TRIP INFO
To have a good fishing trip all I need are willing participants who are ready to have fun. I will do the rest. We supply all of the licenses, rods, reels, ice, bait and tackle. There are a few things you can do to make your day more enjoyable.
Bring plenty of cold beverages ( I will transfer them to our iced cooler)
Adult beverages are ok in moderation (no glass bottles)
Sun protection is a must on the water (sunscreen, hats, and long sleeve shirts help)
Snacks and or lunch are not provided but you are welcome to bring
Cameras are highly recommended
Soft soled shoes (water shoes or crocs are great)
A light jacket or rainwear (it can be chilly on the ride out)
Sunglasses (reflected UV rays can leave your eyes sore)
Dramamine or sea sickness medication (take the night before if prone to seasickness)
Bring a cooler to transport your catch home in (if you plan on keeping fish)
*no gps units
* no drugs
* Once a trip date is reserved. The captain will call you three nights before your trip with a marine weather forecast and to confirm the trip details and meeting point. Please be advised that your safety is our number one concern. Trips will be cancelled in adverse weather conditions at the captain’s discretion. If we are forced to cancel because of weather we will promptly refund your deposit or reschedule your trip if you would like.Having the correct equipment is essential to being a successful angler in SW Florida.
No one boat will allow you to fish in the areas shallow inshore waters yet allow you to venture far out into the gulf safely.
For our offshore trips into the gulf, I am currently running a 29’ Hydrasport Center console. It is powered by two 225 HP Yamaha motors. It is equipped with a 170 gallon fuel tank, Hydraulic steering, T Top, two insulated 75 gallon fish boxes, A 35 gallon recirculating baitwell on deck, a 30 gallon recirculating baitwell in the floor, it has a 20 gallon baitwell in the transom, A private toilet in the Console, a 30 gallon fresh water wash-down and shower, windlass anchor, Full color Lowrance electronics with maps, Separate Garmin color sounder, two separate GPS systems, six bilge pumps, over 20 stainless rod holders, RTIC coolers for lunch and beverages, lots of lighting for night fishing, underwater lighting, four marine batteries, autopilot, Satellite telephone, two ship to shore radios with separate antennas, EPIRB device, rescue sling, rescue beacon light, New type I offshore life preservers, and all required USCG safety equipment. Not only is it a fishing machine it truly is my Escape Offshore.
For fishing inshore-nearshore I run a 20’ Nitro Center Console. It is a self bailing light shallow daft bayboat, that can handle the nearshore gulf waters most days. It is equipped with a 90 hp Mercury motor, It has level casting decks front and rear with no T Top to get in the way of flycasting, On the floor is a 40 gallon recirculating baitwell, In the front is a 16 gallon recirculating baitwell, It has color Lowrance electronics with maps, GPS, VHF radio, Min Kota electric bow mount, RTIC coolers for lunch and beverages. All USCG safety gear and Type 1 offshore life vests. It is comfortable to fish from and fits the bill perfectly for Tarpon and inshore trips.
I use only Penn reels for all inshore, offshore, and Tarpon trips. I am a gear junky, having the right equipment and tackle is critical to being successful. I have over 60 salt water rods and reels in my arsenal. Add to this about 20 saltwater fly fishing outfits. Most of the fly Rods are Scott and Hardy. I use Hardy, TFO, and Orvis fly reels. We use Seaguar Fluorocarbon leaders and I hand tie the flies for my fly fishing guests.
HOW TO BOOK A TRIP
Please call, text, or email Capt Don to check availability.
Mobile phone (330)-565-5457 email dfishinfool@aol.com
Note first time guests may be required to place a $50 deposit at time of booking.
Final payment will be in cash or Travelers Checks.
Sorry we do not accept personal checks or Credit Cards
NO FISHING LICENSE IS NECESSARY ON ANY OF OUR TRIPS
Our Florida guide license covers our guests
Captain will call three days before the trip with a updated marine forecast and to arrange meeting place and time.
Safety is our number one priority. The Captain may cancel trip due to adverse weather conditions. If we are forced to cancel your reservation, we will give you the option of trying to rebook or a full immediate refund of your deposit.
*2019 update: Captain Don will not be offering trips in Florida Charter Trips August 15th thru October 15th