Full Day Inshore Trip in Hernando Beach, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish, shark, and jacksSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests maximumManatee sightings possible while fishing Gulf of Mexico waters
Ready to spend six solid hours working the flats and grass beds around Hernando Beach? This full-day inshore charter with Adventure Coast Charters gives you the time you need to really dial in on some of Florida's best backwater fishing. We're talking redfish tailing in shallow water, jacks blowing up your topwater, and maybe even a bonnethead shark to test your drag. With just two anglers max, you'll get the personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and one you'll be talking about all year. Plus, don't be surprised when curious manatees cruise by to check out what we're up to – happens more often than you'd think in these protected waters.
Your captain knows these Gulf Coast flats like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish using decades of local knowledge. We launch right from Hernando Beach and work the productive waters of the Weeki Wachee River system, grass flats, and oyster bars that hold fish year-round. The beauty of a six-hour trip is we can adjust our game plan based on conditions – if the redfish are being finicky on the flats, we'll move to structure for some aggressive jacks or work the channels for sea trout. This isn't a rushed three-hour deal where you're watching the clock. You'll have time to learn the water, understand why fish hold in certain spots, and really work on your technique. The intimate two-person limit means your captain can coach you through presentations and help you read the water like a local.
We fish light tackle here – mostly spinning gear in the 2500 to 4000 size range spooled with 10-20 pound braid. Your captain provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but feel free to bring your favorite setup if you've got one. Depending on what's biting, we'll be throwing everything from topwater plugs at first light to soft plastics worked slow along the bottom. Live shrimp is always a producer, but don't overlook artificials – a well-placed DOA or Z-Man paddle tail can absolutely light up the bite when conditions are right. The water around Hernando Beach ranges from two to eight feet deep most places we fish, so we're sight fishing a lot of the time. Your eyes are as important as your rod – learning to spot wakes, nervous water, and fish shadows makes you a better angler no matter where you fish.
Sea trout are the bread and butter around here, and for good reason. These spotted beauties love the grass beds and drop-offs we fish, especially during moving water. Spring through fall they're aggressive and plentiful, with fish running 14-20 inches being pretty typical. What makes trout fishing so addictive is their willingness to hit topwater – there's nothing quite like watching a nice gator trout blow up on a Spook at dawn. They're also perfect for teaching new anglers since they're forgiving and fight well on light tackle.
Redfish are the real stars of the show though. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats in packs, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Reds here typically run 18-27 inches with plenty of slot fish to take home for dinner. Late summer and early fall are prime time when schools of fish push bait in skinny water. The thrill of watching a red's back wake through two feet of water as it hunts your lure never gets old. They fight like freight trains and test every knot you tie.
Bonnethead sharks might seem like an odd target, but these mini-hammerheads are a blast on light tackle. They're common in the grass beds and surprisingly scrappy fighters. Most run 2-3 feet long and they'll absolutely scream line off your reel. Kids especially love the excitement of catching a shark, even if it's a smaller cousin of the big boys offshore. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep one.
Crevalle jacks are pure adrenaline on a fishing line. These golden torpedoes travel in schools and when they're feeding, it's game on. Jack fishing is visual and exciting – you'll see birds working, bait scattering, and fish crashing the surface. They hit hard, run fast, and will humble your tackle if you're not ready. A 10-pound jack on spinning gear feels like you hooked a submarine. They're catch-and-release fish but provide some of the most exciting action you'll find in these waters.
Bluefish round out our target list and they're aggressive biters that save the day when other species are being picky. They love cut bait and artificials, hit hard, and fight well for their size. Blues here typically run 1-3 pounds and they're excellent eating when iced immediately. They also make great strip bait for bigger fish if we decide to target some of those bonnetheads.
Six hours on the water gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Hernando Beach inshore fishing has to offer. You'll learn the water, catch multiple species, and come away with stories and techniques that'll make you a better angler. The two-person limit ensures quality over quantity – this is about fishing, not just boat rides. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table, introduce someone to saltwater fishing, or just spend a day doing what you love, this charter delivers. Adventure Coast Charters has the local knowledge and equipment to make it happen. Don't wait until prime season books up – reserve your dates now and get ready for some of the Gulf Coast's best inshore action.
Your fishing platform for this 6-hour Gulf Coast adventure is a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious inshore fishing around Hernando Beach. The boat handles two anglers comfortably while you target redfish, shark, and jacks in these productive waters. An onboard fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the big ones hide, while GPS navigation keeps you on the hottest spots. When conditions get hazy on the water, radar ensures safe passage back to port. The wireless trolling motor lets you move silently through shallow grass flats without spooking wary redfish, and there's an ice box to keep your catch fresh. You might even spot manatees cruising nearby as you work the flats - just another day fishing Florida's Nature Coast.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are voracious predators that show up in our waters during the warmer months, typically running 1-10 pounds. They've got razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match - handle with care. You'll find them around structure, bait schools, or cruising open water looking for trouble. Summer into early fall is prime time when they migrate through. What makes blues exciting is their aggressive feeding frenzies - when they're on the bite, it's fast action. They're good eating when fresh, though bigger ones get oily. These fish are opportunistic, so almost any baitfish works. Cut bait shaped like a small lure is deadly effective. When you find feeding birds over churning water, that's likely a "bluefish blitz" - get your line in quick.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the smallest hammerheads you'll encounter, usually 3-4 feet long with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. They're actually pretty timid and harmless - only one recorded bite on humans ever. These sharks prefer shallow bays and estuaries, often in just a few feet of water. Summer and fall are best when they migrate down from the Carolinas to our warmer Gulf waters. What makes them fun is the scrappy fight they put up despite their size. They school up in groups of 10-15, so where you find one, there's usually more. Fresh blue crab is hands-down the best bait - cut it in half and hook it through a leg. They'll smell that crab from way off and come looking for an easy meal.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bullies of the flats - aggressive, powerful fish that average 3-5 pounds but can hit 60. You'll spot their brassy green backs and golden sides cutting through the water. They hunt both shallow grass beds and deeper structure, often pushing baitfish to the surface where birds dive on them. That's your cue to get over there fast. Year-round fishing here, but summer is peak. What guests love is the raw power - these fish fight way above their weight class and never give up. They're not great eating, but the fight is worth it. Watch for diving birds, then cast silver spoons or swimbaits past the school and retrieve fast. Jacks love the chase, so keep that lure moving aggressively.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our flats fishing. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches and are built like tanks. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail - it's their signature. They cruise super shallow water, sometimes with their backs showing, around oyster bars and grass flats. Fall and spring are prime time when they school up. What guests love about reds is their bulldogging fight - they'll peel drag and make long runs. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, mild meat. The fish are spooky in shallow water, so keep noise down and make long casts. My go-to trick: use a gold spoon and work it slow over the grass. When you see that wake coming at your lure, get ready.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, run 14-24 inches typically, though bigger ones surprise you. They love grass flats and shallow water around here, especially at night when they get aggressive. Best fishing happens spring through fall when water temps are right. These fish have a delicate, flaky white meat that's excellent eating - just don't overcook it. What makes trout fishing fun is their willingness to hit topwater plugs and soft plastics. They're not the strongest fighters, but they're consistent biters. Pro tip: use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below - the noise draws them in, and when you see that cork disappear, set the hook quick.
Hernando Beach, FL