Boca Grande & Charlotte Harbor, FL · USCG Licensed & Insured Fastest response: call or text Capt. Jeff 941-979-7059
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Trips & RatesInshore & BackcountryTarpon FishingNearshore FishingShark Fishing Our BoatsCaptainGalleryFishing ReportWhat's Biting by MonthFAQContact ReservationCall or Text 941-979-7059
Southern Tail Charters 25-foot C-Hawk fishing on turquoise water off Boca Grande, Florida
Capt. Jeff Watkins Jr. · Boca Grande Native

Boca Grande Fishing Charters

Tarpon, inshore, nearshore and shark fishing in Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor. Private trips for all ages and skill levels.

Book Your Trip 📞 Call or Text the Captain
License, rods, tackle & bait included20+ years local knowledgeUSCG licensed & insured
5.0 ★Rated on Google
20+ YearsLocal knowledge
3rd GenBoca Grande fisherman
USCGLicensed & insured
Trips & Rates

Pick your adventure

Every trip is private. Morning and afternoon half-day trips available. Full rates & trip times

Every trip includes

  • Fishing license
  • Rods & reels
  • Tackle
  • All baits
  • Iced cooler & bottled water
  • Fish cleaning (inshore & nearshore)

Not just fishing: private lunch & dinner cruises, sandbar excursions, Cabbage Key and Cayo Costa trips. Ask Capt. Jeff for details.

Capt. Jeff Watkins Jr. holding a redfish in Boca Grande
3rd GenBoca Grande
fisherman
Meet your captain

Capt. Jeff Watkins Jr.

A native of Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande, Jeff was introduced to fishing at age 3 by his father, also a Boca Grande captain. He worked on a Boca Grande charter boat at 12 and earned his 6-pack captain's license at 18.

Today he specializes in Florida's most prized gamefish: tarpon, redfish, snook and trout. Whether you're after a 125–180 lb tarpon or just a great day on the water with family, he'll tailor the trip to your experience level.

Fresh live baitCaught by the captain every morning before you arrive.
Multiple pickup spotsBoca Grande, Little Gasparilla Island, Pine Island and Burnt Store.
Family friendlyPlenty of seating and shade, all ages and skill levels.
Groups & corporateMulti-boat trips arranged for larger parties.
Fish with Capt. Jeff Meet Capt. Jeff
Reviews

What anglers are saying

G5.0★★★★★· 54 Google ratings
★★★★★

Huge tarpon caught

“We would highly recommend Captain Jeff. His knowledge of tarpon fishing is more than a five star rating. Catching a huge tarpon was on my husband's bucket list and Captain Jeff made it happen. … my husbands first comment to me is that he had the time of his life.”

N
Nina M.Tripadvisor · June 2025
★★★★★

Best of Boca Grande

“Well appointed boat with shade, impeccably clean, comfortable seating … We had fish on and I mean multiple fish in minutes. Jeff is a kind, patient gentleman that can work with every level fisher-person. Need I say more?”

T
Tim M.Tripadvisor · March 2024
★★★★★

Great day on the water

“Captain Jeff was awesome. He was so patient with my 5,8,10 and 13 year old kids. We caught a bunch of different fish and had a great day.”

M
Matt R.Tripadvisor · February 2023
See all reviews on Google Read on Tripadvisor
Southern Tail Charters' 25-foot C-Hawk running on turquoise water off Boca Grande
Our boats

The 25' C-Hawk

Explore Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor aboard Capt. Jeff's 25-foot C-Hawk. Powered by a Yamaha 300 four-stroke, this platform features all the bells and whistles and is equipped for comfortable Boca Grande tarpon, Charlotte Harbor inshore, nearshore and Englewood deep-sea fishing charters.

Yamaha 300Four-stroke
Dual Power-Poles
Dual MinnKotaTrolling motors with Spot-Lock
Simrad & JL AudioElectronics & audio
Custom towerWith T-Top for plenty of shade
125-quart coolerIced down, with bottled water provided
Boca Grande fly fishing & sight fishing charters: available by special request, our Maverick Mirage HPX-T is a premier technical poling skiff for up to two avid anglers. Built for precision and stealth, the HPX-T excels in fly fishing and artificial sight-casting, whether you're hunting tailing redfish, laid-up snook, cruising tarpon or speckled trout on the flats. See both boats
Maverick Mirage HPX-T skiff with Yamaha outboard and Power-Pole, set up for fly fishing in Boca GrandeMaverick Mirage HPX-T skiff running across the Boca Grande flats
Reserve the boat
FAQ

Good to know

What's included in the price?

Fishing license, rods and reels, tackle, all baits, a built-in iced cooler and 20+ years of local knowledge. Fish cleaning is included on inshore and nearshore trips.

How many people can come?

Rates are for up to 4 anglers on the C-Hawk. A 5th angler can be added for $50. The Maverick skiff (fly and sight fishing) is a max of 2 anglers.

When is tarpon season?

Boca Grande tarpon charters run April through July.

How do I reserve my date?

Send an inquiry or call or text Capt. Jeff. Once he confirms availability, a $150 deposit holds your date. Deposits and payments can be made by Venmo, Zelle, check or credit card (3.5% card fee).

What's the cancellation policy?

Cancel 7 or more days before your trip for a full refund including deposit. Within 7 days the deposit is non-refundable, and no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours owe the full balance. If the captain cancels and the trip can't be rescheduled, your deposit is 100% refunded.

All FAQs What's biting by month

Book your charter

Your Boca Grande trip awaits

Send a reservation request and Capt. Jeff will get right back to you. For the fastest answer, call or text:

941-979-7059
  1. 1. Send your reservation request or call/text
  2. 2. Capt. Jeff confirms your date
  3. 3. A $150 deposit locks it in

Reservation

Goes straight to Capt. Jeff's email.

    Capt. Jeff will reply to confirm availability and lock in your reservation.

    📞 Call / TextReservation