Placida Nearshore Fishing With Captain Steve
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Captain Steve guides 46 hour nearshore fishing adventures in PlacidaTarget snapper, grouper, mackerel, kingfish, cobia, and grunts offshoreSmall group experience accommodates up to 4 guests maximum
Captain Steve's been running these waters around Placida for years, and he knows exactly where the fish are biting. When you step aboard his boat for this 4-6 hour nearshore charter, you're getting more than just a fishing trip – you're getting a guide who lives and breathes these waters. Whether you've been fishing since you could hold a rod or you're just starting out, Steve's got the patience and know-how to put you on fish. The best part? You'll be targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after species without having to venture too far from shore. Perfect for those who want solid action without the long run to deeper waters.
This charter runs anywhere from 4 to 6 hours depending on what you're after and how the bite is going. Steve keeps his boat stocked with quality gear, but feel free to bring your own setup if you've got favorites. The nearshore waters around Placida offer incredible variety – one minute you're working structure for grouper, the next you're watching your drag scream as a kingfish takes off. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, so you won't be elbow-to-elbow fighting for space. Steve's approach is hands-on but relaxed. He'll tie your rigs, net your fish, and share stories between bites, but he's not going to hover over you. This is your trip, and he wants you to enjoy every minute of it. The waters here stay fishable year-round, with different species moving through based on the seasons.
Nearshore fishing around Placida means working a mix of live bait, cut bait, and artificials depending on what's running. Steve typically starts the day with live shrimp or pinfish on the bottom rigs for snapper and grouper around the structure. For the mackerel and kings, you'll be trolling spoons or working with live sardines near the surface. The depth here ranges from 15 to 40 feet, so you're not dealing with the heavy tackle needed for deep water. Medium spinning rigs and conventional setups work perfectly. Steve keeps a good selection of weights, hooks, and leaders on board since the bottom can be grabby around the reefs and hard spots. When the sheepshead are biting, he'll switch things up with fiddler crabs or sand fleas on smaller hooks. The key to success out here is staying mobile and reading the water – something Steve does better than most.
Lane snapper are the bread and butter of these nearshore trips. These colorful little fighters show up in good numbers around the rock piles and artificial reefs. They're not huge – typically running 8 to 12 inches – but they're aggressive biters and great eating. Lane snapper respond well to small pieces of cut bait or live shrimp fished on light tackle. The best action usually happens during moving water, and Steve knows exactly which spots produce when the tide is right. What makes lane snapper special is their willingness to bite year-round, making them a reliable target when other species are finicky.
Spanish mackerel bring the speed and excitement to these trips. When they're running thick from spring through fall, you'll see them busting bait on the surface and creating feeding frenzies that get your heart pumping. These silver bullets typically weigh 1 to 3 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. They love small spoons, gotcha plugs, or live sardines trolled at moderate speeds. The key is keeping your drag smooth because their initial run can snap light line in a heartbeat. Spanish mackerel are also fantastic table fare when prepared fresh, with their rich, flaky meat perfect for the grill.
Gag grouper are the prize catch on these nearshore adventures. These bottom dwellers hang around the hard structure in 20 to 35 feet of water, and landing one is always a battle. Gags typically run 15 to 25 pounds in these waters, though Steve's seen plenty of bigger ones over the years. They're ambush predators that hit hard and immediately try to get back to their holes, so you need to be ready with steady pressure and a good drag system. The season runs from July through December, with the fall months producing the most consistent action. There's nothing quite like the thump of a gag taking your bait and that first powerful run toward the bottom.
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper as many call them, are the smartest fish you'll target on these trips. They're notorious for their cautious nature and ability to steal bait without getting hooked. But when you do connect with one, you're in for a solid fight. These guys typically run 12 to 16 inches around Placida's nearshore waters and are considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Steve's learned that lighter leaders and smaller hooks often make the difference with grey snapper. They're structure-oriented fish that hold tight to the bottom, so expect to lose some tackle when targeting them.
