Five O'Clock Charlie Boat Tours
Five O'Clock Charlie Boat Tours
Five O'Clock Charlie Boat Tours
5
Scuba & SnorkellingFishing Charters & ToursPrivate ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Captain John Blenker has been running Fishing charters and Boat tours showcasing, oceanic wildlife, beautiful scenery, historic marine sites for the past seven and a half years. He does two hour, three hour, four hour and day long In-shore fishing trips and boat tours on the western part of Tampa Bay. We service the Bradenton area and all of Anna Maria Island. Trips booked by appointment only, maximum capacity of vessel is 6 persons. Egmont key excursions for snorkeling and shelling are available. Captain John has been a licensed and insured Master Mariner since 2002. He targets all the in-shore species of fish and teaches anglers how to fish for the species he targets. Captain John will pick you up at a convenient location in Palmetto, Northwest Bradenton or on Anna Maria Island.
Bradenton, Florida
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Five O'Clock Charlie Boat Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
289 reviews
Excellent
286
Very good
1
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Elizabet N
Miami, FL13 contributions
Aug 2020
We booked a fishing trip with Captain John while visiting Anna Maria Island and had an amazing time. We were a group of 5, including two 12 year old boys, my husband and my brother who had never fished before. Capt John was very patient and helpful with everyone. He taught my brother and kept assisting everyone during the tour. He took us to a fantastic place where the guys caught over 40 fish and then moved to another place near Bean Point where they continued catching at least 20 more. He used fish as bait and were able to catch a shark so it was a really exciting adventure for everyone. Captain John was friendly, knowledgeable and very nice. We are very happy we booked this tour and highly recommend it. We have booked other fishing tours in the past and this one has been the best and funnest by far. We normally catch a few fish, so catching over 60 fish in this tour was a huge record for us and the kids had a blast. Thank you for such great experience Captain John. Will call you when we come back to Anna Maria Island!
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for coming on a fishing charter and it was my pleasure having you all out on a fishing charter. I take pride in treating all my guests like extended family members and showing them a favorite and memorable experience. Hope to see you again on future trips.
Written August 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GoPlaces515192
4 contributions
Jun 2020 • Friends
I highly recommend 5 o'clock Charlie Tours and the excellent boat master and fishing guide, Capt John. Our group of 6 took the 4hr Taste of FL tour and it was AMAZING! Capt John was very knowledgeable about all the local wildlife and put us right on top of the fish. He was extremely helpful in baiting the hooks and showing us how to maintain our lines. We caught a HUGE grouper, lots of smaller grunts, a few snapper, AND 3 small sharks--SO exciting!!!! The snorkeling was great and the boat ride itself was so much fun. Added bonus: Capt John cleaned all our fish and we made the best fish tacos we've ever had! If I could give Capt John 10 stars, I would!!!
Written June 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for coming on a trip and I am so glad that you enjoyed it. Hope to see you on future trips.
Written June 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul K
Sarasota, FL40 contributions
Nov 2020
Chartered Captain John for a four hour fishing trip so my grandson from Chicago could experience some real
Gulf style fishing. It's amazing that Capt. John is so knowledge about the area waters. We caught two Grouper while trolling although they were under size my Grandson was so excited to even reel one in. By the end we had caught many fish and had a awesome time. I would personally recommend Capt .John. He knows the waters, knows where to go and fish , what bait the fish are hitting on and facts about the surrounding islands
Will definingly book with Capt. John again.
Gulf style fishing. It's amazing that Capt. John is so knowledge about the area waters. We caught two Grouper while trolling although they were under size my Grandson was so excited to even reel one in. By the end we had caught many fish and had a awesome time. I would personally recommend Capt .John. He knows the waters, knows where to go and fish , what bait the fish are hitting on and facts about the surrounding islands
Will definingly book with Capt. John again.
Written November 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for coming out on a Fishing excursion. Tampa Bay has an extraordinary fishery. There is quite a variety of different fish to catch. Thanks again and hope to see you on future trips.
Written December 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeremy H
Winthrop, MA5 contributions
Apr 2022
Went fishing with Captain John on Saturday, 4/2/2021. We were supposed to go out Friday, but the weather wasn't cooperating. He was very accommodating and was able to take us out Saturday instead, which was very helpful since we were from out of town. We did a half day trip, and we caught some nice Snook, Trout, Jacks, Lady Fish, and Spanish Mackerel. Captain John was very knowledgeable, and he moved around frequently to get us in the right spots. Some guides sit around and get complacent, but Captain John worked hard for us and put us on the fish. He even spent extra time with us past our allotted time because we found a honey hole right at the end of the trip. I would definitely recommend Captain John to anyone who is visiting the Bradenton area.
Written April 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks again for going on a fishing charter. It is always a good time with people who cherish the outdoor experience. Hope to see you on future trips.
