Charters Rates & Info

As his guest, Capt. Van's desire is to provide you with courteous professional charter fishing service, and provides quality gear, an enjoyable and memorable experience while in the Boca Grande - Charlotte Harbor area - all for a reasonable fee.

People are different, and therefore, have different expectations and needs. To help make your trip a success, please communicate your ideas and wishes to Capt Van. There is flexibility with most aspects of a charter - for example - Capt. Van can make a stop for lunch or you can carry it along. The captain may target specific species or just go after whatever is biting - you will usually catch more if you target what's biting (see the current fishing report). So please, let the captain know if you have any special requests.

Kids over 6 years old are always welcome, but young children do require FULL-TIME attention on a boat. Captain Van enjoys teaching kids of all ages to fish.

March through June is the area's primetime and early reservations are encouraged. Capt. Van will help you try to find another qualified guide if he's already booked.

Normal departure time is 8:00 am. this can be customized. Fishing charters between March and November usually involve fishing with live minnows. Catching these minnows is an early morning exercise. When live bait will be caught, you have two options for departure times, (1) catch minnows with the captain leaving about 6:00 am, or (2) arrange for pick up around 8:00 am. You usually get more fishing time with an early departure.

On tarpon trips, a 6:00 am departure is recommended. This will put you on the big silver kings at sunrise, and you'll usually be hooked up before 7 am.

Catching is usually better on weekdays because the weekends are more crowded. If you're traveling a long way Capt. Van suggests you schedule more than one days charter.

Capt. Van can also arrange multi-boat trips to accommodate any party size.

Charter Rates

Deposits

Deposits are required. Deposits are 50% of the trip cost to reserve your date(s). If you need to cancel after submitting a deposit, every reasonable effort will be made to reschedule your charter, but if Capt. Van is unable to reschedule your charter, the deposit will be forfeited. In case of this unlikely event, Capt. Van suggests sending a family member or friend in your place.

Location

Most charters depart from Dockside/ Stump Pass Marina, located on the mainland between Englewood and Boca Grande. The marina is located about an hour South of the Tampa Bay area, less than and hour South from Sarasota/ Bradenton, about and hour North of Ft. Myers, and around three hours from Orlando.

Click here for a map of the area. (Coming Soon)

Pick up at other sites can usually be arranged; any additional compensation depends on the time and distance.

Weather

The captain can't control the weather or tides so you must be willing to work around Mother Nature's moods. Weather can create challenges. Capt Van does fish in less than perfect conditions and will make the best of what Mother Nature dishes out.

Lighting, Small Craft Warnings and unsafe conditions are beyond the captain's control and refunds are available for these instances, but of course, we'll try and reschedule if possible.

Photographer for Hire

Merry Beth Ryan is a local photographer available to accompany you on your charter and document the day as only a professional photographer can. Her love of fishing has allowed her the opportunity to shoot a wide variety of marine wildlife. She will provide you with a complete photo shoot while capturing your trophy fish of a lifetime! Whether you're bowing to a Silver King or reeling up a Snook, sit back and relax as she photographs your priceless memories. Visit merrybethryanphotography.com for more information about Merry Beth Ryan.

Request Further Information

If you would like further information, please complete the form below and Capt. Van will contact you for further assistance. Required fields are in *Red Text.