Fishing Charter Bradenton - Inshore Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Snook, Trout, and Redfish in Bradenton's inshore watersFish mangrove shorelines, grass beds, and occasional reef structuresSmall group experience with maximum four guests per charter
Ready to hit Bradenton's productive inshore waters? Bear Hull Fishing Charters puts you right in the thick of some of Florida's best shallow water action. We're talking prime grass flats, twisting mangrove creeks, and hidden structure spots where the fish stack up thick. This isn't your average charter – we focus on quality fishing in intimate waters where every cast counts. With just four anglers max, you'll get the personal attention and prime rod time that makes for legendary fishing days.
Your day starts early when the fish are most active and the water's still glass-calm. We'll cruise through Bradenton's maze of mangrove-lined channels, watching for nervous bait and bird activity that signals feeding fish below. The grass flats here are absolutely loaded with life – everything from finger mullet to glass minnows that draw in hungry predators. You'll be sight fishing in gin-clear shallows one minute, then working deeper pockets and cuts the next. Our captain knows every oyster bar, every drop-off, and every seasonal honey hole from years of working these waters. When conditions are right, we'll even hit some of the inshore reefs where structure-loving species hang out. The variety keeps things interesting, and there's always a backup plan when one bite slows down.
Inshore fishing here is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll start with live bait – shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish are absolute money in these waters. For the lure guys, soft plastics on jig heads work magic around structure, while topwater plugs create explosive strikes during dawn and dusk feeding windows. Sight fishing is huge here, especially for redfish cruising the flats with their backs out of the water. We'll pole the skiff into position, keeping noise to a minimum while you make precision casts to tailing fish. Around the mangroves, it's all about accurate casting and quick hooksets before fish can wrap you up in the roots. The grass beds require a different touch – weedless rigs and steady retrieves to avoid hanging up. When we hit the inshore structure, expect to use heavier tackle and work the bottom with cut bait or live offerings.
Snook are the crown jewel of Bradenton inshore fishing, and these waters hold some real slobs. These ambush predators love hanging under docks, around bridge pilings, and in the shade of mangrove overhangs. Best action happens during moving water – incoming and outgoing tides get them fired up and feeding. Spring through fall offers the most consistent bite, though winter can produce some monster fish if you know where to look. What makes snook so special is their explosive strike and aerial show once hooked. They'll jump, tail-walk, and do everything possible to throw your hook.
Sea trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are abundant year-round and perfect for steady action. These beautiful fish school up over grass beds and sandy potholes, making them relatively easy to pattern once you find them. They're suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork, but also crush soft plastic jigs worked slowly along the bottom. Trout in the 15-20 inch range are common, with occasional "gator trout" pushing 25 inches or better. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among families.
Redfish are the backbone of our inshore fishery and provide some of the most visual fishing you'll ever experience. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats in schools, often with their backs and tails visible above the surface. Fall brings the best action when big schools of "bull" reds move through on their spawning runs. Sight casting to a school of 30-inch reds is an adrenaline rush like no other. They're built like tanks and will test your drag system with long, powerful runs.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of the bunch, earning their nickname "convict fish" from their black and white stripes. These structure-loving fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and oysters. They're incredibly finicky biters, requiring light tackle and perfect bait presentation. Fiddler crabs and live shrimp on small hooks get the best results around docks, bridges, and oyster bars. Once hooked, they're surprisingly strong for their size.
Gag grouper show up around the inshore reefs and hard bottom areas, providing a taste of offshore action without the long boat ride. These chunky bottom dwellers love live bait and will absolutely smoke your drag on the initial run. They're masters at diving into structure, so quick hook-sets and steady pressure are essential. Gags in the 15-25 pound range are common, and they make outstanding table fare.
Bradenton's inshore waters fish well year-round, but each season brings its own magic. Book with Bear Hull Fishing Charters and you're getting local knowledge that takes decades to develop. Our small group size means you're not fighting for rod time or prime fishing spots. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique or a family wanting to create lasting memories, this charter delivers the goods. The fish are here, the guides know where to find them, and all that's missing is you with a rod in your hands. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.
This 24-foot Carolina Skiff puts you right in the action for Bradenton's best inshore fishing spots. Built in 2013 and powered by a reliable 140HP Suzuki motor, she'll cruise at 30 knots to get you to the productive waters around mangrove shorelines and grass flats where Snook, Trout, and Redfish love to hide. The wireless trolling motor lets us slip quietly into shallow spots without spooking fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the hottest bite. With room for up to four anglers, an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, this skiff is perfect for working the backcountry waters and occasional trips to inshore reefs for Mangrove Snapper. She's designed to handle Bradenton's diverse fishing grounds with ease.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that'll test your tackle around Bradenton's offshore reefs and structure. These gray, marbled fish average 20 inches but can reach impressive sizes up to 50+ pounds. They love hiding in rocky bottom areas, ledges, and around our local artificial reefs in 30-80 feet of water. Best fishing happens spring through fall when they're more active. What makes them special is their incredible table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're notorious for trying to cut your line on structure once hooked, so keep steady pressure and drag them away from cover quickly. Pro tip: use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and don't let them get back to their hole once you hook up.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water predator and one of our most popular targets in Bradenton. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near the tail typically range 18-32 inches and fight like freight trains. They cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove edges in water so shallow their backs show. Year-round fishing with spring and fall being peak times. What makes them special is their power - they'll make long runs and really test your drag. Plus they're excellent eating with firm, mild flesh. They're not picky eaters, taking everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. Key tip: look for "tailing" fish with their tails sticking up while feeding, then cast ahead of them and work your bait slowly back.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are a mainstay of our Bradenton grass flats fishing. These silvery fish with black spots typically run 12-20 inches and are perfect for light tackle action. Look for them over grass beds and sandy potholes in 2-8 feet of water, especially during cooler months when they school up. They're active year-round but really shine on overcast days and around dawn/dusk. Guests enjoy their willingness to bite and decent fight on light gear. The white, flaky meat is excellent table fare too. They feed on shrimp, small baitfish, and crabs. Best tip: work soft plastic shrimp imitations or topwater plugs slowly over the grass flats early morning. When you find one, there's usually a whole school nearby.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are some of the smartest fish you'll tangle with around Bradenton's docks and bridges. These black-striped "convict fish" with human-like teeth average 2-5 pounds but can reach 15+ pounds. They hang tight around barnacle-covered pilings, jetties, and any hard structure in 5-20 feet of water. Winter and early spring are prime time when they school up for spawning. Guests love the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves that require perfect timing to hook. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, flaky white meat. They feed on crabs, shrimp, and barnacles scraped off pilings. Here's the trick: use fiddler crabs or shrimp on small hooks, get right against the structure, and set the hook hard the instant you feel weight.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing here in Bradenton. These silvery beauties with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches and put up an amazing fight. You'll find them around mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and grass flats in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active during warmer months, especially around dawn and dusk. What guests love about snook is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll leap clear out of the water trying to throw your lure. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. They're temperature sensitive though, so cooler fronts can slow the bite. My go-to tip: cast topwater plugs or live shrimp tight to structure during moving tides. That's when they really turn on.
Bradenton, FL, United States