ZENFOLD

The wife and I are flying down mid February for a few days. I would like to do a charter for snook and reds. I did a search on THT and there is not a lot of information. Any recommendations? Also, what are some good local eatery's and places to check out while we are there? Thanks in advance!

BLUESMAN

Snook and reds both are catch and release now, so you may want to open to more species and your guide will too. I can’t recommend any charters, sorry. Maybe search Fishin Franks site or contact them for recommendations.
Most food around is similar / just OK. I like Leroy’s, Perfect Caper and Burger Bar, all right downtown.

JC_UF_ITK

Fishbones Charter has always put us on fish. As far as restaurants, try to make it to Pine Island. Bert’s, Blue Dog, Lazy Flamingo and Tarpon Lodge all have great food.

https://www.facebook.com/dargle67/

PXMAN

I also recommend Fishbones. He’s born and raised in the area and knows the water well. You won’t be disappointed.

Shif

I can strongly recommend Dave Stephens - Backwater Extremes charters out of Punta Gorda. Dave knows the water and where the fish are. Great guy, very knowledgeable and easy to get along with. I have fished with him many times, you will not be disappointed. restaurants are not spectacular but all are pretty good.

salbrent

Call Fishin Franks Bait ask for Frank , Robert or Jeff

Google their web site

Food -
Use Yelp
I like Harppon Harry’s for visitors. Luigi s for Italian and pizza. Peace River Seafood - all you can blue point crabs but every item is good. Smoke n Pit for BBQ . Saigon Pho in PG. Cuban Taste for Cubans sandwiches and coffee but a hole in the wall joint. If getting gas at WaWA, try their hoagies, breakfast burritos , sides and coffee drinks for a quick bite. In North Port, decent Chinese buffet. Fortune City in PtC is good. Several decent food truck - 2 Mexican and one for Philly cheese steaks. Primo very nice steak joint. Abbe Donuts is very good but WaWA coffee is better. Twin Lobster seafood store for fresh lobster and seafood. Fresh Florida pink and shrimp along stone crabs. Everglades City is close with lots Stone Crabs restaurants and Everglades NP . Lots of places in Sarasota , Cape Coral, Bradenton, Englewood and Ft Meyers. A lot of high end places in Naples area.

Snook fishing is good in the canals using .ive shrimp. If hot add cold packs and aerator to bait bucket.

ZENFOLD

Thanks for all the recommendations! I have some researching to do.

salbrent

https://tides4fishing.com/us/florida...-harbor#_tides


good web site for fishing sites.

fishing the canals in Punta Gorda Ises, PTC, both bridges and Aliigator Creek will increase fishing times. In the Harbor go to deep holes , out by ICW and Gulf is out farther.

Burger Bar in PG is good. Every Sat in downtown PG has a Farmers Market. For good basic food to the little diner south of the car dealers to,west side. Family Diner I think. Good food n service

snlcorn

I agree with salbrent on calling Fishin' Franks. Robert and Jeff are good people and will direct you to the right guide.
I DON'T recommend Harpoon Harry's. The service is horrible, the food is bland, but has a great view. I would recommend the Village Brewhouse that is in the same complex as Harpoon Harry's. It has much better food, service and beer. Luigi's and Peace River Seafood are excellent places too.

Reelsmooth20

Stop by Fishin Franks or Down Town Bait and Tackle, plenty of good guides in the area.

salbrent

A lot of sharks in the area and fun to catch.

Classic25

Take the short drive down to Fort Myers.
Deep Sea Fishing in Fort Myers - Sanibel - Bonita Springs - Naples
Outstanding crew, boat and gear.

BostonIrish819

Try Capt.Tim Jones - Matlacha Fishing Charters- hes always dialed in 👍

ZENFOLD

Thank you all for the recommendations. I ended up booking with Fishbone Charters. We had a great time and I got to scratch snook off my bucket list. We caught about 50 and lost just as many. They are a blast to catch. Below is the largest one about 40 inches. Our plans changed before we came down so we ended up staying at the Sanibel Marriot. We did some running around so we ate at a few different locations. Pincher's in Ft. Meyers, Sanibel Cafe for breakfast, The Gold Rush in Venice, and Bimini Bait Shack right next to the resort. All had excellent food. Now if I could only get my dad to fly down to fish sometime soon.