Our Southwest Florida Fishing Captains have stepped up to the plate with some super offers for the service men and women who are on leave in the area. Fishing charters are limited to a single charter from only one of the contributors shown below during the 2-week period. Our captains and guides are able to offer this benefit by sharing the load among themselves. In many cases, the contributors have cancelled or rescheduled trips with paying customers so please let them know if you have to cancel your scheduled trip.
If you are planning an OOA Fishing Charter, several US Senators and US House of Representatives might enjoy going along with you. If this is OK, please contact us ASAP with your dates.
Endless Summer Charters
www.endlesssummercharters.net
Capt. Bill Hammond
(239)410-3454
Endless Summer Charters offers a 1/2 day fishing or sightseeing charter for a family (up to 4) of a service man or woman that qualify for OOA in the Fort Myers area.
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Kraka Dawn Charters
Captain David Koschara
Cell 231-357-3679
dave.koschara@hp.com
My name is Captain Kosch (Dave Koschara), owner of Kraka Dawn Charters. I would be proud to provide a free full day fishing, shelling, or site seeing trip on my 24′ Scout Bay boat to any active military person and guest(s), 2-3 people. I have fished the area for over 20 years. Included is a nice lunch either at a local restaurant or my home made lunch on the beach/water. I am a licensed USCG Master Captain and would supply all bait, tackle, and licenses. I belong to both the Cape Coral & Ft Myers Beach Tarpon Hunters Clubs. I am available from Dec 1 to Jun 1. In the summer & fall, I fish for large Browns, Steelhead, & Salmon. I would be happy to take someone down the river in my drift boat for another unique fishing experience.
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Contact: Capt. Wes Skinner
Ft Myers/Sanibel, Fl
Contact ph# 239-851-9600
Email wes@fishskinner.net
Web site: www.fishskinner.net
FishSkinner Charters would like to donate a 1/2 day back bay fishing charter, valued at $350.00 to any man or woman along with family members who are currently serving our country on combat leave. Up to 3 passengers.
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IN HOT PURSUIT
Contact: Capt. Chick
Ft Myers, Fl
Home ph# 239 415-0246
Email inhotpur@yahoo.com
Near shore charter at no cost, includes tackle, bait, fishing license, ice. Bring your own food & drink. IHP is a 2006, 28′ Pursuit center console w/twin 250hp Yamaha’s. Depart from Sanibel Harbor Yacht Club at 15051 Punta Rassa Rd., Ft Myers, Fl 33908. We are thankful to those service men & ladies who have served in foreign duty. Thank You – CAPT CHICK
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LOCAL FIREFIGHTER
Tim Higgins
Contact: Tim Higgins
Captiva, FL
Home ph# 239 495-0823
Cell ph# 239 910-3205
Email Captivatimh@aol.com
Local Firefighter would like to invite any active service men or women and their famlies to join me for an afternoon or sunset cruise aboard my 36 ft House boat. Cruise the coast line and back waters of SW Fla. Fishing, swimming ,shelling, snorkling, Scuba diving, whatever your pleasure. Bring a lunch or cruise to a local waterfront dining spot.
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John Merickel
St. James City, FL
Cell ph# 320-212-8300
Email: jpmerickel@yahoo.com
I have a 21 ft bayboat with 150hp and I do mostly inshore fishing. I Can go anytime depending on conditions. I would be happy to provide gear bait water or soda ( we call it pop in Minnesota) for up to 3 anglers. Available through late April.
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B & G FISHING CHARTERS
Contact: Captain Bill Palaski
Land O Lakes, FL
Website: www.bgfishingcharters.wordpress.com
Email: bilga57@verizon.net
Phone: 813-996-1814
Through this program we can provide a free full day offshore fishing trip for 4 active duty military personnel on leave from the Iraq/Afghanistan war. The B & G is a 33ft World Cat T.E. We provide all bait, tackle and License. Valid military I.D., temporary leave documents and DA-31 are required. We operate our charter on the weekends out of Port Hudson Marina, located in Hudson FL. Contact us for Details.
