Fishing in Placida | 4 to 6 Hour Inshore Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain Stephen guides 46 hour inshore fishing adventuresTarget redfish, snook, trout, ladyfish, and sheepshead speciesFamilyfriendly trips include sandbar breaks and Gulf Coast exploration
Looking for a top-rated fishing adventure that'll get your heart pumping? Captain Stephen's inshore charter out of Placida delivers exactly what serious anglers and families are after. This Gulf Coast gem sits perfectly between Charlotte Harbor and the backwater creeks, giving you access to some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds. You'll spend 4 to 6 hours working the flats, mangrove shorelines, and deeper channels where the big fish love to hang out. Pack your lunch because we're making stops at gorgeous sandbars where you can stretch your legs and soak up the Florida sun between fishing spots.
Captain Steve knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the patience to work with everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros. Your group of up to 3 anglers will have plenty of elbow room to cast without bumping into each other. The boat's set up with quality rods, reels, and tackle – everything you need to target the species that call these waters home. We'll cruise between productive spots, reading the water and adjusting our approach based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling us. Some days they're stacked up in the grass flats, other times we'll find them ambushing baitfish along the mangrove edges. Captain Stephen keeps things relaxed but focused, sharing local knowledge and techniques that'll make you a better angler.
We fish these Placida waters using a mix of live bait and artificials, depending on what's working best. You'll get hands-on experience with everything from freelining live shrimp under the mangroves to casting topwater plugs over grass beds at first light. The captain provides medium-light spinning gear that's perfect for the inshore species we're after – sensitive enough to feel that subtle trout bite, but with enough backbone to turn a bull redfish away from the oyster bars. We use circle hooks when live baiting to ensure clean releases, and the tackle box is stocked with proven lures like DOA shrimp, spoons, and soft plastics in colors that work year-round in these waters. Depending on the tide and time of year, we might anchor up and fish structure, or spend the day sight fishing the shallows.
Spanish Mackerel are absolute rockets when they hit your line. These silver bullets show up in good numbers during the warmer months, especially around bait schools in 8-15 feet of water. They'll average 2-3 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making long runs and jumping clean out of the water. What makes them so fun is their willingness to hit both live bait and fast-moving spoons or small jigs. Kids especially love them because they bite aggressively and put on a great show.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Placida's mangrove shorelines hold some beauties. These ambush predators love to hang out in the shadows, waiting to crush anything that swims by. They're incredibly structure-oriented, so we'll work live shrimp or pinfish tight to the mangrove roots and dock pilings. A good snook will run hard for cover when hooked, testing your drag and Captain Steve's boat handling skills. The slot fish we keep are fantastic table fare, while the big breeders get a quick photo and release.
Tarpon fishing around Placida is legendary, especially during the spring and early summer months. Even the smaller tarpon we encounter will give you a workout, jumping repeatedly and making powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. These silver kings are pure adrenaline – there's nothing quite like watching a 50-pound tarpon launch itself 6 feet out of the water right next to the boat. We typically target them with live crabs or large pinfish, fishing deeper channels and passes where they stage before moving into the backcountry.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here, and Captain Steve knows exactly where to find them. These spotted beauties love the grass flats and are willing biters throughout most of the year. They make a distinctive drumming sound when you bring them to the boat, and the better fish – what we call "gator trout" – can stretch past 20 inches. They're perfect for teaching kids proper fish handling, and the smaller ones make excellent table fare when prepared right.
Redfish are the ultimate sight fishing target, and watching one crush a topwater lure in 2 feet of water never gets old. These copper-colored bruisers patrol the shallow flats in small schools, tailing and pushing water as they feed. A good red will strip line off your reel in short, powerful runs, using its broad tail and stocky build to maximum advantage. Captain Steve's got the poling skills to get you within casting distance, whether we're stalking singles on the flats or working a school we've spotted from a distance.
This world-class fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and heavy. Captain Stephen's reputation for putting clients on fish while showing them a great time makes his trips a customer favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to Florida fishing or add some new species to your personal slam, this charter delivers the goods. The combination of productive fishing, beautiful scenery, and Captain Steve's laid-back guiding style creates exactly the kind of day you'll be talking about for years. Don't wait – prime dates fill up quick, and you don't want to miss out on some of the best inshore fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer.
Get ready to hit the waters of Placida aboard our well-equipped 22' BlackJack center console! This sweet ride handles up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing redfish, snook, and trout. The fighting chair gives you the perfect spot to battle those bigger fish, while the wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on the action without spooking your targets. Captain Stephen has this boat dialed in with GPS navigation and a fish finder to locate the hottest fishing spots around our beautiful Gulf Coast waters. Keep your drinks ice-cold in the onboard icebox, and don't worry about gear – we've got rods, reels, tackle, and live bait all ready to go. Between fishing the productive inshore flats and taking lunch breaks at gorgeous sandbars, this center console delivers the perfect platform for creating lasting family memories on the water.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the perfect inshore game fish with that copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most of our fish run 20-32 inches, but we see plenty of oversized bulls that'll really put a bend in your rod. These fish love our shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing here, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes reds special is their powerful, bulldogging fight and willingness to eat everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. The slot-size fish are perfect for dinner. Here's my local secret: look for nervous water and muddy spots on calm days. Redfish tail and push water when they're feeding, giving away their location from a distance.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties average 12-18 inches and are some of the best eating fish we catch. You'll find them over grass flats and sandy bottoms in 2-8 feet of water, especially near drop-offs and potholes. They feed heavily during dawn and dusk, making early morning and evening trips productive. Fall and spring are prime time when they school up in cooler water. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite artificial lures and their sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. They're also great for kids since they fight well but aren't too overwhelming. Local trick: work your lure slow and steady over the grass. Trout are lazy feeders, so an erratic retrieve often spooks them more than it helps.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore prize with their distinctive black lateral line and that golden color that really pops in the sun. Most run 18-28 inches, but the big girls can hit 40+ and really test your tackle. These ambush predators love hanging around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in our shallow waters. They're super structure-oriented, so we target them in 2-6 feet around cover. Warmer months are best since they're cold-sensitive - anything below 60 degrees and they get sluggish. What guests love is their explosive strike and that head-shaking fight they put up. They're also great table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's a key tip: always fish the shady side of structure during bright days. Snook hate direct sunlight and will tuck under docks, mangrove overhangs, or any cover they can find.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese silvery speedsters with their distinctive yellow spots are some of the most fun fish you'll encounter on our trips. Spanish mackerel typically run 1-3 pounds and are lightning fast, often seen schooling near the surface in large groups. They love our shallow coastal waters, especially around structure like bridges and grass flats. Spring through fall are prime time when water temps warm up - they're very temperature sensitive. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and blistering runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky white meat that grills perfectly. My go-to tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast and throw small spoons or jigs. These fish move quickly, so once you find a school, work it hard before they disappear.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These prehistoric giants typically run 50-150 pounds around here, with their massive silver scales and that unforgettable jumping ability. We find them rolling in our shallow bays, around bridges, and along deeper channels in 10-30 feet of water. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through our area. Nobody targets tarpon for the table - it's all about that fight. When one goes airborne, shaking its head 6 feet out of the water, you'll understand why they're called the king of game fish. The runs are powerful and long, often taking you into your backing. Pro tip: once you hook up, bow to the king when it jumps. Drop that rod tip toward the fish to give it slack - keeps tension off the line when it's thrashing and prevents break-offs.
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