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Summary: About
Family Friendly Everglades City Chokoloskee Fishing Charters. Captain Pete Rapps 10000 Islands Everglades National Park Naples Marco. Tarpon Bahia Honda bridge Big Pine Key West Marathon Florida guide
Target Species Chart
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Captain Rapps' Target Species Reference Chart For Chokoloskee & The Everglades National Park Different species are available at different times during the year. I have made this Species Availability Chart that is specific to the shallow nearshore areas that I fish in the Everglades National Park. It is a good resource to see what is a "typical target" for a specific month. It is something that I have created from years of fishing this area. Weather patterns, lunar phases, tides, and sometimes the actual side of bed you got out of conduct what will and will not bite. Mother nature is the boss here! Because of this, please use the chart as a guide..... not a guarantee :-)
LEGEND 5 =Typically a prime target at this time 4 =Certainly available, but not prime
3
=Occasionally
caught at this time 2 =You never know, but probably not 1 =Not typical to catch at this time
Property
of Captain Pete Rapps - www.CaptainRapps.com |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Black Drum |
3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
4 |
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Cobia |
1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Flounder | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
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Gag Grouper Jacks |
5 5 |
3 5 |
3 5 |
3 4 |
4 4 |
5
3 |
4 3 |
4 4 |
4 4 |
5 5 |
5 5 |
5 5 |
| Ladyfish | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Mangrove Snapper | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Permit | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Pompano | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Redfish | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Shark | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Sheepshead | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Snook | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Spanish Mackerel | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Spotted Sea Trout | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Tarpon | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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Tripletail Silver Trout |
3 4 |
4 5 |
4 5 |
5 5 |
5 3 |
5 2 |
5
2 |
4 2 |
3 3 |
3 3 |
3 3 |
3 3 |
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If I book a charter, will I be going out with captain Rapps personally, or another guide?
The online booking calendar on this site gives you the option for booking Captain Pete Rapps personally, or any of the available TOP NOTCH guides in our fleet. We all fish from similar boats, in the same areas, for the same species, with the same first class equipment. We also have the ability to book multiple captains for larger groups. Use the contact form if you have questions that cannot be answered here on the FAQ page. I promise to get back with you quickly.
Do you have photos of your boats?
Yes, you can view Captain Pete Rapps' boat and the other boats in our fleet on our Fleet page: CLICK HERE FOR FLEET PAGE
What are your
charter prices?
CLICK HERE for
charter pricing for
fishing in the Everglades National Park out of
Chokoloskee/Everglades City Florida.
CLICK HERE for charter pricing for April, May, and June Tarpon fishing in the Bahia Honda Chanel in the Florida Keys.
Is the online Booking / Availability calendar accurate?
Yes, the online booking
calendar is updated daily. If you see your desired date
available, go ahead and book it right here online 24/7 before
someone else snags it. Click here for a link to the availability
calendar
Your schedule looks pretty booked up. I really want to go out with you in the next few days.
I apologize in advance
if you see your desired dates marked as “booked” on my
availability calendar. Many of my regular customers book me far
in advance. My advice is to book as soon as you know your
desired date, even if it is a few months in advance. Use the
contact form if you want to inquire about a last minute booking.
I promise to get back with you quickly.
What will we be fishing for?
Different species are available at different times during the year. I have made a Species Availability Chart that is specific to the areas that I fish in the Everglades National Park. It is a good resource to see what a "typical target" is for a specific month. It is something that I have created from years of fishing this area. Weather patterns, lunar phases, tides, and sometimes even the side of bed you got out of conduct what will and will not bite. Mother nature is the boss here! Because of this, please use the chart as a guide..... not a guarantee :-) Click here to view chart
I want to bring my wife but she does not want to fish all day. Will she be bored?
I guarantee she won’t be bored! Many of my charters are a combination of sightseeing and fishing. We stay within the Everglades National Park for 100% of the trip. There is so much nature to see! I cater my trips to the wants and desires of every group. We can head back to the dock any time you want. Remember, It’s your day!
Can I take my child or grandchild?
