Captain Ray with a 25" Trout

What Carters Charters is all About
I am Captain Ray Carter owner/operator of Carters Charters. We operate out of the Marco Island FL area and fish the Northern Ten Thousand Islands. We are fully licensed, insured and our boats carry all the necessary safety gear. We are certified in first aid and CPR.
We concentrate near shore on Snook, Tarpon, Redfish and Trout. These fish are notorious for their power, determination and changing behavioral patterns and make up what we call the “Inshore Slam”. Our most sought after fish is arguably the Snook, they can be found on near shore wrecks, on the beach or way up in the estuaries. One client a few years ago described the fight as a “bass on steroids”. Once hooked Snook instinctively know where every oyster encrusted mangrove root is that can cut your line. Sometimes they make long runs, jump repeatedly or at times just plain bulldog you. They can be caught year around but their locations vary according to the season. For these reasons they have become the most prized game fish in our area. Other fish we can target inshore include Mangrove Snapper, Pompano, and Sharks. There are many different Sharks in this area: Nurse, Black-Tip, Lemon, Bull and Hammerhead being the most common. These Sharks typically range from 3 to 7 feet long with the seven footers making several long runs and fights lasting up to an hour. If you have ever wanted to catch a Shark SW Florida can be the place to do it.
Carters Charters primary boat for near shore charters is a custom rigged 2004 Pathfinder 2200V tournament edition with a Yamaha 200 hpdi vmax. This boat is fast, comfortable and can float in less than 12” of water. The boat has three livewells, Minn-Kota trolling motor, jack plate, fresh water shower, Lowarance GPS, CD stereo and for the summer heat a bimini top. The fishing gear we’ll use is Shimano, Daiwa, Fin-Nor, Penn and St Croix Rods matched with Power Pro line. We’ll throw a combination of live bait, jigs and cut bait depending on the time of year.

Are you a seasoned veteran looking to land that trophy?

We have the experience to tailor your trip for success. Since November of 2004 our clients have landed the following as our largest to date: Snook 40”, Redfish 41”, Tarpon 180 pounds, numerous Sharks over 8 feet, Trout 25”, Flounder 21”, Pompano 21”, Mangrove Snapper 21”, Jack 36”. To land fish of this size requires patience, preparation, technique, equipment and knowledge of where to find them.

Are you new to saltwater fishing, just visiting the area or simply want to have your kids or grandkids enjoy the waters around Marco?

We can do that as well. We put safety first in every charter we do and each boat is equipped with all the required safety gear. We will target fish that will provide consistent action for the kids, near shore species include Ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, Pompano and Crevally Jacks. In addition we are sure to see Dolphins, many different varieties of birds including Osprey, Egrets and maybe even a Bald Eagle.

Perhaps you would like to take home some fresh fillets to share with family and friends?

We will gladly fillet and bag your catch for you. There are many fine restaurants in the Marco area that will cook your fresh catch.

Would you and your family enjoy a Marco Island sightseeing and a shelling trip?

We know many secluded beaches where you can experience native Florida beaches untouched by high rise condos. On the way we’ll see dolphins, and many varieties of birds. This is a great trip for children to learn something about nature and be able to fill up their bag with shells to take home.