6-Hour Charter Fishing Trip with Captain Anthony
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6hour nearshore fishing charter targeting multiple fish speciesAll equipment, bait, licenses, and catch cleaning includedProfessional captain guides up to 4 guests offshore
Picture this: you're 9 miles off the Florida coast, rod bent double, fighting what could be the fish of a lifetime. That's exactly what Captain Anthony delivers on his 6-hour charter fishing adventures. This isn't your typical dock fishing – we're talking serious nearshore action where the big boys hang out. With space for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work your lines without bumping into each other. Captain Anthony's got decades of experience reading these waters, and he knows exactly where to find the fish when they're biting.
Your day starts early – that's when the fish are most active and the competition is lightest. Captain Anthony meets you at the dock with everything ready to go: top-shelf rods and reels, fresh tackle, and live bait that'll make any fish's mouth water. Don't worry about scrambling for a fishing license at the last minute – that's all taken care of. The boat heads out into Florida's productive nearshore waters, where structure and currents create perfect hunting grounds for multiple species. You'll spend your time working different depths and techniques, from bottom fishing around structure to trolling the open water. When you hook up, Captain Anthony is right there with the net and plenty of encouragement. At the end of the day, he'll clean your catch so you can head home with dinner ready for the pan.
This charter runs the full spectrum of nearshore fishing techniques. You'll be bottom fishing with circle hooks and heavy sinkers when targeting grouper around structure, using live bait like pinfish or grunts. For the pelagic species like king mackerel, we'll troll with spoons, live bait, or fresh-rigged ballyhoo at varying speeds and depths. The tackle is matched to the target – heavy conventional reels with 50-pound test for the big grouper, and lighter spinning gear when the bite calls for finesse. Captain Anthony reads the conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the day. If the bottom bite is slow, we might switch to trolling. If the kings are running, we'll focus our efforts there. The nearshore zone we fish extends up to 9 miles out, covering everything from ledges and wrecks in 40 feet of water to deeper structure in 100+ feet. This variety keeps things interesting and maximizes your chances of multiple species.
Gag Grouper are the bread and butter of Florida's nearshore scene, and for good reason. These bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can push 40+ pounds when you find the right spot. They're structure-oriented fish that hang around ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom. Gags are most active during cooler months, roughly October through March, when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them so exciting is the initial fight – they'll try to dive straight back to their hole, testing your drag and technique. The meat is firm, white, and absolutely delicious.
Goliath Grouper represent the ultimate Florida fishing experience. These giants can exceed 400 pounds and live for decades, making every encounter special. They're catch-and-release only due to conservation efforts, but don't let that fool you – landing one is a bucket-list achievement. Goliaths prefer structure in 20-100 feet of water and are most active in summer months. The fight is legendary – they'll try to wrap you around structure, and even with heavy tackle, it's a battle of endurance. Captain Anthony knows the productive spots where these dinosaurs hide.
King Mackerel bring speed and acrobatics to your fishing day. These torpedo-shaped predators average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ in Florida waters. They're most active from spring through fall, following bait schools along the coast. Kings are notorious for their blistering runs and aerial displays when hooked. They cruise at various depths, making them perfect targets for trolling or live bait fishing. The key is finding the right depth and speed combination, something Captain Anthony has dialed in over years of chasing these speedsters.
Hogfish are the chameleons of the reef, changing colors to match their surroundings. They typically run 3-8 pounds, though bigger ones exist. These fish are prized for their sweet, flaky meat – many consider them the best eating fish in Florida waters. Hogfish prefer sandy areas near structure where they can root around for crustaceans and mollusks. They're year-round residents but bite best during cooler months. The challenge with hogfish is their light bite – you need to stay alert and set the hook quickly when you feel that subtle tap.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they make up for it with raw power. These silver bulldogs average 10-20 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. They're opportunistic feeders that travel in schools, often following bait balls near the surface. Jacks are most active during warmer months and provide non-stop action when you find a school. They'll test your tackle with powerful runs and circle fights that seem to go on forever. While not typically kept for the table, they're perfect for anglers who love the fight more than the filet.
