5.0(1 Reviews)Private Nearshore Fishing Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Private nearshore fishing charter accommodates up to 4 guestsAll tackle, bait, and fishing licenses included with bookingTrip operates 3 miles offshore with flexible duration options
Just three miles off the coast, some of the best fishing action happens where the shallow flats meet deeper water. This private nearshore charter with Bottoms Up Fishing Charters puts you right in the sweet spot where hungry gamefish patrol the structure and drop-offs. Whether you're looking to bend some rods with your buddy or bring the whole family out for a day on the water, this trip delivers consistent action without the long boat ride to blue water. We're talking about productive fishing in protected waters where you can actually enjoy your time instead of fighting seasickness.
Your captain knows these nearshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's dialed in on where the fish are holding based on tide, weather, and recent reports. You'll be fishing structure, ledges, and hard bottom areas where snapper, grouper, and other quality species like to hang out. The boat comes fully rigged with quality tackle, fresh bait, and everything you need to put fish in the cooler. All you need to bring is your favorite drinks, some snacks, and a cooler with ice if you want to take your catch home. The trip is set up for two anglers, but you can add up to two more people for $70 each – perfect for couples or small groups who want their own private boat without sharing space with strangers.
Your captain runs premium tackle designed for nearshore bottom fishing and light trolling. We're talking about medium-heavy spinning gear and conventional outfits spooled with the right line weights for targeting structure fish. Most of the action happens bottom fishing with live and cut bait – pinfish, sardines, and squid work great for the species in these waters. You'll learn how to feel the bite when a grouper or snapper picks up your bait, and how to get them off the bottom before they can wrap you up in the rocks. The captain will also mix in some trolling runs between spots to pick up king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, or whatever else might be cruising the area. No experience needed – your guide handles the technical stuff while you focus on fighting fish.
"Had to switch to inland due to hurricane .still had a great time . Heading back to the area next August and will due trip with Justin again" - James
Gag Grouper are the bread and butter of nearshore fishing, and these chunky bottom dwellers put up a serious fight once they realize they're hooked. They typically run 15-30 pounds in these waters, though bigger fish are always possible. Gags love hard bottom and ledges, and they're most active during cooler months when they move into shallower water to feed. What makes them so exciting is their initial run – they'll dive straight for the rocks the second they feel the hook, so you need to muscle them up fast. The meat is absolutely fantastic, with firm white fillets that taste even better when you caught them yourself.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as most locals call them, are scrappy fighters that test your skills with light tackle. These fish are smart and finicky, often requiring live bait and patience to get them to bite. They run anywhere from keeper size at 12 inches up to nice 18-20 inch fish that make great table fare. Summer months bring the best action when they're feeding heavily, and they love structure where they can ambush prey. The fight might not be as powerful as a grouper, but they're excellent eating and always fun to catch when they're biting.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of the bunch – these black and white striped fish have small mouths and are notorious bait stealers. They hang around structure and pilings, using their strong teeth to crush crabs and barnacles. The key is using small hooks, light line, and being ready to set the hook at the slightest tap. Most sheepshead run 2-4 pounds, but they're incredible table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Winter and spring are prime time when they move into nearshore waters to spawn, making them a reliable target when other species might be slower.
Sea Trout cruise the grass flats and sandy areas, providing great light tackle action on artificial lures and live bait. These spotted beauties are most active during dawn and dusk, making them perfect targets during longer trips. They typically range from 14-20 inches, with bigger "gator trout" always a possibility. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater plugs and soft plastics, giving you that visual excitement when they blow up on a surface lure. They're also excellent eating when kept on ice, with mild white meat that's perfect for fish tacos.
Snowy Grouper are the deep water prize that occasionally shows up in nearshore waters, especially around ledges and drop-offs. These white and pink beauties are less common than gags but highly prized for their fight and exceptional taste. They tend to be smaller in nearshore waters, usually running 10-20 pounds, but they're incredibly strong for their size. Snowies are more active in cooler months and prefer deeper structure, making them a bonus catch that adds excitement to any trip. Their meat is considered some of the best eating among all grouper species.
