Testimonials

One could say that life is made out of experiences.  And I want to tell you about a great one I had last summer, when my husband and I had the pleasure of going fishing with Captain Rapps.  The first thing we noticed was his clean and organized boat, fully equipped with high quality equipment.  His undeniable knowledge of the waters was soon made quite obvious to us.  Our trip started with some basic instructions, and then we were off!  It was time to gather our bait for the day.  Captain Rapps not only knew what bait to use, but the best spot to find it!  Our day continued and we caught lots of fish!  But I must tell you that I was most delighted by his patience with a novice “fisherwoman” like myself, his ability to teach, and his willingness to help when I found myself “stuck!”  I even experienced the thrill of fighting a huge Tarpon!  Later in the day, I hooked a large Snook.  Captain Rapps once again helped me and coached me all the way through.  Even when I thought I had lost it, he was able use his experience and strategic fisherman’s ability to boat the beauty!  We absolutely had a great time and can’t wait to go back!

Kate Lima
Phillipsburg, NJ

My husband, Jasen, and I have wanted to catch Tarpon for years. After 2 unsuccessful charters with other “local experts”, I am sad to say we went home without catching a thing…that is until we decided to Charter with Captain Rapps Charters. We met Pete while we were both on vacation to the keys and hooked up for a day of some Tarpon Fishing in Bahia Honda State Park.
We had an incredible day on the water! Not only did Jasen and I each catch a tarpon (both were approximately 100#), we had an amazing sighting of about 3 pods of dolphins. They came so close to the boat that one actually bumped my flip flop while I was tapping the water to try and get their attention! Talk about exhilarating!
We have our trip booked already for next season with Captain Rapps! Thanks Pete, for being so helpful and accommodating!!

Ingrid Gilbert,
Naples, FL/Northampton, MA

Captain Rapps knows when to go (moon phase, tide, time of day and time of year) where to go (he's has a fantastic understanding of the complete fishing arena), and what bait was best for each area or type of fish we were catching. EXCELLENT RESULTS! I would recommend his charter to anyone who wants to enjoy an outdoor fishing excursion.

From beginner to veteran, Capt Rapps will give you as much (or as little) attention as you need in order to make your excursion enjoyable and memorable. Even the scenery was amazing. If you have the time between landing fish...you can take some gallery quality photographs of the natural beauty of Florida.

Scott O’Connor
Naples, FL

Captain Pete Rapps has provided me with some of the best fishing experiences over my 25 year fishing career. He has the keen ability of understanding tides, weather conditions, water temperature and time of year that in turn allows him to understand fish patterns.  This allows him to locate fish quickly and consistently.  Capt Rapps is a great teacher, this includes; fishing technique, knot tying, bait selection, bait presentation, hook setting technique and fish fighting technique.  I have always walked away from a Capt Rapps fishing trip with gained knowledge.

I have personally been on Capt Rapps boat when we have caught numerous species of fish to include; snook, redfish, tarpon, jewfish, pompano, mangrove snapper, cobia, spotted trout, triple tail and shark.  I have had numerous 50+ fish outings with him!!!

I have included a few other qualities that I find to be important when deciding on a guide.

•    Utmost confidence in providing a SAFE fishing experience.
•    Knowledge of the waters (Everglades National Park) is unprecedented.
•    Has the ability to focus on a single species of fish.
•    Skilled at locating and capturing live bait.  
•    Great personality that caters to all skill levels of anglers.

I can attest first hand to Capt Rapps guide abilities.  He is an all around excellent angler that I would strongly recommend to all.

Jeff Zellers “Super Sportsman”
Miami Beach, FL

I have had the opportunity to enjoy Captain Pete Rapps on several occasions as a fishing guide out of Chokoloskee. Each time is a new and exciting experience. Captain Pete is an excellent guide who truly knows the back waters of the area and where the good spots are to catch fish. On different occasions I have caught Snook, Redfish, Goliath Grouper, Snapper, and chased a few Tarpon. Pete is very patient with his students and is always helpful in setting up the rods and reels as well as suggesting bait to use in different areas. He has all the necessary equipment for a fun packed day of success.

Courtney Curatolo,

Naples, FL

I recently had the pleasure of a fishing charter with Captain Pete Rapps.  I have gone with many fishing charters in this area, however, this time I had a special need that Captain Rapps fulfilled so well.  I wanted to expose my grandchildren who were ages 5 & 6 to fishing for the first time.   I was concerned that they would get bored easily and not have a good experience.  I decided to book the charter for only a half day and actually expected that we would come back earlier as I thought that my grandchildren would not have the attention span to stay out too long.

