- Location
- Punta Gorda, Florida
- Trip Types
- Inshore, nearshore, tarpon
- Phone
- 863-441-2656
Task Force Fishing Charters is Captain Mike Downs’s private fishing operation around Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor. Mike is a third-generation Floridian with a background as a Marine, firefighter, and paramedic.
Contact and booking details
| Operator | Task Force Fishing Charters |
|---|---|
| Area | Punta Gorda, Florida |
| Departure / address | Agreed pickup at Eldred’s Marina, Ponce de Leon Park, or Laishley Park. Private dock pickup may be arranged. |
| Phone | 863-441-2656 |
| mike@taskforcefishing.com | |
| Website / reservations | Visit Task Force Fishing Charters |
| Trip options | Inshore, nearshore, tarpon |
Boat and group size
Trips use a 22-foot bay boat. Published rates cover three guests. A fourth guest adds $100, and four is the maximum. Tell Mike the ages and experience of your group so he can help choose a trip.
Published rates
Four-hour inshore or nearshore fishing is $500. Six-hour fishing is $700. Dedicated tarpon trips are $800 for six hours or $1,000 for eight hours. Ask about the current seasonal bite and whether your date suits the type of fishing you want.
Included equipment
The operator provides license coverage, bait, fishing gear, ice, a cooler, and fish cleaning and bagging. Bring food, preferred drinks, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Military and first-responder rates are mentioned; ask which trips qualify.
Reservations and meeting points
A 25% deposit is listed. Guest cancellations within seven days forfeit it. The published policy provides a refund for captain-canceled weather or boat problems. Confirm the exact ramp because pickup can vary between Punta Gorda and Placida. The main contact page lists 863-441-2656, while some footer text shows a different number.
Details checked September 29, 2026, using the operator’s published information. Rates, boats, meeting points and policies can change; confirm the final trip details directly. Listed species describe possible targets, not a guaranteed catch or an open harvest season.
Featured photo: Task Force Fishing Charters angler holding a snook. Photo from Task Force Fishing Charters.
Explore more Florida fishing charters or check local tides and weather before planning your day.