Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to hit the rich waters of Boca Grande? Family Traditions Charter Co. has got you covered with a fishing trip that'll have you telling tales for years to come. We're talking 4 to 6 hours of non-stop action, chasing after some of the Gulf Coast's most prized catches. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip is tailor-made for a day of serious fun on the water.
Picture this: you're out on the crystal-clear waters off Boca Grande, the sun's warming your face, and your line's singing as it zips out behind a king mackerel. That's just a taste of what's in store. We'll be targeting a smorgasbord of species including gag grouper, the mighty tarpon, redfish, and even the oddball tripletail. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll put you right where the fish are feeding. No wasted time, just pure fishing action from the moment we leave the dock.
Leave your tackle box at home, folks. We've got all the gear you need to land the big one. We're talking top-notch rods, reels, and the latest in fish-finding tech. We'll be doing a mix of trolling and bottom fishing, depending on what's hot that day. Trolling's great for covering water and enticing those speedy pelagics like king mackerel, while bottom fishing might just put you on a monster grouper. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques - our crew will show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time.
"Our family went fishing with Captain Will over Spring Break. We had such a wonderful trip! Our oldest hooked a once in a lifetime Tarpon and got to fight him to the side of the boat. Captain Will was great with all the boys and made sure everyone had a chance to get in on the fun! We can't wait to come back again next year!" - Melissa K.
"Our family went inshore fishing with captain Will and Clayton on Dec 27 as a Christmas adventure. We had a fantastic day! These guys were great! We weren't sure what to expect as far as catching because of coming out of a cold snap but we had a nice haul of sheepshead and a great day of memory making! I would definitely recommend Family Traditions!!" - Amanda
"Captain Will was great. We brought our granddaughter and her boyfriend fishing and he was wonderful, knowledgeable and helpful. All four of us caught multiple fish and really enjoyed our time on Captain Will's boat. We highly commend booking a charter with Captain Will." - Salgal
Let's talk about what you might be reeling in on this trip. Gag grouper are the bulldogs of the sea - these bottom-dwellers put up a fight that'll test your arms and your drag. They love structure, so we'll be hitting wrecks and reefs where these bruisers hang out. Best time to target them? Late fall through winter when they move closer to shore.
Now, if you're looking for the fish of a lifetime, tarpon is your target. These silver kings can top 100 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic leaps. Boca Grande Pass is world-renowned for its tarpon fishing, especially from May through July. Hooking one of these giants is an experience you'll never forget - trust me, your arms will remind you for days!
King mackerel, or "kings" as we call 'em, are the speedsters of the Gulf. These toothy critters can scream off 100 yards of line in seconds. We typically find them in the warmer months, and trolling with live bait is the ticket. There's nothing quite like watching a king skyrocket on a bait fish - it's pure fishing adrenaline.
Redfish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here. These copper-colored beauties are known for their distinctive spot near the tail and their bull-dogging fights. We can target them year-round, but fall is prime time when the big bulls move into the passes. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in the shallows is a rush you've got to experience.
Last but not least, we've got the tripletail. These oddball fish look like they've got three tails (hence the name) and are masters of camouflage. You'll often find them lounging near floating debris or markers, looking like a piece of seaweed. Don't let their lazy appearance fool you - hook one and they'll give you a run for your money. They're here year-round but really pick up in the warmer months.
Alright, anglers, it's time to stop dreaming and start fishing. This Boca Grande trip with Family Traditions Charter Co. is your ticket to some of the best fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer. We've got the knowledge, we've got the spots, and we've got the fish - all we need is you. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to feel the thrill of a bent rod, we've got you covered. Don't let another fishing season pass you by. Book your spot now and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget. The fish are waiting - are you ready to catch 'em?
April 8, 2023
Our family went inshore fishing with captain Will and Clayton on Dec 27 as a Christmas adventure. We had a fantastic day! These guys were great! We weren’t sure what to expect as far as catching because of coming out of a cold snap but we had a nice haul of sheepshead and a great day of memory making! I would definitely recommend Family Traditions!!
