4 Hour Inshore Trip: Redfish, Flounder And More
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, flounder, trout, and sheepshead in diverse watersFish creeks, grassflats, New River, and ICW locationsFourhour trips focus on one or two species
Welcome to Atlantic Blue Charters' top-rated inshore fishing adventure along Florida's productive New River system and Intracoastal Waterway. This customer favorite 4-hour trip puts you right in the heart of some of the best shallow water fishing on the East Coast. We're talking about those legendary grassflats where redfish cruise, shadowy bridge pilings where sheepshead hang out, and winding creeks that hold everything from trout to flounder. With a maximum of 3 anglers, you'll get the personal attention that makes all the difference between coming home with fish stories and coming home with actual fish.
When you step aboard for this world-class inshore experience, we're heading into waters that have been producing consistent catches for decades. The New River system offers incredible diversity – one minute we're drifting live shrimp over grassflats where redfish are tailing, the next we're bouncing jigs under bridges where black drum are stacked up like cordwood. The ICW gives us protected water and reliable action, while the countless creeks and backwater spots provide those magical moments when you hook into something unexpected. Don't worry about experience level – I'll put you on fish whether you're throwing artificials for the first time or you've been working these waters for years. The 4-hour window means we'll focus on one or two species rather than running all over, giving you the best shot at consistent action and learning the techniques that work here.
Here's where the magic happens – we'll match our approach to what the fish are telling us that day. Some mornings, nothing beats a frisky live shrimp under a popping cork over the grassflats, especially when the redfish are being picky. Other times, we'll break out the artificial arsenal – soft plastics on jig heads for probing structure, topwater plugs for those heart-stopping surface strikes, or spoons for covering water when fish are scattered. The beauty of these waters is the versatility – we can fish shallow grassflats in two feet of water where you'll sight-cast to cruising reds, or work deeper bridge pilings where the current brings bait and predators together. I'll teach you to read the water, understand the tides, and recognize the subtle signs that separate good anglers from great ones. Whether we're drifting the flats with the trolling motor or anchoring up in a productive creek bend, every technique has its time and place.
Redfish are the crown jewel of our inshore waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs average 20-30 inches here and fight like they've got something to prove. Spring through fall, you'll find them cruising the grassflats in groups, their backs barely covered by water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. What makes reds special isn't just their fight – it's the visual aspect. Watching a 25-inch red turn on your bait in three feet of crystal-clear water never gets old. They're year-round residents, but the cooler months from October through March often produce the biggest fish as they stage up for their offshore spawning runs.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they'll test your tackle like few other fish. These bottom-huggers love structure – bridge pilings, oyster bars, and rocky areas where they crush crabs and shellfish with their pharyngeal teeth. The smaller ones (puppy drum) in the 14-20 inch range are fantastic table fare, while the big bulls that show up in winter and spring can top 40 pounds. What's wild about black drum is their intelligence – they'll inspect your bait, test your drag, and generally make you work for every fish. Best times are during moving tides when they're actively feeding, and fresh cut bait or live shrimp near structure is your ticket to success.
Sheepshead earn their nickname "convict fish" with those distinctive black stripes, but anglers know them as the craftiest thieves in the water. These bait-stealers hang around any hard structure – bridge pilings, docks, rock piles – where they use their human-like teeth to crush barnacles, oysters, and crabs. The challenge with sheepshead isn't finding them, it's actually hooking them. They're notorious for cleaning your hook without ever getting stuck, which makes landing a nice one that much more satisfying. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're most aggressive, and once you master the quick hookset they require, you'll be addicted to their subtle bite and strong fight.
Sea trout (speckled trout) are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here, and they're willing biters that keep the action steady. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots love grassflats, especially areas with good current flow and scattered potholes. What makes trout fishing so enjoyable is their willingness to hit both live and artificial baits – a properly worked soft plastic can be just as effective as live shrimp. They're most active during the cooler months from October through April, and the best fish often come from deeper grassflats and channel edges. Trout also provide some of the best topwater action when conditions are right – few things beat watching a 20-inch speck blow up on a surface plug at sunrise.