Written May 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie P
2 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Capt John took us on a great morning fishing trip, caught more than we have on any other charter and learned some different techniques. He uses circle hooks to be able to catch and release without hooks being accidentally swallowed, which I greatly appreciate even though we kept and ate some of the better catches. We hit several spots and did a little trolling on the way back to the marina. 10/10, will be fishing with him again.
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for sharing the experience of the outdoors with me. Looking forward to seeing you on future excursions.
Written October 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nancy K
Des Moines, IA36 contributions
Jan 2020
We are from Iowa and spending the month of January in Bradenton. We took a fishing trip with John the first week we were here - caught around 35 fish, 8 were keepers (and very tasty). We decided to book another fishing trip with my sister/husband - we caught over 40 fish today! We kept 15 fish today. So exciting and a lot of action on the line! We caught Guitar fish, Lizard, Spanish Mackerel, Black Sea bass, Permit, Sheepshead, White Grunt, Southern Stingray, Whiting, Grey snapper and Sand Perch. Excellent trip and John is an amazing captain - book a trip with him, you won’t be disappointed!
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for coming out on a fishing adventure. Enjoyed having you aboard. Please come back when visiting the area.
Written January 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melanie Goldstone
Corryton, TN1 contribution
Aug 2020
Egmont Key is gorgeous, and our excursion with Captain John was the best part of our vacation by far. It was my daughter's dream 17th birthday. What a perfect day! Captain John is incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating, and our safety was his primary concern. He told us all about the area, knows everything there is to know about marine life, and made sure that we saw everything we wanted to see. Can't wait to come back and do it again!
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for spending that very special day with us on our Five O'clock Charlie tour boat. It was our pleasure accommodating you. Nice meeting you all and hope to see you on future trips.
Written August 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
karen g
Syracuse, NY4 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
What an incredible day on the water! Captain John is amazing—laid back and so friendly and interesting but also makes sure his guests are safe and well taken care of. His past career was a policeman in Northern CA and he specialized in water rescues along the Pacific Coast and the SF Bay. He’s an expert fisherman, the boat is beautiful (and fast) and it has a head in the console (great for female passengers). Highly recommend Captain John! Excellent time had by all.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for coming out on a trip. Enjoyed having you all aboard. Hope to see you all on future trips.
Written January 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Natalie R
4 contributions
Sep 2021
Fantastic Time! A friend was visiting, and I wanted to show her the area while spending time on a boat. Captain John, was very knowledgeable and provided a great experience. The timing was perfect for a sunset, and we saw many parts of the coastline and inner coastal waterways. Highly recommend.
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks and as always it was my pleasure having you out on a Sunset cruise. We have amazing sunsets and they are awesome to see along with the bird and animal life before they go to sleep for the night. Thanks again and hope to see you on future trips.
Written September 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Suzanne G
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Our boat tour with Captain John was amazing! We came in town to visit some family this week, and a great time was had by all. We saw many beautiful sights and marine life, snorkeled, collected shells and enjoyed the salty breeze whipping through our hair. The weather was iffy, and Captain John skillfully navigated us away from where the storms were headed. He is kind, knowledgeable, skillful, and very safety aware. We had so much fun, that we decided we need to book a boat trip with him every time we visit!
Written August 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for going on a charter with us. It is folks that commit to coming back year after year that keep me in business. There are plenty of other tour operators out there but some of us do it as a labor of love. We strive to make every trip a "Favorite Memory" for all passengers. Thanks again and looking forward to seeing you on future trips.
Written August 24, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Do we bring our own mouth pieces for snorkeling or do they sterilize there? Thank you!
Written July 5, 2019
He has equipment that he uses that he states is sterilized and I have no reason to doubt it but if you can bring your own....
Written July 6, 2019
He has a list of prices on his website. He is worth every penny. You will catch fish and have an amazing experience. I believe our half day was $300-400.
Written June 23, 2019
How many of a group for sightseeing trip can be handled? Any folders or info on trips,etc that can be mailed
Written August 17, 2016
I can take 6 persons only that includes children. I do work with another tour boat Captain that can split a group of twelve. He will take 6 and I take 6.
Written August 20, 2016
Depending on the outing , but from 45.00 to 65.00 per person, but Captain John will customize the outing to what you want. The more expensive outing is the fishing but he supplies all the bait ,rods and licences. Book it you won't be sorry !
Written May 6, 2016
hi please can you advise if are there bathroom facilities on your boats as we are bring grandchildren !
Written February 2, 2016
No bathroom on boat. Portable Potty yes. Can stop along the route at facilities.
Written March 31, 2016
I'm bringing my family and some nieces and nephews to Bradenton July 4 - July 11
Wondering what the ball park price to take us out fishing would be
2 adults
1 18 year old ( young adult)
1 17 year old
1 13 year old
1 12 year old
(651) 276-2457
Written January 31, 2016
Captain John is now licensed to fish 6 persons. if you have a group of six they all will be covered under his fishing guides lic.
Written October 2, 2016
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