About Us

At Day 5 Charters, we specialize in customized fishing and island adventures designed just for you. Our expert captains take you beyond the usual spots, guiding you to exclusive fishing grounds and hidden Gulf treasures. Whether you're after trophy fish, a family-friendly outing, or a relaxing island escape, we provide a seamless, stress-free experience on safe, modern boats equipped with everything you need. More than just a charter, we are your fishing concierge, ensuring every trip is unforgettable.

About Us

Our Story

Day 5 Charters was built on a passion for fishing, adventure, and creating unforgettable experiences on the water. Founded by captains who grew up fishing the Gulf, we know these waters inside and out—where the best fish bite, where the hidden islands wait to be explored, and how to craft the perfect trip for every guest. Whether you're chasing trophy fish offshore, island-hopping with family, or searching for the perfect shell, we take you beyond the usual spots for a truly unique experience.

More than just a charter service, we are your fishing concierge, offering fully customized trips with top-tier gear, expert guidance, and a focus on safety and comfort aboard our modern, high-performance boats. But beyond the water, our mission runs deeper—we’re committed to giving back to the community by supporting local organizations that uplift youth and pregnant teens. At Day 5 Charters, every trip is more than just a day on the water—it’s a chance to make memories, share our passion, and create something meaningful.

Making Memories Together on the Gulf

We create fun, safe, and stress-free adventures for anglers of all ages, making every trip perfect for families. Whether you’re introducing your kids to fishing, exploring secluded islands, or searching for seashells, we ensure an unforgettable experience for everyone on board.

About-Us-2

Mission

At Day 5 Charters, our mission is to provide unforgettable, customized fishing and island adventures for anglers and explorers of all ages. With a focus on safety, family-friendly experiences, and expert guidance, we take our guests beyond the ordinary—offering exclusive access to the Gulf’s best fishing spots and hidden island gems. More than just a charter, we are your fishing concierge, ensuring every trip is seamless, exciting, and tailored to your vision. Through our success, we are proud to give back to local organizations that support youth and pregnant teens, using our passion for the water to make a meaningful impact both on and off the boat.

Vision

Our vision is to be the premier fishing and adventure charter in Southwest Florida, known for our exceptional service, expert captains, and fully customizable experiences. We aim to create lifelong memories for every guest—whether they’re reeling in their first catch, exploring untouched islands, or chasing the Gulf’s most sought-after species. By continuously investing in safe, modern boats and sustainable practices, we ensure our waters remain vibrant for generations to come. Beyond the water, our vision extends to the community—where we strive to give back, inspire, and create opportunities for those in need.

Meet Our Captains

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Captain John

Anglers Choice

Licensed

30+ Years Experience

With over 30 years of experience fishing the backcountry and nearshore waters of Southwest Florida, Captain John Gauntt knows these waters like the back of his hand. From the 10,000 Islands to Boca Grande, he’ll take you to the best fishing spots, ensuring you not only land impressive catches—but make lifelong memories, too.

Whether you're after a high-energy fishing trip, a family-friendly shelling adventure, or an exciting night excursion targeting Florida’s most impressive predators, your trip is completely customizable. Just tell him what you want, and he’ll make it happen.

As a certified regional forecast guide for Saltstrong, Captain John provides weekly fishing reports and forecasts—so he always knows exactly where the action is. If you want to hear your drag scream, you’re in the right hands.

What's the best part of his job? Simple: Doing what he loves! A lifelong fisherman, Captain John thrives on being on the water, guiding guests of all ages and experience levels, and helping them reel in Southwest Florida’s world-famous species.

Captain Parker

Licensed

30+ Years Experience

Captain Parker Gauntt grew up casting lines and chasing big fish in the waters of Southwest Florida alongside his brother, Captain John. Over the years, he’s mastered the art of targeting some of North America’s most sought-after species, ensuring every trip puts you right where the bite is hottest—whether inshore or nearshore.

With Day 5, Captain Parker is all about customizing your adventure. Want a relaxing island getaway? A thrilling day of battling hard-hitting sport fish? Or maybe an adrenaline-pumping night chasing Florida’s apex ocean predators? Whatever your dream trip looks like, he’ll make it happen.

Captain Parker welcomes anglers of all experience levels, from first-timers to seasoned pros. His mission? To make sure you have the gear, guidance, and excitement needed to land that once-in-a-lifetime catch. And if there’s one sound he loves more than anything—it’s the scream of a drag peeling off line.

When he’s not leading unforgettable fishing excursions, you’ll find him on the water with his brothers or his own kids—raising the next generation of dedicated, die-hard anglers.

Ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime? Captain Parker’s got you covered!

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captain-josh

Captain Josh

Anglers Choice

Licensed

10+ Years Experience

With over 10 years of experience navigating inshore and offshore waters, Captain Joshua Cribbett is a seasoned guide who knows how to put you on the fish. His deep passion for fishing and commitment to sharing his expertise ensure that every trip is not just about the catch—but also about the experience.

Whether you're chasing trophy fish or simply looking to relax and enjoy nature, Captain Josh provides personalized trips tailored to all skill levels. His friendly, professional approach makes every outing both educational and exciting.

As a strong advocate for sustainable fishing practices, he’s dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences while respecting and preserving the environment.

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What Our Clients Say

“I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a fishing adventure with Day 5 Charters and it was truly an amazing experience. From the moment we set sail, I could tell that this was going to be a fun and memorable trip. The captain and crew were incredibly knowledgeable and made sure we had everything we needed for a successful day of fishing. But what really stood out to me was the beautiful island adventure we had while on the boat. The stunning shell collection on display was a sight to behold and added an extra layer of excitement to the trip. It was clear that the crew had put a lot of effort into creating a unique and enjoyable experience for their guests. Overall, I highly recommend Day 5 Charters for anyone looking for a fun and unforgettable fishing adventure. The combination of amazing fishing and island exploration made for a perfect day on the water. Thank you to the entire team for an incredible experience. I can't wait to come back and do it all again!”

Bill M.

“Had an amazing time working with Day 5 Charters! Everything from initial phone conversations to day of fishing went perfectly. John and Parker are great to work with, highly recommended!”

Dave A.

“Absolutely one of the most memorable experiences for our family of 6. My kids Are 10, 8, 6, and 3 and they had a blast. We did an all day island adventure and caught some fish to eat. Did some swimming and shelling and enjoyed fighting some sharks on the line too. Captain John was extremely friendly and kind. He helped my 6 and 3 year old daughters reel in some trout. I can’t wait to go out with Day 5 Charters again. They know their stuff and enjoy doing it. If you are looking for a charter in the Ft Myers area. Look no further.”

Matthew K.