic Family Fishing
    Anthony D.
    Anthony D.
  • Building Up Sports Academy – Captain Dave
    Building Up Sports Academy – Captain DaveWest Palm Beach, FL
    Great Fishing
    Antonio P.
    Antonio P.
  • Building Up Sports Academy – Captain Dave
    Building Up Sports Academy – Captain DaveWest Palm Beach, FL
    Bucket list fish and Fun
    Stephen L.
    Stephen L.

What's biting with Building Up Sports Academy – Captain Dave in West Palm Beach

September is peak Swordfish season in West Palm Beach. These twilight zone terrors offer intense battles by night and the ultimate endurance challenge by day. Fancy bagging the tastiest fish in the sea?

Top catches for September