Choosing a Captain / Guide for your fishing charter is a big decision.
Captain Phil Hartman Florida Bass Connection is a full time professional guide devoted to fishing Florida waters. Captain Phil offers the finest in light tackle fishing in the pristine lakes, flats and inshore waters of Central and Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast. Whether you are planning a vacation to one of Florida's major attractions, a business trip to our area, or just fishing. Captain Phil can make your Florida vacation memorable and most enjoyable. This page was designed after years of client inquiries and hopefully will make your choice a little easier. Here are some of the questions that we receive most often. Look here to see if your question is here. If not, please contact us for an answer.
- Do you Guarantee Fish?
- Where do you fish?
- What type of boat will we fish from?
- Do you supply tackle?
- Do you fish with children?
- Do we need fishing licenses?
- Can we use artificial lures instead of live bait?
- Do you offer discounts for multiple day trips?
- Do you offer corporate or large group trips?
- What do we need to bring?
- Our level of experience?
No, we do not guarantee that you will catch fish. There really is no reason to do that. This is a marketing tactic by other GUIDES to get you to feel warm and cozy about booking your trip with them. What we do guarantee is that you will have ample opportunity to catch fish and have a memorable time doing it.
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We fish in the best Trophy Bass lakes in Central Florida and the premier saltwater fishing location in southwest Florida Boca Grande - Charlotte Harbor.
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What type of boat will we fish from?
Primarily we will fish from a Skeeter 22' Bay boat with a Mercury 250hp outboard motor. This boat was specifically designed for this type of fishing by the best known name in quality boat manufacturing. This boat meets all U.S. Coast Guard requirements, and all safety equipment is on board. I also carry a cellular telephone and VHF radio.
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I provide top quality tackle for your use. I take all responsibility for my equipment's maintenance and proper use. However, I do not assume responsibility when it is abused / neglected, you do. All artificial baits, lures, specialty flies are included for your use. Live bait is purchased by you when appropriate. You may also bring your own favorite tackle, please indicate that before our trip.
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Yes, yes and yes. I have the best time and they usually catch all the fish. While we are sometimes after specific species of fish they do not care as long as they are catching something. Please, for safety it is very important to limit the age. I have a minimum age of 7 years of age, however, I do make exceptions as can be seen in our captured memories / photo album. I help them fish, you are the parent, so please for safety, their memories and enjoyment I ask that you control them at all times.
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For Freshwater fishing see the link to the FWC web site so you may purchase your license. This may be completed online or when you arrive at a Super Walmart, Bass Pro Shop or Cabellas. For Saltwater fishing in Florida the Captains license provides for your daily fishing charter.
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Can we use artificial lures instead of live bait?
Yes, we always let you make that decision. We do provide all the lures for the type of fishing that we do, however, If your goal is to catch a large trophy fish, we will recommend live bait in some cases. Our main goal is to help you reach yours. Be that live bait, or artificial lures.
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Do you offer discounts for multiple day trips?
Yes, if you make a reservation for more than 3 days of fishing with us, we will discount it for you. Please call for more information about the discounts that can be applied to multiple day trips.
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Do you offer Corporate or large group trips?
Yes, Florida Bass Connection specializes in large groups. We have experience in handling groups that need as many as 50 boats.
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I suggest that you dress for the conditions. A baseball type cap, polarized sunglasses, loose light colored clothing in summer, non-marking soled shoes, warm clothing for spring and fall. Camera, drinks (in bags) and favorite snacks / food. I have a cooler with bottled water / ice on board. Beer is okay, when it gets out of hand the trip is over. Your safety and my license are to important to jeopardize or lose.
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You do not need to be an expert. Often we fish for specific species and use advanced techniques, we have fun and I provide instruction and help while we fish. It's your day and I will do all that I can to make it enjoyable and catch you the fish we are after. I do appreciate the opportunity to be your guide on your day of fishing.
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