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Contact: Capt. Dan Ballou
Ballou Charters
Pine Island, FL
Phone:239-246-6499
Email: danballou@Comcast.net
Capt. Dan, would be honored to provide any of the service men or women that wish to enjoy a day on the water seeing mother nature’s creatures as she intended.
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CarLiShell Charters
Contact: Capt. Norm Meshaw
Cape Coral, FL 33904
Home Phone: 239-458-4943
Cell Phone: 609-707-2443
Website: www.carlishellcharters.com
Email: NMeshaw@Comcast.net
Capt. Norm, a retired Coast Guard veteran is offering a free 1/2 day charter – near shore/inshore fishing or sightseeing trips – for a military member and family (up to 4 people) aboard his 23ft boat.
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PINE ISLAND CHARTERS
Contact: Capt. Chris Stanford
Pine Island Charters
Pine Island, FL 33956
Phone: 239-222-0588
EMail: pineislandcharters@yahoo.com
Capt. Chris, a veteran of the Navy and Army National Guard, is offering a free 1/2 day charter – inshore fishing – for a military member and family (up to 4 people).
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Fish Tale Grady Club
Ft Myers Beach, FL 33908
Phone: 908-507-7060
Fish Tale Grady Club of Ft. Myers Beach offers a day of fishing or cruising with one of their boat club members. Contact them at (908) 507-7060.
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Capt. Little Jim Fesperman
Hook Setting Charters
Tampa Bay, FL
Phone: 727-515-8196
Website: www.hooksettingcharters.com
Email: CaptainLittleJim@verizon.net
6 hour, Tampa Bay Inshore fishing trip for 2 anglers. Captain Little Jim Fesperman is a former Navy CB, All you need to bring is hat, sunglasses, and a desire for a little r and r on beautiful Tampa Bay, everything else is provided. Departure will very depending on where the fish are biting and the weather, from either the Gandy, Crisp Park, Fort DeSoto or Simons Park Ramp. We will target the main inshore species of Snook, Redfish, Trout and maybe Snapper, Grouper and Sheepshead. At least one angler must have Official Orders directing the service member a return to their foreign assigned post. Government document labeled DA-31. Upon presenting proof of service and temporary leave documents we will be ready to shove off and go fishing.
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Mark King Bass Fishing
www.markkingfishing.com
Capt. Mark King
Holiday Blvd.
Clewiston, Fl. 33440
Home: 863-983-9950
Cell: 863-677-0983
Email: mark@markkingfishing.com
Captain Mark King, Reel Dreams Guide Service, offers a free 1/2 day (4 hours) guided fishing trip on Lake Okeechobee for largemouth bass. The offer is for up to 3 persons. Military ID required.
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Getaway Marina
www.getawaymarina.com
18400 San Carlos Blvd
Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
(1/2 Mile north of the Matanzas Pass bridge and 2 miles south of Summerlin Boulevard – next door to Pincher’s Crab Shack.)
Tel:(800) 641-3088
(239) 466-3600
Email: info@getawaymarina.com
The Getaway Marina would like to offer 1 free “Inshore Charter” and 1 free “Offshore Charter” on the 90FT “Getaway (AC, Full Galley, and all equipment and license furnished on all OOA Charters) for all active military with valid I.D. Call the Getaway Marina direct 1-800-641-3088 or email us for your reservation today!
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Florida Fish & Dive Charters
Eric Billips
Tel: 239-221-7984
Email: ebillips@floridafishdive.com
Florida Fish & Dive Charters would like to offer military personnel deemed eligible by OOA, a half day charter in the waters off Ft. Myers/Pine island. This would include; spearfishing, fishing, or recreational diving. At this time we can only accommodate 3 people per trip.
