Skilled Angler's Dream | Englewood Nearshore Charter

Half Day Advanced Fishing Trip in Englewood, FL

Ready to put your skills to the test? Captain Dave Spargur's advanced half-day charter takes experienced anglers about 9 miles offshore into some of the Gulf's most productive fishing grounds. This isn't your typical tourist trip – it's designed for folks who know their way around a rod and reel and want to target the kind of fish that make for great stories back at the dock. Over 4 hours, you'll work hard bottoms, artificial reefs, and natural ledges where the big boys like to hang out. With just 4 spots available, you'll get the personalized attention and prime fishing real estate that serious anglers appreciate.

What to Expect on the Water

This trip caters to anglers who've been around the block and want more than just catching bait stealers. Captain Dave takes you to proven structures where Grouper, Snapper, and other bottom dwellers congregate in impressive numbers. The 9-mile run puts you in 60 to 80 feet of water over limestone ledges and artificial reefs that hold fish year-round. You'll be anchored up most of the time, working vertical presentations with quality tackle that can handle the pressure when a big Gag decides to test your drag. The small group size means everyone gets multiple shots at prime spots, and there's no waiting around for your turn at the best fishing holes. Captain Dave provides the local knowledge about current, structure, and seasonal patterns, but he expects you to bring the fishing fundamentals.

Tackle Talk & Techniques

The boat comes equipped with heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with 50 to 80-pound test, paired with stout rods that can lift fish off the bottom before they reach their rocky hideouts. You'll be dropping baits on circle hooks ranging from 8/0 to 12/0, depending on what you're targeting. Live pinfish, grunts, and cut bait are the go-to options, presented on knocker rigs or fish finder setups that keep your offering right in the strike zone. When Cobia are cruising the area, Captain Dave switches tactics to sight fishing with live crabs or jigs worked near the surface. The key is reading the electronics, understanding the structure, and adjusting your presentation based on current strength and fish behavior. If you've got preferred techniques that work for you, Captain Dave's happy to accommodate – this trip is about putting your skills to work in prime habitat.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Cobia are the wildcards of this fishery, showing up when you least expect them and providing some of the most exciting fights you'll find in these waters. These brown sharks, as locals sometimes call them, cruise the reefs and ledges from spring through fall, with peak action typically from April through June. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you shot opportunities with live crabs or bucktail jigs. A good Cobia will run 20 to 40 pounds and make blistering runs that test your equipment and patience. What makes them special is their willingness to eat and their incredible strength – they're built like football players and fight accordingly.

Tripletail are another premium target that keeps experienced anglers coming back for more. These unique fish hover around floating debris, channel markers, and structure edges, looking like floating leaves until they decide to crush your bait. They're most active from late spring through early fall, with the best fishing typically in 40 to 80 feet of water. Tripletail have oversized mouths and feed aggressively on shrimp, crabs, and small fish. The challenge is getting them to commit – they'll often follow a bait for several minutes before deciding to eat. When they do, the fight is a combination of powerful runs and head-shaking jumps that keep you guessing.

Red Snapper remain the gold standard for Gulf bottom fishing, and the hard bottom structure off Englewood holds some impressive fish. During open seasons, you'll find them stacked up on the ledges and artificial reefs in 60 to 100 feet of water. These fish are smart and structure-oriented, requiring precise bait placement and quick reflexes to keep them out of the rocks. A quality Red Snapper will weigh anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds, with occasional fish pushing into the 20-pound range. They're excellent table fare and provide consistent action when conditions align. The key is fresh bait and getting your offering down quickly before the smaller fish can intercept it.

Gag Grouper are the heavyweights of this fishery and the fish that most experienced anglers dream about. These bottom dwellers can exceed 20 pounds and are notorious for heading straight back to their rocky lairs when hooked. The waters off Englewood produce some of the Gulf's finest Gags, particularly around the natural hard bottom areas and artificial reefs. They're most active during cooler months, from October through March, when they move into shallower water to feed and eventually spawn. Landing a quality Gag requires heavy tackle, fresh bait, and the technique to turn their head before they reach cover. The reward is one of the best eating fish in the Gulf and a fight that will remind you why you love bottom fishing.

Time to Book Your Spot

This advanced fishing trip fills up quickly with repeat customers who know what Captain Dave delivers. The 4-hour format gives you enough time to work multiple spots without the fatigue of a full day on the water, making it perfect for serious anglers who want quality over quantity. The small group size ensures everyone gets their fair share of the action, and the focus on advanced techniques means you'll learn something new while targeting the Gulf's premier species. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before committing. If you're ready to fish with a captain who understands what experienced anglers want and can put you on fish that are worth the effort, it's time to secure your spot on this top-rated Englewood charter.