This private nearshore charter gives you the perfect balance of action, comfort, and flexibility without breaking the bank. You get your own boat, experienced captain, quality tackle, and productive fishing grounds just minutes from the dock. Whether you book a half-day trip to test the waters or go for the full eight-hour adventure, you're looking at consistent fishing in some of the area's most reliable spots. The captain provides everything except your drinks and snacks, and you can bring up to four people total for a reasonable upcharge. Book your dates now and get ready to bend some rods in these world-class nearshore
Jump aboard this beautifully restored 33' Hydra-Sports center console for your nearshore fishing adventure. This 2007 boat got a complete makeover in 2021 and runs like new with triple 250HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at up to 52 knots. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, though your trip is sized for 4. You'll appreciate the wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches when the fish get finicky, plus GPS and fish finder to locate the best spots just 3 miles offshore. The onboard head means no rushed trips back to port. Whether you're targeting bottom fish or working the water column, this well-equipped vessel has the speed to cover water and the stability to fish comfortably in nearshore conditions. All your tackle, bait, and licenses are covered - just bring your cooler with snacks and drinks for a perfect day on the water.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid fighters that'll test your drag system when hooked. These bruisers average 20 inches but can push 50+ inches and 80 pounds. They love rocky structure, reefs, and ledges where they ambush crabs, shrimp, and smaller fish. You'll find them around our nearshore wrecks and hard bottom areas. The bigger males are darker with that distinctive reticulated dorsal fin. What makes them special is the fight - once hooked, they'll bolt straight for the rocks trying to break you off. Keep your drag locked tight and don't let them freewheel back to cover. They're excellent table fare with firm white meat. Best tip: use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and be ready to horse them up quickly before they reach structure.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are smart fish that'll keep you on your toes. These copper-red beauties typically run 1-3 pounds inshore, but open water fish can hit 20 pounds. They're opportunistic night feeders that hang around docks, mangroves, and any structure that offers cover. The meat is white, flaky, and prized by locals - some of the best eating you'll find. What makes them tricky is they're bait thieves. They'll nibble and test your offering before committing. We target them around grass flats and nearshore structure using live shrimp. Pro tip: hook your shrimp through the tail, let it sink to bottom, then reel up slightly. When you feel that subtle tap, don't jerk - let them take it before setting the hook firmly.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are perfect nearshore targets that cruise grass flats and shallow waters. These spotted beauties average 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with their silvery bodies covered in distinctive black spots. They're most active during cooler months and low light periods, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes them fun is they're aggressive feeders that hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with authority. The meat is tender and flaky - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. You'll find them over grass beds and sandy holes where they ambush baitfish. During winter, they school up in deeper channels. Best tip: work topwater lures early morning or try trolling slowly over grass flats with jigs and soft plastics when the action slows.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with those distinctive black bars and human-like teeth. They average 1-8 pounds and love hanging around any structure - docks, pilings, and reefs where they crunch on barnacles and crabs. Spring months from February through April are prime time when they're spawning around offshore structure. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait stealers with incredible precision. The payoff is sweet, mild white meat that's hard to beat on the table. These fish require finesse and patience. My best advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get tight to structure, and set the hook hard when you feel them. They've got crushing jaws, so don't hesitate when you feel weight on the line.
Epinephelus Snowy Grouper are deep water heavyweights that live 300-600 feet down on rocky bottom. These copper-brown bruisers with white spots average 30 pounds but can reach 70+ pounds and 4 feet long. They're only legal May through August with a one-fish-per-vessel limit, making them a special catch. What draws anglers is the deep drop challenge and their incredible size potential. They're ambush predators that crush whole squid, bonito strips, and cut mackerel. The fight is all about the pump-and-wind from serious depth. You'll need heavy tackle - 50-pound class gear with electric reels helps, since hand-cranking from 400+ feet gets brutal. Pro tip: use chicken rigs with 5-pound weights and whole squid. Once hooked, they bite hard but the real work is the long haul to the surface.
5.0 out of 5.0Had to switch to inland due to hurricane .still had a great time . Heading back to the area next August and will due trip with Jus...
James Czubek, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. Thank you for tak...
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