8-Hour Inshore Fishing Charter in Tarpon Springs
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday 8hour inshore fishing charter for up to 4 guestsTarget redfish, snook, tarpon, and flounder in local watersAll fishing equipment and gear included in charter price
When you're looking for a full day on the water that'll test your skills and fill your cooler, Capt Ben's 8-hour inshore charter is exactly what you need. We're talking about a proper fishing day here – not some quick afternoon trip, but a real chance to get into the fish that make Tarpon Springs one of Florida's top-rated fishing destinations. You'll have plenty of time to work the flats, hit the mangroves, and chase whatever's biting. With all your gear included and a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard.
This isn't your typical rushed fishing trip where you're watching the clock. Eight hours gives you the luxury of really fishing – moving spots when the bite slows, adjusting tactics as conditions change, and putting in the time it takes to find the quality fish. We'll start early to beat the crowds and make the most of prime feeding times. The beauty of this charter is its flexibility – want to focus on sight fishing for redfish in skinny water? We can do that. Feel like working structure for sheepshead and black drum? No problem. Captain Ben reads the conditions each day and adjusts the game plan accordingly. You're not locked into one style of fishing, which means better odds of consistent action throughout the day.
Inshore fishing around Tarpon Springs means versatility is key, and we've got you covered with the right gear for every situation. We're running light to medium tackle that can handle everything from finicky snook to bulldogging tarpon. Live bait is often the ticket here – we're talking pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp that we'll either catch fresh or have waiting in the wells. When the fish are spooky, we'll drop down to lighter leaders and smaller hooks. For the grass flats, we're rigging weedless soft plastics and gold spoons that won't hang up in the turtle grass. Around structure like docks and bridges, we'll bump up the tackle slightly and use cut bait or live crabs to entice those bottom dwellers. The captain handles all the rigging and re-rigging, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise in these waters, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for an easy meal. These flatfish typically run 14-20 inches in our area, with the occasional doormat pushing 4-5 pounds. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're staging for their offshore spawn. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is the technique – you're dragging baits slowly along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive thump-thump bite. They don't fight like a tarpon, but landing a nice flounder takes skill and patience.
Snook are the locals' favorite for good reason – they're smart, aggressive, and absolutely beautiful fish. Around Tarpon Springs, most snook run 20-28 inches, though we see plenty of slot-busters that'll test your drag system. Summer evenings are magic time when they're feeding heavily before spawning season kicks in. These fish love structure and ambush points, so we're working dock lights, mangrove shorelines, and creek mouths. When a snook hits, you know it immediately – they'll often jump and make blistering runs toward the nearest snag.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and Tarpon Springs has some bruiser fish that'll make your arms ache. These bottom dwellers can push 20-40 pounds, with the occasional giant topping 50. They're year-round residents but really turn on during cooler months when they school up in deeper holes. Drum fishing is all about patience and heavy tackle – they're not fast, but they're incredibly strong. The bite feels like you've hooked into a truck, and the fight is a pure test of endurance.
Tarpon are the reason many anglers make the pilgrimage to Florida's west coast. These silver kings range from juvenile fish in the 20-40 pound class to mature giants exceeding 100 pounds. Spring through fall brings the best action, with summer offering shots at the really big fish. What sets tarpon apart is their aerial show – when one of these fish goes airborne, shaking its massive head and rattling its gills, it's a sight you'll never forget. They're catch-and-release only, but the memory of fighting one of these prehistoric fish lasts a lifetime.
Sheepshead are the bait thieves that'll drive you crazy and keep you coming back for more. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and oysters around structure. Most run 12-16 inches, but the spring spawning run brings some hefty 4-6 pound fish into range. They're notorious for picking baits clean without getting hooked, which makes landing one feel like a real victory. Sheepshead are also some of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
An 8-hour charter with Capt Ben isn't just a fishing trip – it's a complete inshore experience that gives you the time and flexibility to really get into the fish. With all tackle provided and a captain who's dedicated to putting you on the best bite of the day, you're investing in memories that'll last long after the photos are posted. The waters around Tarpon Springs offer world-class variety, and eight hours lets you sample everything from sight fishing to bottom bouncing. Don't wait until the prime dates are gone – book your spot now and get ready for a day of fishing that'll remind you why you fell in love with the sport in the first place.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know it. These chunky, dark-colored fish typically run 5-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds around here. They're bottom-dwellers that love oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them drumming underwater, which is pretty wild. What makes them special is that raw power and how they use structure to their advantage. The smaller ones make great eating, but anything over 15 pounds gets tough. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom with enough weight to stay put. When they bite, don't rush the hookset - let them take it and run a bit first, then lean into them.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are like the pickpockets of the fish world - they'll steal your bait before you know what hit you. These black-and-white striped fish run 1-8 pounds typically and are famous for their human-like teeth that crunch barnacles and crabs all day. You'll find them around any structure - docks, bridges, pilings, rock piles - basically anywhere with barnacles growing. Winter and early spring are prime time when they school up for spawning. What guests love about sheepshead is they're phenomenal eating with sweet, white meat that rivals snapper. The challenge is they're notorious bait thieves with light bites. Here's the trick: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to structure, and the second you feel them mouthing it, set the hook hard. Don't wait or they'll clean you out every time.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are hands-down one of the most challenging and rewarding fish you'll target around here. These sleek, silver fighters typically run 1-3 feet long with that signature black lateral line and can absolutely smoke your drag when hooked. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings in both salt and brackish water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially around the new and full moons when they spawn. What gets people hooked on snook fishing is their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll test every knot you tied. Plus, they're incredible table fare with firm, white meat. The tricky part is they're super structure-oriented and spook easily. My best advice: get your bait as close to cover as possible without hanging up, and when you feel that first tap, don't hesitate - set that hook hard because they'll spit it fast.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms with just their eyes showing, waiting to ambush prey. You'll typically catch them between 15-18 inches, though some reach over 2 feet. They love shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and around structure where baitfish gather. Both eyes sit on their left side, which makes them pretty unique. Fall and winter are prime time when they move toward deeper water for spawning. What makes them special is their crazy ability to change colors to match the bottom - it's like watching nature's camouflage in action. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. Here's a local tip: when drift fishing, keep your bait moving slowly along the bottom. They'll often follow before striking, so don't set the hook on the first tap.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - these silver kings can reach 6-8 feet and over 200 pounds of pure muscle and attitude. They roll on the surface gulping air, which gives away their location, and when hooked they'll jump clean out of the water multiple times. You'll find them in shallow flats, around bridges, and near deeper channels from spring through fall. What makes tarpon fishing so addictive is the visual aspect - watching a 100-pound fish eat your bait then go airborne is something you never forget. They're strictly catch-and-release since the meat isn't great, but landing one is a lifetime memory. The key is using circle hooks and keeping steady pressure without trying to horse them in. Here's my tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip - it keeps tension off the line and prevents them from throwing the hook.
Tarpon Springs, FL