5.0(1 Reviews)Premium Private Nearshore Fishing Charter Experience
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Private nearshore fishing charter accommodates up to four guestsAll tackle, bait, and fishing licenses included in trip packageFlexible duration options from four to eight hours available
Looking for a solid day on the water without the long haul to deep blue? This private nearshore charter puts you right in the action just 3 miles from shore, where the fish are biting and the ride back is quick. Captain Justin runs these trips for up to 4 anglers, and he's got everything dialed in - premium tackle, fresh bait, and your fishing licenses are all handled. Just bring your drinks, snacks, and that competitive spirit. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, teaching the kids to fish, or just need to get some lines wet, this charter hits the sweet spot between convenience and solid fishing action.
These nearshore waters are where the smart money fishes. You're not burning half your day getting to the fishing grounds, which means more time with lines in the water and less time staring at the horizon. The trip works perfect for 2 anglers, but you can easily bring up to 4 people for an extra $70 per head - that's a steal when you split it up. Captain Justin knows these waters like his backyard, hitting the structure and drop-offs where gag grouper hang out and the snapper get aggressive. The boat's equipped with quality gear that can handle everything from finicky sheepshead to those chunky grouper that like to head for the rocks. You'll be fishing in 20-60 feet of water mostly, which keeps things interesting without the seasickness that comes with the deep stuff. The flexible 4 to 8-hour window lets you customize based on how the bite is going and what your crew can handle.
Captain Justin's got the tackle game locked down with medium to heavy spinning rigs and conventional setups depending on what you're targeting. For the grouper, you'll be dropping circle hooks with 3-6 oz weights to get down quick and stay put in the current. The snapper fishing calls for lighter presentations - 1-2 oz weights with smaller hooks when they're being picky. Live bait is the name of the game out here, with plenty of pinfish, sardines, and whatever's running fresh that day. The captain's not shy about switching up techniques either - if the bottom bite slows down, he might break out some jigs or put you on some moving baits to cover water. The beauty of nearshore fishing is you can adapt quickly. Structure fishing means you'll be working around rocks, ledges, and artificial reefs where these fish set up house. Expect to lose some tackle - it comes with the territory when you're fishing where the big ones live. The key is getting your bait down fast and keeping tight to the bottom where these fish feed.
"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 this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers love the rocky structure and ledges in 30-50 feet of water. Gags are smart fish - they'll inspect your bait before committing, so fresh live bait is crucial. When you hook one, expect a freight train heading straight for the rocks. They're strong, stubborn, and absolutely delicious on the table. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they're fattened up and feeding heavy. A good gag grouper will pull drag and test your knots, making them a favorite among serious anglers who want both the fight and the dinner.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as the locals call them, are year-round residents that keep things interesting when the grouper bite slows down. These fish are crafty - they'll steal bait like pros if you're not paying attention. Grey snapper love the same structure as grouper but they're more aggressive and will often hit moving baits. They're perfect for lighter tackle, giving you that classic snapper head shake and making multiple runs. Size-wise, you'll see everything from schoolie 12-inchers to slob 5-pounders that act like small grouper. They're excellent table fare and always willing to cooperate when other species get lockjaw.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of nearshore fishing, and anglers either love them or hate them. These black and white striped convict fish have human-like teeth and can steal bait without you feeling a thing. They hang around any structure with barnacles, crabs, or oysters - basically underwater salad bars. Sheepshead require finesse fishing with small hooks, light weights, and dead-still presentations. Fiddler crabs and shrimp are candy to these fish. When you do connect, they pull surprisingly hard for their size and make excellent eating. Winter months are prime time when they school up thick around structure.
Sea Trout cruise these nearshore flats and grass beds, especially during warmer months. Unlike their bottom-dwelling neighbors, trout are more of a sight-fishing and moving-bait game. They'll hit live shrimp under popping corks, jigs bounced along the bottom, or even topwater plugs on calm mornings. Trout are perfect for lighter spinning tackle and give you that classic speckled trout fight with multiple jumps and strong runs. They're not the strongest fish in the ocean, but they make up for it with numbers and willingness to bite. Spring and fall see the best action when they're feeding up in the shallows.
