Fishing Charters Florida - Afternoon Adventure
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Sixhour afternoon backcountry fishing charter in Florida watersMaximum two guests for personalized game fish targeting experienceSunset views included during return journey to dock
Picture this: you're standing on the deck as the afternoon sun hits the water just right, watching your line slice through Florida's backcountry waters while some of the state's most coveted game fish cruise below. That's exactly what you'll get with Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters' premier 6-hour afternoon fishing trip. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about a proper afternoon session that gives you enough time to really get into the zone and work those distant fishing grounds that most boats never reach. With just 2 anglers max, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from your captain. Plus, you'll wrap up the day watching one of Florida's legendary sunsets paint the bay in colors that'll have you reaching for your phone.
When you step aboard for this customer favorite afternoon charter, you're signing up for the real deal backcountry experience. We're not messing around with crowded inshore spots – this trip takes you to those far-reaching fishing grounds where the big boys hang out. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish using a mix of live bait presentations and strategic positioning based on tides, wind, and what's been biting lately. The 6-hour window gives us the luxury of time – if one spot isn't producing, we've got plenty of daylight to move around and find where the action is. The afternoon timing is money too, as many of our target species get more active as the sun starts its descent. You'll fish hard, but there's something magical about being on the water during golden hour that makes this trip special. Don't worry about bringing lunch – most folks are too amped up to eat much anyway, and we'll have you back in time for dinner.
Florida backcountry fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Your captain will have the boat rigged with quality gear suited for our target species – think medium to heavy action rods that can handle everything from scrappy redfish to freight-train tarpon. We'll be running a variety of techniques depending on conditions and what we're targeting. Live bait fishing with pinfish, pilchards, or shrimp is often the go-to move, especially around structure or drop-offs where predators ambush prey. When we're working the flats, sight fishing becomes the name of the game – your captain will pole the boat while you cast to fish you can actually see cruising in skinny water. We might also break out some artificial lures for covering water quickly or when fish are being picky about live offerings. The backcountry environment means navigating shallow waters, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats – terrain that requires local knowledge and a shallow-draft boat. Your captain will position the boat using wind and tide to give you the best shot at success, whether we're anchored over structure or drifting a flat.
Lake Whitefish might not be the first species that comes to mind for Florida fishing, but these silvery fighters offer surprising action when you find them in the right spots. They tend to school up and feed actively during temperature transitions, making afternoon trips productive when conditions align. While not massive fish, they're scrappy on light tackle and often indicate that bigger predators are nearby. The best action usually happens during cooler months when water temperatures drop.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of Florida backcountry fishing, and landing one is a rite of passage for any serious angler. These silver giants can reach over 100 pounds and are famous for their spectacular jumping ability – when a tarpon goes airborne, it's pure magic. They're most active during warmer months, particularly May through September, and often feed in shallow water during incoming tides. The fight is legendary – plan on a battle that could last 30 minutes or more. Even if you don't boat one, just having a tarpon on the end of your line is an experience you'll never forget.
Barracuda are the speed demons of the backcountry, capable of explosive strikes that'll test your reflexes and your drag system. These toothy predators patrol the edges of grass flats and around structure, ambushing baitfish with lightning-fast attacks. They're year-round residents that hit hard and fight dirty, often jumping and thrashing at the boat. Cuda fishing is fast-paced and visual – you'll often see them following your bait before they strike. Just watch your fingers around those razor-sharp teeth!
Redfish are Florida's most beloved inshore species, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are built for power, using their broad tails to make strong runs through shallow water. They're excellent table fare and fight with bulldogging determination that'll have your arms burning. Redfish feed year-round but are especially active during fall months when they school up in large numbers. The sight fishing opportunities are world-class – spotting a red's bronze back or black tail tip in skinny water gets every angler's heart pumping.
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing – spooky, selective, and absolutely beautiful. These disc-shaped fighters are notorious for their wariness and ability to disappear at the slightest disturbance. When you do connect with one, they make long, powerful runs that'll have you questioning your knot-tying skills. Permit are most active during warmer months and often feed over sandy flats or near structure. They're primarily a catch-and-release fish, but the bragging rights last forever. Many anglers fish for years before landing their first permit, making them a true prize catch.
