Raptor · Small groups · Expert skippers
Solent fishing charters aboard Raptor
The first bite. The next adventure. A day at sea with people who know their craft. Join our father-and-son skippers Glenn and Harrison Toms for private sea fishing on the Solent and the Needles offshore grounds.
Maximum 6 anglers · Private whole-boat trips from £450
Choose your fishing charter
Private sea fishing, with specialist knowledge at the helm
Raptor is our 10m Redfin sports fisher, offering private Solent and offshore fishing charters for small groups. Bring friends, family or fellow anglers for fresh air, good company and the anticipation of what the next bite might bring.
Glenn and Harrison learned their craft from commercial rod-and-line bass skippers. Their specialist experience covers bass, Atlantic bluefin tuna and sharks, including blue sharks, threshers and porbeagles. They have been heavily involved in the Cefas CHART scientific data collection programme for Atlantic bluefin tuna, with a focus on responsible catch-and-release handling.
Choose one of our winter and spring fishing trips below, or speak to Glenn about specialist fishing, seasonal availability and the right day for your group. A species or catch is never guaranteed: conditions and the fish set the pace.
Winter & spring fishing trips and prices
Solent & inshore half-day
07:30–11:30 or 12:00–16:00
- Private charter for a maximum of six anglers
- Expert skipper
- Bacon rolls, tea, coffee and soft drinks
- Optional rods, tackle and bait: £10 per angler
£450
4 hours · Whole-boat price
£510 including equipment for all six anglers.
Solent & inshore full-day
07:00 departure
- Private charter for a maximum of six anglers
- Expert skipper
- Bacon rolls, tea, coffee and soft drinks
- Optional rods, tackle and bait: £10 per angler
£675
8 hours · Whole-boat price
£735 including equipment for all six anglers.
Needles & offshore banks
Up to 6 miles offshore · 07:00 departure
- Private charter for a maximum of six anglers
- Expert skipper
- Bacon rolls, tea, coffee and soft drinks
- Optional rods, tackle and bait: £10 per angler
£750
8–10 hours · Whole-boat price
£810 including equipment for all six anglers.
Needles offshore banks & reef
6–12 miles offshore · 07:00 departure
- Private charter for a maximum of six anglers
- Expert skipper
- Bacon rolls, tea, coffee and soft drinks
- Optional rods, tackle and bait: £10 per angler
£850
8–10 hours · Whole-boat price
£910 including equipment for all six anglers.
Trip durations include travel to and from the fishing grounds. All trips are subject to weather and tidal conditions. Online bookings use a 30% deposit; read our Charter Booking Terms before booking.
Bass, bluefin tuna and shark fishing expertise
Bass fishing on the South Coast
Glenn and Harrison’s background in commercial rod-and-line bass fishing brings practical knowledge of tides, grounds and techniques to the charter experience. Talk to Glenn about seasonal bass fishing and a trip suited to your group.
Atlantic bluefin tuna: catch and release
Raptor is among the UK boats licensed for bluefin tuna catch-and-release fishing. The team’s involvement in Cefas CHART adds scientific programme experience to their work with these remarkable fish. Contact Glenn for current availability and arrangements.
Shark fishing
The team also has experience catching blue sharks, threshers and porbeagles. Discuss specialist shark fishing directly with Glenn so that the season, conditions and your expectations can shape the trip.
See photographs and Dale’s introduction to the Raptor team, or explore private sailing days aboard RaRa.
Fishing charter questions
How many anglers can book a private charter?
Raptor’s private fishing charters take a maximum of six anglers. The prices shown are for the whole boat, reserved for your group.
What is included in the price?
Your private charter includes an expert skipper, bacon rolls, tea, coffee and soft drinks. Rods, tackle and bait are optional at £10 per angler.
What are the departure times?
Half-day fishing trips run from 07:30 to 11:30 or 12:00 to 16:00. Full-day inshore and offshore trips depart at 07:00. Your meeting point is confirmed before your trip.
How long are the offshore fishing trips?
Both offshore options last 8–10 hours, including travel to and from the fishing grounds. The first covers the Needles and offshore banks up to 6 miles offshore; the banks and reef option covers 6–12 miles offshore. Conditions determine the plan on the day.
Can beginners join a fishing charter?
Speak to Glenn about your experience and what you would like to fish for. He will help you choose a trip suited to your group, whether it is your first sea-fishing outing or you are an experienced angler.
Can I enquire about bass, bluefin tuna or shark fishing?
Yes. Contact Glenn to discuss specialist fishing, current availability, seasonal conditions and the trip you have in mind. Bluefin tuna fishing is catch-and-release and subject to the applicable permissions. These specialist enquiries are separate from the winter and spring trips listed above.
Where do we meet the boat?
Departure arrangements depend on the trip. We confirm the meeting point with you before your charter; contact the fishing team if you need to discuss travel before booking.
What happens if weather or tides affect the trip?
Trips and fishing grounds are subject to weather and tidal conditions. Your skipper decides the safe plan on the day. Our Charter Booking Terms explain the weather and cancellation provisions.
Read our Charter Booking Terms.
Plan your next day fishing
Book a winter or spring charterTalk to Glenn · 07342 212211
Fishing@bigcatboatcharters.com
Alternatively: Bookings@bigcatboatcharters.com
Big Cat Boat Charters Ltd · Raptor · Solent and offshore fishing