Of course well behaved kids are welcome! I love teaching kids how to fish! The key to taking kids fishing is getting them reeling in fish ASAP! They don’t need big ones - It’s all about quantity, not quality when it comes to fishing with children. We have some great spots within a few minutes of the dock that will keep them busy. Bring your camera….. they will have a blast!
What about restrooms?
Fortunately the Park service maintains many island camps with Port-a-Johns within the Everglades National Park. We are typically very close to one of these just about everywhere we travel during the day. We usually need just a 10 minute “heads up” to get you to one. We use them every day.
I get seasick real easy….. How rough will it be?
We fish in the shallow back waters and near shore areas of the 10,000 islands in the Everglades National Park, and the protected bridge area of the Bahia Honda State Park. If the wind kicks up a little, we can always find a calm area. If the wind is predicted to be too strong to have a comfortable day, we will postpone or cancel the trip. I have NEVER had anyone get seasick on ANY of my charters. True story!
What about the weather?
Since the weather changes every day, I like to discuss the report a day or so before your charter. I am not one of those captains that goes out no matter what. If I think the weather or wind will effect fishing or your day in a negative way, let’s reschedule! I want your day to be enjoyable! We don’t need to fight wind or inclement weather!
I once had a bad experience with a charter captain that was rude, used foul language, had no personality, and was very impatient. What’s your take on that?
I hate to hear those
stories, but unfortunately I hear about them all the time! No
worries when you go out with us! First and foremost, this is YOUR
day to enjoy, and we are here to create the most positive
experience possible. Our job is to make a fantastic memory for
you that will last a lifetime! We love to teach, know how to
listen, and love to laugh. My business is built on repeat
customers and referrals. Bring your camera and let’s go have a
blast! CLICK HERE read a few of my
client testimonials
I see you only take 3 passengers out at a time. We are two couples and we all want to go. What do you do about that?
We have several options
for groups of 4 or more. 1) We can split up the day. 2 or 3 of
you go out for a few hours, then return to the dock and drop
someone off and pick up the rest. I do this all the time and it’s
actually nice because not everyone wants to spend a full day on
the water anyway. 2) Several of the captains in our fleet
have larger boats that hold
more passengers. 3) We also have the ability to book
multiple captains for groups.
Mosquitoes! I hear that they are awful out there!
Really, no lie, we typically do not have a problem with them on our charters. The mosquitoes that we get down here are mostly in the summer rainy months. Mosquitoes are not out on the open water looking for a human to prey on. They are hanging close to the mangrove islands and will only come out if your scent is blowing into the mangroves. I pay close attention to this and will position us to be on the lee side of the mangroves where our scent is blowing away from them.
What type of fishing gear do you use? Do you ever fly fish?
We use 100% spin casting gear including top of the line reels like Shimano, Quantum, & Penn. Rods include G-Loomis and St.Croix. Over the years I have found that the spin casting equipment is the most user friendly and reliable equipment to use on our charters. We have had problems with customers fouling bait casters, so we have discontinued supplying them. Since we consider ourselves spin cast experts, we specialize in that. Fly fishing is a specialty within itself - I appoligize but we do not fly fish on my charters.
Can I bring my own rod?
Sure! If you have a favorite light tackle rod and reel, bring it for sure!
I am not looking for a trophy, I just want to have a nice day on the water.
We cater to everyone from the hardcore experienced angler, to people who have never held a fishing rod before. We enjoy taking all types of people out, and customize YOUR DAY to your desires. Honestly as experienced anglers know, trophy fish are hard to come by anyway. The more open and flexible you are, the better your chances of catching more fish.
What if I do catch a trophy fish and can I get a replica mount of my fish?
I am an International Game Fish Association (IGFA) licensed Captain. If you do catch a world record, we can take all appropriate steps to document and report it. We can also order a custom made replica of any fish you catch, record or not.
I want to bring my 150 qt cooler and stuff it full of fillets!
Yes, I get all kinds of
questions like this. Please realize that we want you to catch a
lot of fish! I love our local seafood and want you to eat
some too. There are many days that we just can’t keep them
off the hook, and honestly, there are days that the fish just
don’t want to eat much....if anyone tells you different, they are
lying! We will not be trolling offshore for
large schools of Tuna or Mahi. We are fishing in a National
Park, so please consider keeping only what you can eat in a meal
or two. Our Tarpon charters are "catch and release"
only.
