Boca Grande is a small residential community located on Gasparilla Island in the state of Florida, United States. Fishing and boating are some of the exciting activities you can enjoy in this part of the country. The charter captain of your boat also acts as a guide who would help you explore the waters. You can also enjoy fishing in these waters with the help of your guide.
You may not be sure about the species of fish to target and the style of boat to hire. For expert guidance in these matters, you can get in touch with the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association. The type of fish to target would depend largely on the season and weather. These two factors are crucial when targeting species such as tarpon, redfish, and snapper.
Hiring a boat
The cost of hiring a boat with a captain varies according to the amount of time spent on the water. It also depends on the number of people on the boat. Most of the captains prefer a maximum of 4 guests onboard. The number may also be less, depending on the type of fishing and the boat. You are given the option of cash or check for making the payment.
Don’t forget to take a hat, sunscreen, and a rain jacket with you for the trip. The captain would provide all the necessary information about weather conditions. However, make sure you ask the captain about it in advance. If you don’t want to go fishing, you can opt for sightseeing instead. The captain can take you on a quarter, half, or full-day trip on the waters.
Options in dining
Your trip to Boca Grande won’t be complete without a visit to one of its fabulous restaurants. Some among them are located amid beautiful surroundings and have the best options in food and drinks. You can also rent a room or cabin in some of them. It would be a good idea to plan an early morning visit to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast. You can also choose to make an evening reservation for dinner.
Explore the islands
There are several other islands, mooring areas, and sandbars that can be explored during the trip. You can make a stop on one of them and enjoy your picnic lunch. This would give you some respite from the tourist crowds. You can also bring a beach chair and umbrella to relax and dine according to your convenience.
About bringing your own boat
You can bring your own boat for exploring the waters of Boca Grande. There are only two places on the island to launch your boat. One is Uncle Henry’s Marina and the other is ‘Inlet on the Waterfront’ hotel. You’ll also have to pay a small fee to launch your boat for a round trip.
Boats are also available for rent at some of the marinas. It is important to have some knowledge about the local areas. GPS can be used if you’re unfamiliar with the place. In such cases, it is advisable to stick to the areas that are clearly marked. You can also ask the locals for advice and they’ll be happy to help.