5.0(2 Reviews)Private Pensacola Inshore Fishing Adventure
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 45 hour inshore and nearshore fishing adventureAccommodates up to 6 guests with all gear providedTarget multiple species in Pensacola's prime fishing waters
When you're looking for the perfect balance of relaxation and fish-fighting action, Captain Brett's 4 to 5-hour inshore and nearshore charters hit the sweet spot. These waters around Pensacola have been putting smiles on anglers' faces for generations, and there's a good reason why locals and visitors keep coming back. You'll spend your day working the productive shallows and nearby structure where red snapper, king mackerel, and sheepshead call home. With all tackle and bait included, plus room for up to 6 anglers, this trip delivers everything you need for a top-rated fishing experience without the hassle of gear prep or bait runs.
Your day starts at the marina where Captain Brett will be waiting, boat prepped and ready to roll. No rush, no stress – just a friendly captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand and genuinely wants you to fill the cooler. The first part of your adventure often involves catching live bait, which gets everyone warmed up and adds to the authentic fishing experience. Once you're loaded with fresh bait, it's time to hit the proven spots where the fish are biting. Captain Brett has a knack for putting his guests on active schools early, and he's not afraid to move around until he finds the bite. The beauty of inshore and nearshore fishing is the variety – you might start the morning working grass flats for sheepshead, then move to deeper structure for red snapper, and finish the day battling a king mackerel that came out of nowhere.
This isn't your basic bobber-and-worm setup. Captain Brett runs a well-equipped boat with quality spinning and conventional tackle sized perfectly for the target species. You'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting – bottom fishing with live and cut bait for snapper and sheepshead, trolling for kings and bonito, and sight fishing when the opportunity presents itself. The captain provides everything from circle hooks and sinkers to premium reels that can handle whatever pulls back. Live bait is often the star of the show, with fresh pinfish, pilchards, and cigar minnows doing most of the work. When the bite gets hot, you might find yourself working multiple rods, and that's where Captain Brett's experience really shines – he'll keep you organized and in the fish while handling the net and gaff work.
"Capt Brett with Bout Time Charters was awesome! He worked hard to make sure our trip was successful! Called us the day before to touch base and finalize all the plans. Myself and my 3 sons met Capt Bret at the marina where he was waiting and ready for us to load up and go. We had fun catching the live bait and he had us on the fish early. He kept us busy and fishing all day to make sure we filled the coolers! Capt. Brett was awesome and I would recommend booking with him to anyone!" - Todd
"We just finished our trip and had a blast. Our family of four with a 4 and seven year old got our limit in just over 30 minutes. Captain Brett was great with the kids, he even had beanbag chairs for the kids (and Mom) to be more comfortable. He was so attentive to our needs and desires. He put us on a monster hammerhead shark to top off the day. I can't wait to go again next year. Thanks again Captain Brett!" - Bradley
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and Pensacola's nearshore waters hold some beauties. These ruby-colored fighters typically hang around hard bottom, wrecks, and artificial reefs in 60 to 120 feet of water. They're famous for their hard initial run toward structure, so you need to turn them quick or risk getting cut off. Red snapper season varies, but when they're open, expect fish in the 3 to 8-pound range with occasional double-digit surprises. What makes them special is the combination of fight and table fare – they're arguably the best eating fish in the Gulf.
King mackerel bring the speed and raw power that gets your heart pumping. These silver bullets patrol the nearshore waters from late spring through fall, and Pensacola sits right in their migration path. Kings typically range from 10 to 30 pounds in these waters, though 40-pounders aren't uncommon. They're ambush predators that hit fast and run hard, often jumping and tail-walking when hooked. The key to consistent king fishing is finding the bait schools and temperature breaks they love. Trolling with live bait or spoons along these edges often produces explosive strikes that'll test your drag settings.
