You know it’s going to be a great day when you’re pulling away from the dock in Cortez, Florida, with the salt air hitting your face and the promise of a cooler full of fish waiting somewhere offshore. If you’ve been searching for the right charter to make that happen, whether it’s a solo adventure, a family outing, or a company trip with twenty of your closest colleagues, Florida Fishing Fleet has been making those days possible for years.
A Fleet Built for Every Kind of Angler
Not every fishing trip looks the same, and that’s why Florida Fishing Fleet runs four distinct vessels out of the historic Cortez Fishing Village. Each boat serves a purpose, and together they cover everything from laid-back backwater excursions to full-day offshore expeditions chasing grouper and snapper in the Gulf of Mexico.
The crown jewel of the fleet is the Kingpin, a 50-foot Yank that’s serious about fishing and comfort. With an open-back design that gives everyone room to work their lines, a sunshade-covered deck, and an air-conditioned cabin when you need a break from the heat, this boat handles groups of up to 25 passengers without feeling crowded. There’s even a full-size head (bathroom) on board.
For anglers looking for something a bit smaller but still want to venture well offshore, the Savage Lady delivers. This 41-foot Morgan cruises comfortably at 18 knots and can take you anywhere from 15 to 50 miles out into the Gulf. She accommodates up to 15 passengers and is available for both private charters and split trips, making her ideal for intermediate to advanced anglers who want to spend six, eight, or even ten.
Closer to shore, the Florida Man—a nimble 32-foot Sabalo—specializes in nearshore trips that fish up to nine miles out. If you have a smaller group or a family with mixed experience levels, this is the right fit. Four- and six-hour trips give you solid time on the water without committing your entire day.
For those who want to explore the scenic backwaters around Anna Maria Island, there’s the Little Savage. This 24-foot T-Craft sits ten feet wide, giving you a stable, roomy platform to chase snook, trout, and redfish through the flats and coastal fisheries. It’s the kind of fishing that feels personal—just you, a few friends or family members, and the quiet beauty of Florida’s inshore waters.
Experience That Actually Matters
Boats are important, but they don’t catch fish on their own. What sets Florida Fishing Fleet apart is the crew behind the wheel.
Captain Lance has spent more than 18 years running charters across the Gulf Coast. He holds a 100-ton U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license and has worked on everything from small inshore vessels to commercial fishing boats. He even led cleanup operations in Louisiana after the BP oil spill, an experience that builds deep respect for these waters and the responsibility that comes with taking people out on them. When Lance says he takes pride in running a boat that clients look forward to fishing on, he means it.
Captain Brent came up through the ranks the old-fashioned way, starting as a first mate on the Savage Lady before earning his 50-ton USCG license. He’s been a fixture in the Cortez fishing village for over 14 years, and his passion for the sport is obvious the moment you step aboard. When he’s not working, he’s out fishing for fun—and that tells you everything you need to know about how hard he’ll work to put you on the fish.
Behind the scenes, Erin keeps the entire operation running smoothly. A University of South Florida biology graduate and Anna Maria Island native, she grew up with a fishing rod in her hand and a dream of building something special. Together with Captain Lance, she’s turned that dream into a fleet that serves everyone from first timers to seasoned anglers looking for their next big catch.
Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t
One of the best things about fishing with Florida Fishing Fleet is how easy it is. Every trip includes your fishing license, rods, bait, tackle, ice, and fish cleaning when you get back to the dock. You show up, you fish, and you leave with your catch ready for the grill. It’s that simple.
The variety of fish you might encounter depends on the season and where you’re fishing, but offshore trips regularly produce grouper, lane snapper, vermilion snapper, mangrove snapper, triggerfish, kingfish, amberjack, and cobia. During the right time of year, you might even get a shot at American red snapper. Inshore, the targets shift to snook, trout, redfish, mackerel, and sheepshead—all worthy opponents that’ll test your tackle and leave you with stories to tell.
Book your spot now.
