8-Hour Private Fishing Charter in Goodland, FL

Published Date: October 3, 2025
Fishing

Florida
$550 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Ready for a full day of fishing in the beautiful waters off Goodland, Florida? Captain Steve Gould's 8-hour charter gives you plenty of time to chase after some of the area's most sought-after fish. Leaving at 7 AM, you'll have a chance to target species like tarpon, permit, snook, sheepshead, and Spanish mackerel. With extra hours on the water, you can really dial in your techniques and try different spots to maximize your catches. This trip is great for anglers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Up to three people can join in on the Pathfinder boat, with all the fishing gear provided. Just remember to bring your Florida fishing license. The charter runs $1,000 and leaves from Goodland Drive. It's a perfect way to spend a day on the water, learning from an experienced local captain and hopefully landing some impressive fish.

8-Hour Private Fishing Charter in Goodland, FL

Rods Bent, Reels Screaming

Energetic dolphin leap behind the boat!

Massive Goliath grouper at the boat!

Incredible Goliath grouper boatside!

Gone fishing in paradise – Florida style!

Full-Day Fishing Adventure in Goodland, FL

Ready to spend a full day chasing some of Florida's most prized gamefish? Captain Steve Gould's 8-hour private charter out of Goodland is your ticket to a top-notch inshore fishing experience. From the crack of dawn to mid-afternoon, you'll be working the rich waters off Florida's coast, targeting everything from the high-flying tarpon to the crafty snook. With extra time on the water, you've got a real shot at landing that fish of a lifetime.

What's on the Menu Today?

Kicking off at 7 AM sharp, this trip gives you the whole day to work different spots and dial in your technique. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, Captain Steve's got you covered. He'll put you on fish and show you the ropes if you're new to the game. The Pathfinder boat comfortably fits up to three anglers, so bring your buddies or make it a family day out. At $1,000 for the charter, you're getting a full 8 hours of prime fishing time – that's a solid deal for a private trip in these parts.

Gearing Up for Success

No need to lug your tackle box – Captain Steve's got all the gear you'll need on board. From rods and reels to live bait, you're all set. Just remember to grab your Florida fishing license before you show up. The boat launches from Goodland Drive, right in the heart of Goodland. It's an easy spot to find, and you'll be on the water in no time. One heads up: the deposit's non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book.

Fish Tales from the Flats

Out here, every day's different. One minute you might be sight-casting to tailing permit on the flats, the next you could be battling a bruiser tarpon in the channels. Captain Steve knows these waters like the back of his hand, so he'll put you where the action is. Expect to switch up tactics throughout the day – maybe some live bait fishing for snook around the mangroves in the morning, then switching to jigs for Spanish mackerel as the sun gets higher.

The Local Lineup: Fish to Target

Tarpon: The silver king is the holy grail for many anglers hitting Florida's waters. These prehistoric beasts can top 100 pounds and put on an aerial show that'll have your heart racing. Spring and early summer are prime time for tarpon, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. Captain Steve's got the inside track on where these giants are rolling.

Permit: If you're after a real challenge, permit are your fish. These wary creatures have eyesight that puts eagles to shame and they're notoriously picky eaters. But when you do hook up, you're in for a bulldog fight that'll test your drag and your patience. They love hanging around structures and flats, so keep your eyes peeled for those forked tails.

Snook: The backcountry bandit, snook are ambush predators that love to hang tight to structure. They're known for explosive strikes and gill-rattling headshakes. Winter's a great time to target big snook as they congregate in warmer waters. These fish are catch-and-release only in many areas, but they're worth the fight even if you can't take them home.

Sheepshead: Don't let those stripes and buck teeth fool you – sheepshead are clever fish that'll steal your bait if you're not paying attention. They're structure-oriented and love hanging around pilings and reefs. Winter's the best time to target these tasty critters, and they put up a surprisingly good fight for their size.

Spanish Mackerel: When the macks are running, it's non-stop action. These speedsters travel in schools and hit lures like they haven't eaten in weeks. They're great on light tackle and even better on the grill. Look for birds diving to find the schools, and be ready for fast-paced casting and retrieving.

