About Us

About Captain Pete

I love to fish and teach others to fish.  Even as a child, fishing was a passion for me.  I hope to share my passion with you.  I have been fishing in the Venice area for 25 years.  Whether it’s nearshore reef fishing, or inshore fishing the flats, I always have a great time.  My wife and kids are my favorite fishing buddies.  I love teaching children and adults the joy of fishing.  I use light tackle rods and reels combined with artificial and live baits to adjust to the fishing conditions for maximum results.  The fishing conditions can change so fast.

Committed to Promoting Fishing Around the Venice-Sarasota Area

At Playin’ Hookey Fishing Charters, we are passionate about creating unforgettable fishing experiences.  I am a seasoned angler who loves the thrill of the catch and sharing that excitement with others.  I take pride in my extensive knowledge of local waters and fish species.

Founded on a love for adventure, we cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced fishermen. Every trip is tailored to ensure you have an enjoyable time on the water. Join me as we explore the beauty of nature while reeling in impressive catches together!

Experience deep-sea fishing for trophy catches like snapper and baracuda or try your hand at inshore fishing for redfish and snapper. Each trip is tailored to provide the thrill of reeling in something unforgettable while enjoying breathtaking views along the way.  I will ensure that you have everything you need for an amazing day out on the waves.

Exploring the Waters with Playin' Hookey Fishing Charters

At Playin’ Hookey Fishing Charters, adventure is always on the horizon. Picture yourself aboard a well-equipped fishing boat, surrounded by stunning views and the thrill of anticipation. With every cast, you’re not just fishing; you’re partaking in an exhilarating experience that connects you to nature.

Our fishing charters cater to everyone—from seasoned anglers to first-timers seeking excitement on the water. Each trip offers unique opportunities for exploration and discovery, whether it’s chasing after trophy fish or simply enjoying moments with friends and family. Prepare for a day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable catches!

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MIke Flowers profile picture
MIke Flowers
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My Grandson, 14, and I had a great time with Captain Pete. Communication was great and the directions to the boat ramp were easy to follow. We drove two hours to meet at the dock and capt Pete was already there waiting for us. We took a nice leisurely cruise on the inter coastal water way to the gulf. On the way out, we saw a Manatee. Capt Pete motored a little closer so my grandson could see it. Then we headed out to our fishing spot. We cruised out about eight miles and capt Pete put us right on top of the fish. My grandson lowered his bait to the bottom and immediately caught a snapper! I don’t know who was more excited, my grandson, me or Capt Pete! While he was reeling the fish in, Capt Pete gave him some pointers on how to make the catch easier. He was very patient with him. After catching about 30 fish at that spot, it slowed down a little, so we moved to another spot to pick up where we left off. This is where I have to say, my grandson caught more fish than I did! Near the end of our charter, we took the one “blue runner” I caught and tried to catch a barracuda from over an artificial reef. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, so we agreed we would have to come back another time. As we were going back through the inter coastal water way, we had a dolphin follow us in. We had a great day and highly recommend Capt Pete to anyone looking for a fun fishing charter. Thanks Capt Pete for a great time!
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Jennifer Parsons
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We have gone out with Captain Pete the last few years and always come home with several meals of fish! He knows where to go and doesn’t waste time on spots that aren’t hitting. He is knowledgeable about the types of fish, and shares his knowledge throughout the trip. Always a great time!
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Paul Filatov
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Had an awesome experience with Captain Pete, ride out into ocean was about 30 minutes and when we got settled we were catching fish after fish. Probably 200 total for the group of us 4. Took 37 home and since he fillets them it makes it easier to enjoy the fish. Great experience and definitely worth it.
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Debbie Ashwill
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We had a wonderful charter with Captain Pete! He always finds the fish and keeps you reeling the fish in. Best of all, he fillets them and all you need to do is invite your friends over for a fish fry! If you’re looking for a fun day on the water, you won’t regret choosing Playin’ Hookey Fishing Chaters!
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Tammy Krsko
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Captain Pete was amazing. He found a great spot. We had fish one after the other. He interacted with my grandson and made his day with his Shark catch and hauling in Groupers. Highly recommend Playing hooky and Captain Pete.
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Ryan McElroy
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Was our second time out with captain Pete and he came though and put us on the fish, got my first keeper sheepshead and first cobra today. Great time and made the best memories with the family
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Chris Babiak
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Had a five hour trip on 12/7 and were pulling up fish the whole time. Our group figured we caught 12 different species. Thanks Cap’n Pete
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Ryan Freeland
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We had an awesome day with Cpt. Pete 'Playin Hookey'. We took our 10 y.o. out for his birthday and brought along his 4 y.o. brother. The boys had a blast, we were on fish the entire trip! Would highly recommend for young families wanting to see a lot of fish and different varieties - plenty of Snapper, Grunts, Grouper, and even a Shark!
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Isaac Bell profile picture
Isaac Bell
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My wife and I came down to Florida for a vacation and wanted to do a fishing charter. I have done multiple charters in the past in places such as Alaska and lake Michigan. Pete is by far the best charter captain I've had. He knows his stuff and he knows where to find the fish. We caught a nice variety of species Such as mangrove snapper, yellow tail snapper, red grouper, porgy, croaker, trigger fish, and many more. Pete went above and beyond to make it a great experience. Next time I'm in Sarasota I will definitely be coming back to Pete for another fishing charter trip!
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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How many years of experience does Captain Pete have in Florida waters?
    • Answer: Captain Peter has 16 Years of local knowledge that ensures you are guided by a seasoned professional who knows where the fish are biting.
  2. What kind of boat will we be fishing on?
    • Answer: We operate a Sea Hunt Triton 202 equipped with the latest GPS, fish-finding technology, and safety gear.
  3. What makes Playin Hookey different from other local charters?
    • Answer: Our commitment to personalized service, high-end equipment, and a “no-pressure” atmosphere sets us apart.