Charlotte Harbor, Boca Grande & Punta Gorda Fishing Report
Winter fishing has been very productive throughout Charlotte Harbor, Boca Grande, and Punta Gorda, with cooler temperatures and seasonal tides setting up ideal conditions for inshore fishing. The recent pattern of lower water levels has pushed fish off the flats and into more defined areas, making them easier to locate and target.
We’ve been focusing our efforts on areas with good tidal movement, deeper edges, and nearby structure, which has produced steady action throughout the day. With less boat traffic this time of year, fish have been more relaxed and willing to feed, especially when presentations are slowed down.
Targeted Species:
• Redfish
• Spotted Seatrout
• Sheepshead
Where We’re Finding Fish:
• Trout have been holding in troughs, potholes, and deeper grass flats, particularly where moving water funnels bait through these areas.
• Sheepshead are stacked up on structure, docks, pilings, and oyster bars, feeding aggressively during tide changes.
• Redfish have been sticking to deeper shorelines, ledges, and drop-offs, especially during the lower stages of the tide when they’re forced into tighter zones.
Baits & Fishing Style That Are Producing:
• Smaller artificial presentations matched to the cooler water conditions
• Live shrimp freelined or fished under light weight
• Jigs worked slowly along the bottom
• Slowing the retrieve and keeping baits in the strike zone longer
• Capitalizing on lower tides when fish are more concentrated and predictable
Overall, timing the tides has been the biggest factor, and days with steady water movement have produced the best bites. Paying attention to depth changes and subtle structure has made a big difference in consistently finding fish.
If you’re looking to book a winter fishing trip in Charlotte Harbor, Boca Grande, or Punta Gorda, now is a great time to get on the water with Tight Line Chronicles. Winter offers comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and excellent opportunities to catch quality redfish, trout, and sheepshead. Book a trip with us to start making memories one cast at a time.