Time to Lock In Your Lines

An 8-hour trip with Captain Steve is more than just fishing – it's a chance to really get to know Florida's inshore waters. You'll come away with new skills, great stories, and hopefully a cooler full of fish. Whether you're looking to tick species off your list or just want a relaxing day on the water with family, this trip's got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your adventure. Get in touch with Trophy Time Charters and More, and let Captain Steve put you on the fish of a lifetime. Trust me, after a day out here, you'll be hooked for good.

Learn more about the species

Permit

Permit are the holy grail for many anglers here. These silvery, disc-shaped fish can reach 30-40 pounds and are incredibly spooky. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or cruising near offshore wrecks. Spring and summer are peak seasons. Permit are prized for their wariness and powerful runs when hooked. It's all about the stalk and presentation - one wrong move and they're gone. Live crabs are the top bait, but fly anglers have success with crab patterns too. My best advice? Practice your casting. When you spot a permit, you'll often only get one shot. Make it count with a soft, accurate landing right in front of the fish.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are those striped "convict fish" with human-like teeth. They typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around structures like docks and bridges. Winter and early spring are prime times to target them, especially around oyster beds. Anglers enjoy the challenge of catching these bait-stealers - you've got to be quick on the hookset. Their white, flaky meat is delicious too. Fiddler crabs are the go-to bait, but shrimp work well too. Use a small, sharp hook and just enough weight to hold bottom. Here's a pro tip: scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up. Once you get them feeding, it can be non-stop action.

Snook

Snook are the prize catch of our nearshore waters. These ambush predators hang out around mangroves, docks, and other structures. They can grow over 40 inches long, but 20-30 inches is more common. Spring and fall are peak seasons when water temps are just right. Snook put up an amazing fight - they'll make blistering runs and leap clear out of the water. Their meat is top-notch too, but most folks release them to keep the population healthy. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish works great. If you're using lures, try a slow retrieve with twitches to mimic an injured baitfish. My top tip? Fish the edges of mangrove islands on an outgoing tide - that's when snook often come out to feed.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are speedy swimmers you'll often spot in schools around here. They average 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds, with a streamlined silver body and yellow spots on the sides. Look for them in coastal waters, especially near structures or bait schools. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Anglers love targeting these fish for their acrobatic jumps and hard runs when hooked. They're also excellent eating, with a rich, oily flavor. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs at a good clip - these fish like a fast-moving bait. When you see birds diving, that's often a good sign Spanish Mackerel are feeding below. Cast into the frenzy with a shiny lure and hang on!

Tarpon

Tarpon are the ultimate gamefish around here. These silver kings can top 200 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other. You'll find them rolling in deeper channels and cruising the flats, especially in late spring and summer. Sight-fishing for tarpon is an adrenaline rush - spotting those big fish, making the perfect cast, and hoping for that explosive strike. They're not easy to land, but that's part of the fun. Live bait like crabs or pinfish work well. If you're fly fishing, big dark-colored flies are the ticket. Here's a local trick: fish the bridges at night during the mullet run. The tarpon stack up there to feed, and you can have some incredible action.

About the Pathfinder

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 3

Captain Steve Gould's full-day fishing charter takes you out on the beautiful waters near Goodland, Florida for 8 hours of angling action. Setting off at 7 AM, you'll have plenty of time to hunt for prized catches like Tarpon, Permit, Snook, Sheepshead, and Spanish Mackerel. The extended trip lets you really dig into different fishing spots and techniques to maximize your chances of landing some quality fish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this charter welcomes anglers of all levels. Up to three guests can join aboard the comfortable Pathfinder boat. At $1,000, all the fishing gear you'll need is provided - just remember to bring your valid Florida fishing license. The adventure kicks off from Goodland Drive in Goodland. Keep in mind that deposits can't be refunded, so plan accordingly for a full day of fishing fun in the Florida sun.

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