Capt. Jeff Watkins Jr is a Florida Native who was born and raised right here in Southwest Florida! Capt. Jeff is a 3rd generation fishing guide who has an immense passion for giving others the opportunity to experience what real Florida is all about!
When Capt. Jeff Watkins Jr was 3 years old, his father introduced him to Charlotte Harbor estuaries and aquatic preserves, home of Florida’s most Saud after game fish. From that point on, Capt. Jeff spent the next 20+years perfecting his craft targeting these gamefish such as Tarpon, Redfish, Snook, and spotted Sea Trout. During the process of following his passion, Capt. Jeff naturally grew a bigger passion for taking others fishing, educating them on all the tips and tricks he has acquired throughout his journey and was determined to turn his passion into his profession.
Capt. Jeff Watkins Jr has made his mark on his hometown by competing in several competitive tournaments throughout his journey many of which he has finished in the top 5 rankings!
Flatsmasters Redfish Tournament Series, Punta Gorda, FL
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2021
IFA Redfish Tournament series Punta Gorda, FL
2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
IFA Redfish Tournament Series, Ruskin, FL
2015
Extreme Redfish Tournament Series Charlotte Harbor, FL
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Florida Pro Redfish Series Placida, FL
2014, 2015, 2016
Very experienced charter captain who knows the area waters and where the fish hang out!!
Barbara D. Watkins
I love to fish! Who you share your time on the water with is important. Not only was my recent tarpon trip with Capt. Jeff successful, having landed a 150#, I enjoyed my time with someone who is passionate about fishing and enjoys seeing others experience all that SWFL fishery has to offer. I will be back to fish as soon as I am able but not before my son who has booked 3 days after hearing of my experience!
Scott Goldsmith
I highly recommend Southern Tail Charters. Capt. Jeff was absolutely amazing with my boys today. They can't stop talking about the shark they caught. Jeff is a great captain who is very personable and knowledgeable about the water
Jeff Gibble
My family loved fishing with Capt. Jeff and Southern Tail Charters! We caught many Snook, Redfish, Snapper and others! Including some impressive Snook and eating snapper. We enjoyed our time with a passionate fisherman who enjoys seeing others have a rich and rewarding experience. We want to fish again with STC as soon as we can! 🐟
Heather Traynham
ALL trips require a $100 deposit per day. The remaining balance will be due in cash, check, venmo, or zelle at the time of the trip. Credit cards are accepted however there is a 3.5% service charge for all credit card transactions. Once deposit is made, your selected date will be reserved, and other trips will be denied booking for that date. If you enjoyed your trip with Capt. Jeff, gratuities are always appreciated. 15%-20% is standard.
Be mindful that once your deposit is received for your selected date, other trips for that date and time are denied. In the event that a trip needs to be canceled, it must be done outside 15 days prior to your reserved date which then all monies and deposit will be refunded within 3 business days. If a trip cancelation takes place within 15 days of your reserved date, the deposit will not be refundable. In the event where a trip needs to be rescheduled, please be courteous and do so in a timely manner so the captain can accommodate.
No shows and cancelations within 24 hours of the scheduled departure time will be charged the full amount of the trip which will be billed on the card used for the deposit.
ALL trips are subject to cancellation by captain due to un-safe weather and/or
conditions. In the event the captain needs to cancel your trip he will contact you