About ReelFroggy Charters
Family Fishing Charters in Sarasota & Fairhope
A Family Fishing Charter Legacy on the Gulf Coast
ReelFroggy Charters is more than a family fishing charter business; it’s the continuation of a story that started on the banks of Weeks Bay in 1984. That’s when Rick Sr. left Atlanta, settled on Alabama’s Eastern Shore, and began spending every spare moment exploring the inshore waters of Mobile Bay.
Some days, tree frogs would appear out of nowhere on the boat, riding along for the trip. Before long, “Reel Froggy” became the good-luck name that stuck.
From Weeks Bay to Sarasota Bay
Capt. Rick grew up in that world, learning the tides, the weather patterns, and the habits of speckled trout and redfish across Mobile Bay, Weeks Bay, Fish River, and Magnolia River. Over the years, he turned that knowledge into a family fishing charter service based in Fairhope, Alabama, focused on relaxed, family-friendly inshore fishing.
His son, Capt. Cole, followed a parallel path in Florida. A lifetime of fishing the vibrant waters around Sarasota, Siesta Key, Lido Key, and Longboat Key eventually led him to run his own inshore and nearshore Sarasota family fishing charters under the same name.
Now, ReelFroggy Charters offers guided trips in both Fairhope, AL and Sarasota, FL; each captain running his own home water, sharing the same values and family legacy.
Meet Capt. Rick
Fairhope, Alabama
With decades of experience fishing Mobile Bay and the surrounding inshore waters, Capt. Rick is the captain behind our Fairhope inshore fishing charters.
He’s known for:
• Deep local knowledge of speckled trout and redfish patterns
• A calm, patient approach that’s perfect for families and beginners
• A strong commitment to conservation and responsible fishing
Rick serves on the board of the Eastern Shore Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), and he takes pride in teaching guests, especially kids, about the fishery and how to help protect it for future generations.
Meet Capt. Cole
Sarasota, Florida
Captain Cole brings a lifetime of experience fishing the vibrant waters of Sarasota. Specializing in inshore and nearshore trips, his passion is putting clients on snook, redfish, trout, and tarpon when they’re in season.
On a Sarasota fishing charter with Capt. Cole, you can expect:
• A friendly, easygoing attitude and clear instruction
• Trips tailored to your group’s skill level, from total beginners to experienced anglers
• A focus on fun, safety, and teaching; not pressure or unrealistic promises
Both captains hold USCG OUPV licenses and are fully insured. Safety, preparation, and clear communication come first on every trip.
Our Approach
We don’t believe in hype or guarantees; fishing just doesn’t work that way. Conditions change, fish move, and part of the magic is the challenge. What we do promise is that we’ll bring our best effort, our best intel, and a family-level commitment to your experience on the water.
We provide the gear, local knowledge, and a relaxed environment where families, kids, and serious anglers alike can enjoy a memorable day on the Gulf Coast.
What our customers say
Reviews
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about your upcoming adventure with ReelFroggy Charters
What is ReelFroggy Charters?
ReelFroggy Charters provides expert-guided inshore and nearshore fishing trips from Sarasota, FL and Fairhope, AL. Family-operated with USCG-licensed captains (Cole in FL, Rick in AL), we focus on safe, productive outings for all skill levels using quality boats and tackle.
Where are ReelFroggy fishing charters located?
Sarasota, FL (nearshore up to 9 miles offshore from local marinas) and Fairhope, AL (Mobile Bay inshore, serving Gulf Shores/Dauphin Island). Two dedicated boats for personalized trips.
What types of fish can I catch with ReelFroggy?
Common catches: Redfish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, tripletail (AL); mangrove snapper, snook, Spanish mackerel, grouper, sharks (FL). Seasons peak year-round in Gulf waters.
What makes ReelFroggy different from other charters?
Small groups, all gear/licenses included, bilingual captains with local expertise, full insurance, and fish cleaning services. High success rates from knowing hot spots like mangroves and reefs.