Fishing in Southwest Florida is more than a sport — it’s a lifestyle built around salt air, sunrise runs, and stories worth telling.
At Sea N Red Fishing Charters, every charter is unique because every client brings a different dream to the water.
This month, we had the pleasure of guiding four incredible groups — from fathers and sons chasing bucket-list fish to lifelong friends returning for another round of action.
Here’s a look at our recent adventures across Fort Myers, Sanibel, Pine Island, and the Florida Everglades, where the fish bit hard, the smiles came easy, and the memories will last forever.
Aaron & Son – Peacock Bass in the Florida Everglades
Some trips remind you why fishing is truly a family experience.
Aaron and his son joined us for a 4-hour freshwater charter deep in the Florida Everglades, chasing one of Florida’s most exotic and hard-fighting species — the Peacock Bass.
As dawn broke, the air was still and the canals shimmered like glass. With live shiners and light spinning gear, the pair began working shaded shorelines beneath cypress trees.
It didn’t take long before the first hit — a brilliant orange-finned Peacock Bass bursting from the surface, shaking its head wildly. Aaron fought it like a pro, and soon we had their first bucket-list fish on deck.
Over the next few hours, father and son landed double-digit numbers of Peacock Bass, several in the 4- to 5-pound range. The Everglades came alive around them — ospreys overhead, gators basking, and the laughter that only comes from catching fish side by side.
“Fishing here is peaceful but powerful,” Captain Erik shared. “You never know whether the next cast will bring a bass, a snook, or something that bends the rod to the handle.”
By the time we returned to the ramp, Aaron and his son had crossed another dream off the list — proof that you don’t need the ocean to find world-class fishing in Fort Myers and Southwest Florida.
For anglers looking to experience it themselves, our Freshwater Fishing Charters offer the same adventure — fully guided, all gear and licenses included.
Kimm & Gavin Hunt – The Goliath Grouper Battle (and a Bonus Tarpon)
Some fish are legends — and the Goliath Grouper sits at the top of that list.
While visiting Sanibel, Florida for the Perfect Game Baseball Tournament, Kimm and his grandson Gavin Hunt decided to spend their off day doing something equally competitive — battling giants beneath the bridge pilings.
The mission: wrestle a fish that can weigh more than the anglers pulling it in.
Armed with heavy tackle, we dropped large baits into deep structure off the Sanibel Causeway. The first hit came fast — a surge so strong it nearly pulled Gavin forward. With teamwork and grit, they went two for four on Goliath Grouper, each fish testing their limits and strength.
Then, as if the day needed one more highlight, a Tarpon rolled nearby. We set up a quick drift, and Gavin’s rod doubled over again — a bonus Silver King leaping through the morning light.
The celebration on deck was unforgettable.
“The Goliath Grouper is combat fishing filled with pain, agony, and stories,” Erik said with a laugh. “But that’s why people love it — it’s pure adrenaline and accomplishment.”
Trips like these define why we offer custom adventures for visiting families and tournament guests. Whether you’re here for baseball or beach time, there’s always room for a day on the water with Sea N Red Fishing Charters
Matt & Tyler – Redfish, Snook, and Trout in Pine Island Sound
When regular clients return, you know you’re doing something right.
Matt and Tyler have been fishing with Sea N Red Fishing Charters for years, and they always bring the same goal: good vibes, hard-pulling fish, and variety.
We launched from the Punta Rassa Boat Ramp, heading into Pine Island Sound on a 6-hour ¾-day charter — the perfect balance of flexibility and time to cover water. The plan was simple: start early with topwater for Redfish, then move to the mangroves for Snook, and finish the day over grass flats chasing Speckled Trout.
Conditions were ideal — light east wind, clear incoming tide.
Within minutes, Matt hooked into a slot Redfish that tore off 50 feet of line before turning broadside in the channel. Not long after, Tyler connected with a solid Snook that exploded near the mangroves, tail-walking before release.
By midday, the bite turned electric. They caught so many fish that we lost count, including ladyfish, mangrove snapper, and a few surprise jacks mixed in.
Both anglers set new personal bests before the day ended, capping off another classic SWFL trip.
“A 6-hour charter gives us room to chase multiple species,” Erik explained. “We can adjust to tides, move between inshore and nearshore, and keep the rods bending all day.”
Matt and Tyler prove that repeat clients are the backbone of Sea N Red Fishing Charters. Every trip is familiar yet different — and the action around Sanibel, Fort Myers, and Pine Island Sound never disappoints.