Sheepshead might not win any beauty contests, but they're cunning opponents that'll humble any angler. These convict-striped bottom dwellers love structure like dock pilings, bridges, and jetties where they feed on barnacles and crustaceans. Their mouths are filled with human-like teeth designed for crushing shells, which makes them notorious bait thieves. Pensacola's inshore waters hold plenty of 2 to 5-pound sheepshead, with winter months often producing the biggest specimens. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the nearshore waters, known for their aggressive feeding behavior and willingness to hit just about any bait or lure. These toothy predators travel in schools and can turn a slow day into non-stop action in minutes. Pensacola blues typically run 2 to 8 pounds and are most active during spring and fall migrations. They're not picky eaters, which makes them perfect for beginners and kids. When a school of blues moves through, it's often fast and furious fishing with multiple hook
Jump aboard the Cape Horn Voyager, a solid 31-foot center console that'll get you to the fish fast and keep you comfortable all day. This 2008 beauty packs twin 2017 Suzuki 300HP engines that'll cruise at 44 knots, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water than traveling to your spots. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Stay cool with AC between bites, keep your catch fresh in the icebox, and let the fish finder do the scouting work. GPS and radar keep you on course and safe, while the wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them. Whether you're working the grass flats for redfish or heading nearshore for snapper, this rig has everything you need for a productive day on Pensacola's waters. The multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during the ride, but once those rods start bending, you won't need any other entertainment.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are like mini torpedoes that'll surprise you with their speed and fight. These silver bullets with dark stripes typically run 3-8 pounds and can hit 40 mph when making runs. They're pelagic fish, meaning they roam the middle depths in large schools, often feeding on the surface where seabirds give away their location. Fall and spring migrations bring the best action when water temps are in the 60s. Guests enjoy them because they're scrappy fighters on light tackle and great for kids or beginners since they're aggressive biters. While not the best table fare in the U.S., they make excellent bait for bigger fish. Here's a guide secret: when you see birds diving offshore, head over fast and throw anything that moves - spoons, jigs, or small lures. Once you hook one, keep fishing the same spot since they school up tight and you can often catch several quickly.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that'll give you a real workout on light tackle. These silver-blue predators typically run 2-5 pounds around Pensacola, though we see some pushing 10+ pounds during peak season. They roam our nearshore waters in schools, often feeding on the surface where you can spot birds diving on baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when water temps hit the 60s and 70s. What makes them exciting? They're voracious feeders that hit hard and fast, making spectacular runs. They're also great table fare when prepared fresh - the meat's rich and flaky. Here's something most anglers don't know: when you find one bluefish, there's usually a whole school nearby. Work the area thoroughly with spoons, jigs, or live bait, and you can often limit out quickly.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of our nearshore waters, capable of blistering runs that'll test your drag settings. These silver rockets typically range from 10-30 pounds, with the occasional 40+ pounder showing up. You'll find them in 40-100 feet of water, often suspended mid-depth or following bait schools. Summer through early fall is prime season when water temps hit the upper 70s and 80s. Why do guests love targeting them? They're pure adrenaline - making long, fast runs and acrobatic jumps. Plus, they're excellent eating despite what some folks think. The key to landing kings is using a wire leader since those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. We troll live bait or spoons, and when using live bait, rig with a nose hook and stinger hook - kings often attack from behind and you want both ends covered.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and we've got plenty around Pensacola's nearshore waters. These beauties average 2-4 pounds but can reach 15+ pounds, with that classic red coloration and white belly. You'll find them hanging around structure in 30-80 feet - wrecks, rocks, and hard bottom areas. Best fishing is May through September when they're most active. What makes them special? They fight hard, diving straight for cover when hooked, and the meat is absolutely top-notch - sweet, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. Here's a local tip: use circle hooks with fresh cut bait like cigar minnows or squid, and fish right on the bottom. When you feel that tap-tap-tap, resist the urge to jerk - let them load up on the circle hook and it'll set itself.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the thieves of the Gulf - famous for stealing bait with those human-like teeth. These black-striped "convict fish" average 2-4 pounds and love hanging around any structure with barnacles: docks, bridges, pilings, and nearshore reefs. Winter and early spring are peak times, especially February through April when they spawn. What draws anglers to them? They're tricky to catch, making them a real challenge, plus the white meat is some of the best eating you'll find. They're also available year-round when other species are off-limits. Pro tip from years of guiding: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to the structure, and when you feel that light nibbling, set the hook hard. Their bony mouths require a firm hookset, and they'll drop the bait if you hesitate.
5.0 out of 5.0Capt Brett with Bout Time Charters was awesome! He worked hard to make sure our trip was successful! Called us the day before to ...
We just finished our trip and had a blast. Our family of four with a 4 and seven year old got our limit in just over 30 minutes....
Pensacola, FL