Great Redfish bite on Charlotte Harbor Today. Steve and Stan kept the rods bent all day on our redfish special 6hr charter. With the tide a little slow to build in Punta Gorda this morning we moved on some trout for about an hour and caught them one after another until the tide started moving and we moved to the trees. Once we got them fired up it was a steady pic of nice reds with multiple doubles for the team. Reach out to us here on FishingBooker and lets plan your fishing charter with Captain Rich at Reel Rich Fishing charters. We depart daily from Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda Florida.

Fishing Report from Captain Rich at Reel Rich Fishing Charters The fishing action has been excellent from Punta Gorda down to Fort Myers, with the central areas really standing out over the past week. Pine Island Sound has been producing solid catches of Sea Trout and Bonnethead Sharks, while Gasparilla Sound has been a hotspot for Sheepshead and Redfish. The best results have come during good tidal movements, combined with warming afternoon sunshine. Sea Trout are schooling up, and anglers are seeing great numbers using live shrimp. However, larger trout are being caught with a slower approach, using large paddle-tail baits worked gently over grass flats. For Redfish, cut ladyfish has been highly effective, as well as shrimp and crabs fished near mangroves and oyster beds. With the New Year just around the corner, we’re gearing up for the official start of the season. As seasonal visitors arrive, it’s more important than ever to book your dates early to secure the best times for optimal tides. Reach out to us with your preferred date range, and we’ll help you pick the best opportunities to get on the water. Since this will be our last report before Christmas, we want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. Thank you for an incredible year, and we’re looking forward to fishing with you in the New Year!

Weekly Charlotte Harbor Fishing Report with Captain Rich Damianos of Reel Rich Fishing Charters For anglers looking to explore the rich waters of Charlotte Harbor, Captain Rich Damianos of Reel Rich Fishing Charters, departing daily from Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda, Florida, reports excellent fishing conditions this week, ending December 12, 2024. The cooler water temperatures have sparked active feeding patterns across various species, providing exciting opportunities for fishing enthusiasts in the region. Speckled Sea Trout: Numbers and Size Impressing Anglers The Speckled Sea Trout action has been exceptional over the past week, particularly along the Intracoastal Waterway and throughout Pine Island Sound. These waters are producing both impressive numbers and sizes of trout, much to the delight of local and visiting anglers. With water temperatures cooling as we approach mid-winter, trout are stacking up in their usual seasonal spots, making them easier to locate and target. This is an ideal time for anglers to take advantage of the consistent bite and land some trophy-sized trout. Redfish: Consistent Action in Key Areas The Redfish bite remains consistent across Charlotte Harbor, with live shrimp proving to be the most effective bait. Hotspots like the East Keys, West Wall, Peace River, and Bull Bay have all been holding good numbers of redfish. However, anglers should be mindful of the region’s seasonal low tides, which can make accessing these prime fishing grounds a bit challenging. Captain Rich emphasizes the importance of planning your fishing trips around the tides. With the winter of 2025 expected to bring some of the lowest tides seen in years, timing your outing with the late morning or afternoon incoming tides is key to success. This allows you to target actively feeding fish while enjoying a more leisurely start to your day. Snook: Transitioning to Backcountry Waters As winter takes hold, Snook fishing is winding down in most areas of Charlotte Harbor. These fish are transitioning into backcountry waters and canals to find shelter from the cooler temperatures. The PGI canals have been a reliable spot for catching snook, but most of the fish landed recently have been on the smaller side. For anglers seeking these iconic Florida gamefish, patience and finesse will be essential as they adjust to their winter habitats. Sheepshead: A Top Target for Table Fare Sheepshead numbers continue to rise as these fish prepare for their spawning season. Known for their delicious flavor and abundance, sheepshead make an excellent target for anglers looking to fill their coolers with quality table fare. These structure-oriented fish are commonly found around docks, bridges, oyster bars, and reef structures. With their distinct striped appearance and challenging bite, sheepshead provide a rewarding fishing experience for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. A Mixed Bag: Pompano, Jacks, Snapper, Mackerel, and Ladyfish Charlotte Harbor’s waters continue to deliver a diverse array of species this time of year. Alongside the primary targets like trout, redfish, and snook, anglers can also look forward to encountering Pompano, Jack Crevalle, Mangrove Snapper, Mackerel, and Ladyfish. These species add variety to your catch and ensure a fun, action-packed day on the water. Plan Your Charlotte Harbor Fishing Charter If you’re visiting the Punta Gorda, Cape Coral, or Fort Myers areas and are eager to experience some of the best fishing Florida has to offer, consider booking a charter with Reel Rich Fishing Charters. We offer 4-, 6-, and 8-hour fishing trips, tailored to your preferences and skill level. Whether you’re looking to land trophy-sized trout, battle redfish, or enjoy a mixed bag of species, Captain Rich is here to guide you on an unforgettable adventure. Departing daily from Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda, Reel Rich Fishing Charters is perfectly positioned to give you access to Charlotte Harbor’s premier fishing spots. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore Florida’s waters with an experienced captain who knows the area like the back of his hand. Why Choose Reel Rich Fishing Charters? Reel Rich Fishing Charters stands out for its expert knowledge and years of experience fishing Charlotte Harbor. Captain Rich knows the best spots for every season and customizes each trip to suit your preferences. With options for 4-hour, 6-hour, and 8-hour charters, you can pick the perfect outing to fit your schedule. Departing from Burnt Store Marina, a convenient location near Punta Gorda and surrounding areas, Reel Rich Fishing Charters provides top-notch gear for a hassle-free experience. Book Your Punta Gorda Fishing Adventure Today As Charlotte Harbor’s fishing conditions continue to heat up, now is the perfect time to book your fishing trip. Check out our listing here on FishingBooker to learn more about our trip offerings and secure your spot today. Whether you’re a seasoned angler

