Half Day Family Redfish & Snook Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting redfish, trout, and snookFamilyfriendly charter with patient instruction for beginnersSmall group experience accommodating maximum two guests
Looking for a perfect way to get the whole family hooked on fishing? Captain Curtis knows exactly how to make your morning on the water memorable without the stress. This top-rated half-day charter starts bright and early at 8:30 AM, giving you four solid hours to chase some of Tampa Bay's most popular inshore species. Based out of Bay Pines, you'll be fishing the calmer backwaters where redfish cruise the shallows and snook hide under mangroves, making it ideal for kids and first-time anglers who want action without the rough seas.
Captain Curtis keeps things simple and fun, which is exactly what family fishing should be. You'll stay in protected waters with short runs between spots, so there's no long boat rides or seasickness to worry about. The captain sets up easy-to-use rigs that even young anglers can handle, and he's got the patience to teach proper casting techniques and help with every hookup. Between fish, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the wake and herons stalking the flats. The intimate 2-guest maximum means everyone gets plenty of hands-on coaching and photo opportunities. All your tackle and bait are included, so just pack some snacks, sunscreen, and get ready to make some memories.
This isn't about complicated rigs or advanced techniques – it's all about putting fish in the boat the easy way. Captain Curtis uses light spinning tackle with simple live bait presentations that work great for the target species. You'll be casting shrimp and small baitfish near structure like docks, mangrove edges, and grass flats where these fish love to hang out. The captain handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on the fun parts like feeling that first tap and setting the hook. When you hook up, he's right there with the net and encouragement, making sure every fish makes it to the boat safely for photos before release.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-27 inches in these waters and put up a solid scrap that'll get your heart pumping. They're most active during moving tides when they cruise the flats looking for crabs and shrimp. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat and their never-give-up attitude once hooked. You'll find them year-round in the bay, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action when they school up in the shallows.
Snook are the inshore glamour species that every angler wants to catch. These ambush predators love to hang around structure like docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines, waiting to blast unsuspecting baitfish. They're incredibly strong for their size, with that distinctive black lateral line and bucket mouth that makes them instantly recognizable. Snook fishing peaks during the warmer months from April through October, and they're notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. Landing one of these beauties is a milestone moment for any angler.
Sea Trout round out the slam and they're perfect for building confidence on the water. These spotted fighters are abundant throughout Tampa Bay's grass flats and are usually the most cooperative of the three species. They hit soft baits and live shrimp with enthusiasm, and while they might not be the biggest fighters, they're absolutely delicious and great for photos. Trout are most active during low-light periods, which works perfectly for this early morning trip. They school up during cooler months, making them a reliable target when the bite gets tough.
This customer favorite trip sells out regularly because Captain Curtis has figured out the perfect formula for family fishing success. Four hours is just enough time to hit multiple spots and catch fish without wearing out the kids, and that 8:30 AM start gets you on the prime bite before the afternoon heat kicks in. The 2-guest limit ensures personalized attention and plenty of room to move around the boat safely. Whether you're introducing youngsters to fishing or just want a relaxed morning on the water chasing some of Florida's best inshore species, this world-class charter delivers every time. Book now and get ready to see why Tampa Bay is renowned for some of the most consistent redfish and snook action on the Gulf Coast.
Captain Curtis's restored 2006 motorboat is built for intimate inshore fishing adventures around St. Petersburg's sheltered waters. This compact two-person vessel gets you to the best redfish and snook spots without long runs, keeping things comfortable for families and first-timers. The boat's fish finder helps locate schools while GPS navigation ensures smooth trips through the bay's shallow flats and mangrove shorelines. Stay connected with marine radio for safety and updates. Perfect size means everyone gets quality casting time and personal attention from the captain. The boat handles easily in calm inshore conditions, ideal for patient instruction and relaxed fishing. Ready to chase trout and redfish in Tampa Bay's productive waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore target - they're aggressive, fight hard, and those distinctive black spots make for great photos. Most fish we catch run 18-28 inches and really know how to use that broad tail to pull drag. These copper-colored fish love super shallow water, often in just 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove edges. Year-round fishing is good here, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're feeding heavily. What makes reds special is how they eat - they'll crush topwater plugs, inhale live shrimp, and chase down just about any lure that looks like food. They're also great on the table with mild, flaky meat. My go-to tip for redfish is to look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows early morning. When you spot them, make a quiet approach and drop your bait right in their path.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are perfect fish for families and new anglers. These silvery fish with dark spots typically run 14-20 inches and fight just hard enough to be fun without being overwhelming. You'll find them over grass flats in 3-8 feet of water, especially during moving tides. They're most active in cooler months when they school up, making for consistent action. What guests love about trout is how willing they are to bite - they'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish we have, with tender white meat that's hard to overcook. The key to catching more trout is fishing the grass edges where baitfish gather. Cast your bait just outside the grass line and work it back slowly - that's where the bigger ones wait.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier inshore game fish, and they put up a serious fight once hooked. These golden-colored fish with their signature black lateral line typically run 1-2 feet long, though bigger ones lurk around docks and mangroves. You'll find them hanging around structure - bridges, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 2-10 feet of water. They love ambush spots where they can dart out to grab baitfish. Spring through fall are prime times, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong runs - they'll test your drag for sure. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a tip: work your lure slowly along the mangrove edge and be ready for that sudden hit when you least expect it.
St Petersburg, FL