I was amazed how Captain Rapps understood the need of making the kids really enjoy their first fishing experience.  From the moment they got on his boat, Captain Rapps focused all his attention on keeping them busy and involved with all the aspects of boating, fishing and the marine life around them.  The kids were totally amazed and enthralled the entire trip.

To my amazement , we got on the boat at 8 Am and did not return to the dock until 3:30 and even at that late hour, the children kept saying:  "we don't want to go back.....we want to fish more"

It was a pleasure to be with not only an excellent guide, but an individual who goes out of his way in all respects, to please his clients.  I am anxious to go with Captain Rapps again in the future and be catered to as he catered to my grandchildren.

Dr. Lee Weiss
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Captain Rapps really knows ……  Every time we have gone out fishing, Captain PeteRapps has put us on lots of fish and we had a great time!  I’ve learned so much about what kind of fish likes certain types of bait,  and the most important lesson has been how to “Bow to the King” (Tarpon).  I confidently recommend Captain Rapps to anyone who wants to catch a lot of fish!

DR. Thomas J. Albert
Naples, FL

I just want to thank you again for a great time. This was by far the best fishing trip I ever had. Chris was really impressed with you. He enjoyed your coaching and could not believe how hard the snook fight. You must have put us on 40 Snook.

Being from the concrete jungle, I had no idea how beautiful the Everglades National Park was, even after living in Florida for over 20 years.

I can't wait to do this again. You can't beat fishing with great friends, great guide, I should say the best guide I ever fished with, and a ton of laughs. I can't say enough about what a great time we had.

Greg Scalogna,

Naples, FL

I have known and fished with Capt. Rapps in the 10,000 islands for many years. Never have I had a guide who has such an organized boat and great equipment.  He always has the latest and greatest top gear to get the job done right. I have seen Capt. Rapps gather the best live bait after just a couple of fantastic cast net throws, and off we were for many productive days of fishing. On more than one occasion, he has personally put me on to 40+ snook in a single day!

I am a Keys fisherman, and when I want a change of pace to catch backwater fish, I call Capt. Rapps for some quality catching. He knows his stuff.

Lou Clementi
Big Pine Key, FL

I have lived in Florida full time now for 10 years and I fish at least two days a week.  My best fishing adventures have been with Captain Pete Rapps out of Chokoloskee.  His knowledge of the 10,000 islands is so complete that we have always caught fish - large and small - and had a good time.  From catching live bait, learning a new hook-up, or trick to get the big one in the boat.  We have caught just about every fish out there….. Snook, Reds, Trout, Mackerel, and more! Captain Pete always keep his boat in tip top shape and has several rods set up for back up in case you get broke off or spooled by something unexpected, like a big bull shark.  This is why the most memorable fishing I have done has been with Captain Pete Rapps.  If you want a trip you will remember, give it a try!

You will be hooked too!!

Charles (Chip) Stayton
Naples, FL

I have fished with Captain Rapps a multitude of times with my wife, clients, and friends. Captain Rapps, not only knows his way around one of the most beautiful parts of the world, but he manages to put us on the fish every time too! Whether I am looking for a hardcore fishing trip with the guys until the sun goes down, or a leisurely trip with my wife including some sight seeing, he delivers. We have caught many species including redfish, flounder, stingray, jacks, pompano, sheepshead, jewfish, trout, and lots of snook, including him getting my wife a beautiful 36" snook! Being out with Captain Rapps is not only a hoot, but we always feel safe, and get to use the best equipment. He is accommodating, polite, and knows what he's doing. We've been out with other guides, but always call Captain Pete Rapps first. Simply put, Captain Rapps is the finest fishing guide I've ever fished with.


Joel Gravina
Naples, FL

Captain Pete Rapps knows what bait to use, has high quality fishing gear, and always has new gear ready when line broke off. He is an expert in live bait gathering and has great cast net throwing abilities. The Sterling flats boat is always clean & organized, and loaded with all the necessary equipment. He is patient and willing to teach. With Capt Pete, we always catch a wide variety of fish, which gives me confidence in the captain and his abilities. Having a satellite telephone onboard made me feel safe. We always have fun with Capt Pete, it is the best fishing experience.

Joe Minutolo

St. Pete Beach, FL