Live Bait Inshore Trip with Captain Austin
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain McWhorter provides 10 years of professional guiding experienceLive bait fishing targets multiple species in Tampa waterways24ft Sheaffer boat accommodates up to two anglers comfortably
Captain Austin McWhorter brings a decade of guiding experience to the productive waters around Tampa and Clearwater, where he's mastered the art of putting anglers on fish using fresh pilchards and time-tested techniques. This top-rated inshore charter targets the holy trinity of Florida fishing – snook, redfish, and sea trout – in the shallow flats, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds that make this area a world-class fishing destination. You'll fish from his well-equipped 24ft Sheaffer with a maximum of two anglers, ensuring personalized attention and plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines.
Captain Austin loads up the live well with fresh pilchards before you even step aboard, giving you the edge that only quality live bait provides. These silver dollar-sized baitfish are like candy to inshore predators, and Austin knows exactly how to present them in the current and structure where big fish lurk. The 24ft Sheaffer offers a stable platform with shallow draft capabilities, letting you access backcountry spots that bigger boats can't reach. All spinning tackle is provided, from light action rods perfect for trout to medium-heavy setups that can handle a bull redfish's first run. The trip accommodates up to two anglers, creating an intimate fishing experience where you're not competing for the captain's attention or prime fishing spots on the boat.
Live bait fishing is an art form that Captain Austin has perfected over his 10 years guiding these waters. He'll show you how to hook pilchards through the nose for maximum swimming action, adjust your weight based on current and depth, and read the subtle taps and pulls that signal a fish is mouthing your bait. The spinning tackle setup allows for long, accurate casts to structure and lets fish take the bait naturally without feeling heavy resistance. You'll learn to work mangrove edges where snook ambush prey, drift grass flats where redfish cruise in packs, and target drop-offs where sea trout suspend waiting for an easy meal. Austin's knowledge of tide movements, seasonal patterns, and fish behavior means you'll spend more time with bent rods and less time wondering where the fish are hiding.
Snook are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, and these ambush predators know how to use structure to their advantage. Look for them tucked under mangrove overhangs, around dock pilings, and near creek mouths where they wait for baitfish to drift within striking distance. These fish are notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, often launching themselves clear out of the water when hooked. The best action typically happens during moving water, especially around dawn and dusk when they're most aggressive. What makes snook special is their intelligence – they'll inspect your bait, test your drag, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook, making each fish earned rather than given.
Sea trout are the most reliable fish in these waters, providing consistent action throughout the year while testing your finesse fishing skills. These speckled beauties cruise grass flats in schools, and when you find one, you've usually found many. They have soft mouths that require a gentle touch and smooth drag, making them perfect for anglers who want to feel every head shake and run. Trout are most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round by adjusting depth and presentation. They're excellent table fare and provide that satisfying tug that keeps you casting all day, plus they're often mixed with redfish, creating variety in your catch.
Redfish are the workhorses of the flats, known for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style that can test your tackle and technique. These copper-colored bruisers feed aggressively in shallow water, often with their backs and tails visible as they root around oyster bars and grass beds. Tampa Bay's redfish population is strong, with fish ranging from slot-sized to oversized bulls that can strip line off your reel in seconds. They're most active during warmer months but can be targeted year-round by following bait schools and tide movements. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat and their ability to turn a routine fishing trip into an arm-burning battle that you'll remember long after the trip ends.
Captain Austin's live bait inshore trips offer the perfect combination of proven techniques, quality equipment, and local knowledge that turns good fishing days into great ones. With only two anglers per trip, you'll receive personalized instruction and have plenty of opportunities to hook into Tampa Bay's best inshore species. The 24ft Sheaffer provides comfort and fishability, while Austin's decade of experience ensures you'll fish the most productive spots at the right times. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, catch your first snook, or simply enjoy a day on the water with fresh pilchards and spinning tackle, this charter delivers the authentic Florida inshore fishing experience. Book now to secure your spot with one of Tampa and Clearwater's most experienced guides.
Captain McWhorter's 24ft Sheaffer is built for serious inshore action around Tampa Bay and Clearwater waters. This motorboat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful live bait trip - a fish finder to locate schools, GPS navigation to hit the prime spots, and radar for those foggy mornings when the fish are biting. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking redfish in shallow grass flats or working structure for snook. Ice box keeps your catch fresh, while the VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. With live-well packed full of fresh pilchards and spinning tackle ready to go, you'll be fishing productive waters within minutes of leaving the dock. Perfect setup for targeting whatever's running hot - whether that's trout over grass beds, snook around mangroves, or reds cruising the shallows.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing, running anywhere from schoolie-sized 16-20 inchers up to bruising 30+ pound bulls. You'll spot them by those telltale black spots near the tail and that bronze-copper coloring. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. Year-round fishing with peak action in fall when big schools move through. Reds are pure fighters, making strong runs and never giving up easy. They're also primo eating fish with sweet, firm meat. What I love showing guests is sight-fishing to tailing reds on the flats. When you see those tails waving, cast your live shrimp or soft plastic about 3 feet ahead and let it settle. Don't cast right on top of them or they'll spook.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are one of our most consistent biters here in Tampa Bay waters. These silvery fish with dark spots typically run 12-20 inches, though we see some nice ones pushing 5-6 pounds in cooler months. They hang over grass flats in 3-8 feet of water, especially around potholes and drop-offs. Fall and winter produce the best action when they school up in deeper holes. Trout are great for families since they bite readily and taste fantastic - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also scrappy fighters for their size. The key is working live shrimp under a popping cork over the grassbeds. Keep that cork popping every few seconds to create noise and movement. When the bite gets tough, try switching to a lighter leader.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Tampa Bay's premier inshore gamefish, averaging 18-28 inches with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. They love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges - in water from 2-15 feet deep. Best action happens dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on baitfish. Spring through fall gives you peak opportunities, especially around the spawning runs in summer when they stack up near passes. What makes snook special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make long runs and jump if hooked in shallow water. Plus they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My go-to trick is working live pilchards right along the mangrove edges where the water drops off. Let that bait swim naturally and be ready for that classic snook thump.
Clearwater, FL