Bradenton Florida Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing and snorkeling combination tripTarget tarpon, grouper, sharks, snook, redfish near Egmont KeyExplore submerged fort ruins with snorkeling adventure
When you're looking for a top-rated fishing adventure that combines the best of inshore action with something totally unique, Bear Hull Fishing Charters delivers exactly what you're after. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about 4 solid hours exploring the waters around Egmont Key, where the fish are hungry and the scenery is world-class. You'll get your line wet chasing some of Florida's most sought-after species, then cool off with some snorkeling around the submerged fort ruins. It's the perfect combo for anglers who want to mix up their day on the water.
This charter keeps things intimate with just 2 guests max, so you're getting personalized attention from start to finish. We'll be working the productive waters around Egmont Key, where the Gulf meets Tampa Bay – prime real estate for inshore species that love structure and current breaks. The fishing here is consistently good because you've got deep channels, grass flats, and rocky bottom all within casting distance. After we've put some fish in the boat, we'll head over to the old fort ruins where the water stays crystal clear most of the year. The contrast between active fishing and peaceful snorkeling makes this trip a customer favorite, especially when you're dealing with Florida's heat. You'll want to bring sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a light jacket for the boat ride – we've got the fishing gear covered.
We'll be running a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what the fish are telling us. The waters around Egmont Key are perfect for both drift fishing and anchor fishing, so we can adapt our approach based on conditions and what's biting. When we're targeting the bigger species like tarpon and permit, we'll set up with heavier tackle and circle hooks to give you the best shot at landing these fighters. For the mackerel and snook, we can go lighter and more finesse-oriented. The key here is reading the water – watching for bait schools, bird activity, and structure that holds fish. We'll work everything from the deeper channels where the grouper hang out to the shallower flats where snook and redfish cruise. The bottom composition changes frequently in this area, so we're constantly adjusting our presentations. Live shrimp, pilchards, and cut bait all produce well here, and we'll have a selection of jigs and spoons ready when the fish want something moving fast.
Spanish Mackerel are one of the most reliable catches in these waters, especially during the cooler months from October through March. These speedsters typically run 1-3 pounds and they hit fast-moving baits with serious attitude. What makes them so much fun is their aggressive strikes and the way they'll often travel in schools – when you find one, there's usually more around. They're perfect for light tackle fishing and they fight way above their weight class.
Gag Grouper are the bottom dwellers that every angler wants to tangle with. These guys can push 20+ pounds and they know every rock pile and ledge in the area. The best action usually happens when we're fishing structure in 15-40 feet of water. Gags are notorious for trying to cut your line on the bottom, so the fight starts the second you set the hook. They're most active during the winter months and early spring when they move into shallower water.
Snook are the inshore slam species that gets everyone excited. These ambush predators love hanging around structure and they're known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. Peak season runs from spring through fall, and the bigger fish often show up around the bridges and passes near Egmont Key. A 20-inch snook is a solid fish, but the real trophies can stretch past 30 inches and provide fights you'll be talking about for years.
Tarpon fishing here is legendary, especially during the summer migration when massive schools move through the area. These silver kings can range from juvenile fish around 20-40 pounds up to giants pushing 100+ pounds. The jumping, head-shaking fights are what tarpon fishing is all about, and the waters around Egmont Key offer some of the most consistent tarpon action on Florida's west coast. Even if you don't land one, just having a tarpon on your line is an experience you won't forget.
Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers – they're notoriously finicky and incredibly strong fighters. These disc-shaped fish are most common during the warmer months and they prefer areas with sandy bottom and good current flow. A permit over 10 pounds is considered a trophy, and their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style make them one of the most challenging species to land. Finding permit willing to eat is never guaranteed, which makes catching one even more special.
This fish and snorkel combo trip offers something you won't find with other charters in the Bradenton area. The combination of world-class fishing around Egmont Key with the bonus snorkeling adventure makes it perfect for couples, friends, or anyone who wants to experience the best of what these waters offer. With only 2 spots available, this trip books up fast, especially during peak fishing season. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone looking to try something new, this charter delivers the kind of day on the water that keeps people coming back. The fish are here year-round, the scenery is always spectacular, and the memories you'll make are the kind that last a lifetime.
Our 2013 Carolina Skiff is your ticket to prime fishing spots around Bradenton's waters. This 24-footer runs on a reliable 140HP Suzuki that'll cruise you to the hottest bite at 30 knots, getting you to the fish fast and back to the dock with plenty of daylight left. The shallow draft design lets us slip into those skinny water honey holes where the snook and redfish like to hang out. We've got everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS to mark those productive spots, fish finder to locate the schools, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches when the fish are spooky. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. Whether we're targeting tarpon in the deeper channels or working the grass flats for redfish, this boat handles it all with room for your whole crew to fish comfortably.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that average around 20 inches, though we've pulled up some real bruisers pushing 50+ inches and 30+ pounds. They're not the prettiest fish - kind of drab gray with marbled patterns - but they make up for it with attitude. These guys love structure: reefs, wrecks, rocky bottoms around 60-120 feet. Juveniles hang inshore, but the big adults prefer deeper offshore spots. They're ambush predators that'll grab your bait and immediately try to drag it back to their hole. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them. What makes them special is that hard initial fight and the fact they're fantastic eating. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep your drag tight and don't let them freewheel - they'll dive straight into the rocks and cut you off every time.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - incredibly challenging and rewarding to catch. These tall, flat fish typically run 15-25 pounds, with a distinctive diamond shape and forked tail. They have amazing eyesight with those golf ball-sized eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees. You'll find juveniles on shallow grass flats in just 2-3 feet of water, while adults prefer deeper reefs and wrecks. April through October is prime time during spawning season. What makes permit special is their wariness and selectivity - they'll examine your bait forever before maybe taking it. They're strong fighters and decent eating. The challenge is what hooks people. My advice: live blue crabs are your best bet, and when you see one tailing, approach dead quiet and present your bait well ahead of where they're heading.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after inshore species, with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color. Most run 18-30 inches, but the big females can hit 4+ feet. They're ambush predators that love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, anywhere they can hide and strike. You'll find them in both salt and brackish water, from the surf to back-country creeks. They're temperature sensitive, so spring through fall gives you the best action when water's warm. What guests love is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and thrash like crazy. Plus they're excellent table fare. Here's the thing about snook: they're extremely cover-oriented, so get your bait right up against that structure where other anglers won't dare cast.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are sleek, fast-moving fish that typically run 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds. You'll spot them by their silver bodies with yellowish spots and that distinctive dark green back. They're speed demons - one of the fastest swimmers out here - and love to school up near the surface. We find them around structures in open water, especially during warmer months when they move closer to shore. They hit hard and make blistering runs, which guests love. The meat's excellent too - mild flavor that grills up perfectly. Spring through fall are prime times, especially when baitfish are thick. Here's a tip: when you see them schooled up, drift to them rather than motoring right over - you'll spook the whole school if you get too aggressive with the boat.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate game fish - silver giants that can reach 6+ feet and jump 10 feet out of the water. Most fish we hook run 80-150 pounds, but they can top 200. These prehistoric fish migrate through our waters, and when they're here, it's pure magic. You'll find them in shallow flats, around bridges, and deeper channels. Late spring through early fall is peak season when they're moving through in big schools. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating - they're bony and rarely kept - it's that aerial show when hooked. Nothing compares to a tarpon cartwheeling through the air. They're tough fighters that can battle for hours. Key tip: bow to the king when they jump - drop your rod tip toward the fish or they'll throw the hook on you.
Bradenton, FL, United States