December 29, 2022
Great Charter! Totally reccomend for couples, familes or friends. Capt. Will and his son were amazing. They were super attentive and involved. You can tell they are passionate about what they do. This was my girlfriend's favorite charter in SouthWest Florida. Its always fun to go fishing, but to have the opportunity to catch such respectful fish was priceless. We were blessed by the fishing gods and got a double slam!!! Thanks guys!
June 16, 2022
Captain Will was great. We brought our granddaughter and her boyfriend fishing and he was wonderful, knowledgeable and helpful. All four of us caught multiple fish and really enjoyed our time on Captain Will's boat. We highly commend booking a charter with Captain Will.
March 1, 2022
Awesome day of fishing today with Capt Darryl and Kaylie! Had a crew of 6 with teenage boys that caught quite a few fish. Thanks for the great outing!
March 31, 2021
Gag grouper are a blast to catch around here. These hefty fish usually run 20-30 inches but can get up to 50 pounds or more. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks from 60 to 250 feet deep. They love structure, so look for ledges and holes where they can ambush prey. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are in the sweet spot. Gags put up a great fight and their white, flaky meat is delicious. To land a big one, use heavy tackle and a strong leader - these guys will try to dive back to their hidey-holes quick. Live bait like pinfish or blue runners work well, but jigs and large plastics can also entice a bite. My secret weapon is a butterflied Spanish sardine on a circle hook. Let it drift by the structure and hold on tight!
King mackerel are speed demons that'll make your reel scream. These sleek predators average 20-30 pounds but can top 50. We find them in open water from 20-150 feet deep, often near bait schools. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Kings are famous for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. Trolling with live bait or spoons is the go-to method. Rig a blue runner or cigar minnow on a stinger rig to prevent short strikes. Wire leader is a must - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. Kings make great eating too, especially when smoked. For a real thrill, try slow-trolling live bait around the edges of bait pods. When a king skyrockets on your bait, hang on tight!
Redfish are a favorite inshore target here. These copper-colored bruisers usually run 5-15 pounds but can get much bigger. Look for them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising mangrove shorelines, especially on higher tides. Fall is prime time as reds school up to spawn. They put up a stubborn fight, often making strong runs to structure. Sight-fishing for tailing reds is exciting - watch for their spot-tailed fins waving above the surface. Live shrimp or cut pinfish work great, but artificial lures like gold spoons or soft plastics produce too. For a fun challenge, try fly fishing with crab patterns. My local tip: On hot days, look for reds hanging in deeper potholes on the flats. A well-placed cast can result in an explosive strike.
Tarpon are the ultimate gamefish around Boca Grande. These silver kings can top 150 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other. Look for them in passes and along beaches from April through July as they migrate. They love to roll on the surface, giving away their location. Live bait like crabs or threadfin herring is deadly, but fly fishing for tarpon is an art form here. When you hook up, be ready for explosive jumps and long runs. Tarpon have bony mouths, so keep steady pressure and a bent rod. These fish are catch-and-release only, but the thrill of the fight is unforgettable. Pro tip: Use a heavy fluorocarbon leader to withstand those gill plates. Patience is key - sometimes you've gotta wait out rolling fish before getting the perfect shot.
Tripletail are an oddball species that's a blast to target. These funky-looking fish usually run 5-15 pounds but can reach 30. We find them floating near buoys, channel markers, or floating debris - they look just like leaves drifting on the surface. Summer is prime time when water temps are warmest. Tripletail are ambush predators with a lightning-fast bite. They put up a scrappy fight on light tackle and taste amazing. Sight-fishing for them is a unique challenge - you've got to spot that camouflaged fish and make a perfect cast without spooking it. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but small bucktail jigs work too. Here's a local secret: cruise the crab pot buoys on calm days. You'll often find tripletail hanging right underneath them.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki DF150
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Our family went fishing with Captain Will over Spring Break. We had such a wonderful trip! Our oldest hooked a once in a lifetime Tarpon and got to fight him to the side of the boat. Captain Will was great with all the boys and made sure everyone had a chance to get in on the fun! We can’t wait to come back again next year!