3 Hour Gulf Breeze Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
3hour inshore fishing charter targeting six popular speciesLight tackle casting across bays and grass flatsAll gear, bait, and licenses included for groups
Captain Doug Chason's Gulf Breeze inshore charter is perfect when you want to get on the water without burning your whole day. Starting at 12:30 PM, this 3-hour trip gives you just enough time to hit the productive spots and fill your cooler. At $425 for up to 4 anglers, it's one of the best values you'll find for quality inshore fishing in the area. Doug knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or bringing the kids out for their first real fishing experience.
This isn't some rushed tourist trip where you're just hoping to catch something. Doug runs a serious fishing operation, and even though you've only got 3 hours, he makes every minute count. You'll launch from Gulf Breeze and head to wherever the fish are biting that day - could be the grass flats if the trout are schooled up, or maybe some nearshore structure if the snapper are active. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety. One cast you might hook into a bull redfish, the next you're fighting a feisty sheepshead around the pilings. Doug provides all the tackle, bait, and licenses, so you just need to show up ready to fish. Bring your own snacks and drinks, plus plenty of sunscreen because even these shorter afternoon trips can catch you off guard with the Gulf Coast sun.
Doug runs his charters with light tackle that keeps the fight exciting but won't wear you out. We're talking spinning rods matched with the right line weight for whatever species you're targeting. When you're working the grass flats for trout, you'll be throwing soft plastics and topwater plugs. Around structure for snapper and sheepshead, it's more about precision casting with live bait or small jigs. The shallow water means you'll see a lot of the action - fish blowing up on baits, reds tailing in skinny water, or that heart-stopping moment when a big trout explodes on a topwater lure. Doug's not just going to hand you a rod and point you toward the water. He'll teach you the techniques that work in these specific conditions, from reading the water to setting the hook properly. The casting game here rewards accuracy over distance, especially when you're sight fishing or working tight to cover.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise in these waters, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish can grow impressive here, with keeper-sized fish running 15-18 inches and the occasional doormat pushing over 20. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawn. What makes flounder so satisfying to catch is the subtle bite - you'll feel like you're snagged on bottom until that telltale head shake gives them away. Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are scrappy fighters that'll test your drag around any structure. They're year-round residents but really fire up in warmer months. These 12-16 inch fish have serious attitudes and will make multiple runs toward the nearest piling or oyster bar. Black Drum are the heavyweights of the flats, with big bulls capable of spooling you if you're not ready. Spring brings the best action when they move shallow to spawn, and their powerful runs will remind you why they're called drum. Sheepshead are the tackle thieves that'll humble any angler, but when you figure out their finicky bite around barnacle-covered structure, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters. Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Gulf Breeze inshore fishing, schooling up over grass beds and providing consistent action. Spring through fall, you'll find specks from 14-20 inches cruising the flats, and they'll absolutely destroy a well-placed topwater plug on calm mornings.
Captain Doug's afternoon trips book up fast, especially during prime fishing months when everyone wants to get out on the water. This 3-hour charter hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing without the commitment of a full day trip. You'll learn the local hotspots, pick up techniques that work in Gulf Breeze waters, and hopefully head home with a cooler full of fresh fillets. At $425 for up to 4 people, you're getting access to years of local knowledge, top-notch equipment, and some of the most productive inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Whether you're planning a family outing, a quick trip with buddies, or want to see if you can handle a longer charter, this is your chance to fish with one of the area's top-rated captains.
This loaded 2008 Champion Bay Champ 24 is built for serious Gulf Breeze fishing action. Powered by a reliable 2020 Suzuki 300hp engine, she'll get you to the hot spots fast and keep you there comfortably. The boat comes rigged with dual 10ft Blade Powerpoles for silent positioning over grass flats and structure, plus a MinnKota Ulterra trolling motor that lets you work the shallows without spooking the fish. Modern fish finder technology helps locate schools of redfish, trout, and snapper, while GPS and radar keep you on course and safe. The VHF radio ensures clear communication, and there's even onboard TV entertainment for any downtime between bites. Perfect for up to 4 anglers targeting everything from sheepshead around the docks to flounder in the sandy bottoms.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldogs of our inshore waters - powerful fish that can really test your arms. Around Gulf Breeze, we catch them from 5-15 pounds regularly, though monsters over 20 pounds show up on occasion. These bottom-feeders love our oyster beds, muddy flats, and anywhere they can crush shellfish with their pharyngeal teeth. Spring is prime time, especially March and April when they school up for spawning - that's when you might hear them "drumming" underwater. They're year-round residents but easier to target when grouped up. What makes them fun is that steady, strong pull - no flashy jumps, just pure power. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating with firm, white meat. My go-to tip: use fresh blue crab or fiddler crab on a fish finder rig. Keep it right on bottom and be ready for that slow, steady bite. They're not in a hurry about anything.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, or Mangrove Snapper as most folks call them, are some of the smartest fish we target around Gulf Breeze. These copper-colored beauties typically run 1-3 pounds inshore, but don't let their size fool you - they're strong fighters with serious attitude. You'll find them hanging around any structure: docks, bridges, oyster bars, and mangrove roots where they ambush smaller fish and crustaceans. They're active year-round but really turn on during warmer months and especially around new moon phases when they feed more aggressively at night. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters and absolutely delicious - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The trick with these guys is being patient and keeping your bait still. They're notorious bait thieves, so when you feel those light taps, resist the urge to jerk. Let them commit to the bite first.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are our bread-and-butter inshore species and perfect for light tackle fun. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches and put up a great fight with their head-shaking runs. You'll find them over grass flats, around structure, and in 2-6 feet of water where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish. They're active year-round but really shine in spring and fall when water temps are ideal. Summer mornings and evenings are prime time. What guests love is how willing they are to bite and their acrobatic jumps when hooked. Plus they're excellent table fare - soft, flaky white meat that's perfect for any recipe. Just don't overcook them or they'll turn mushy. My favorite technique is working a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. Work it slow with subtle pops - trout can't resist that wounded baitfish sound echoing through the grass beds.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are hands down the best eating fish we catch, but they'll also drive you crazy trying to land them. These black and white striped "convict fish" have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs around structure. Most run 2-5 pounds with the occasional 8-pounder that'll surprise you. They live right on the pilings, bridge supports, and any barnacle-covered structure where they can pick their dinner off the sides. Winter and early spring are peak season when they move in closer to spawn. What guests love is seeing those weird teeth and hearing how they scrape barnacles like underwater sheep. The meat is phenomenal - firm, white, and sweet. Fair warning though: they're notorious bait thieves. The trick is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and setting the hook the instant you feel weight. Don't wait for a big bite because you won't get one.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are one of the most unique fish you'll encounter on our flats. These ambush predators bury themselves in sand and mud, using their incredible camouflage to surprise prey. You'll typically find them ranging from 15-18 inches, though bigger ones around 20+ inches make for great photos. They love our shallow bays, grass flats, and anywhere with sandy bottoms where they can disappear completely. Fall and winter are prime time when they're moving toward deeper water to spawn. What makes them special is watching that flat, pancake-shaped fish come up - always gets guests excited. They're excellent table fare too, with sweet white meat. My tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them take it and swim off a bit first, then set firm. They have that sideways mouth that needs time to get the bait positioned right.
Gulf Breeze, FL, United States