For sportsmen, newbies and the kid in all of us, there’s nothing like feeling the telltale tug on your fishing line and the anticipation of what would-be whopper could be on the other end.
We are fortunate to have some of the best backwater fishing in the state, another unique way to experience the “real” Florida. Here at Good Time Charters we offer half-day jaunts in the backcountry of Estero Bay, where you can explore mangrove-lined shores, tidal creeks and more.
Imagine maneuvering the nooks and crannies of shallow backcountry waterways in search of the “big one” that won’t get away. Many of the inland waters and wetlands are protected by law. The water is clean, the fish plentiful.
Captain Mike is an expert guide, and you will cruise the waters in comfort on a 28-foot pontoon style catamaran called “Up on Two.” Trips are for 1 to 6 fishermen (or fisherwomen, or fisher-families!).
It’s fun, sporting, and delicious, if you catch one of the prize gamefish Southwest Florida is known for. They include snook, redfish, trout and snapper. Maybe you’ll hook one of each. Pompano, ladyfish and yes, shark and are also known to roam these waters.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manages a Grand Slam program, defined as an angler catching a particular set of three species in one day. The slams are divided by regions, but you do not have to be in a particular region to achieve that region’s Grand Slam.
The coveted snook, with their black-striped bodies, are a white, tasty, flaky fish. They are highly regulated and only in season six months of the year. Redfish are mild, white, sweet, with a medium-firm texture and Snapper is sweet, lean and moist, according to cookingfishmonger.com. Trout are a bit stronger tasting with a delicate texture.
We provide bait, tackle, fishing license and fish cleaning. All you bring is yourself, some sunscreen a snack or bag lunch, and a hankering to fish.
There’s nothing like bringing home a fresh fish dinner and the satisfaction of knowing you caught it yourself. Like the old proverb says: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
