Trip Info & FAQ

Inshore trips (4, 6 or 8 hours) and the Redfish & Snook Special can be booked online. Questions? Text 607-327-0221, call 941-621-9996 or email CaptRich@ReelRichFishing.com. I handle every reservation myself, with no agents or middlemen. Tarpon trips (April 1–June 30) are by request through the Tarpon Request form.

Inshore and flats trips run most of the year, mostly Monday to Friday with occasional weekend dates, weather and tides permitting. Tarpon trips run April 1 through June 30, and snook fishing is best from mid-March through November, with May and June the peak. If you don't see the date you want available, text me at 607-327-0221, call 941-621-9996 or email CaptRich@ReelRichFishing.com and I'll check availability or recommend another captain I trust who works with us.

No. Nothing is due up front. The card you give when you book only holds your reservation.

When your trip is over, right at the dock. We take cash or any major card, and cash gets a 3% discount off the listed price. We don't take checks.

Cancel free up to 7 days before your trip. Cancellations within 7 days, and no-shows, are charged the full trip price.

Safety comes first. I watch the forecast closely in the days before your trip and will contact you if conditions look unsafe. If I cancel for weather, we'll rebook your trip or you won't be charged. Your choice. We don't fish in lightning.

Inshore trips are priced for 3 anglers, with room for up to 5 (add $50 per extra angler). A 4-hour trip is $625 for 1–3 anglers, $675 for 4 and $725 for 5; 6-hour is $900 / $950 / $1,000; 8-hour is $1,200 / $1,250 / $1,300. The Redfish & Snook Special is $975 for up to 4 anglers (price covers all of them), and tarpon trips take up to 3. Kids count toward the angler limit on every trip.

Legally, I can carry up to 6 passengers, but the boat fishes very tight with 6 adults, so I book inshore trips for up to 5 anglers. If your group includes kids, I may be able to make room for a 6th passenger. Contact me directly and we'll work it out.

Tarpon trips run April 1 through June 30 and are booked by request. Use the Tarpon Request form to request your date. Prefer to talk? Text 607-327-0221 or call Capt Rich at 941-621-9996 to talk dates and tides.

Yes. Each tarpon trip includes 20 live crabs. You can buy additional crabs in advance or on the water.

At the fuel dock at Safe Harbor Burnt Store Marina, next to the harbormaster's office, by the flagpole: 3192 Matecumbe Key Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33955. VHF channel 16.

Please don't go to our mailing address on Little Pine Circle. That's mail only, and the boat isn't there.

Set your GPS to 5000 Islamorada Blvd, Punta Gorda, FL 33955 (the marina entrance), not the street address. Enter the main security gate in the left lane and tell the guard you're fishing with Reel Rich for a free parking pass. Turn left at the first stop, then left at the next stop, and keep going until you reach a gate and can go no further. Park in any of the lots on the right. The fuel dock is in front of the waterfront buildings, by the flagpole and marina office.

Please be at the dock 15 minutes before your start time.

Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is about 13 miles north of the marina and has low-cost nonstop flights from many cities. Southwest Florida International (RSW) in Fort Myers is about 41 miles south and has the most airlines. Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ) is about 71 miles north. Rental cars, taxis and Uber are all easy to find.

Downtown Punta Gorda has several waterfront hotels along the harbor, within about 20–25 minutes of the marina. For the shortest drive, look at vacation rentals and condos right in Burnt Store Marina on VRBO or Airbnb. Ask me if you'd like a recommendation.

Downtown Punta Gorda and Fishermen's Village have plenty of waterfront seafood spots, tiki bars and sit-down restaurants. At the marina there's a restaurant and a small market for coffee and breakfast sandwiches. Public restrooms are next to the market. Ask me for my current favorites.

We provide all bait, tackle, ice and water. Bring:

• Polarized sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen (lotion, no spray sunscreen please)
• Snacks and drinks (cans only, no glass). Adult beverages are fine.
• A light rain jacket and a layer. It can be cooler out on the water.
• Non-marking shoes with good grip (flip-flops and Crocs aren't great for fighting big fish)
• A zip-top bag for your phone, and a camera

Storage is limited, so keep bags small. No hard liquor or illegal drugs on board.

No. Our charter license covers everyone fishing on the boat.

Charlotte Harbor is protected by barrier islands and feels more like a big lake than the open ocean. It can still get choppy, so if you're prone to motion sickness, take something before the trip as a precaution.

No. There's no head on board, but we can run to nearby facilities when needed.

Redfish, snook and tarpon are catch-and-release. Other fish can be filleted and bagged at the end of the trip, subject to season, personal and boat limits. Florida's rules change from time to time, so I always fish by the current FWC regulations (MyFWC.com).

Absolutely. We love taking kids fishing. Calm, protected water and lots of action make it a great first trip. Let me know ages when you book so I have the right size life jackets. Children under 6 wear a life jacket the whole time they're on board.

Kids count toward the passenger/angler limit on every trip. Kids 8 and under are not charged when they are the add-on passenger in a package (for example, the 4th or 5th angler on an inshore trip).