Sheepshead round out the target species list and provide some of the most technical fishing you'll experience. These black-and-white striped convicts have human-like teeth designed for crushing crustaceans, making them masters at bait theft. They're most active during the cooler months when they move to the nearshore structures for spawning. A good sheepshead runs 2 to 4 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 6 or 7 pounds. The trick is using small hooks, light line, and fresh bait like fiddler crabs or sand fleas. When you feel that subtle tick-tick-tick on your line, you need to set the hook immediately before they steal your bait and swim away.
Captain Steve's nearshore charters offer the perfect balance of action, variety, and accessibility that keeps anglers
Captain Steve's 22' BlackJack center console is your ticket to productive nearshore fishing around Placida's rich waters. This nimble boat handles up to 4 anglers comfortably and comes rigged with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, and fresh live bait. The onboard fighting chair gives you leverage when battling bigger fish like kingfish and cobia, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when sneaking up on snapper and grouper. GPS and fish finder technology help locate the hottest spots, and the icebox keeps your drinks cold and catch fresh. Whether you're dropping lines for grunts and mackerel or targeting trophy fish, this well-equipped center console puts you in prime position for a successful day on the Gulf. Captain Steve knows these waters inside and out, so you'll spend more time fishing and less time searching.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bruisers of our nearshore reefs, averaging 20 inches but capable of hitting 50+ inches and 80 pounds. They're not the prettiest fish - kind of drab gray with marbled patterns - but what they lack in looks they make up for in fight. These fish love structure: reefs, wrecks, rock piles anywhere they can ambush prey. Adults prefer offshore spots while juveniles stick closer to shore. They're notorious for making hard runs straight back to the rocks once hooked, so you need to muscle them up fast. The meat is outstanding - firm, white fillets that are perfect for any recipe. Best fishing is around structure with live pinfish or mullet. Here's the key: once you hook one, lock that drag and don't give them an inch, or they'll dive straight into a hole and break you off every time.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but what really gets people talking are their human-like teeth. They average 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though big ones can hit 20 pounds. These fish live around any structure - docks, bridges, pilings, reefs - anywhere barnacles and crabs hang out. Spring months, especially February through April, are prime time when they spawn around passes and jetties. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with incredible eyesight and smart feeding habits. The reward is some of the finest eating fish in our waters with sweet, white meat. They're tough to clean but worth it. My secret: get your bait tight to the structure and use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs. When you feel that telltale nibbling, set the hook hard - they've got crusher jaws.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are silver speedsters with dark green backs and distinctive yellow spots scattered along their sides. They typically run 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds, but their speed is what gets your attention - these fish move fast and fight hard. You'll find schools of them near the surface around structures, flats, and oyster bars. In warmer months they come closer to shore, making them great targets from piers and jetties. What guests love is the non-stop action when you hit a school, plus they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. They hit spoons, jigs, and live bait like sardines or shrimp. Pro tip: when you see birds working the surface, get there quick - Spanish Mackerel are probably feeding underneath and you can catch them one after another on small shiny lures.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snappers are those pretty pink-red fish with yellow lines running down their sides like candy stripes. Most run 10-14 inches and a couple pounds, but we occasionally see them pushing 20 inches. They hang around coral reefs and sandy bottoms with lots of vegetation, usually between 70-230 feet deep. March through September is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavily. What makes them fun is they're aggressive biters - not as spooky as other snappers around hooks and lines. Once hooked, they'll give you a decent scrap for their size. The meat is excellent eating with white, flaky flesh. Here's the thing most folks don't know: they often show up as bonus fish when you're targeting red snapper or grouper, which is why some guides call them "dessert fish." Use fresh shrimp or cut bait near structure.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snappers, also called Mangrove Snappers, are smart, spooky fish that change from copper-red to bright red depending on mood and bottom. They average 10-14 inches inshore, but open water fish can hit 20 pounds. These nocturnal hunters love structure - docks, mangroves, reefs, any cover where they can ambush prey. They're most active at night and around new moon periods when it's darker. What makes them challenging is they're opportunistic but cautious, often stealing bait without getting hooked. The payoff is some of the best eating you'll find - white, flaky meat with mild flavor. They prefer live shrimp hooked through the tail, but stay patient. Here's my tip: once your bait hits bottom, reel up just a foot so it doesn't snag, then wait. No fancy moves - let them come to you, and when you feel that tap, give them a second before setting the hook.
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