World Class 5 Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure Pensacola
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore fishing charter in Pensacola watersCaptain Craig Mick provides expert guidance and local knowledgeAll fishing gear, bait, and licenses included for groups
Captain Craig Mick and Brighter Days Sport Fishing know where the fish are biting around Pensacola's productive waters. This 5-hour inshore and nearshore charter puts you right in the sweet spot where structure meets current, and that's where the action happens. You'll fish the grass flats, artificial reefs, and nearshore ledges that hold some of the Gulf's most sought-after species. With all your gear, bait, and licenses included, you just need to show up ready to fish. Whether you're working on your personal best or introducing someone new to saltwater fishing, Captain Craig's local knowledge and 20+ years on these waters make all the difference.
Your charter kicks off early from Pensacola's harbor, where Captain Craig briefs you on the day's game plan based on current conditions, tides, and recent fish reports. The boat's rigged with quality tackle suitable for everything from 15-pound snapper to 40-pound amberjack, plus a fish box to keep your catch fresh. You'll start inshore working the grass beds and structure for smaller reef fish, then push out to the nearshore artificial reefs and natural bottom where the bigger fish hang out. The captain reads the water constantly – watching for bird activity, bait schools, and temperature breaks that signal feeding fish. Expect to move between 3-5 different spots throughout the day, with each location offering different species and fishing opportunities. The pace stays steady but relaxed, with plenty of time to learn techniques and enjoy the Gulf scenery.
You'll be bottom fishing with conventional reels spooled with 20-30 pound test, using circle hooks and enough weight to hold bottom in 30-80 feet of water. Captain Craig provides a variety of baits including live pinfish, cigar minnows, and cut bait depending on what the fish are hitting that day. The boat's equipped with quality rods matched to the target species – lighter spinning gear for the inshore work and heavier conventional tackle for the bigger nearshore fish. You'll learn proper bottom fishing techniques, how to feel the difference between a bite and bottom structure, and the right way to fight fish without losing them at the boat. The captain handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on fishing rather than tackle management. GPS and fish finder technology help locate productive structure, but reading the signs and adjusting techniques based on fish behavior is what separates a good trip from a great one.
Red snapper remain the star attraction from June through July during the federal season, with most fish running 16-25 inches and providing excellent table fare. These smart fish require finesse – light leaders, fresh bait, and patience when they're being picky. They school up on artificial reefs and natural ledges, often suspending 10-15 feet off the bottom. Scamp grouper offer year-round action and fight harder than their size suggests, typically running 12-20 pounds around Pensacola's nearshore structure. They're ambush predators that hit fast and try to cut you off in the rocks, making for exciting battles on medium tackle.
King mackerel show up in numbers during spring and fall migrations, with the nearshore waters producing fish from 10-30 pounds. These speedsters make blistering runs and aerial displays that test your drag system and reflexes. Grey triggerfish provide consistent action during their open seasons, and while they're notorious bait stealers, they're also excellent eating and surprisingly strong fighters. Greater amberjack round out the target list as the real bruisers of the bunch – these reef bullies can top 50 pounds and will test every knot in your rig. They pull hard and don't give up easily, often requiring multiple runs before coming to the boat.
Pensacola's nearshore fishing stays productive year-round, but the best action happens when you've got an experienced captain who adapts to daily conditions. Captain Craig's local knowledge means you're fishing the right spots at the right times with the right techniques. The 4-person capacity keeps the boat comfortable without crowding, and the 5-hour duration gives you enough time to work multiple areas without rushing. All your fishing essentials are covered, from quality tackle to required licenses, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat. These productive waters and this experienced crew create the perfect combination for a memorable day of Gulf Coast fishing. Book your charter with Brighter Days Sport Fishing and see why Pensacola's nearshore waters keep anglers coming back season after season.
Captain Craig's 25-foot Contender center console is built for serious fishing in Pensacola's productive waters. Powered by a reliable 300HP Suzuki outboard, this boat cuts through the Gulf swells with ease and gets you to the fishing grounds fast. The spacious deck layout gives up to 4 anglers plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. You'll appreciate the wireless trolling motor when you need to position quietly over structure, while the GPS and fish finder help locate where the redfish, trout, and snapper are holding. The center console design keeps tackle organized and accessible, so you can focus on what matters most - putting fish in the cooler. Whether you're targeting inshore flats or heading to nearshore reefs, this Contender handles both with the stability and fishability that serious anglers demand.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the Gulf, averaging 20-40 pounds with fish over 60 pounds not uncommon around here. They cruise structure and wrecks in 60-200 feet, often suspended mid-water. Spring spawning season from April through May brings the biggest fish up, but they bite year-round. What gets people hooked on AJs is that initial screaming run followed by that stubborn, circles-and-dives fight that'll wear you out. They're solid eating too, just watch the size due to mercury. The secret with amberjack is heavy tackle and live bait - blue runners, pinfish, or threadfins work great. When you hook up, pump and wind, don't just lean back and pull. They'll circle under the boat and test every knot you've got, but land one and you'll understand why we chase them.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are feisty little scrappers that average 12-17 inches but pack a serious attitude. They hang around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 30-180 feet, using those sharp teeth to crack open crabs and urchins. Summer and early fall are best when they're most active and aggressive. What makes triggers fun is their sneaky bite - they'll nibble and steal bait all day, but when you hook one solid, they fight like fish twice their size. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, sweet meat. Here's the trick with triggers: use small chunks of fresh squid on a small hook, and when you feel that first tap, reel up fast while keeping tension. They're notorious bait thieves, but if you stay on top of them, you'll boat plenty for a great fish fry.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "smoker kings" as we call the big ones, are pure speed and power. Most run 15-30 pounds, but we regularly see 40-50 pounders that'll test your drag and your arms. They patrol the 40-150 foot range, often around temperature breaks and bait schools. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit 68-84 degrees. What makes kings special is that blazing fast run when hooked - nothing quite like it. They're also great on the table when prepared right. The key to landing kings is running two hooks on a wire leader - one in the nose, one trailing. They love to hit baitfish from behind, and that stinger hook saves the day. Use live bait like blue runners or threadfins, and when trolling, vary your speeds to trigger strikes.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, averaging 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some real bruisers hit 20+ pounds. They live around structure in 30-200 feet - think wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom. Peak season runs May through September when water temps hit that sweet 60-75 degree range. What makes them special is that bulldogging fight once hooked, plus they're hands down some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. That sweet, flaky white meat is worth every bit of effort. Here's a tip from years of chasing them: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run for a second or two, then hit them hard. They're notorious bait stealers, but patience pays off with these red beauties.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper are the prize of the grouper family, running 4-6 pounds on average but capable of reaching 30+ pounds. You'll find them hanging around structure in 75-300 feet - wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom are prime spots. They're chocolate brown with darker blotches and those distinctive elongated tail rays. February through May is spawning season when they move shallower and bite better. What guests love about scamps is that powerful fight and the fact they're called "Captain's meat" for good reason - best tasting grouper you'll ever put on a plate. They're ambush predators, so once hooked, they'll try to cut you off in the rocks. My advice: use heavy tackle and horse them up fast. Don't give them time to think about heading for cover, or you'll be retying.
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