Hey there, anglers! Ready for a sweet half-day of fishing just off the beautiful Englewood coast? Capt. Dave Spargur here, and I've got a trip that's perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to wet a line without going too far out. We'll cruise about 9 miles offshore, where the fishing's hot and the Gulf's usually calm. It's the ideal setup for both newbies and seasoned fishermen to have a blast and hopefully land some impressive catches.
Picture this: You're out on the boat, the Florida sun warming your face as we zip over to some prime fishing grounds. We're talking hard bottoms, ledges, and artificial reefs that are like buffets for all sorts of fish. You'll be dropping lines for grouper, snapper, cobia, and more. Don't worry if you're new to this - I'll show you the ropes and make sure everyone's having a good time. And for you experienced anglers, get ready to put your skills to the test. We've got 4 solid hours to make some memories and hopefully fill the cooler.
Alright, let's talk shop. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting. Sometimes we'll be bottom fishing with live bait or cut bait, feeling for that telltale thump of a grouper taking the hook. Other times, we might sight-cast for cobia cruising near the surface. I've got all the gear you need - quality rods, reels, and tackle that'll give you the best shot at landing the big one. And those artificial reefs? They're like fish magnets. We'll hit a few different spots, giving you a taste of the variety Englewood's waters have to offer.
"Captain Dave and Capt Dave Spargurs Charters are top-tier! Dave's knowledge of fishing spots and his friendly demeanor ensured a successful and enjoyable trip. Highly recommended for an amazing fishing adventure!" - Jao
"Captain Dave and Capt Dave Spargurs Charters provided us with an amazing fishing adventure! Dave's professionalism and passion for fishing were evident throughout the trip. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fantastic day on the water!" - Michael
Cobia: These bad boys are like the prizefighters of our nearshore waters. They're strong, they're stubborn, and they put up one heck of a fight. Cobia can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds, though most we catch are in the 20-40 pound range. They love structure, so we often find them hanging around buoys or following large rays. Spring and early summer are prime time for cobia, and trust me, when one hits your line, you'll be in for a workout!
Tripletail: Don't let their weird name fool you - tripletail are awesome game fish. They've got this unique habit of floating on their sides near the surface, often mistaken for floating debris. We'll keep our eyes peeled for them around channel markers or floating objects. They're not huge, usually 5-15 pounds, but they're feisty and taste fantastic. Plus, it's always fun to spot them and cast right to them.
Red Snapper: These guys are the rockstars of the Gulf. With their bright red color and tasty white meat, they're always a crowd-pleaser. We typically find them over hard bottom areas or reefs. They can grow pretty big, with some topping 20 pounds or more. Red snapper season is limited, but when it's open, it's like a holiday for us anglers. They're known for their strong initial run, so be ready to hold on tight!
Gag Grouper: If you're after a real bruiser, gag grouper are your target. These bottom-dwellers love to hang out near structure and can put your arms and gear to the test. They grow big - 20-30 pounders aren't uncommon - and they fight all the way up. We'll be using heavy tackle and strong line to wrestle these guys from their rocky homes. The season for gags is limited, but when it's on, it's some of the most exciting fishing you can do in these waters.
Listen, whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, want a fun day out with friends, or just need to scratch that fishing itch, this 4-hour trip is the ticket. We'll have a blast, catch some fish, and you'll get to see why Englewood's waters are some of the best around. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So if you're thinking about it, don't wait too long to lock in your date. Give me a shout, and let's get you out on the water for some real Florida fishing action. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit on your line, you'll be hooked!
September 13, 2023
Captain Dave and Capt Dave Spargurs Charters provided us with an amazing fishing adventure! Dave's professionalism and passion for fishing were evident throughout the trip. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fantastic day on the water!
April 20, 2023
Cobia are tough fighters that'll give you a real run for your money. These solitary predators can grow up to 6 feet long and top 100 pounds, though most we see are in the 30-50 pound range. Look for them near reefs, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time as they migrate through. Cobia love to follow big rays, turtles, and even sharks, so keep an eye out for those tell-tale shadows. They'll hit bucktail jigs, live bait, or even topwater lures if you can sight-cast to them. The meat is excellent - firm and white with a mild flavor. One tip: when you hook one, get it away from the boat fast or it'll try to wrap you around the motor.
Gag grouper are bruisers that'll test your arms and your gear. They average around 20 inches but can top 50 inches and 80 pounds. Look for them near any structure - reefs, ledges, wrecks - in 60-250 feet of water. They're ambush predators, so fish tight to cover. Fall and winter are best as they move to shallower waters. Live bait is king - pinfish or mullet - but they'll hit cut bait too. When you hook one, lock down that drag and crank hard to keep them from diving back into their rocky lairs. The fight is intense, and the payoff is some of the best-tasting fish in the Gulf. One local tip: if you're not getting bites, try a knocker rig to get your bait right in their face.
Red snapper are prized catches - beautiful fish that taste even better than they look. Most we catch run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but they can grow to over 3 feet and 35 pounds. You'll find them over rocky bottoms and reefs in 30-300 feet of water. They love structure, so look for drops and ledges. May through October is prime time, with spawning peaks in summer. Red snapper fight hard and will try to dive back to their rocky homes, so be ready with a strong hookset. Fresh cut bait or live pinfish work great. The meat is mild and flaky - perfect for almost any cooking method. Here's a local trick: when you feel that telltale thump, reel fast and steady to get them away from the bottom before they can hole up.
Tripletail are odd-looking fish that pack a punch for their size. They average 2-13 pounds but can hit 40 pounds or more. You'll often spot them floating on their sides near buoys, channel markers, or floating debris. They blend in so well, you might mistake them for trash at first glance. Summer's the best time to target them as they move inshore. Use light tackle and live shrimp or small baitfish. Cast past them and slowly retrieve - they're ambush predators and will pounce when the bait drifts by. Tripletail put up a great fight on light gear and taste fantastic. Pro tip: approach quietly and make long casts, or you'll spook these wary fish before you even get a chance.
Captain Dave and Capt Dave Spargurs Charters are top-tier! Dave's knowledge of fishing spots and his friendly demeanor ensured a successful and enjoyable trip. Highly recommended for an amazing fishing adventure!