If you’re ready to experience similar inshore action, check out our Inshore Fishing Charters.
Derek & Son – The Snook Showdown in Matlacha
Not every trip has to be long to be legendary.
Derek and his son joined us for a 4-hour half-day charter departing Fort Myers Beach, heading west toward Matlacha, one of the most scenic back-bay fisheries in the region.
We started early, working current-swept points with live bait. The morning began fast — ladyfish, trout, and jacks kept the rods bent, providing nonstop action and teaching moments for Derek’s son.
But the highlight came mid-morning, when a strong tide brought the Snook alive.
One cast, one strike, and the rod bent deep — a perfect back-country Snook battle in the heart of Matlacha.
By the time we wrapped up, the Snook had clearly “won the show,” as Derek joked, but that’s the best kind of loss.
“Snook are the ambassadors of Southwest Florida fishing,” Erik said. “They’re powerful, smart, and they make everyone on the boat yell when they jump.”
Trips like Derek’s are what our half-day charters are all about — action, fun, and family. They’re ideal for kids, beginners, or anyone short on time but long on excitement.
What These Trips Mean for Us — and You
Each of these stories represents what we value most at Sea N Red Fishing Charters:
✅ Personalized experiences tailored to each client
✅ Local expertise in every environment — inshore, nearshore, or freshwater
✅ Family-friendly fun with safety, comfort, and smiles guaranteed
Fishing isn’t just about the number of fish — it’s about connection.
Whether it’s a grandfather and grandson battling a Goliath Grouper, a father teaching his son how to cast, or friends chasing new personal bests, these moments remind us why we love what we do.
Trusted by Anglers — 5-Star Reviews Tell the Story
Our clients say it best.
Sea N Red Charters has earned a long list of 5-star Google reviews, each reflecting the effort, hospitality, and results we aim for on every trip:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We had such an incredible experience fishing with Erik from Sea N Red Fishing Charters! Our family went out on two 4-hour trips and both were amazing.” — Margo Pucciarelli
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Amazing captain, knows the water like the back of his hand.” — Dess F
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Erik is a phenomenal fishing guide — nothing but good times & great fishing every time we’ve been out.” — Matthew Reber
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Awesome experience. 2nd time fishing with Erik — very knowledgeable and personable.” — Tyler Mullins
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “10/10 recommend this guy. He knows what he’s doing. I had the time of my life!” — Jacksepticeye Ninja
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “One of the best fishing trips I have been on — very informative and professional.” — Cody Dieast
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I highly recommend Captain Erik! He made my dream trip to Lake Okeechobee happen.” — Donovan Lorah
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “By far the best fishing guide I’ve ever gone with in SW Florida.” — Collin Matzoll
These reviews aren’t marketing — they’re real experiences shared by real anglers.
They also show the range of fishing Sea N Red offers: from Everglades freshwater to Sanibel saltwater, from first-timers to veteran anglers, every guest leaves with a story to tell.
You can view all verified feedback on our Google Reviews page →.
With over 30 years of combined fishing knowledge, Sea N Red Fishing Charters continues to grow through word of mouth, repeat clients, and visibility across Fort Myers, Sanibel, Captiva, and Pine Island.
We’re proud to offer:
- Inshore Fishing Charters – Snook, Redfish, and Trout
- Nearshore Fishing Charters – Grouper, Snapper, Kingfish
- Saltwater Fishing Charters – Mixed inshore & reef trips
- Freshwater Fishing Charters – Peacock Bass & Largemouth Bass
- Shelling & Sightseeing Tours – Family-friendly eco adventures
Every outing is fully guided by Captain Erik Johnson, who combines professionalism with passion. From helping kids reel their first Snook to coaching experienced anglers through a 200-pound Grouper fight, his approach is always personal and patient.
“Every day on the water is different,” Erik says. “That’s what makes this job so special. The people, the places, and the fish — they all come together to tell stories worth sharing.”
Plan Your Own Adventure
If these recent trips inspired you, your story could be next.
Whether you want to check a bucket-list species off your list or simply make new memories on the water, Sea N Red Fishing Charters can customize the perfect trip.
Book online or call to reserve your date:
📞 (239) 980-2630
🖥️ Contact Our Captain
You can also explore recent catches in our Fishing Gallery or learn more About Sea N Red Charters.
