Fishing Charter Info - Punta Gorda FLorida

Info for your trip and fishing charter

Transportation:

Our local airport is “PGD” Punta Gorda Airport http://www.flypgd.com. It is only serviced by Allegiant Airlines https://www.allegiantair.com and is located 13 miles north of our location at Burnt Store Marina http://burntstoremarina.com.

If you are flying in on any other airlines the next closest is “RSW” Southwest Florida International Airport 41 miles south of us in Fort Myers, Fl.

Or “SRQ” Sarasota- Bradenton International Airport 71 miles north of us.

Punta Gorda is a big Uber town and a great way to get around. There are plenty of rental car and taxi services available at the airports and around town.

Marina address and departure dock 

We depart from the fuel dock located next to the harbor masters office at

3192 Matecumbe Key Rd

Punta Gorda, Florida 33955

Free parking in the large lot on the south side of the harbor masters office.

Accommodations

Punta Gorda Fl has a number of wonderful hotels right on the waterfront in downtown.

here are a couple we can recommend but a quick google search will find others.

Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside http://m.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3213&EM=DWR_FP_FOURPOINTSPUNTAGORDAHARBORSIDE.COM_3213&SWAQ=954.5 rated trip advisor. Higher e \

 the waterfront with a unique tiki bar and outdoor restaurant on the waterfront.

The Wyvern Hotel https://www.thewyvernhotel.com 4.5 rated trip advisor.High end and in the center of everything downtown with a rooftop bar and restaurant.

There are also several other chain hotels and other options in the area that you can search here https://www.tripadvisor.com/SmartDeals-g34583-Punta_Gorda_Florida-Hotel-Deals.html

In the Burnt Store Marina community there are several homes or condos for rent you can search here on VRBO https://www.vrbo.com/results?q=Burnt%20Store%20Marina%2C%20Punta%20Gorda%2C%20FL%2C%20USA&Property%20Type=condo

Dining must do’s

#1 http://www.laishleycrabhouse.com

#2 https://hurricanecharleys.com

#3 http://www.ttstikibarwaterfrontharborside.com

#4 http://www.fishville.com/restaurants/

There is a great restaurant here at the marina as well.Cass Cay http://casscayrestaurant.com is open for lunch and dinner and a great place to refresh after your day on the water

In the mornings the marina also has the Trading Post that is open mornings at 7:30 for coffees and breakfast sandwiches as well as convenience items.

Public restrooms are located next to the Trading Post.

What to bring 

We supply all bait and tackle and will have ice and water in the cooler

You will want good polarized sunglasses, a hat or visor, sunscreen and snacks. A camera is a must and it’s a good idea to have a zip lock bag to put your phone in.

One very important items is good footwear that is comfortable light and has a non marking sole that provides good traction on wet surfaces - it is difficult and unsafe to fight big game fish like Tarpon and Sharks in flip flops or heel less crocks.

Rain happens so plan accordingly and in the winter and spring remember it is always colder out on the water than you think so bring a jacket or hoodie.

Want to bring a few cold ones - no problem but cans only - no hard liquors and no unprescribed drugs are allowed onboard.

Storage onboard is limited so please try to keep as compact as possible. There will be plenty of room in our icebox for your food and beverage items.

Will I get sea sick?

Charlotte Harbor is protected from the gulf by barrier islands and is more like being on a large lake than the ocean. You will not be in 9-10 foot swells like on the Atlantic but you may encounter some rough chop and rollers on certain days. If you are sensitive to motion sickness I would recommend taking your medicine just to be safe.

Is there a restroom on board? 

There is not a head on the boat When the need arises we are able to motor to one of many facilities around the harbor.

Weather and cancellations policy

Your safety is our top priority. We will review weather forecast 24 and 12 hour prior to your departure and contact you regarding issues and any concerns. You can view our local marine forecast here http://forecast.weather.gov/shmrn.php?mz=gmz856&syn=gmz800

We will not fish in electrical storms and if we are on the water when these conditions arise we will dock at the nearest safe harbor until it is safe to continue. If possible with our schedule we will extend your trip to make up the lost time. Storm delays over one hour that can not be extended will be prorated from your fare.

Getting in to the Marina - Departure Dock

Burnt Store Marina is in a Gated Community that you will have to enter from the main gate on Burnt Store Road. At security give them your name and that you are fishing with Reel Rich Charters, and they will give you a window pass to enter the marina for the day. Go past the gate to you first stop sign and turn left - go to the next stop and turn left - go until you come to a gate and can go no more and park in any parking space to your right - we depart from the fuel dock located in front of the buildings by the flag pole.

Shore Lunch

During Tarpon and Shark full day 12hr charters you may want to break for lunch to refresh and cool off. There are several famous restaurants around the harbor for you to enjoy including https://cabbagekey.com and http://www.eaglegrille.com. You may also enjoy the facilities at Cayo Costa Park https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Cayo-Costa where we are able to stop will greatly depend on where the fish are.

We love kids!

There is no extra angler charge for kids 10 and under. Please advise us at booking of the number and size of young children so that we have the proper life jackets onboard. All children 6 and under must wear a pfd at all times.

Payment 

We accept cash and checks for payment. We also accept Visa, Mastercard, AMX and Discover with a 3% transaction Fee.

Fishing License 

You do not need a Florida saltwater fishing license while fishing our charter. You are covered by our permit.

Our Goal is to provide you a wonderful experience and memories to last a lifetime. If you have special request or have further questions please feel free to reach out to me.