Do you clean any fish we keep?
Absolutely! We will clean your catch for you at the dock. We have zip lock bags ready to go.
Will we have cell reception on your boat?
No, unfortunately most of the areas we fish are out of cell range. I do carry a satellite telephone for emergency use only.
What should I bring?
I supply all fishing gear including bait and tackle. I also supply fishing licenses, fuel, and insurance. I have a cooler with Ice that fits on my boat perfectly. If you bring a cooler, we can transfer it’s contents into my boat’s cooler. All you will need to bring is drinking water, food, proper clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera. I will email you a check list when you book your charter.
I see you limit the amount of alcohol that can be brought on your boat. What's that all about?
Hey, I’m all about
having fun, but I do have some basic rules on the boat. The
majority of my guests “get it” but there is the occasional one
that does not. As far as alcohol, Please limit 2 per person. I am
all about a celebratory brewski on the way in, but I no longer
babysit loud or obnoxious passengers. But this won’t be a problem
with you because I’m sure you “get it”....
right?
Is there a restaurant that will cook our catch?
Yes! All of the restaurants will cook your catch. Try Havana Cuban cafe in Chokoloskee, City Seafood, Camilia St Grill, triad Seafood, Seafood Depot, or The Oyster House in Everglades City.
Where do you recommend that we stay while in Chokoloskee / Everglades City.
*Be sure to tell them I sent you and that you are fishing with Captain Rapps.
Chokoloskee Island Park: This is where we fish from. They have clean efficiency cabins and RV lots. 239-695-2414
The Ivey House Hotel: Just 3 miles from the marina. Nice clean rooms with breakfast included. Walking distance to restaurants and other activities. 239-695-3299
What is the best way to reach Captain Pete Rapps?
Absolutely by email using the contact form. I check my iphone for emails all day. Although I do not have cell reception everywhere down here, I do get WiFi reception on the dock. Email is the quickest way to reach me. Instant bookings and most any question you have can be answered right here on my web site.
Exploration Adventures. Chokoloskee FL and Everglades City Florida.
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Captain Rapps'
Custom Exploration Adventures out of
Chokoloskee, Everglades
City, and the 10,000 Islands of
the Everglades National
Park. |
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My
exploration adventures are private /
individualized charters. You will not be grouped with
strangers. This trip is just for you and whoever you want
to join in. The boat comfortably holds up to 4 passengers
plus myself. Our Exploration Adventures begin from
both Everglades City and
Chokoloskee and take you through the
Everglades National Park. |
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There are
several old homesteads that we can stop by and visit
while out on our trip in the 10000 islands of the
Everglades National Park. These include the
Watson Place on the Chatham
River. This is the location where
"Bloody Ed Watson" had a farm and was
thought to kill a few residents of the area in the late
1800's and early 1900's. We can also visit the
"Darwin Place", "Lopez
home", Turner homestead and
Calusa Shell Mounds, a mysterious jet
airplane engine laying in a mud flat, and many other
interesting places in the Everglades National
Park.
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How to Reserve Your Trip:Don't wait till the last minute - Be sure to call me as far as possible in advance to reserve the dates you would like to go. It is not uncommon for me to have bookings several weeks or months ahead. Please send me an email or call so we can discuss available dates. If your schedule allows, I like to look at the tide charts, weather patterns, and several other factors to give you the best scenario to fulfill your dream. |
We will provide:
Coolers and ice for your drinks,
and food
*Rates include up to 4 people.
Tips: It
is customary to tip your captain for good service, |
Items you should bring :
Hat, sun protective clothing, & sunglasses
(preferably polarized) * Please keep your items to a minimum as stowage space is very limited
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Deposits, Cancellations & Payment
A one-hundred dollar ($100) deposit is required to book
your charter. If Capt. Rapps cancels prior to the trip,
the customer will receive a full refund. Accepted forms of payment are: Cash, Paypal, Mastercard, Visa, & American Express
Exploration
Adventures in Chokoloskee FL and Everglades City
Florida.