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Light Tackle Angler Fishing
Starring John Follweiler and guests
Saturday 6:30-7:00 am
WFLX Fox 29
Web Site: http://www.lighttackleangler.ning.com
Email: captjohnfoll@adelphia.net
(772) 334 4202
Captain John Follweiler hosts a Saturday morning Fishing Show on Fox 29, The Light Tackle Angler. Visiting soldiers (Jensen Beach area) are invited to appear with Capn John on his show. You can use the Contact Form on his website for information http://lighttackleangler.ning.com/
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Capt. Chuck Fesler
Addicted Angler Inshore Charters
Fishing Tampa Bay, Boca Grande
Tel: (727) 815-1757
(727) 505-9965
Website: www.Addictedangler.com
Email:CaptainChuckFesler@Addictedangler.com
Capt. Fesler offers a soldier and his/her family a full day charter out of the Tarpon Springs area. If the family would like the day could be broken up by having lunch at an on-the-water restaurant (at the family’s own expense). Everything else will be supplied including ice and drinks. The number can be 3 soldiers or a family of 3 (kids are welcome). Please make your request a week in advance to make sure the date is available.
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Mike Shelton
Fishing Punta Gorda or Cape Coral
Tel: (941) 626-7530
Email: mike@cabletecs.com
Mike has a 20 foot flats boat and fishes the local flatsmasters fishing tournaments. He is willing to take any of our military guys or girls fishing when they are home on leave. He is located in Cape Coral but lived in Punta Gorda so going out of either location is ok. He can seat up to 3 people not including himself. This fishing is usually targeting snook, redfish, and trout.
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Del Rio Charters
Capt. Jack Zinke
4904 SW 10th Avenue Cape Coral, FL
Tel: (239) 542-5161
Email: patjackz@juno.com
Capt. Zinke would be happy to donate a fishing or sightseeing trip for up to three persons including an “Operation Open Arms” Honoree aboard the “del Rio”, a USCG Licensed 27 ft. Stamas. All bait & tackle will be provided. First Mate & Chef Patzie will provide lunch upon request.
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Captain George’s Fishing Charters
www.capt-george.com
201 SW 38th Terrace
Cape Coral, FL 33914
Tel: (239) 770-5166
Email: george@capt-george.com
Capt. George offers fishing charters.
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JT Sanders Pro-Guide
Tel: (239) 274-2314
Email: jtsanders@gallowayfamily.com
1/2 day fishing trip for up to 3 soldiers.
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Capt. Joe McNichols
2154 Jackson Ave Naples, FL
Tel: (239) 262-4132
Email: icdfish@aol.com
Day of backwater fly or spin fishing for snook, tarpon, redfish. 1 or 2 people, in the Everglades National Park, Everglades City. Tackle and license is included.
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Bob Olson
8065 Tiger Lily Dr. Naples, FL 34113
Tel: (239) 774-1000
Email: rkolson23@comcast.net
Free fishing or sightseeing in the fabulous Ten Thousand Islands. I can accommodate 1-2 people. We depart from Calusa Island Marina in Goodland (SE corner of Marco Island).
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Chad Bell
Contact: (239) 634-6691
Email: fmrepub35@aol.com
All expense paid fishing trip offshore.
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Jack Attack Charters
Contact: Jack Hanzek
jhanzek@swfla.rr.com
3616 S.E. 18th Avenue Cape Coral, FL
Tel: (239) 549-9028
Cell: (239) 699-4916
Back bay fishing or sightseeing for 3.
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Brad Wasmus
Email: bc309@comcast.net
Lieutenant/Medic
Charlotte County Fire and EMS
Tel: (941) 628-2273
16 foot HEWES Redfisher for 1 or 2 people for a day of fishing Charlotte Harbor/Lemon Bay areas.
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Kevin Shimp
Tel: (239) 278-9958
I will provide boat transportation for the military sponsor, spouse and children (over 6 years old) to one of the local waterfront restaurants (such as The Waterfront in St. James City) on my 25′ Contender. Available weekday evenings. Contact me for scheduling and details.
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Bruce Wilkin
Bruce K. Wilkin & Associates
1823 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL 34102
Cell: (239) 272-5766
Office: (239) 649-5766
Email: bkwlmt2k@earthlink.net
It would be an honor for me to offer a FULL DAY OF FISHING The Naples/North Marco Island area to a soldier from The Iraq or Afghanistan War.
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Capt. Pete Quasius
(239) 693-0063
(920) 912-2751
Website: www.TimesFlyN.com
Free 1/2 day tarpon or musky fishing tournament for soldier and one other when on leave from combat zone.
