Charter Captains
Back Water Charter Captain
Gulf Coast Limited Fishing Charters
Owner: Captain Bill Russell and Associate Captains
Berth: Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, and Charlotte Harbor. All trips depart from the Russell home dock (9:00 am or 1:00 pm), 2637 Clyde St., Matlacha, FL 33993. About a 50 minute drive from the Brooks.
Contact Information: Phone 239-283-7960; fishpineisland.com, gclfish@live.com
Rates: Half day (4 hours) $400 – BFC books only 3 anglers per trip.
Boat: 2017 Canyon Bay 24 ft. Bay Boat with Tower
Comments: As a native of Pine Island and professional fishing guide for the past 20 years, Bill specializes in light tackle fishing for Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout, Snappers and a variety of other species including Tarpon. Bill’s wife Laurie handles the scheduling of trips with Bill and several associate captains.
Tackle and Bait: All fishing tackle, bait, and bottled water are provided. Fish are cleaned for your journey home. Captain’s license covers all anglers.
Back Bay Charter Captain
Owner: Captain Tony Fontana
Berth: Naples Bay, Rookery Bay, Marco Island
Trips depart from Bay View Park Boat Ramp (7:30 am or 12:30 pm), 1500 Danford St., Naples, FL 34112. About 45-50 minute drive from the Brooks
Contact: Captain Tony at (239) 280-6246 (call or text) or through website at: naplessaltwaterfishing.com
Rates: Half day (4 hours) $400 – BFC books only 3 anglers per trip.
Boat: 23 ft. Dorado Bay Boat with Tower
Comments: Professional fishing guide with over 10 years of experience fishing the waters in and around Rookery Bay – specializing in light tackle fishing for Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout, Snappers and a variety of other species including Tarpon in season.
Tackle and Bait: All fishing tackle, bait, and bottled water are provided. Fish are cleaned for your journey home. Captain’s license covers all anglers.
Off Shore Charter Captains
Captain Marvel
Owner: Captain Clarence Fleck
Berth: Temporarily relocating to Pelican Bend Marina, 219 Capri Blvd, Isles of Capri, FL 34113 due to repair of City Dock
Contact Information: Phone (239) 261-7159; www.captmarvel.com; flecknique@live.com.
Boat information: 43-foot “Custom Sport Fisherman” with 16-foot beam, powered by 680hp diesel engine. Cruising speed is 15 knots.
Accommodations: Fully enclosed cabin with comfortable seating and toilet. Has padding at knee level on fishing rails. Boat accommodates six anglers with ease. Comfortable accommodations make this charter ideal for a family-friendly experience.
Crew: Capt. Clarence Fleck, assisted by a mate.
Fees: Call.
Range/Time: Typically 25 to 30 miles out for full-day trips (8-9 hours), 15 to 20 miles for three-quarter day trips (about 6 hours), and 8 to 15 miles for half-day trips (4-5 hours). Most members prefer three-quarter or full day trips.
Tackle & Bait: Use of all fishing tackle and bait are included with the cost of the trip.
Comments: Reliable and cooperative charter operation. This charter has a long history of excellent fishing experiences. This boat is the slowest of our recommended charter alternatives; therefore, for trips of equal duration to other charters, the actual dwell time during fishing stops and the range of the trips are less than the other two charters.