About Us

Growing up in Central FL was amazing! I was blessed to experience firsthand why Florida is known as “The Fishing Capitol of the World.” I started out fishing at a very young age, and my passion for the sport grows stronger ever year. I started my love of salt water fishing over 25 years ago. At the age of 16, I would take my small aluminum boat over to the south shore of Tampa Bay, and fish the famous Cockroach Bay area. I spent countless days exploring the flats and backwaters areas of Cockroach. After getting my first flats skiff, I was then able to fish many different areas of Tampa Bay. I became what my friends would refer to as a “expert fisherman.”

Around 2001, I started to explore the offshore side of things that our Gulf of Mexico has to offer. I went on many grouper trips with my brother-in-law out of the Hernando Beach area. I learned a lot about different methods of catching shallow water grouper, as the areas that we fished were only 25 feet deep. After getting my own boat that I could run up to 30 miles or so, I started putting together my own fishing spots. Today I have 250-300 GPS coordinates that are very productive! I worked as a deck hand on several offshore charter boats that taught me the ropes.

Six years ago, I completed my USCG captain’s school and received my license to be a charter Captain. Having a job that is your hobby is great, because you always put forth 110%. I put safety first and foremost and catching fish second.

I look forward to fishing with you! Capt. John

Off the Hook Charters fishes on a perfect boat for the waters in this area.  Our boat is custom made by a local boatmaker.  It floats shallow and handles near-shore conditions with ease!