Photography on this page provided by Kurt Larson Photography NaplesPhotoWalk.com |
Bahia Honda Tarpon Fishing Charters in the Florida Keys
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Captain Rapps' Bahia Honda Tarpon Fishing Charters in the Florida Keys |
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Hi, my name is Captain Pete Rapps. Each spring (April, May, and June) I offer Tarpon fishing charters and tarpon trips at the Bahia Honda Bridge area of Big Pine Key, FL. During this time of year, Tarpon schools are Thick! Pre and post spawn Tarpon gather in huge schools each Spring. They come hungry and chances of hooking up are near 100%. Within 5 minutes from the time we push off, you are casting and fishing for these mammoth fish. The fight of a giant Tarpon is a true battle, and an experience of a lifetime. Tarpon are strictly catch and release sport fish, and the satisfaction of releasing a fully revived healthy fish, is almost better than the battle itself. |
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Captain Rapps and his first class guides consistently catch more Tarpon at the Bahia Honda Bridge area each spring than any one else! Because of our success, we have been asked by Bruce Ungar from the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospherice Science, to help out with the Atlantic Tarpon Satellite Tagging prorgram. We also supply the Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) and Mote Marine Laboratory with more Tarpon DNA samples than any other charter service in the area.
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Captain Rapps'
charters begin right from the Marina at the
Bahia Honda State Park.
Captain Rapps' charters are personalized
first class charters. You will be treated with great
care and respect by myself and my polite captains, and I
know you will have a great time! Since we
fish so close to the state park, we are
always within a few minutes of clean indoor rest room
facilities. We are very patient and love to teach
people how to fish, so whether you are a beginner or are
experienced, this charter is for
you! |
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We can handle any just about any size group, from just one person and one captain, to large groups needing multiple boats & captains.
Captain Rapps' Bahia Honda Tarpon Fishing Charters in the Florida Keys We will provide:
• Bait
• Top of the gear and
tackle
• Coolers and ice
• All necessary fishing licenses, insurance, & fuel
Rates &
Times
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Chokoloskee Fishing Charters & Everglades City Fishing Charters
Captain Rapps' Fishing
Charters
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Been looking for that perfect "easy going" & "enjoyable day" of fishing in the Everglades National Park? Captain Pete Rappsand his professional guides cater to those with experience or not, and people with special needs. Between our thorough knowledge of the Everglades area, and our polite and easy going demeanor's, I know that you, your spouse, friends, children, & grandchildren will have an exciting and memorable day on the water! |
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Hello! I am Captain Pete Rapps of Captain Rapps Charters, and I offer expert guided near shore and back country fishing trips just south of Marco Island and Naples, FL in the 10000 Island area of the Everglades National Park. |
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You will immediately feel the stress leaving your body from the moment we depart from our dock and you begin your professionally guided charter with Captain Pete Rapps or any of his first class captains. As you begin to travel through a mesmerizing maze of red, black, and white mangroves, you will be reassured and rewarded with complete confidence that you have made the absolute correct choice in selecting Captain Rapps Charters. You have begun a real adventure in the Everglades National Park in a very special back country place that few people will ever know or see.
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We typically
depart from Chokoloskee Island &
Everglades City which is just 30 - 45
minutes south of marco Island and
Naples. We cover many miles of the most
beautiful remote back country water in
the world. See porpoise,
alligators, manatees, Osprey, Roseate Spoon
bills, Eagles, and a variety of other wildlife
on the way to catch Redfish, Snook, Tarpon,
Trout, Grouper, Tripletail, Pompano, Shark, Cobia,
Snapper, & Mackerel, and more.
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Rates
* See details below general
rates 1/2 Day up to 4 hours: $400
3/4 Day up to 6 hours:
$500 Full Day up to 8 hours: $600 * Rates are for charters with up to 3 passengers.
* Captain Gary's boat holds up to 2 passengers
*
Capt Brandon and Capt Bob can take 4
passengers.
Tips: Tipping your captain for great service is customary in the fishing charter business, and is most certainly appreciated. Typically it's about the same as gratuity for great service in a restaurant.
You can book
Captain Rapps personally,
We provide on each charter:• Bait • Coolers and ice • Top of the line spin gear and tackle• All necessary fishing licenses, insurance, & fuel.
