Captain's License | Dillon Bryant, Fort Myers

What the License Covers

Dillon Bryant's Captain's License was issued by the United States Department of Commerce and permits commercial operation of fishing vessels. The license is specific to the holder and ties directly to the charter work he does with Saltwater Excursions—running inshore fishing trips through the waters of Fort Myers and Pine Island Sound.

Anyone operating a for-hire fishing vessel in U.S. waters needs this credential. It is the federal requirement that makes commercial fishing charters legal and operational. For Dillon, it means the trips you book are run by someone licensed at the federal level to captain a charter vessel.

A Day on the Water with Captain Dillon

When you step aboard Dillon's 24-foot Key West 230 Bay Reef boat, you are fishing with a licensed captain who knows Fort Myers' waters intimately. The boat fits up to four anglers and carries all the tackle, rods, and safety gear you need for a full day. Dillon handles the navigation, tide reading, and boat work so you can focus on the fishing.

The crew provides daily fishing licenses as part of your package, eliminating one more thing to arrange. At the end of the trip, your catch is cleaned and filleted for you to take home. Water and drinks are stocked aboard, so bring snacks and sunscreen, and you are set for whatever the morning or afternoon brings.

Trip Options Through Fort Myers and Pine Island Sound

Saltwater Excursions offers five different charter options, each designed around tide patterns and seasonal feeding activity. The morning trips launch at 8:00 AM into calm coastal waters, hitting shallow grass flats and mangrove shorelines where fish feed early in the day. These range from 4-hour beginner-friendly outings focused on casting technique to longer 6-hour deep-water runs that take you further into the backcountry channels and key passes.

Afternoon trips launch at 1:00 PM and work the Fort Myers passes during the shift of the midday tides. For anglers wanting the most time on the water, the full-day 8-hour marathon follows tide movements across multiple habitats, moving from quiet mangrove channels to wind-swept oyster bars and deeper water. Depending on the season and conditions, you will use light tackle, heavy tackle, or spinning techniques. Snook, Redfish, Snapper, Tarpon, Sheepshead, and Speckled Trout are all target species Captain Dillon works to put you on.

Getting Ready for Your Charter

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun and glare off the water. Wear clothes that dry quickly and non-slip footwear. Leave the tackle and safety worries to Dillon and his crew—all gear is provided, as are your daily fishing licenses. If you have never fished before or have not fished in a while, mention that when you book; Dillon offers a beginner-focused trip that walks you through casting and basic techniques in sheltered, shallow backwaters.

Bring your favorite snacks and let Dillon know if you have any dietary preferences or restrictions. The boat carries plenty of fresh water, but pack extra if you want it. Most importantly, arrive ready to spend a few hours on the water and get your hands on some inshore gamefish.