Are you ready for some rod-bending action on the waters of Southwest Florida? If you’re gearing up to fish Charlotte Harbor, the Boca Grande Pass, Lemon Bay, the Peace or Mayakka rivers, any of our lakes and streams, or even the Gulf of Mexico, swing by one of our locally-owned tackle shops or marinas for everything from live bait to insider fishing reports:
Downtown Bait & Tackle Shop (Punta Gorda)
Conveniently located ramp-side at the Laishley Marina boat ramp, Downtown Bait & Tackle has everything you need for a day on the water. Check out their selection of rods, reels, gear, tackle, and live bait, plus snacks, drinks and ice. Ask for recommendations on one of the knowledgeable fishing guides in the area.
Fishin' Franks Bait & Tackle Boutique (Port Charlotte)
Fishin' Franks is a local fishing institution! They recently moved in a larger space, but as stated on their website, "90% of the store is the same." Find all your fishing needs—including gifts for your favorite fisher-people—as well as comprehensive information and advice on where and when to fish, and what to use.
Eldred’s Marina (Placida)
Located on the Boca Grande Causeway (before the toll), Eldred’s Marina is a ‘mom and pop shop’ that serves as a popular boat ramp and bait shop for anglers heading out to Boca Grande and the surrounding islands. There is plenty of parking and a daily selection of live bait. Eldred’s is a cash-only establishment and an ATM is available onsite.
Gasparilla Marina (Placida)
The area’s largest deep-water marina, Gasparilla Marina offers direct access to Charlotte Harbor, the Gulf of Mexico and Boca Grande Pass. Amenities include a full-service marina, waterside dining, boat rentals, sales and service, dry storage, fuel, bait, ship store, boat club and fishing charters.
Stump Pass Marina (Englewood)
The Stump Pass Marina in Englewood is a full service marina located on the Intracoastal Waterway with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, dry storage, boat service, waterside dining, fuel, bait, wet slips, overnight docking and boat rentals. Boaters can easily access the nearby beaches of Stump Pass Beach State Park and Don Pedro Island.
You'll have a blast fishing for these top species, and many more, in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach!
