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Gary Strickland
Captain

Gary Strickland

Bayport, United States
50+ reviews
I’ve been guiding anglers for more than 13 years, and fishing has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’m a full-time inshore fishing guide on Florida’s Nature Coast, where I specialize in shallow-water fishing around Hernando Beach, Bayport, Weeki Wachee and the surrounding waters. I especially enjoy targeting redfish, snook, trout and shallow-water grouper, but every trip is a little different depending on the season, tides, weather and what the fish are doing. For me, guiding is about more than catching fish. I enjoy being on the water, teaching people what I know, and making sure everyone has a great day out there. Whether you’re an experienced angler or picking up a rod for the first time, my goal is to put you in a good position to catch fish and enjoy the Nature Coast the way I do.

Charter

Rating

4.9
68 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

98%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
93%
Caught fish

All reviews (68)

Showing 1 – 5 of 68 reviews
  • Matt Martin
    Matt Martin
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    35-Inch Snook, Big Reds, and an Unforgettable Day on the Water with Captain Gary

    Half Day Trip (AM) • 5 adults

    Captain Gary absolutely put us on the fish yesterday. Apparently redfish and snook have been keyed in on these little greenback bait fish, but they’re really hard to find this time of year. Captain Gary was up at 4:30am running to a few special spots that only he and a handful of other locals know about because he grew up fishing these waters. He explained that with the heat lately, the nearshore fishing has slowed down, and the fish have been schooling in cooler water around the small mangrove islands. He and a few other guides are constantly communicating and sharing where the fish are. After a beautiful boat ride with my family, we caught our limit of massive red drums, and my wife landed an incredible 35-inch snook. We also caught sharks and few other types of fish throughout the day. Beyond the fishing, Captain Gary was just a genuinely nice guy and incredibly knowledgeable about the estuaries and local waters. Even if we hadn’t caught any keepers, it still would’ve been a great day enjoying the scenery and learning from him. Highly recommend Captain Gary and Reel Shallow Adventures if you want a great day on the water.

    Reported catch:
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Redfish
    Response from Captain

    Really glad you guys had fun. it was a blast fishing with your crew 🤙. Thanks again for booking with us 🙏i

  • Stephen Epps
    Stephen Epps
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    great time fishing and scalloping

    Half Day Trip (AM) • 2 adults

    hot summer day and captain Gary still put us on some fish. didnt waste anytime if they werent biting, we moved spots and caught fish. same with scalloping. geat captain and will be booking another trip with him

    Reported catch:
    Snook
    Redfish
    Flounder
    Response from Captain

    thanks for fishing with me . I had a great time with yal. enjoy them fish brother . Safe travels

  • Riley Wright
    Riley Wright
    us
    South Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    AWESOME TIME!

    Half Day Trip (AM) • 2 adults

    we had a wonderful time today! Gary was super enthusiastic, kind, and knowledgeable! caught a few red fish and did our best to find some Snook! 10/10 experience! would highly recommend and would do it again! Thanks Gary!

    Response from Captain

    Appreciate you guys . It was a great trip.

  • Kathleen Lamaie
    Kathleen Lamaie
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best fish trip ever!

    Half Day Trip (AM) • 1 adult

    Captain Gary was very knowledgeable and determined to catch fish. After a slow morning he found the sweet spot and almost every cast hooked a fish. For a Midwest gal this was very different fishing and I had a total blast! Highly Recommend Gary!!

    Reported catch:
    Snook
    Redfish
  • Mark Kersh
    Mark Kersh
    Repeat angler
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Gary

    Half Day Trip (AM) • 2 adults
    Reported catch:
    Redfish
    Response from Captain

    thanks . had a great time fishing with you guys .

