Charley’s Fishing Charters (Captain Charley Bohley) in Bonita Beach

Charley's Fishing Charters is a back-bay fishing and eco-tour service led by Captain Charley Bohley. Its fishing trips concentrate on Estero Bay, with four-hour outings from the Lovers Key boat ramp. The service is a practical option for visitors staying around Bonita Springs, Estero or Fort Myers Beach who want to fish coastal bay habitat.

Contact and booking details

Fishing the back bays of Estero

Snook, redfish and sea trout are prominent targets on the operator's website. Its descriptions connect the fishing to mangrove edges, oyster bars, grass flats, docks and channels rather than to a long offshore run. Visitors can discuss whether they want to focus on a favorite species or fish for whatever offers the most appropriate opportunity.

The site also describes sheepshead, mangrove snapper and pompano fishing. Charley identifies cooler months as an important sheepshead period, while pompano fishing can involve jigs in passes and channels. These details make the service's local bay emphasis clear, but the actual target and technique should be selected for the conditions when you visit.

Lovers Key departure and trip planning

Tours launch at the Lovers Key State Park boat ramp on Estero Bay, across from the park entrance. The operator describes ramp parking as complimentary. Confirm the exact meeting point and instructions with the booking, since the departure is the boat ramp rather than an assumption that guests should enter the park's beach facilities.

Fishing bookings go directly through Captain Charley at 239-398-7714, by call or text. The published fishing format is four hours, but the homepage does not establish every current rate, capacity or inclusion. Tell him the size of your party and any children's ages so the reservation can be matched to the people actually fishing.

Fishing, shelling and wildlife

Eco-tours, dolphin watching, birdwatching and shelling are additional parts of the business. They offer an alternative for groups whose interests extend beyond rods and reels. If you want to combine activities, raise that request before the day of departure so the captain can explain whether the timing and route fit the available trip.

For a fishing reservation, ask which tackle, bait and licenses are covered and what refreshments to pack. Estero Bay's scenery is part of the appeal, but a back-bay trip still calls for weather-appropriate clothing and protection from sun reflected off the water. A clear conversation about fishing priorities helps keep a four-hour outing focused on what your group enjoys.

Details checked October 21, 2026, against published operator information. Confirm rates, departure details and policies directly before booking. Fishing targets depend on conditions, applicable seasons and the trip selected.

Featured photo: Angler holding a redfish on a Charley’s Fishing Charters outing. Photo from Charley's Fishing Charters (Captain Charley Bohley).

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