Don't Let That Trophy Get Away

Like most Americans, fishing captains around Florida have been feeling the pinch of a slowing economy.

In spite of the cost of a guided trip with a licensed captain, it provides a memorable experience and brings much-enhanced odds for landing a trophy fish.

The educational value of spending the day on the water with a charter captain is worth the price alone. They know the tricks of the trade and are glad to share with their clients.

Depending on the number of anglers on board, fees for all-day charter trips range from $350 to $500 per day in fresh water, and from $450 to $650 in salt water, not including the tip.

Spring months, from February through May, are prime time for double-digit bass on Central Florida lakes, as well as snook, redfish and trout on the grass flats along the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic shoreline.

Here are recommended bass guides and saltwater charter captains:

Remo Beaver, Lake Istokpoga, 877-810-3334.

Bobby Blizzard, Tampa Bay, 863-661-6623.

Jon Bull, Indian River, Jupiter Inlet, 863-860-7250.

Phil Chapman, Charlotte Harbor, 863-646-9445.

Brian Cone, Islamorada, 305-664-2278.

Shawn Crawford, Tampa Bay, Anna Maria, 941-761-0301.

Rick Gibbs, Kissimmee Chain, 888-335-0051.

Monte Goodman, south Winter Haven chain, 863-661-7226.

Pat Kelly, Chokoloskee, 863-644-4401.

Jason Lineberger, Tampa Bay, 813-363-9474.

Chuck MacIntyre, John's Pass, 727-709-9045.

Keith Mixon, Indian and Banana rivers, 321-212-8484.

Justin Moore, Cortez, 941-720-6408.

Scott Moore, Boca Grande, 941-713-1921.

Rob Murchie, Lake Kissimmee, 407-436-1966.

Steve Nichols, Englewood, 863-859-4341.

Greg Penix, Boca Grande, 863-647-9761.

Chuck Rogers, Tampa Bay, 813-918-8356.

Rob Salimbene, Tampa Bay, 863 899 0984.

Keiland Smith, Indian River, Englewood, 863-944-7475.

Ron Tomlin, Everglades, 863-660-5428.

Bill Whiting, Lake Walk-in-the-Water, Kissimmee Chain, 863-293-8245.