Captain Ozzie Lessinger in Captiva

Captain Ozzie Lessinger offers fly and light-tackle fishing around Sanibel, Captiva and Pine Island Sound. His trips leave from McCarthy’s Marina on Captiva and use a 17-foot Action Craft flats boat for up to three anglers.

Contact and booking details

A guide focused on the islands

Ozzie moved to Sanibel in 1990 and became a full-time fishing guide in 1994. His background includes local and national fishing tournaments. He welcomes beginners as well as anglers who already enjoy fly or plug fishing.

The shallow-draft Action Craft is intended for the waters around the islands. This is a small-group flats outing, so it suits a different kind of day than a large offshore sportfishing boat. Discuss how much casting experience everyone has before choosing the fishing method.

Snook, redfish, trout and tarpon

The operator lists snook, redfish and trout as year-round interests. Tarpon generally arrive in spring, with April through June and sometimes July identified as a typical window. That timing describes the operator’s experience rather than a guarantee for a booked day.

If tarpon are your main goal, say so at the start. A general inshore trip may use a different route or tackle than a dedicated attempt at a large tarpon. Weather, water conditions and fish movement influence the final plan.

Prices for one to three anglers

Published prices are $600 for a half day, $900 for a three-quarter day and $1,100 for a full day. These rates cover one to three anglers. A half-day shelling or sightseeing trip is listed separately at $550.

The charter information says fishing equipment and license coverage are included. Guests provide anything they want to eat or drink, with a cooler available onboard. Ask how many hours correspond to the half-day and full-day labels when you book.

Getting ready for Captiva

Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. A windbreaker can be useful during cooler months because the moving boat feels colder than land. Confirm space before bringing a large bag or extra gear.

Call Ozzie for availability and the current payment terms. Deposit and cancellation details were not clearly published in the reviewed information. Save the marina directions and confirm the meeting time, especially if driving from the mainland over the Sanibel Causeway.

Details checked October 2, 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: Captain Ozzie Lessinger fishing guests with a tarpon beside the boat. Photo from Captain Ozzie Lessinger.

Explore more Florida fishing charters or check local tides and weather before planning your day.