Captain Fred Winters
Riptide Charters
Flats and Backcountry Fishing
Captain Fred Winters has over 10 years fishing experience in Florida, and 3 years in the Charlotte Harbor and surrounding areas, which include Punta Gorda, Pine Island, world-famous Boca Grande Pass. A member of the Florida Guides Association (FGA), he actively encourages catch and release programs.
Let's Talk Tournaments!
Capt. Fred assisted his brother, a fishing jig manufacturer, in the design of the Lasso and Lariat jigs. These jigs were designed especially for the world famous Tarpon, and are the choice of many Tarpon Tournament winners. Capt. Fred was a member of the First Place Team in the Miller's Tarpon Tide Tournament #4 in 1995, and was also a member of the team taking the Third Place win in the All Catch and Release Tournament in 1996.
Capt. Fred offers Flats and Backcountry charters aboard his 18' Ranger Flats boat. For your added convenience, he offers pickups and dropoffs at several popular locations. Young anglers are welcome (minimum age 7, please). During season, get in some world class Tarpon fishing! For more information or to book your charter, contact Capt. Fred Winters!
Capt. Fred encourages catch and release.
Vessel
- Flats
- 18' Ranger Flats Boat
- Up to 3 anglers
Flats, Backcountry, Inshore
Captain Fred offers flats, backcountry, and inshore charters in and around the Port Charlotte an Boca Grande area. While specializing in light tackle, flyfishing is available upon request. During Tarpon season, get in some World Class Tarpon fishing in the Boca Grande Pass and surrounding areas. Capt. Fred invites you to:
"Imagine youself....early morning, standing on the bow of a Ranger flats boat, chosen rod in hand. Your guide taking you through the serene waters of the Florida beaches or pristine backcountry, you scan the surface for any disturbance to indicate that your challenge is close at hand. Suddenly the silence is broken! Your guide says, "Fish! One o'clock! Eighty yards and coming head on!" You look right...and there they are...twenty to thirty 100+ pound Tarpon, stretched out in a long string, and moving lazily in your direction. You start your cast as you feel your adrenaline begin to rush....
If this scenario appeals to you, I invite you to join me in pursuit of Charlotte Harbor's magnificent variety of gamefish. Bordered by the barrier islands of Boca Grande to Sanibel, these waters are teeming with Snook, Trout, Redfish, Cobia, and Tarpon. Enjoy this subtropic paradise, with its abundance of wildlife and exquisite charm. This is BOCA GRANDE....the Tarpon Capitol of the World!"
A Beautiful Red Drum
Larger picture in JPG format - 42K
(Use your browser's Back key to return to this page).
For a charter to remember, contact Capt. Fred Winters!
All standard fishing charters include fishing license, bait, tackle, rods/reels and instruction if necessary.
To help further the practice of catch & release, photos of your catch can be provided onboard the boat...
at no extra cost!
Tarpon Fishing
April through September
You've gotta see the close up of this Tarpon!
(Use your browser's Back key to return to this page).
Captain Fred fishes along the white, sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the flats along the shores of Charlotte Harbour with live bait, pass crabs, or artificial, as required. Using light tackle on the juvenile Tarpon that are found in the inlets and canals is sheer fun! These young Tarpon, also found in the Peace River, range from 20 to 80 pounds. Tarpon is known as The Silver King, because of its extraordinary fighting ability. To catch an 80 pound Tarpon on light tackle is the thrill of a lifetime!
Snook, Redfish, and Trout
A beautiful 28" Snook
- Larger picture in JPG format - 36K
(Use your browser's Back key to return to this page).
Snook, Redfish, and Trout are also found in abundance in the backcountry and canals throughout Charlotte County. Capt. Fred knows where they are and can guide you to them!
Locations for Pickup
- Port Charlotte
- Port Charlotte Beach Complex.
- Punta Gorda
- Fishermen's Village.
- Burnt Store
- Burnt Store Marina.
- Pine Island
- Pine Island Marina.
- Boca Grande
- Miller's Marina.
- Placida
- Placida Public Boat Ramp.
- El Jobean
- El Jobean Bridge.
Boca Grande, FL
Email Capt. Fred Winters
Phone: 941-697-6698
Fax: 941-697- 5912
Pager: 800-694-3933
Please mention the Florida Captains' Page when calling or e-mailing!
