Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Fishing Info

About Fred Gowdy Charters

Where does Fred Gowdy Charters fish?

We fish the Bonita Springs area, including Gulf of Mexico, Estero Bay, Bonita Beach, Big Hickory Island, Ft. Myers, Sanibel Island.

What are the target fish?

Target fish include Black Grouper (Also Called Black Rockfish, Marbled Rockfish  ), Blacktip Shark  (Also Called Shark, Blacktip Shark  ), Cobia (Also Called Black Salmon, Crab Eater, Lemon Fish, Sergeant Fish  ), Crevalle Jack  (Also Called Horse Crevalle, Jack  ), King Mackerel (Also Called Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel  ), Peacock Bass (Also Called Peacock Cichlid, Butterfly Peacock Bass, Peacock Bass, Pavón, Tucunaré, Tuc, Tucunare Comun, Eyespot Cichlid, Lukanani ), Redfish (Also Called Red Drum, Channel Bass, Spottail Bass), Snook  (Also Called Common Snook, Sergeant Fish, Thin Snook), Tarpon  (Also Called Silver King, Silverfish, Sábalo  ), Thresher Shark (Also Called Thresher Shark, Common Thresher, Fox Shark, Sea Fox, Swiveltail, Thrasher), Shortfin Mako Shark (Also Called Blue Pointer, Mackerel Shark, Mako, Mako Shark  )

Where in Bonita Springs to we meet our guests?

We meet at Lovers Key Boat Ramp ( 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931, USA ), Imperial River Kayak Launch ( 27551 S Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134, USA )

Do I need a STATE Fishing license?

Yes, a Fishing license is required

Where do I get a STATE Fishing license?

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Fishing

Florida residents and visitors 16 years of age and older are required to possess a Florida freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing license when engaged in active or passive fishing activities. However, you do not need a saltwater fishing license if saltwater fishing from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter, party boat) that has a valid charter license or from a vessel whose operator has a valid recreational saltwater vessel license issued in the name of the operator of the vessel. If you are looking for online access for a license, please check Go Outdoors Florida here: https://license.gooutdoorsflorida.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx

How much should I Tip?

It is customary to tip 20% of the trip total. We work tirelessly to make sure you have a guest experience!

Do I need to bring my own gear?

No, we provide standard gear such as rods and reels so you don’t need to worry about anything. But please feel free to bring you own gear if you prefer.