Best of Both Package - 6 Hour Inshore Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore charter accommodates up to four guests comfortablyTarget trout, redfish, snook, and snapper with Captain JoshProfessional accommodations ensure memorable fishing experience for all
Captain Josh's 6-hour "Best of Both" charter gives you the perfect taste of what makes inshore and nearshore fishing so addictive. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Six hours on the water means you've got real time to work different spots, adjust tactics, and put together a cooler full of keeper fish. Whether you're chasing redfish in the shallows or working structure for snapper offshore, this trip covers the best of both worlds that coastal fishing has to offer.
Your day starts early with Captain Josh, who knows these waters like the back of his hand. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, though you can squeeze in 6 if your group doesn't mind getting cozy for an extra $50 per person. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility - Josh reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly. If the inshore bite is hot, you might spend more time sight-casting to redfish cruising the grass flats. When the nearshore structure is holding fish, he'll run you out to deeper water where the snapper and bigger trout hang out. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from tackle to ice, so you can focus on what matters most - putting fish in the boat.
This charter covers a lot of fishing styles, which keeps things interesting all day long. In the shallows, you'll be working live bait under popping corks, perfect for trout and redfish that cruise the grass beds. Captain Josh provides quality spinning gear that's perfectly matched to the fishing - medium action rods that can handle a strong red but won't overpower a speckled trout. When you move to nearshore structure, the tactics shift to bottom fishing with heavier weights and circle hooks. You'll be dropping cut bait and live shrimp around rocks, reefs, and ledges where snapper and bigger fish hold. The captain switches up presentations based on what's working - some days the fish want moving baits, other times they're more interested in something sitting still on the bottom.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight dirty, especially the bigger "gator" trout that can push 5-6 pounds. They love the grass flats in 2-4 feet of water, particularly around points and drop-offs where baitfish get pushed by the current. Spring and fall are prime time when cooler water temps get them feeding heavy, but you can find quality trout year-round if you know where to look. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - few fish eat better than a fresh speckled trout.
Redfish are the other star of the inshore show, and these copper-colored bruisers are built for battle. A slot-sized red (18-27 inches) will test your drag and your patience, often making multiple runs toward structure or shallow water. They're incredibly adaptable fish, equally at home in 6 inches of water or 20 feet, feeding on everything from crabs to shrimp to small fish. The best part about targeting reds is they're around all year, though summer and early fall typically offer the most consistent action. Their aggressive nature and hard-fighting reputation make them a favorite among anglers who want their reel screaming.
Snook represent the premium catch on this trip - they're finicky, powerful, and absolutely beautiful fish. These ambush predators love structure, whether it's mangrove roots, dock pilings, or nearshore rocks. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and their ability to cut you off on structure before you know what happened. Snook fishing requires patience and skill, but when you connect with a good fish, it's pure magic. They're most active during warmer months and around moving water, particularly during dawn and dusk feeding periods. The closed seasons make every snook caught and released that much more special.
Snapper add the nearshore element to this charter, with mangrove snapper being the most common species you'll encounter. Don't let their size fool you - these fish are smart, strong, and excellent eating. They typically hang around structure in 15-40 feet of water, and they can be incredibly picky about presentation. You'll need to scale down your tackle and use lighter leaders, but the reward is worth it. Lane snapper, mutton snapper, and occasional yellowtail round out the snapper possibilities, each bringing their own fighting characteristics and table qualities to the mix.
Six hours with Captain Josh gives you the full coastal fishing experience without breaking the bank or taking up your entire day. You're getting quality time on proven fishing grounds with a captain who adjusts to conditions and puts you on fish. The variety keeps everyone in your group engaged, whether someone prefers the sight-fishing excitement of the shallows or the anticipation of bottom fishing structure. At $50 extra per person to max out at 6 anglers, it's an affordable way to get a bigger group on the water. Don't sleep on this one - good captains who know how to fish both inshore and nearshore waters are worth their weight in gold, and Captain Josh delivers the kind of trip that has you planning your next charter before you even get back to the dock.
Sarasota