Florida's nearshore fishing scene delivers year-round action, but the best days fill up fast. Captain Anthony's 6-hour charters give you serious time to work the water and target multiple species without feeling rushed. With all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning included, you just need to show up ready to fish. The 4-angler limit means personalized attention and plenty of space to work. Whether you're after dinner or just looking to bend some rods, this charter puts you on fish in some of Florida's most productive waters. Don't wait – the fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is just a phone call away.
Captain Anthony's 24-foot T-Craft center console is your ticket to Florida's productive inshore waters. This reliable 2001 vessel packs serious power with its 250HP Yamaha outboard, cruising comfortably at 45 knots to get you to the fish fast. Built for serious anglers, she handles up to 4 guests with plenty of room to work the water. The boat comes fully rigged for success with GPS navigation to hit those proven honey holes and a fish finder that'll show you exactly what's swimming below. The wireless trolling motor lets you drift silently over shallow flats without spooking the fish, while the spacious icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long fights. Whether you're targeting snook in the mangroves, redfish on the flats, or venturing up to 9 miles out for bigger species, this center console handles Florida's varied waters with ease. Captain Anthony provides all the gear - quality rods, reels, tackle, and live bait - plus takes care of fishing licenses and cleaning your catch. Just bring yourself and get ready to bend some rods in some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of Florida waters, typically running 3-15 pounds but capable of reaching 60+ pounds. These brassy-gold fighters patrol shallow flats, grass beds, and offshore structure year-round, with peak action during warmer months. They travel in aggressive schools, pushing baitfish to the surface where diving birds give away their location. What guests love is the raw power - pound for pound, few fish fight harder or make longer runs. They're not great eating, but the battle more than makes up for it. Look for bird activity and surface commotion when they're feeding. They'll hit live bait, spoons, jigs, and topwater plugs. Pro tip: when you find a school feeding on top, cast past them and retrieve fast through the edges. They love the chase and that aggressive retrieve triggers their predator instincts.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper average around 20 inches but can grow up to 4 feet and 80 pounds. These grey, marble-patterned fish love rocky bottoms, reefs, and shipwrecks in 40-120 feet of water. Juveniles hang inshore while adults head offshore. They're ambush predators that'll slam your bait hard then try dragging it straight back to their hole. What makes them special is the fight - once hooked, they put up a serious battle trying to get back to structure. The meat is excellent eating, sweet and flaky. Best fishing is spring through fall when they're most active. Here's the key: use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, keep your drag locked tight, and don't let them freewheel back to the rocks. The second they hit, pull hard and get them up off the bottom fast.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are monsters - they can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds, making them Florida's most impressive catch-and-release target. These giants hang around shallow reefs, wrecks, and structure in 30-150 feet, often stalking the same spots for years. They're strictly protected, so it's catch, photo, and release only. What guests love is the sheer power - that first pull can yank you right off your feet if you're not ready. They hit slow-moving baits like big chunks of fish or live crabs. The fight is intense but short-lived since they can't sustain long runs. You'll need heavy tackle - 80-wide reels with 400-600 pound mono and massive circle hooks. Pro tip: anchor close enough to the structure to get their attention, but far enough away to pull them off before they break you off in the rocks.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of Florida's tastiest catches, averaging 2-8 pounds with their distinctive pig-like snout and bright orange fins. These curious wrasse hang around hard bottom areas, coral reefs, and ledges in 20-100 feet of water. They use that snout to root through the sand for crabs, shrimp, and mollusks. What guests love is the sweet, mild meat - many say it's even better than grouper. They're tricky to hook because of their small mouths and quick strikes, so you need fast reflexes. Live shrimp and small crabs work best on light tackle. They're naturally curious and will often swim right up to check you out. Here's my secret: make some noise by tapping the hull or dropping something overboard. That sound attracts them thinking there's food around, bringing them right to your bait.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that average 10-30 pounds but can hit 90+ pounds, with females growing much larger than males. These silver bullets cruise 40-150 feet of water, following bait schools along temperature breaks and current edges. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavily on blue runners, sardines, and squid. What makes kingfish special is their blistering runs - they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost any other fish out there. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for grilling. We typically troll with live bait or spoons, but they'll also hit jigs and topwater plugs when feeding. Key tip: always use a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly. When trolling live bait, use a stinger hook setup because they often attack from behind.
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