This top-rated afternoon charter delivers everything serious anglers are looking for – quality fishing, expert guidance, and those picture-perfect Florida moments that make great fishing stories. With only 2 spots available, you'll get the
Get ready to fish Florida's backcountry waters aboard our classic 16' Hewes Bonefisher skiff. This restored beauty handles up to 2 anglers and comes powered by a reliable 90 HP Yamaha that'll get you to those prime fishing spots quickly and quietly. We've equipped her with all the essentials - GPS to navigate the flats, fish finder to locate your targets, VHF radio for safety, and a live well to keep your catch fresh. There's an icebox onboard for your drinks and snacks too. The shallow draft design lets us slip into those hidden backcountry spots where the big fish hang out, away from the crowds. Whether you're sight-casting to redfish in skinny water or working structure for snook and tarpon, this skiff puts you right where the action is. Perfect for serious anglers who want to experience Florida's legendary inshore fishing at its finest.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the speed demons of the flats - these torpedo-shaped predators can hit 35 mph and average 2-4 feet long around here. You'll spot them prowling shallow grass beds, reef edges, and mangrove shorelines, often in just 3-10 feet of water. They hunt by sight and attack anything shiny, making them perfect for artificial lures. Spring through fall gives the best action, especially on sunny days when their aggressive nature peaks. Guests love the explosive strikes and blistering runs - these fish fight hard for their size. The meat's decent but bony, so most folks release them. We use light spinning gear with wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through regular line. Here's the trick: work lures fast and erratic near structure - barracuda can't resist that wounded baitfish action.
Coregonus ClupeaformisLake whitefish aren't actually found in Florida waters - they're a Great Lakes species that prefers cold, deep freshwater up north. These silvery fish with their distinctive "humpback" profile average 12-26 inches and run 2-4 pounds, though some giants hit over 40 pounds. They're bottom feeders with small mouths, making them tricky to hook consistently. You'll find them in depths from 25 to 200 feet, especially around rocky reefs and drop-offs. Best fishing happens during fall and winter when they move shallow to spawn. While they put up a decent fight on light tackle, most anglers target them with small jigs tipped with wax worms or fish eggs. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild-tasting. Pro tip: use tiny hooks and fish near bottom structure during low-light periods when they're most active feeding.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - these disc-shaped silver ghosts average 15-25 pounds and test every angler's skill. They cruise sand and grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, plus hang around wrecks and reefs offshore. Prime time runs April through October during spawning season, though we catch them year-round. What makes them special is their wariness - they've got incredible eyesight and spook easily, earning them the nickname "the fish that will break your heart." The challenge is what guests love most, plus they're fantastic table fare. Live blue crabs are the gold standard bait, rigged on circle hooks with light leaders. Success tip: approach from upwind, make long accurate casts, and let the crab sink naturally to bottom. Don't rush the hookset - permit mouth the bait before committing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread-and-butter inshore species, running 18-32 inches most days with that distinctive black spot near the tail. They love super shallow water - we're talking 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove edges. Spring through fall offers the best fishing, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding. What guests really enjoy is sight-fishing: watching their copper backs cruise the shallows, then making that perfect cast. They fight strong and steady, plus the meat is excellent - firm white fillets with a mild, sweet flavor. We use everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp, depending on conditions. My go-to tip: look for "nervous water" or slight surface disturbances - that's usually redfish pushing bait in skinny water. Keep noise down and approach quietly.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters, averaging 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, though giants can push 200+ pounds. These prehistoric fish cruise shallow flats, channels, and harbor areas from spring through fall, with peak season May through August. What makes them special is their acrobatic jumps - they'll clear the water by 8-10 feet when hooked. Most guests love the visual aspect: seeing schools rolling on the surface, making that perfect cast, then holding on during multiple jumps. They're catch-and-release only due to conservation, plus the meat isn't great anyway. We target them with live bait like crabs and mullet, or fly fishing the flats. My tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by pointing your rod tip toward them - keeps tension off and prevents thrown hooks. The fight can last an hour on bigger fish.
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