Charters — Sanibel Custom Charters

Sanibel Custom Charters
Charter Information

Operated by Captain Brandt Symes and his family, Sanibel Custom Charters offers year-round, private, family-friendly charters for Inshore Fishing, Dolphin Tours, Shelling Trips, Lunch Cruises, and Sightseeing, or combine different elements for the ultimate Combination Charter, for up to six passengers. We can help accommodate groups exceeding six passengers by reserving a second boat (or more) with our fellow guides. Welcome aboard for one of our 4, 6, or 8-hour charters.

Our 4-hour charters are typically from 8AM-12PM and 1PM-5PM, six-hour charters are usually 8AM-2PM and our 8-hour charters run from 8AM-4PM. Customize your trip and create the perfect day on the water! Fully licensed and insured. LGBTQ friendly.

With Sanibel Custom Charters it truly is, “Your Charter, Your Way”.

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INSHORE FISHING CHARTERS

OUR MOST POPULAR TRIP! Leave your worries (and maybe even your cell phone!) on shore as you explore picturesque Sanibel, Captiva and Pine Island Sound aboard your private fishing charter with Sanibel Custom Charters. Whether you are a novice angler or a die-hard fisherman, you will experience Southwest Florida fishing at its finest. From the Sanibel Causeway Bridges to Boca Grande Pass, we fish the warm, shallow mangrove waters and grass flats of the backcountry that are teeming with a variety of fish, such as: Redfish, Snook, Spotted Sea Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, Crevalle Jack, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Florida Pompano, various Shark . . .and more, depending on the season.

It is not uncommon to land 10 or more different species in a single 4-hour fishing charter. You never know what will be on the end of your line!

It’s a quick ride to the fishing grounds aboard our Ranger Bay 2400, equipped with a four stroke Yamaha 300 hp engine. Once we arrive at our first spot, our premium quality St Croix rods and Fin-Nor reels will be set up and baited for you. Capt. Brandt will handle your catches for you, unless of course, you want to get your hands dirty! Once back at the dock, all legal fish you keep will be expertly filleted and bagged for you to take home. We will even provide a sample of spices for you to try.

All Charters Include

Captain Brandt Symes’ expertise
24’ foot 2012 Ranger Bay boat
T-top for shade
All St Croix rods
All Fin-Nor reels
Fishing license during charter
Fishing tackle and bait
Built in cooler with ice
Cold bottled water
Filleting of your catch
Bags and ice for your catch
Local knowledge
Friendly service!

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THE BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY SANIBEL CHARTER

Captain Brandt genuinely enjoys taking families fishing! As a father himself, he realizes the importance of introducing children to the life-long joy of fishing and instilling a respect for nature. Children feel a sense of pride when they reel in a fish. The happy memories of your fishing trip with Sanibel Custom Charters will last a lifetime! LGBTQ-friendly.

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More Charter Options

DOLPHIN TOURS

Be sure to bring your camera! Book a custom eco-tour. Book a custom Dolphin Tour around the barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva. Dolphins can often be seen frolicking in and out of the boat’s wake. On the tour, you may observe Manatees, and an occasional Sea Turtle in their natural habitats. The area is famous for its' abundant exotic bird life as well including Osprey, Anhinga, Egrets, Pelicans, Roseate Spoonbills, Frigates, Bald Eagles, and Herons!

SHELLING TRIPS

We offer private Shelling Trips to secluded beaches along the barrier islands, which are only accessible by boat. There are over 275 kinds of shells native to Sanibel and Captiva, waiting to be found. One option is to venture out to historic Cayo Costa State Park, a 2000+ acre barrier island, renowned for shelling on unspoiled, white sand beaches. Remember…it is illegal to remove live shells!

LUNCH CRUISES

Add a stop for lunch at one of the many waterfront restaurants, most of which are only accessible by boat, such as the funky Cabbage Key, known for the dollar bills that dangle from the ceiling and walls. Some argue that iconic singer Jimmy Buffet wrote, “Cheeseburgers in Paradise”, after dining in this restaurant. The black beans, with or without Mahi-Mahi are famous as well!

SIGHTSEEING

Reserve an exclusive Sightseeing Charter along the pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Consider relaxing as you cruise around Sanibel and Captiva, from the Sanibel Lighthouse, past Tarpon Beach, Bowman’s Beach and Blind Pass, through Redfish Pass and back along the outside of Tarpon Bay. Bring your own bottle. Choose your own destination.

COMBINATION CHARTERS

Combine different elements to create your own Custom Charter. Please note that it is over an hour boat ride each way to the islands of Cayo Costa or Cabbage Key, so you will need to book a minimum of 6 hours for a Combination Charter.