Real catches shared by our community

  • Reel Shallow Fishn
    Reel Shallow FishnBayport, FL
    Two anglers proudly displaying a pair of redfish on the deck of a boat in a calm coastal fishing environment.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Redfish
    Hernando Beach inshore fishing is heating up! Capt. Gary with Reel Shallow Fishn Charters is finding quality snook and redfish around the shallow flats, mangroves and backwaters of the Nature Coast. Follow the latest local fishing report for current conditions, bait and what’s biting around Hernando Beach and Bayport, Florida.
  • Reel Shallow Fishn
    Reel Shallow FishnBayport, FL
    A young angler proudly displaying a large Redfish while fishing on a calm day.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Killer redfish action. Non stop bite . Morning incoming had them chewing.
  • Reel Shallow Fishn
    Reel Shallow FishnSpring Hill, FL
    A proud angler displaying two large Redfish on the dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Mark K.
    Mark K.
  • Reel Shallow Fishn
    Reel Shallow FishnSpring Hill, FL
    A smiling angler proudly displays a large Snook while fishing with friends on a sunny day.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Redfish
    Matt M.
    Matt M.
    Captain Gary absolutely put us on the fish yesterday. Apparently redfish and snook have been keyed in on these little greenback bait fish, but they’re really hard to find this time of year. Captain Gary was up at 4:30am running to a few special spots that only he and a handful of other locals know about because he grew up fishing these waters. He explained that with the heat lately, the nearshore fishing has slowed down, and the fish have been schooling in cooler water around the small mangrove islands. He and a few other guides are constantly communicating and sharing where the fish are. After a beautiful boat ride with my family, we caught our limit of massive red drums, and my wife landed an incredible 35-inch snook. We also caught sharks and few other types of fish throughout the day. Beyond the fishing, Captain Gary was just a genuinely nice guy and incredibly knowledgeable about the estuaries and local waters. Even if we hadn’t caught any keepers, it still would’ve been a great day enjoying the scenery and learning from him. Highly recommend Captain Gary and Reel Shallow Adventures if you want a great day on the water.
  • Reel Shallow Fishn
    Reel Shallow FishnSpring Hill, FL
    A proud angler displaying a large Redfish while fishing in a scenic coastal environment.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Kathleen L.
    Kathleen L.
    Captain Gary was very knowledgeable and determined to catch fish. After a slow morning he found the sweet spot and almost every cast hooked a fish. For a Midwest gal this was very different fishing and I had a total blast! Highly Recommend Gary!!
  • Reel Shallow Fishn
    Reel Shallow FishnSpring Hill, FL
    A variety of fish, including Black Bass and Redfish, displayed on the deck of a flat-bottom boat after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Black Drum
    Keith D.
    Keith D.
    Had a great time cut lots of fish my God cut his first black drum and snook
  • Reel Shallow Fishn
    Reel Shallow FishnSpring Hill, FL
    A young boy and an older man proudly display a large Redfish while fishing in a calm coastal environment.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Redfish
    Chip C.
    Chip C.
    we were off to a slow start, but it ended up with plenty of fish in the boat. My grandson was well treated and had a wonderful time. I also had a great time. Would do it again anytime thanks Gary.
  • Reel Shallow Fishn
    Reel Shallow FishnBayport, FL
    Family enjoying a successful fishing trip, showcasing their catch of Redfish and Flounder at the dock.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Redfish
    Late summer time the redfish really start schooling up, if you can find the schools withbout spooking them , you can catvh fish back to back for an hour . Nothing fights like a big ol redfish in the shallows .
  • Reel Shallow Fishn
    Reel Shallow FishnSpring Hill, FL
    An angler proudly displaying a large fish while fishing from a boat in a scenic coastal environment.
    Fish 1
    Jack Crevalle
    Melanie W.
    Melanie W.
    Captain Gary was chatty and engaging. He made the trip so much fun. Not only did he teach us about the ocean, currents, tides and fish but made sure that we didn’t leave without catching something. He went the extra mile and had us stay longer just to hit a couple more spots. He made sure we saw the shark, sting rays, all of the dolphins, and so much more. I’d absolutely book this again. This trip was for my 73 yr old dad and my 23 yr old son. I just hopped on for the ride. He helped me make a memory for these two men that will be talked about forever. I can’t thank him and his kind heart enough!
  • Reel Shallow Fishn
    Reel Shallow FishnSpring Hill, FL
    Angler proudly displaying a caught shark while fishing from a boat in a shallow coastal area.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Bonnethead Shark
    Bob C.
    Bob C.
    This was our second year fishing with Captain Gary and he never disappoints! Not only did we catch fish but also saw Dolphins, bull sharks and manatee. Great experience being on the water with a great Captain.

What's biting with Reel Shallow Fishn in Bayport

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

Two anglers proudly displaying a pair of redfish on the deck of a boat in a calm coastal fishing environment.

Snook and Redfish on Hernando Flats

Oct 7, 2026 • Bayport
Hernando Beach inshore fishing is heating up! Capt. Gary with Reel Shallow Fishn Charters is finding quality snook and redfish around the shallow flats, mangroves and backwaters of the Nature Coast. Follow the latest local fishing report for current conditions, bait and what’s biting around Hernando Beach and Bayport, Florida.
Show more
A young angler proudly displaying a large Redfish while fishing on a calm day.

Nonstop Morning Redfish Bite

Sep 20, 2026 • Bayport
Killer redfish action. Non stop bite . Morning incoming had them chewing.
Show more
Family enjoying a successful fishing trip, showcasing their catch of Redfish and Flounder at the dock.

Redfish are schooled up

Aug 16, 2025 • Bayport
Late summer time the redfish really start schooling up, if you can find the schools withbout spooking them , you can catvh fish back to back for an hour . Nothing fights like a big ol redfish in the shallows .
Show more
Angler proudly displaying a large Snook caught while fishing in a scenic coastal environment.

Snook is on fire

Mar 1, 2024 • Bayport
Snook bite is really picking up. Live greeb back have been working great. Should only get better over the next few weeks.
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An angler proudly displaying a large Snook while fishing on a sunny day in open waters.

Inshore action was hott

Sep 1, 2023 • Bayport
What a killer bite. Fish were hungry after storm .
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Angler proudly displaying two Redfish caught during a fishing trip in a scenic coastal environment.

Bite is HOTT….

Nov 30, 2022 • Bayport
What an awesome day. We had such a good time. we got on some big redfish and monster trout. We hit a few sharks on the outsides of the islands. Beautiful weather and just a killer bite. Tight lines yal .
Show more