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Captain George Grosselfinger
2030 Harpoon Lane
St. James City, FL 33956
Tel: (239) 283-4212
Email: ggrosselfinger@comcast.net
A free half Day charter.
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Contact: Butch Rickey
Website: www.barhoppr.com
111520 E. Palm Drive
Ft. Myers, FL 33908
Telephone: (239) 415-7282
Guided fishing trips aboard the BarHopp’R (subject to availability during the busy season).
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Wayne Bouffard
Contact: (239) 910-0754
American Cycles
amercycles@aol.com
Offshore fishing trip.
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Inshore Fishing Adventures
Contact: Captain Ron Presley
Email: presleyr@bellsouth.net
www.inshorefishingadventures.com
Merritt Island, FL
Telephone: (321) 454-7285
A free 1/2 day fishing trip for up to 3 soldiers visiting the Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach area during their leave. Fishing will be in the Indian or Banana Rivers from a 22 Foot Pathfinder Bay Boat. God Bless Our Troops.
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Reel Reelief Charters
Contact: (239) 940-9663
Kris Wrightson
11140 Tangelo Terr. Bonita Springs, FL 34135
newg1394@aol.com
1/2 day fishing for snook and redfish in Estero Bay on a 19′ Hewes – 2 or 3 people.
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Fish-Hawk Charters
Capt. Bob Sabatino
Email: rsaba206@earthlink.net
Located at Jensens Marina on Captiva Island
(239) 473-1451
A half-day (4-hours) of fishing, shelling or sightseeing trips. Limited to 2 people. All tackle included on fishing trips.
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Capt. Scott Keith
Tampa Bay Inshore Charters
Telephone: (813) 760-6735
Email: scott@tampabayinshore.com
Website: www.tampabayinshore.com
P.O. Box 2657 Land O Lakes, FL 34639
I’m delighted to see this program for such deserving people. As prior military, I recognize what these folks have done for us. I’d like to invite any soldier to come fishing with me through this program. I have an all-inclusive inshore fishing charter business and would love to be a part of your program. I participated in a Take A Soldier Fishing tournament held in the Tampa Bay area a few years back. It was great. I’d love to see that tournament return. Anyhow, I’m in the Tampa Bay area if you have any soldiers who’d like to do some fishing. Their families are invited as well. I can handle up to 4 anglers.
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Capt. Joe LeClair
North Eastern Anglers
Telephone: (774) 263-2675
Email: flyfishsalt@hotmail.com
I run backcountry fishing charters in the Boca Grande/Englewood, Florida area. I have an Action Craft 1890 and can take up to three people. I am offering a 1/2 day fishing charter. All fishing tackle and license is provided. My focus is fly fishing between the months of November to May.
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Contact: Capt. John Bunch
Website: www.captgiddyup.net
3624 Bayview Avenue
St. James City, FL 33956
Telephone: (239) 283-8838
Free 1/2 day fishing charter.
Gunsmoke Fishing Charters 
Captain Greg Jetton
410 639 7127
Rock Hall Harbor,
Rock Hall, MD 21661
www.gunsmokecharters.com
gbjetton@friend.ly.net
Join a group for a fun day of sport fishing with Captain Greg aboard the Blind Faith or Miss Kristin. Blind Faith is a 41 foot Markley with top of the line electronics.
Bayside Girls Charters 
Captain Chuck Clark
410 639 7507
Rock Hall Harbor
Rock Hall, MD 21661
www.rockhallmd.com/baysidegirlscharters
baysidecharters@verizon.net
Captain Chuck has spent his entire life fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. He has a 46’ boat and invites you to join him and a group for a great day of fishing. Captain Chuck asks for one week notice.
Miss Carolyn II Charters
Captain T. Wayne Fletcher
410 708 3141
Rock Hall Harbor
Rock Hall, MD 21661
www.rockhallmd.com/misscarolyn/index.htm
captfletch@verizon.net
Call Captain Wayne for a perfect day on the Chesapeake for fishing and crabbing. Please give a 2 week notice and keep calling for availability.
Operation Open Arms of Southwest Florida 
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