Florida Near Shore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Light tackle and fly fishing with expert Captain JamesTarget tarpon, cobia, seatrout and other inshore speciesSmall group charter accommodates up to three guestsCaptain James knows these Florida waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This isn't your typical charter boat grind – we're talking stalking fish in skinny water where every cast counts. You'll be working with light tackle and fly gear, getting up close and personal with some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. Whether you're throwing live bait or presenting flies, this top-rated fishing experience keeps groups small at just three anglers, so everyone gets plenty of action and personalized instruction.
Captain James runs a tight ship focused on putting you in the right spots at the right time. We're talking about sight fishing and stalking – the kind of angling where you actually see your target before you make your cast. The shallow flats and nearshore structure around Florida hold an amazing variety of fish, and James has dialed in the patterns over years of guiding these waters. You'll spend your day moving between different zones, reading the water, and adapting your approach based on conditions. Some days we're working the grass flats for trout and flounder, other times we're hunting bigger game like cobia and tarpon around structure. The beauty of this fishery is its diversity – you never know what's going to eat your bait next. James provides all the light tackle you need, plus he's got live bait ready to go when the fish want the real deal over artificials.
We're not talking about heavy offshore gear here – this is finesse fishing at its best. Light spinning tackle lets you feel every bump and gives these fish a real chance to show what they're made of. Captain James will have you rigged with everything from 1/8-ounce jig heads to topwater plugs, depending on what the fish are telling us. The fly fishing opportunities are world-class, especially when the tarpon and jack crevalle are schooled up. James knows how to position the boat for perfect presentations, whether you're stripping streamers through a feeding school or laying down a perfect cast to a laid-up fish. Live bait fishing here is an art form too – knowing how to present a live shrimp or pilchard so it looks natural in the current. We're constantly reading water temperature, tide movement, and bait activity to stay one step ahead. The shallow nature of this fishery means stealth matters, so we're always thinking about sun angle, boat positioning, and keeping noise to a minimum.
Crevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the flats, and Florida's nearshore waters hold some bruisers. These fish average 5-15 pounds but can push well over 20, and they'll test every knot you tie. They school up heavily during spring and fall migrations, creating some of the most exciting sight fishing opportunities you'll find anywhere. Jacks are opportunistic feeders that crush topwater lures and flies with reckless abandon. What makes them special is their raw power – they'll make screaming runs that'll have your drag singing and your arms burning.
Cobia are the ghosts of the structure, and Captain James knows exactly where to find them. These bronze-colored bruisers cruise the nearshore reefs and around channel markers, often following rays and sharks. They're curious fish that will come right up to the boat to investigate, giving you heart-stopping visual presentations. Cobia season peaks in spring when they're moving through on their spawning migration, but residents stick around year-round. They're incredible on light tackle, making long, powerful runs and never giving up easy. Most fish run 20-40 pounds, with bigger specimens always possible.
Tripletail are one of Florida's quirkiest inshore species, and finding them is half the fun. These flat, disc-shaped fish love to hang around floating debris, channel markers, and crab trap floats. They're ambush predators that drift along looking like floating leaves until an unsuspecting baitfish gets too close. Spring through fall offers the best tripletail action, and they're suckers for live shrimp presented just right. They fight with a unique head-shaking, twisting style that keeps you guessing. Most tripletail run 3-8 pounds, but their unusual appearance and fighting style makes every one memorable.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottoms waiting for an easy meal. These flatfish are scattered throughout Florida's inshore waters, but Captain James knows the productive spots where they concentrate. Fall and winter offer prime flounder fishing when cooler water temperatures get them more active. They're excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle, though their subtle bites require some finesse to detect. Most flounder here run 1-4 pounds, with doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds considered real trophies. They respond well to slow-moving jigs and live bait presentations worked right along the bottom.
This customer favorite fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active. Captain James's local knowledge and small group approach means you're getting quality time on productive water, not just another crowded charter boat experience. Whether you're new to light tackle fishing or a seasoned angler looking to dial in your inshore game, this trip delivers the goods. The variety of species and techniques keeps things interesting all day long, and you'll come away with skills that translate to fishing anywhere. Don't wait – the best fishing days fill up quick, and you don't want to miss out on what could be your best day on the water this year.
Captain James runs a well-equipped sportfishing boat perfect for Florida's inshore waters. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting fish, while the fish finder helps locate schools below. Stay comfortable with the onboard ice box keeping your catch fresh and drinks cold. VHF radio keeps you connected to other anglers and marine traffic, plus GPS navigation ensures you hit the best fishing spots. This setup handles up to 3 guests and works great for both light tackle and fly fishing. Whether you're after tarpon rolling on the surface, seatrout in the grass flats, or cobia cruising the shallows, this boat gets you where the fish are. Captain James knows these waters and will put you on flounder, jacks, tripletail, and whatever else is biting. The boat's shallow draft lets you work the backcountry spots where bigger boats can't go, while still being stable enough for open water when the fish are offshore.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - their dark color and dorsal fin fool people constantly. These solitary hunters average around 30-40 pounds in our waters, though 60+ pounders show up each season. You'll find them around structure like reefs, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they move through in big numbers. What sets cobia apart is the combination of size, fight, and some of the best eating you'll find in salt water - firm, white meat that rivals any restaurant fish. The trick is sight fishing. They cruise just under the surface, so keep your eyes peeled for that distinctive brown shadow. Once spotted, drop a bucktail jig right in front of them. Color doesn't matter much, but that vertical presentation gets their attention fast.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of Florida's near shore waters. These brassy-green bruisers average 3-5 pounds but can push 20+ when you find the right schools. They love shallow grass flats, sandy bays, and hang around structure where they can ambush baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps climb. What makes them special? Pure aggression - they'll crush lures with reckless abandon and fight way above their weight class. Plus, they make great table fare when iced quickly. Here's the key: look for diving birds working the surface. Jacks push bait up from below while birds attack from above. Cast silver spoons or bucktails past the commotion and burn them back through the chaos. That fast retrieve triggers their predator instincts every time.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sand and mud on shallow flats where they ambush unsuspecting prey. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds, with both eyes on their left side - nature's oddball design. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays, estuaries, and shallow coastal areas, especially around grass beds and drop-offs. Fall and winter months are peak season when they're most active and easier to locate. They're popular because they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat, plus they provide a unique challenge since you're essentially hunting invisible fish. The secret is moving slowly and feeling for that telltale thump when they grab your bait. Use live shrimp or bull minnows on a light jig head, and work it right along the bottom. When you feel that tap, count to three before setting the hook.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of Florida's most unique targets - they literally float on their sides mimicking debris to ambush prey. These chunky, olive-colored fish average 5-15 pounds and can change color to match their surroundings. You'll spot them near weed lines, floating objects, and structure in 10-50 feet of water. Summer months from June through September offer the best opportunities when they're most active near shore. What makes them special? They're surprisingly acrobatic for such a stocky fish, and the meat tastes like a cross between snapper and grouper. The challenge is getting close without spooking them - they're easily startled. Best approach is to cast well past where you see one floating and slowly work your bait or lure toward them. Let the fish come to you rather than putting it right on their head. Shrimp or small crabs work best.
Saint Augustine, FL