Reserving Your Trip:
Plan in
advance: it is best not to wait untill the last minute
- It is not uncommon for us to have bookings and
reservations for several weeks or months in
advance. If your schedule allows, Let me look at
the moon phase, tide charts, weather predictions, and a
few other factors to give you the best scenario to
fulfill your dream.
Items you should bring :
• Hat, sun
protective clothing, & sunglasses (preferably
polarized)
* Please
keep your items to a minimum. Stowage space is very
limited. Deposits, Cancellations & Payment
A $100
deposit is required to book your charter. If your captain
cancels prior to the trip, Cash, Mastercard, Visa, Paypal, & American Express
WHERE TO STAY
CHOKOLOSKEE ISLAND PARK:
This is where we meet for most of our charters. They have
very nice and clean efficiency units with a bedroom,
bathroom, living room, and kitchen. Camping is also
available here.
If you are
wanting to stay in a hotel room, with breakfast served,
& a nice swimming pool, then I recommend
Chokoloskee fishing charters and Everglades City Fishing Charters
in the 10000
Islands of the Everglades National Park,
FL
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Captain Rapps' Fleet, Captains, Vessels, and Boats
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Captain Rapps' fleet of available captains and vessels are ready to get you on the hot spots and catch a lot of fish! Captain Rapps has been extremely selective with the captains in the fleet, and guarantees you will have a fantastic experience with any of these happy and helpfull guides. We all use similar equipment, fish similar spots, have similar boats, have similar easy going demeanour's, and most importantly, love what we do!
Captain Pete Rapps' Boat
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Captain Rapps'
boat is a 22’ Sterling Flats boat. It holds a maximum of
3 passengers plus the captain. The boat is super wide,
has a lot of topside standing and casting area, and is
kept in tip top condition. The boat has a very shallow
draft and requires a minimum amount of water to float
which makes it the perfect platform for this type of
fishing. The 225hp Yamaha motor allows us to spend a lot
more time fishing and less time traveling then most
guides. It is fully equipped with Gps and sonar
electronics systems, poling platform & push pole, a
Power Pole shallow water anchoring system, 36 volt
trolling motor, 2 livewells, and 4 batteries....we won’t
run out of juice!
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Safety is
number one while on my vessel. I am a US Coast Guard
licensed Master Captain, which certifies me to captain a
vessel up to 50 gross tons. Overkill for my One Ton Flats
Boat? Absolutely! But knowledge is key to safety! I also
keep current certifications for both CPR and first aid.
My Vessel meets and exceeds safety and life saving
equipment requirements regulated by the US Coast Guard.
In addition to VHF radio, I also keep a satellite
operated telephone on board for emergency use. I
cannot stress enough how important your safety is to
me.
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Captain
Brandon's Boat
Captain Brandon is part of our
available Everglades Fishing Fleet. He fishes from a 23ft
Bay Boat made by Ranger Boats. This boat is extremely
well equipped with all the options that will make your
adventure one to remember. The boat is rigged with a
t-top and tower with full controls. There is plenty of
room for sitting or standing depending on what the
individual angler’s preferences are, and he has 2
pedestal seats for anglers to fish from if they so
choose. Capt Brandon is a very knowledgeable local guide,
very polite, extremely patient, and is fantastic with all
levels of anglers, experienced or not, including men,
women, children, & families.
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Captain
Bob's Boat
Captain Bob is
part of our available Everglades Fishing Fleet. He fishes
from a top of the line 22ft combination Bay and Flats
boat made by Century Boats.
Bob
has the patience, skill, & local knowledge that it
takes to make your day out on the water one that you will
remember and talk about for years to come. Bob's Century
Bay and Flats boat can easily get you into the shallow
flats, backwater rivers, and near coastal areas of the
Everglades National Park. You will find Bob's mellow
demeanor, fun sense of humor, willingness to teach, and
incredible knowledge of the Everglades National Park,
make for an awesome day on the water for anglers of all
ages.
Captain
Gary's Boat
Captain Gary is
part of our available Everglades Fishing Fleet. He fishes
from a Carolina Skiff flats boat. The hull is wide and
stable, and can easily run in just a few inches of water.