Reel Rich Fishing Charters, located in the renowned Burnt Store Marina of Punta Gorda, Florida, is gearing up for its 10th fishing season in 2025 with exciting new developments. The charter service, which has become a staple in Charlotte Harbor’s fishing community, is excited to unveil a brand-new home rack for their flagship vessel, the UnnReel. According to Captain Rich, the move is not just a logistical upgrade, but a strategic one that underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service and equipment. “Keeping our equipment in top condition is the foundation of an exceptional experience on the water for our customers,” Captain Rich explains. Reel Rich Fishing Charters has built its reputation on a passion for the craft of fishing and a deep respect for the waters of Charlotte Harbor. From the top-quality gear they provide to their customers, including Penn reels, Star rods, and the finest Owner hooks, to the meticulous care given to the vessel itself, no detail is too small. As Captain Rich puts it, “It’s just our culture, and our name says it all.” For him, delivering a premium experience is about much more than the size of the catch—it’s about the dedication to every part of the operation. A New Chapter for Reel Rich Fishing Charters The addition of a new home rack and lift for the UnnReel is an exciting milestone for Reel Rich Fishing Charters. The boat lift will not only protect the vessel from the elements but will also save valuable time each day. With the boat out of the water each evening, Captain Rich and his crew can focus more on preparing for the next day’s adventure rather than dealing with the wear and tear that comes with keeping a boat docked. This upgrade will help streamline the operations and improve the overall experience for their clients. “We’re all about efficiency, and having our own dock with a lift means we can get the boat out of the water at night, ensuring it’s ready to go in the morning,” says Captain Rich. This practical change will allow them to dedicate more time to providing the ultimate fishing experience for their clients, focusing on what really matters: catching fish and creating lasting memories on the water. A Booming Fishery: Charlotte Harbor’s Bright Future As Reel Rich Fishing Charters enters its 10th season, it’s clear that the future of fishing in Charlotte Harbor has never been brighter. Over the last several years, state-led efforts to restore and rebuild the local fishery have shown impressive results. The recovery comes after a difficult period, particularly the devastating red tide events of 2018 and 2019, which led to fishery closures and restrictions on harvest. The fishery was further impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown, which temporarily reduced fishing activity and catch limits. Despite these challenges, the area has rebounded remarkably. “The 2025 season is looking to be one of the best we’ve seen in many years,” says Captain Rich, reflecting on the positive changes to the area’s ecosystem. “It’s all a numbers game—lots of fish can make lots of fish if the conditions are right. And it’s been right for a solid three or four years now with good spawning seasons and no red tide.” This resurgence in fish populations can be attributed to these favorable conditions, including improved water quality and healthier habitats, which have helped fuel a dramatic increase in fish stocks. A Bountiful Catch: Species in Abundance Among the species that have seen a significant resurgence in Charlotte Harbor are sea trout, redfish, snook, and tarpon. All of these fish are not only popular targets for anglers but also play crucial roles in the health of the local ecosystem. As the population of these species grows, so do the opportunities for anglers to enjoy bountiful catches. The recovery of the harbor’s fishery has also been aided by some surprising resilience in the face of natural disasters. While the area has been hit by a series of hurricanes over the past few years, these events have had a paradoxical benefit. Captain Rich explains that the storms seem to have had a “cleansing” effect on the waters of Charlotte Harbor. “It’s like a reset,” he says. “A lot of silt and mud have been swept out, and natural cover has been added to the shorelines, which has been good for the fish and the overall health of the environment.” This process of natural regeneration has contributed to a thriving fishery, with many species returning in greater numbers than ever before. Charlotte Harbor’s unique blend of sheltered waters, rich biodiversity, and dedicated conservation efforts has made it one of Florida’s premier fishing destinations. An Early Rush for Sheepshead: The Winter Push As winter settles in, one of the most exciting developments for anglers is the influx of sheepshead, also known as “convict fish” due to their distinctive black-and-white striped markings. Sheepshead are well-known for their hard-fighting nature and delicio

Capt Rich Reported an exciting day on the 3/4 day boat with Dave and Ron. Redfish where on fire all afternoon with over 40 reds coming over the rail. Good numbers of numbers of Mangrove Snapper and Sheepshead mixed in with them. Charlotte Harbor never disappoints with its seemingly limitless number of species. You can see the water temperature really shooting up now that the sun is back out and things are more Florida like, this is really going to get the fish fired up as we inch closer to spring. Don’t let your dates get away check out our charters here on FishingBooker and lets start planning your adventure on Charlotte Harbor Today. We depart daily from Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda Florida.

Capt Rich Reported an exceptional day on the afternoon boat with Joe and Bridgett from Tennessee. Redfish action was nonstop all afternoon with numbers of Mangrove Snapper and Sheepshead mixed in with them. A couple bonus fish showed up with a beautiful baby Goliath Groper and a 15lb Shovel Head shark making the drags scream. Charlotte Harbor never disappoints with its seemingly limitless number of species. You really never know what your going to catch and todays trip is a great example. Don’t let your dates get away check out our charters here on FishingBooker and lets start planning your adventure on Charlotte Harbor Today. We depart daily from Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda Florida.