Expert Inshore Fishing | Englewood FL Charter

Half Day Fishing Trip in Englewood, FL

When you're looking for world-class inshore fishing without burning a whole day, Captain Dave Spargur's half-day trips hit the sweet spot. We're talking prime Englewood waters where the grass flats meet mangrove shorelines, and the fish are hungry. This isn't your typical tourist boat ride – it's a legit fishing experience where you'll work the same spots the locals know and love. Whether you're after that bucket-list snook or hoping to box some quality trout for dinner, these four hours on the water deliver results that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.

What to Expect on the Water

Your half-day adventure starts in the productive waters around Lemon Bay and Stump Pass, where Captain Dave has been putting clients on fish for years. We're maxed at four anglers, so you're not fighting for elbow room or waiting forever for your turn at the hot spot. The beauty of these inshore waters is the variety – one cast you're working a grass flat for trout, the next you're pitching to mangrove roots hoping a snook comes out to play. The boat runs shallow enough to get into those skinny water honey holes where the big fish feel safe, but we've got the range to hit multiple spots when the bite slows down. Captain Dave reads the water like a book, adjusting tactics based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling us that day.

Techniques and Tackle

This is sight fishing and structure fishing at its finest. We're talking live bait under popping corks, soft plastics bounced along the bottom, and topwater plugs that'll make your heart race when they get crushed. The grass flats around here hold baitfish, which means predators aren't far behind – it's all about reading the signs and putting your bait where the fish want it. Captain Dave provides all the gear, from light spinning tackle perfect for trout to the heavier stuff you'll need when a bull redfish decides to make a run. The mangrove shorelines require precision casting – we're talking inches, not feet – but that's where the magic happens. When you drop a live shrimp right in the strike zone and watch that water explode, you'll understand why inshore fishing gets people hooked for life.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Capt Dave Spargurs Charters with Captain Dave Spargur provided an outstanding fishing experience! Captain Dave's expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction made for an unforgettable trip. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fantastic day on the water!" - Elly

"What an outstanding day of fishing with Capt Dave Spargurs Charters and Captain Dave! Dave's expertise and personable nature made for a seamless and enjoyable trip. Highly recommend booking with them for an unforgettable adventure!" - George

"Highly recommend Capt Dave Spargurs Charters with Captain Dave Spargur! Dave's knowledge of the area and his dedication to customer satisfaction ensure an exceptional fishing experience. We had a blast and can't wait to go out with them again!" - Rusty

Target Species Breakdown

Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love hanging around structure – think mangrove roots, docks, and creek mouths – waiting for an easy meal to swim by. They're most active during the warmer months, with spring and fall offering some of the best action. What makes snook so special is their fight – they'll jump, run, and do everything possible to throw your hook. A slot-sized snook (28-32 inches) is pure gold, and the way they hit topwater baits will get your adrenaline pumping every single time. The Englewood area mangroves are snook magnets, especially during moving tides when baitfish get pushed around.

Redfish are the workhorses of the flats, and they'll eat just about anything you put in front of them. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the grass flats in schools, tailing in shallow water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. What's awesome about reds is their consistency – you can catch them year-round in these waters, though fall and winter often produce the biggest fish. They fight like freight trains, using their broad sides to pull drag and test your tackle. Slot reds (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls are pure sport fish that'll give you a workout you won't forget.

Lake Trout – or spotted seatrout as we call them down here – are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots love grass flats and are suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork. They're most active during cooler months, with winter producing some true gator trout that'll push 20+ inches. What makes trout fishing so addictive is the steady action – when you find a good school, you can catch them one after another. They're also fantastic eating, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. The key is finding the right depth on the flats where they're staging, and Captain Dave knows exactly where to look based on season and conditions.

Time to Book Your Spot

Half-day trips book up fast, especially during prime season when the weather's perfect and the fish are biting. This top-rated charter gives you maximum fishing time without the full-day commitment, making it perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who wants to sample what Englewood's inshore waters have to offer. Captain Dave's local knowledge and dedication to putting clients on fish make this a customer favorite that keeps anglers coming back trip after trip. The deposit secures your spot, and trust me – once you experience these productive waters an