Capt. Gary's boat is ideal for fishing 2 anglers who
really want to get into the back country. Capt Gary has
been successfully fishing this area of the Everglades for
years, uses all of the latest and greatest gear, has the
same easy going demeanor as the rest of fleet, is a
pleasure to spend time with, and will take you to places
that few have ever fished before.
Captain
Kevin's Boat
Captain Kevin
is part of our available Florida Key's fleet, fishing for
Tarpon in April, May, & June, and all types of other
Keys fish the rest of the year. He has both a larger
offshore boat and a smaller 20' Carolina Skiff for flats
and Tarpon fishing. His Carolina Skiff is a super wide
and stable shallow running boat. Capt Kevin can fish up
to 4 passengers. His boat is equipped with a T-Top
providing shade when needed, a bow mounted fighting
chair, and he uses all first class gear. Capt Kevin is a
real "southern gentleman" and is as polite and easy going
as they come.
Captain
Nate's Offshore Boat
Captain Nate is
part of our available Florida Keys fishing fleet. He
is a native to the
Florida Keys and an Iraq war veteran. He is a very
friendly and energetic guide with an extreme passion for
all types of fishing. Capt Nate has both a shallow
running 16' Hewes flats boat, and a 26' Sea Vee. The Sea
Vee pictured above is a fishing machine, ready to put you
on both the best offshore fishing and Bridge Tarpon
fishing the Keys has to offer. The Hewes Flats boat
pictured below will get you into the skinny near shore
waters ready to hunt down Bonefish and Permit. Outside of
a four year enlistment in the United States Air Force,
Captain Nate has lived his entire life in the Florida
Keys, fishing and diving all throughout the entire island
chain. It is here that he fishes and lives year round in
the keys, with the exception of his active Air Force
Reserve obligation. Extremely dedicated and hard working,
Captain Nate works to help make every fishing trip an
exciting adventure!
Captain
Nate's Flats Boat
Captain
Rapps' Fishing Charters
Year round flats and backwater fishing
from Everglades City & Chokoloskee Island
Florida.
April, May, and
June Keys Tarpon Charters at the Bahia Honda State Park
in Big Pine Key, FL
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Type of Fish We Catch in the Chokoloskee & Everglades City area of the 10,000 Islands & the Everglades National Park
Snook , “Line siders” |
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There is great prestige in catching this very elusive,
highly sought after sport and table fish. I target them all
year long. Although I like to target them mostly for sport,
there are currently 5 months which you can keep one between
the length of 28” to 33” during March, April (***MARCH AND
APRIL ARE CLOSED FOR 2010 DUE TO JANUARY FREEZE AND MASSIVE
SNOOK KILL), September, October, and November. That is a 5”
slot for the table, which really limits the amount taken
from our pristine fishery, and has helped repopulate these
great fish. In the months of March - November, I like to
fish for Snook in and around the mangrove islands along the
edge of the Gulf. At this time of year, the water is warm,
and the Snook move out of the backcountry and will migrate
to the outside islands. In the months of December -
February, I fish for snook as they move deep into the
backcountry bays and creeks where the water is warmer. A
great way to fish for Snook is by casting a live pilchard,
artificial bait jig, or top water plug. Snook are famous
for their lighting runs, wild jumps, and the way they
attack a top water plug. These fish are amazing on light
spin tackle. |
Tarpon, "The Silver King" |
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These acrobatic sport fish come in all different sizes in the Park. During the month of March they start to move into the outside island bays, where, they will lay up high on the water to absorb the warmth of the sunlight, making it great for sight fishing. Later on in the months of April - July, Tarpon will gather in schools off of the outside beaches. The fight of a mighty Tarpon is a true battle, and a experience of a lifetime. Tarpon are strictly sport fish and the satisfaction of a fully revived healthy fish is almost better than the battle itself. |
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Speckled Sea Trout: |
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Speckled trout are one of out most popular fish to target on the shallow flats here in Southwest Florida. They are not only fantastic table fare, but they are a fantastic topwater fighter too! When you hooke a trout on light spinning tackle, they give you quite a show as they thrash and dance wildly on the surface of the water as they attempt to regain freedom. Speckled Sea Trout are called many different names in different areas, but most commonly are referred to spotted sea trout, trout, or just specks. They are mainly silver in color with some green tints on their back and numerous small dark dots which extend over their dorsal fin and into theer tails. Season is now open to keep Trout 12 months of the year.
