Florida Inshore Fishing with All Water Expeditions
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target seven species including Redfish, Black Drum, and CobiaChoose between 4hour or 6hour inshore fishing optionsCaptain James provides all necessary fishing equipment onboardCaptain James knows these Florida inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to feel that rod bend, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. You'll be targeting some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species in waters that consistently produce quality catches. With all gear provided and a captain who lives and breathes these flats, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard.
Your 4 or 6-hour adventure takes you into Florida's productive nearshore and inshore waters where the fish are plentiful and the action is steady. Captain James runs a tight ship with space for up to 3 anglers, which means personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up with other guests. The boat is equipped with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat. These waters hold Black Drum, Redfish, Cobias, Flounders, Jack Crevalles, Spotted Seatrouts, and Tripletails, giving you plenty of variety and constant opportunities to hook up. The captain knows where these fish hang out during different tides and seasons, positioning you in the right spots at the right times.
Captain James employs a mix of proven inshore techniques depending on conditions and target species. You'll be working with medium to medium-heavy spinning gear rigged for the species you're after. Live bait fishing is a staple here – nothing beats a frisky shrimp or finger mullet when Redfish and Spotted Seatrout are feeding. For the larger Cobia and Black Drum, heavier tackle and bigger baits come into play. Artificial lures also have their place, especially when working shallow flats where Redfish cruise in skinny water. The captain reads the water, watching for diving birds, bait schools, and subtle changes in current that signal feeding fish. Drift fishing over structure produces solid results for Black Drum, while sight fishing the flats gets your heart pumping when you spot that copper-colored Redfish tailing in two feet of water.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore world, and Florida's waters hold some real giants. These fish love structure – oyster bars, bridge pilings, and channel edges where they root around for crabs and shellfish. They're most active during cooler months, and once you hook one, you'll know it. Black Drum don't run far, but they'll test your arms with their dogged, head-shaking fight. Anglers love them because they're reliable biters and excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
Sea Trout, or Spotted Seatrout as they're properly called, are Florida inshore favorites for good reason. These beautiful fish inhabit grass flats, channel edges, and oyster bars throughout the year, with peak action during spring and fall months. They're aggressive feeders that readily take both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Their distinctive spotted pattern and willingness to jump when hooked makes every Trout catch memorable, plus they're outstanding on the dinner table.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and these copper-colored fighters never disappoint. They're available year-round but really turn on during fall months when they school up in massive numbers. Reds are ambush predators that cruise shallow flats looking for crabs, shrimp, and small fish. The sight of a big Red's back and tail breaking the surface in skinny water is what inshore dreams are made of. Their powerful runs and ability to fight in shallow water creates heart-pounding action that keeps anglers coming back.
Cobia are the bonus fish that can make your whole trip. These brown sharks of the inshore world show up around structure, following rays and sharks as they forage. Spring migration brings the best Cobia action to Florida waters, when these powerful fish move through in impressive numbers. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you shots at sight fishing these 20 to 40-pound bruisers. Cobia fight hard, pulling drag and making long runs that test your tackle and skills.
Captain James has built his reputation on putting clients on fish, and his local knowledge of Florida's inshore waters is your ticket to a top-rated fishing experience. With all equipment included and a boat rigged for success, you're getting everything needed for a world-class day on the water. The small group size ensures personalized instruction and plenty of opportunities to get your line wet. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or a newcomer wanting to experience Florida's renowned inshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Don't let another season pass without experiencing what these productive waters have to offer – book your Florida inshore fishing adventure today and get ready to bend some rods.
Captain James runs a nimble motorboat perfect for chasing redfish and seatrout through Florida's shallow inshore waters. Built for three anglers, this boat gets you into those tight spots where the big drum hang out near mangroves and grass flats. The shallow draft lets you work oyster bars and back bays that bigger boats can't reach. Whether you're casting for cobia around channel markers or working the flats for spotted seatrout, this setup handles both 4-hour and 6-hour trips with ease. All your tackle and gear comes included, so you just bring yourself and get ready to fish. The boat's designed specifically for Florida's inshore game - from jacks in the passes to flounder on the bottom.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some bruiser bulls pushing 90+ pounds. These grey-black fish love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths where they use their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during this season - it's wild. They're solid fighters that'll test your drag, but stick to fish under 15 pounds for the table since the big ones get tough and stringy. Pro tip: fresh blue crab is candy to these fish, and it won't get stolen by catfish like shrimp will.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the sharks that aren't sharks - dark brown with that distinctive single dorsal fin. These bruisers average around 20-40 pounds but can hit 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. They're loners, usually found cruising near structure like reefs, wrecks, or channel markers in 20-60 feet of water. Spring through fall is peak season, especially during their spawning runs. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect - spotting these giants just under the surface - plus they're phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat. They fight hard and dirty, diving straight for structure. My advice: when you see one, cast well ahead of where it's swimming and work a bucktail jig or eel lure slowly along the bottom.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of shallow water fishing here in Florida. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots near the tail typically range from 18-27 inches in the slot, but the bull reds offshore can push 40+ pounds. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines - sometimes in water so skinny their backs show. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights in shallow water. Plus they're fantastic eating with firm, sweet meat. Here's the trick: look for nervous water or tailing fish, then present your bait quietly about 3 feet ahead of where they're heading.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call them, are beautiful silver fish covered in distinct black spots. They typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-5 pounds, though some chunky ones hit the scales much heavier. You'll find them in grass flats, around docks, and shallow bays - they love that 2-6 foot range over sandy bottoms. Fall and spring are money seasons when they're most active. These fish are absolute table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. They're also scrappy fighters with soft mouths, so keep steady pressure without horsing them. My go-to trick is fishing topwater plugs early morning over grass beds. Work it slow and steady - when they blow up on it, you'll never forget it.
Saint Augustine, FL