5.0(2 Reviews)Pensacola Private Fishing Charter Adventure
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4-5 hour inshore and nearshore fishing adventureTargets multiple fish species with all gear providedAccommodates up to 6 guests with experienced local guides
Looking for a solid day on the water without the crowds? Captain Brett's private 4-5 hour inshore and nearshore fishing trips are exactly what serious anglers and families alike have been waiting for. Based out of Pensacola, these charters put you right where the fish are biting, whether that's working the grass flats for reds or heading out to the nearshore structure for bigger game. You'll have the boat to yourself and up to 5 friends, which means no strangers hogging the rail and no rushing because someone else wants to head in early. All your tackle, bait, and gear come included, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the cooler.
This isn't your typical head boat experience where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers. Captain Brett runs a tight ship that's all about maximizing your time on productive water. The day kicks off early at the marina, where you'll meet up and go over the game plan based on current conditions, tides, and what's been biting lately. Depending on the bite, you might start working live bait around nearshore structure for king mackerel and bonito, or head to the inshore grass flats and oyster bars where the red snapper and sheepshead hang out. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility – if the fish are stacked up in one spot, you're staying put. If they're not cooperating, you're moving until you find them. Captain Brett's been working these waters long enough to know where to go when Plan A doesn't pan out.
All the gear you need comes ready to fish, from medium-heavy spinning rods for the inshore action to heavier conventional setups when you're targeting kings and larger pelagics nearshore. Live bait is the name of the game here – you'll likely start the day catching your own bait, which is half the fun and gets everyone warmed up. Pinfish, pigfish, and small grunts make excellent bait for the bottom species, while live sardines and cigar minnows are deadly on the kings and bonito. Bottom fishing techniques dominate the inshore side, dropping baits around structure, ledges, and grass edges where snapper and sheepshead feed. When you head nearshore, expect more trolling action and live bait fishing around the artificial reefs and natural bottom structure that holds the bigger game fish.
"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 bread and butter of Pensacola's inshore fishing scene, and for good reason. These scrappy bottom dwellers put up a solid fight and taste even better on the dinner table. They're year-round residents around the artificial reefs, ledges, and hard bottom areas, though they're most active during the warmer months when the bait is thick. Reds typically run 2-8 pounds in these waters, and they're not shy about taking a well-presented piece of cut bait or live pinfish. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent eating qualities – there's nothing quite like fresh red snapper on the grill after a successful day on the water.
Bluefish are the aggressive predators that keep things interesting when they show up in schools. These toothy customers can appear anytime from spring through fall, and when they're around, the action gets fast and furious. They'll hit everything from live bait to cut bait to small lures, and they're not particular about technique. Blues typically range from 2-10 pounds in this area, with the larger "choppers" showing up during their migration periods. They're fantastic fighters that make long runs and jump, plus they're excellent smoked or prepared fresh. The key with blues is being ready when they move through – the bite can be red hot for an hour and then completely shut off.
Sheepshead are the challenge fish that separate the experienced anglers from the beginners. These black-and-white striped bottom dwellers have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish, and they're notorious bait stealers. You'll find them around any kind of structure – pilings, reefs, rocks, and especially around the many bridges and piers in the Pensacola area. The best time for sheepshead is during their spawning period from February through April, when they stack up in deeper water near the passes. They require finesse fishing with small hooks, light line, and fresh bait like fiddler crabs or shrimp. When you hook a good sheepshead, you'll know it – they make powerful runs straight for the nearest structure to try and cut you off.
King Mackerel are the speed demons that get your heart pumping when they make their first run. These nearshore pelagics are summer favorites,
Get ready to hit the productive waters around Pensacola aboard our 31-foot Cape Horn Voyager! This 2008 center console is rigged for serious fishing with twin 300HP Suzuki engines that'll get you to the hot spots fast at 44 knots. Whether you're working the grass flats inshore or heading to nearshore structure, this boat handles it all with room for up to 6 anglers. Stay comfortable with A/C between fish, keep your catch fresh in the icebox, and let the fish finder do the work of locating schools. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need stealth for spooky fish, while GPS and radar ensure safe navigation. Perfect for targeting redfish, trout, snapper, and whatever else is biting in these Gulf Coast waters.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are the speedsters of our nearshore waters - these silver and blue striped fish hit 30+ mph and typically weigh 3-8 pounds. They travel in large schools during spring and fall migrations, feeding aggressively in the upper water column. Look for diving birds and surface commotion - that's usually bonito tearing through baitfish. While they're not great eating here (too oily), they put up a fantastic fight for their size and make excellent bait for bigger fish. They're pretty much the false albacore of our area. What's fun is once you find a feeding school, they'll hit almost anything you throw. Best technique: small metal jigs or spoons worked fast through the school. When it's calm, try soft plastics that stay in the strike zone longer. Watch for their dorsal fins cutting the surface like mini sharks - that's your cue to start casting.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that'll give you a serious fight once hooked. These blue-green speedsters typically run 3-10 pounds and show up in our waters during warmer months, especially summer and early fall when they're chasing baitfish. You'll find them in shallow bays, around structures, and over sandy areas where they hunt in schools. What makes them exciting? They hit hard, fight dirty, and when you find a feeding school, the action gets wild fast. They'll attack anything that moves - sometimes even after they're full. The meat's decent eating when fresh, though it's oily so cook it right away. Pro tip from years out here: look for diving birds and churning water - that's a bluefish blitz happening. Toss metal spoons or cut bait right into the chaos and hold on tight. Their razor teeth will slice through light leaders, so bring wire.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are pure speed and power - these silver bullets average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds when conditions are right. They roam open water in 40-150 feet, following baitfish and hitting anything that looks like an easy meal. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps hit the 70s. What gets people hooked? The initial run when a king hits will peel line off your reel like nothing else, and they're decent table fare despite being a bit oily. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through just about anything. Local trick: use a two-hook rig on wire leader with live menhaden or blue runners. Hook one through the nose, the other through the back near the dorsal. Kings typically bite the tail end first, so that second hook saves the day. Troll around 6-8 knots - they like fast-moving baits.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing - these bright red beauties average 1-2 feet and 4-8 pounds, though we sometimes hook into 20+ pounders that'll test your arms. They hang around structure in 30-200 feet of water, especially rocky bottoms, reefs, and oil rigs. Best fishing happens May through October when they're most active. What makes them special? They fight hard, pulling toward cover to break your line, and the meat is absolutely top-notch - mild, sweet, and flaky. Everyone wants to take these home for dinner. Here's a local tip: use heavy tackle with circle hooks and fresh squid or cigar minnows. Drop your bait right to the bottom where they live, and when you feel that tap-tap-tap, set the hook firmly. They're smart fish that'll steal your bait if you're not quick.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're crafty bait thieves. Most run 1-3 pounds around here, though we see 8-10 pounders fairly often near the right structure. They love hanging around docks, bridge pilings, and any barnacle-covered surfaces year-round, with spring being prime time. What makes them special? Those human-like teeth that crunch through crabs and barnacles, plus they're fantastic eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's worth the effort. The challenge is they'll steal your bait without you feeling a thing. My advice: get right up to the structure with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, use a small hook, and keep your bait pinned tight. The moment you feel weight, set that hook hard - they've got powerful jaws and will spit the hook 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