Testimonials
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Captain John was excellent! Very knowledgeable and kind. We got to see a beautiful rainbow, dolphins, manatees, loads of fish, sand dollars, turtles and many birds. He took us to some wonderful spots and we were even able to snorkel. Highly recommend Five O’Clock Charlie! Worth every penny. Thank you so much!!! :) The True Family.
Jim Missel
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Captain John is outstanding!!! Very knowledgeable and kind. We saw a beautiful rainbow, dolphins, manatee, sand dollars, tortoises, lots of birds and fish! Did some snorkeling too. Excellent must-do activity if you’re visiting FL. We highly recommend Five O’Clock Charlie!!! Thank your for the memories Captain! ??
Sarah True
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Had an amazing time going out with Captain John. Me and my fiancé went on a fishing trip with John and we had a blast. I learned a ton of new stuff that I otherwise wouldn’t have. Caught a bunch of fish to take home and the experience was awesome. I like that the boat was spacious and smooth enough to have a comfortable ride. Thanks Captain John we appreciated your hospitality and your generosity in getting the both of us out and giving us knowledge and lasting memories for the rest of our lives!
South Florida Reviews
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We had a truly enjoyable marine wildlife sightseeing boat tour in Bradenton, Florida. Captain John was exceptionally knowledgeable about both the local wildlife and the area’s history, adding depth and context to everything we saw along the way. We spotted dolphins and a variety of coastal birds, and the ride itself felt safe, comfortable, and unhurried. One of the highlights was being able to step off the boat and explore Egmont Key, where we encountered local turtles and took in the quiet beauty of the island. It was a relaxed, enriching experience and a lovely way to connect with Florida’s natural landscape. Highly recommend!
Anne Blenker
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We are proud repeat guests with Captain John’s Fishing Excursions, and he is hands-down the best captain we’ve ever fished with! From the moment we step on board, he brings a personal touch to every trip and is absolutely relentless about making sure every guest is comfortable, safe, and having a great time. Captain John genuinely wants every angler to succeed — and he delivered!
We caught plenty of fish for an amazing fish taco feast, and he even went the extra mile by cleaning all the fish for us. He truly went above and beyond to ensure we had a spectacular day on the water filled with great catches and unforgettable memories.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s trip! Thank you, Captain John, for always taking such wonderful care of the Kramer Family. You’re the reason we keep coming back!
Melissa Kramer
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Our original charter didn't work out and Captain John took us on his boat. We are from Cincinnati and Captain John lived there as well so we had a lot to talk about. The charter was fantastic! He took us snorkeling and after that we went fishing and totally had a blast. My whole family really enjoyed talking and listening to Captain John. Captain we had a wonderful time on your boat and look forward to going back out with you in the future. Book a charter with Captain John and I believe you will love it.
Scott Lewis
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We had an amazing experience on our fishing charter! Our captain was such a kind, genuine, and personable guy. He went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time and made the whole trip feel comfortable and enjoyable. You can tell he truly cares about his guests and loves what he does. We appreciated his patience, knowledge, and the personal touches that made the day special. Highly recommend booking with him — we would definitely go again!
Madison Wieland
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Five Stars – An Unforgettable Experience!
We spent the morning on a fishing and sightseeing tour with Captain John, and it was truly the highlight of our trip. He’s incredibly knowledgeable about both the local area and fishing, and his passion really shows. We caught a ton of fish, saw a beautiful dolphin, and enjoyed every minute on the water. Captain John even cleaned and cut fresh fish for us to take home for dinner—such a thoughtful touch! He’s an awesome guide, very fairly priced, and even extended our time on the water without hesitation. My family has been booking with him for years, and we always look forward to our next trip. Highly recommend!
Coby Judd
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My friend and I chartered Captain John's boat for a half day fishing trip. We were able to catch several different species of fish and we thoroughly enjoyed our time on the boat. I will definitely be calling on John again!
Jim Este
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Captain John was one of the best captains I have ever met. He was incredibly helpful and gave everyone tips to become better fishermen. Although the fishing started slowly, he found ways to help us catch fish. Toward the end of the day, when the bites increased, he brought us to a place where there were a lot of snappers, which we were able to keep to eat for dinner. Overall, it was a 5-star experience and I would definitely book again.
Bautista Ballester




