Inshore Fishing in Carrabelle FL | 4 Hour Trip AM
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour morning inshore fishing trip in Carrabelle watersExpert guides target trophy fish along scenic Gulf CoastAccommodates up to six guests of all fishing skill levels
Looking for some serious fishing action without burning a whole day on the water? Our 4-hour morning inshore trips in Carrabelle are exactly what you need. We'll get you on the fish early when they're feeding heavy, and you'll be back to shore with plenty of time to clean your catch and grab lunch. Carrabelle's got some of the most productive inshore waters on Florida's Gulf Coast, and we know exactly where to put you on the bite. Whether you're chasing your first redfish or you're a weekend warrior looking to fill the cooler, this trip delivers the goods every single time.
We launch bright and early to beat the crowds and catch the morning bite when it's hot. The waters around Carrabelle are loaded with structure - oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths that hold fish year-round. You'll be fishing with up to 5 other anglers, so there's plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques. The vibe is relaxed but focused - we're here to put fish in the boat, but we're also here to have a good time doing it. Our local guides know these waters like the back of their hand, from the shallow flats around Dog Island to the deeper channels where the big girls like to hang out. We'll adjust our game plan based on conditions, tides, and what's been biting, so you're always fishing the most productive water.
We run a variety of techniques depending on what we're targeting and where we find them. Live bait fishing with shrimp, pinfish, and cut bait is always productive, especially around structure where the reds and flounder like to ambush their meals. We'll also throw artificials - soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs that can really fire up the fish when they're aggressive. The gear is all provided, from spinning reels spooled with braided line to circle hooks that help with catch and release. We fish light enough to feel every bite but heavy enough to turn fish away from structure when they try to wrap you up. The boat's rigged with multiple rod holders, a live well for bait, and plenty of ice to keep your catch fresh. Depending on the tide, we might start shallow and work deeper, or vice versa - it's all about reading the water and staying on the fish.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Carrabelle inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats and oyster bars around here, especially during moving tides. They'll hit live shrimp, cut bait, or a well-placed gold spoon, and they fight like crazy once hooked. Fall and spring are prime time, but honestly, we catch keeper reds pretty much year-round. What makes them so special is that drag-screaming initial run - they'll peel line off your reel and make you wonder if you hooked a small tarpon.
Now here's something you don't see every day - Porbeagle Sharks occasionally show up in our inshore waters, usually when baitfish are thick. These are smaller cousins of the great white, built like underwater missiles with that classic shark attitude. They're rare catches that'll definitely make your day memorable. When one shows up, it's usually because the water temperature and bait alignment is just right. They hit hard and fight clean, making long runs that'll test your drag system.
African Pompano are the wildcards of our local waters - when you hook one, you know it immediately. These fish are built for speed with their deep bodies and powerful tails. They show up around structure and drop-offs, usually in warmer months, and they'll absolutely smoke whatever bait or lure you put in front of them. The fight is all about short, powerful runs and head-shaking jumps that'll keep your drag singing.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise down here, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush anything that swims by. They're most active during cooler months and around structure changes where current brings them food. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is that subtle bite - you might think you're hung up on bottom until that "bottom" starts swimming away. They're excellent table fare and a blast to catch on light tackle.
This 4-hour morning trip is perfect for families, couples, or small groups who want quality fishing without the full-day commitment. We keep groups small at 6 anglers max, so you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The morning bite in Carrabelle is legendary among local anglers, and there's nothing like being on the water when the sun comes up and the fish start feeding. Book your spot with Bust-A-Knot Charters and see why so many anglers consider Carrabelle their go-to destination for top-rated inshore fishing. The fish are here, the guides know where to find them, and your cooler is waiting to be filled.
Cast off aboard our beautifully restored 2006 Baja Cruiser, a 29-foot cabin cruiser that's been brought back to showroom condition in 2023. Twin Honda engines pack 450HP total, pushing this sleek vessel to 42 knots when you need to reach those prime fishing spots fast. The spacious pilothouse keeps up to 6 anglers comfortable with AC while you work the inshore waters around Carrabelle. Everything's set up for serious fishing - our fish finder will help locate schools while GPS and radar keep you on course and safe. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida mornings. When nature calls, there's an onboard head, plus multimedia system for the ride out. This isn't just transportation to the fishing grounds - it's your floating basecamp for targeting redfish, trout, and whatever else is biting in these productive Gulf Coast waters.
Alectis CiliarisAfrican Pompano are gorgeous silver fish from the jack family that cruise our deeper Gulf waters. Adults typically range 20-35 inches and can push 50 pounds, though most we catch run smaller. You'll find them over structure in 30-250 feet of water where they hunt crustaceans and baitfish. The juveniles look completely different with long, trailing filaments that disappear as they grow. Summer months bring the best opportunities when they move into our area following warm currents. These fish are pure athletes - fast, strong, and they'll test your drag system with powerful runs. The meat is excellent eating with firm, white flesh that's prized by local restaurants. Since they're attracted to shiny, moving objects, vertical jigging works great around structure. My go-to technique is dropping a bright jig to the bottom and working it fast back up through the water column. Their speed means you need to be ready when they hit.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are powerful sharks that show up in our deeper Gulf waters during cooler months. These torpedo-shaped fish average 5-6 feet but can reach over 11 feet, packing serious muscle and speed. They prefer cold water temps between 40-60°F and typically hang in 30-300 feet of water. Winter through early spring gives you the best shot when they move closer to shore following baitfish. What makes porbeagle fishing exciting is their raw power and endurance - they'll make long runs and sometimes even jump clear out of the water. The meat is actually considered a delicacy with firm, white flesh. Use heavy tackle with 200-400 lb line since their rough skin can cut lighter setups. Here's what works: drop a whole mackerel or large chunk of fresh fish down 50-100 feet and be ready for a battle. A little chum in the water helps draw them in.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular targets around Carrabelle's shallow flats and grass beds. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. You'll find them cruising in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes redfish special is their powerful fight and that sweet, mild flavor that's perfect for the dinner table. They'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp, but here's a local tip: when you see them tailing in super shallow water, cast your bait about 3 feet ahead of where they're headed and let it sit still. They spook easily in skinny water, but a well-placed bait will get crushed.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise that lie buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches around here, though we do catch some nice ones pushing 5-6 pounds. Both eyes sit on their left side, and they can change color to match whatever bottom they're on. You'll find them in shallow bays, grass flats, and around structure where they can blend in perfectly. Fall migration offers prime fishing when they move toward deeper water for winter. What makes flounder fishing fun is the challenge of finding them and that firm, sweet meat that's hard to beat on the table. They're ambush predators, so presentation matters more than speed. The key is keeping your bait moving slowly along the bottom - I like using a light jighead with live shrimp or finger mullet, bouncing it just off the sand. When you feel that subtle tap, give them a second to grab it before setting the hook.
Tallahassee