Summer flounder (fluke) are the shape-shifters of the inshore world, and they're ambush predators that'll test your fish-fighting skills. These flatfish bury themselves in sandy areas near structure or current breaks, waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. What's exciting about flounder fishing is the hunt – we'll drift likely areas, bouncing baits along the bottom until we feel that distinctive thump-thump of a flounder grabbing the bait. The key is patience and proper technique, since they often grab prey sideways and need time to turn it headfirst before sw
The 19' Mako Pro is built for serious inshore fishing and handles whatever conditions the New River and ICW throw at it. This boat cuts through choppy water like butter, keeping you dry and comfortable while you work the grassflats, bridges, and creek mouths for redfish and flounder. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into shallow spots without spooking fish, while the fish finder helps locate schools in deeper ICW channels. Everything you need is onboard - GPS to mark your honey holes, VHF radio for safety, and a quality icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Perfect for up to 3 anglers targeting drum, sheepshead, and trout using live bait or artificials depending on what's biting. Whether you're sight fishing the flats or working structure around the bridges, this Mako handles it all with the smooth ride and fishability that puts it at the top of its class.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love hanging around oyster beds, bridge pilings, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with their powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. You'll find them in both shallow flats and deeper channels of the ICW. They're famous for that drumming sound they make and put up a solid fight on the rod. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with firm, white meat. My tip: use fresh crab or cut mullet on a circle hook, and fish right on the bottom near structure. When you feel that telltale nibble, give them a second before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. These hard-fighting drum typically run 20-35 inches and love cruising the grassflats, creek mouths, and shallow areas of the ICW in just 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring provide the most consistent action, but they're catchable year-round. What gets guests excited is watching them cruise the flats with their backs out of water and that explosive topwater strike. They're also excellent table fare with firm, mild meat. The smaller "slot" fish are perfect for the table. My favorite local technique: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the grassflats during moving tides. A gold spoon or topwater plug worked slowly over the grass will draw violent strikes. Stay quiet and make long casts - they're spookier than most people think in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our grassflats specialists, running 14-24 inches with beautiful spotted sides that shimmer in shallow water. These guys love the soft bottom areas around creek mouths, grassflats, and deeper holes in the ICW during cooler months. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, though summer nights can be productive too. They're active feeders that hit both live shrimp and artificials with enthusiasm. What makes them popular is that aggressive strike and their excellent table fare - soft, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Just don't overcook them or they'll turn mushy. Winter months find them schooled up in deeper channels. My local tip: work the grassflats edges during moving water, especially around dawn and dusk. A popping cork with live shrimp is deadly, but don't overlook soft plastics on light jig heads when they're finicky.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our bridges and docks, sporting those distinctive black and gray stripes. These 1-8 pound structure huggers are famous for their human-like teeth and reputation as bait thieves. Spring months bring the best action when they school up around spawning time. You'll find them tight to any hard structure - bridge pilings, docks, oyster beds, and jetties throughout the ICW and New River. They're notorious for nibbling bait clean off hooks, but once hooked, they make solid fighters. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, white meat. My go-to trick: use small hooks with fresh fiddler crab or shrimp, get as close to structure as possible, and when you feel that first nibble, resist the urge to set immediately. Let them take it, then set the hook hard - their bony mouths require some authority.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms, blending in perfectly as they wait to ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Fall months from September through November are your best bet when they're most active and easier to locate. You'll find them on sandy bottoms near creek mouths, around bridge structure, and along channel edges in the ICW. They're ambush predators that bury in the sand with just their eyes showing. What guests love is the challenge of finding them and that distinctive sideways bite. Live minnows or strips of mullet work great, but here's my local trick: hook your baitfish through the eyes on smaller ones, lips on larger ones, and use just enough weight to stay on bottom. Keep your bait moving slowly - a dead-still bait won't trigger strikes like a twitching one will.
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