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The lower jaw is larger than the upper jaw which has two prominent canine teeth. In general, specks have an elongated body with a large mouth. The diet of speckled trout consists of small crustaceans, shrimp, & small fish such as pilchards & pinfish. The average size is 14-18" & weigh 1-3 lbs. Our estuaries are among the best throughout the entire gulf for these tasty guys. |
Redfish: |
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The Redfish is a super-challenging opponent on the grass beds and flats using light spin tackle. The shallower the water, the more thrilling the fight. The bulk of small marine life and food will be found in shallow water around structures and near grassy cover. This offers the small fish, crustaceans and mollusks protection from predators. Therefore, Redfish will be found near this abundant food supply. Redfish are easily identifiable by the body spot near their tail. They typically have one spot on each side, but I have seen as many as 12 spots on these pretty fish.
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Captain Pete Rapps fishing guide charters Chokoloskee Everglades City Florida
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Thank you for wanting to learn more about Captain Pete Rapps!
I am a full time charter captain and fishing guide in both the Everglades National Park and Florida Keys. I run a charter booking service and have several other top notch guides available for charters. I am also a published outdoor writer and fishing author. You can hit the "Press" link above to see my current columns in Coastal Angler Magazine, Gaff Fishing Magazine, Coastal Breeze News, and several other publications. Throughout the year I do public appearances, talks, and seminars for groups and outfitter shops.
I also have a line of
superpremium micro-blended seasonings and rubs called
"Captain Rapps Seasonings".
What I feel differentiates
me from many other captains is my ability to understand
my clients, and assure that they have a memorable day no
matter what. Unfortunately I hear the horror stories of
some captains yelling at their clients, being bossy,
showing frustration, using excessive foul language, and
the list goes on. I completely understand that a charter
is an expensive endeavor, so why pay someone good money
to be treated like an idiot? This is your day to enjoy
and be taken care of! Between my easy going demeanor and
my ability to teach, coach, laugh, and enjoy, I guarantee
you and your guests will have a great day, whether it be
spent with me, or one of my hand selected captains!
Please have a look and enjoy the smiles on my clients
faces in the photo gallery section of my
site.
I have several other
captains doing charters along with me that all have the
same values, easy going demeanors, great boats, and top
notch equipment. They all "get it" that guiding is a
service business and customer satisfaction is
priority!
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My grandfather Al Rapps got me hooked on fishing in the 70’s. His life revolved around either being on the water, or preparing to be on the water. He was a total fish-a-holic. His blood runs in my veins. I share his addiction. By the time I was 10, I was tying my own knots and filleting our catch. I was born in Plainfield, NJ in 1968. Our family moved to a lakefront home on Lake Wallenpaupack in the Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania where my brother Jeff and I fished all we could. After graduating from college in 1988 with a degree in building construction from Johnson College in Scranton, Pa., I moved to Naples, FL. It was not long before I found my way in Chokoloskee, and have been fishing the National Park ever since.
I met my Wife Jill and we married in
1991. We have owned our place in Chokoloskee since
1999 |
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I feed my addiction by spending my days on the water. When I am off the water I am either preparing to be back on the water, cooking seafood , swapping fish recipes, talking about fish, or reading about fishing. I hear reels screaming in my sleep. I see recipes in my head before a hooked fish even gets into the boat.
My name is Captain Pete Rapps,
and
I
am a fish-a-holic.
Captain Pete Rapps
- US Coast Guard licensed and certified
Master Captain. Licensed Everglades National Park
Guide.
- Published outdoor writer: Gaff
Magazine, Coastal Angler Magazine, Coastal Breeze
News. |
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Meet Captain Rapps
Captain Rapps has been exclusively fishing in the Everglades National Park, specifically the Chokoloskee and Everglades City area for 20 years.
Biography: Captain Pete Rapps fishing guide and charters in Chokoloskee Everglades City Florida
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