Snowy Grouper are the deep-water cousins that sometimes show up on the deeper nearshore structure. These guys are less common but worth their weight in gold when you connect. Snowies prefer the 60+ foot range and cooler water, making them more of a winter and early spring target. They're beautiful fish with distinctive white and pink coloration, and they fight like their g
Your fishing platform is a beautifully restored 33' Hydra-Sports center console that's been completely refreshed from bow to stern. This boat runs on triple 250HP Yamaha engines that'll get you out to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at speeds up to 52 knots. The spacious deck gives your group of up to 4 anglers plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up. Modern electronics include GPS navigation and a quality fish finder to locate productive structure and baitfish. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive spots without spooking the fish below. There's an onboard head for convenience during longer trips. The center console layout provides 360-degree fishing access, perfect for casting to breaking fish or working the nearshore reefs just 3 miles out.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bullies of the reef, averaging 20 inches but some monsters hit 4+ feet and 80 pounds. These gray-mottled fighters love rocky bottoms, reefs, and shipwrecks in 30-100 feet of water. Males are darker with distinctive patterns on their dorsal fins. They're ambush predators that'll grab your bait and immediately try to drag it back to their rock pile, so keep that drag locked tight. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavy on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. Guests love the arm-burning fight and excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Pro tip: once you hook one, don't give it any slack or it'll wrap you around the nearest structure and cut you off.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are smart fish that'll test your patience. Most run 1-3 pounds and 10-14 inches, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. They hang around docks, bridges, and grass flats, being opportunistic night feeders with those sharp little teeth. These copper-red beauties are incredibly line-shy and bait-shy, so light tackle works best. Year-round fishing is good, but they really turn on during warmer months when they're more active. What makes them special is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves that'll steal your shrimp without getting hooked. The reward is sweet, flaky white meat that's primo eating. My advice: use a 4J hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sit still on bottom, and don't jerk when you feel that first nibble.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of grass flat fishing, running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds with those distinctive black spots. They love shallow grass beds, drop-offs, and oyster bars where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish. Best fishing happens spring through fall, especially early morning and evening when they're feeding actively. Winter pushes them into deeper channels where they school up tight. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - they're not super picky. The meat is delicate and flaky, but don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They're decent fighters with some good head shakes. Night fishing under lights can be phenomenal when they're chasing bait to the surface. Try this: work grass flats with live shrimp under a popping cork, or throw soft plastics on light jigheads.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but don't let that fool you - they're some of the best eating around. Most weigh 2-8 pounds with human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs off dock pilings. You'll find them year-round around any structure - bridges, piers, rock piles - but spring spawning runs from February through April bring the biggest crowds. They're notorious bait thieves that'll clean your hook without you feeling a thing, then disappear. What guests love is the challenge of outsmarting them and that sweet, mild white meat that rivals any restaurant fish. The fight's solid but not crazy - it's more about the technique. Here's the key: use fiddler crabs or shrimp, get tight to structure, and when you feel them pecking, set the hook hard immediately.
Epinephelus Snowy Grouper are deep-water bruisers that average 30 pounds and 3 feet, with some reaching 70+ pounds. These coppery-brown fish with white geometric spots live in 300-600 feet on rocky bottoms - definitely not your typical nearshore target. Season runs May through August with a one-fish-per-vessel limit, making each one special. They're aggressive biters once you find them, but the real challenge is the long crank from the depths. Electric reels help, but many folks still prefer the workout. What guests love is landing something this substantial and rare - plus the meat is outstanding. These are ambush predators that'll hit big baits like whole squid, bonito strips, or mackerel chunks. Best tip: use heavy tackle with 80-pound leader because once hooked, they'll try every trick to get back to their rock pile.
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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