5.0(4 Reviews)Half Day Apalachicola Inshore Fishing Charter
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day inshore charter targeting redfish, trout, and snapperAll gear, bait, licenses, and refreshments included onboardAccommodates four guests of any fishing experience level
When you're looking for a top-rated inshore fishing experience that delivers consistent action without burning an entire day, Captain Corey's half-day afternoon charter in Apalachicola Bay hits the sweet spot. This four-hour adventure targets some of Florida's most sought-after species in waters that have been producing fish for generations. Whether you're bringing the family for their first fishing trip or you're a seasoned angler wanting to explore new productive waters, this charter accommodates up to four guests and provides everything you need for a successful day on the water.
Your afternoon starts with a warm welcome from Captain Corey, who knows these waters like the back of his hand. The beauty of this half-day format is that you get prime fishing time during the afternoon bite when many species are actively feeding. You'll launch into the productive waters surrounding Apalachicola Bay and St. George Island, where grass flats, oyster bars, and structure create perfect habitat for redfish, sea trout, and other inshore favorites. The boat comes fully rigged with professional-grade tackle, fresh bait, and all required fishing licenses - you just need to show up ready to fish. Captain Corey keeps the cooler stocked with complimentary refreshments, so you can stay hydrated and comfortable while focusing on what matters most: putting fish in the cooler.
This charter specializes in light tackle inshore fishing, which means you'll feel every bite and fight these fish put up. Captain Corey runs quality rods and reels spooled with the right line weights for targeting everything from schooling trout to bull redfish. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself casting live shrimp over grass flats for redfish, bouncing jigs around oyster bars for sheepshead, or working structure for that trophy sea trout. The shallow waters around St. George Island offer excellent sight fishing opportunities when conditions align, and there's nothing quite like watching a redfish crush your bait in crystal clear water. When Red Snapper season opens, the captain knows the local structure that holds these prized bottom fish, switching up tactics to target deeper water spots that consistently produce.
"Fun trip. Caught fish. Corey had his spots but if one wasn't producing like he thought it should, he wouldn't waste too much time on it & woukd move us to another spot with better action. Would book a trip with Corey again." - Jeff
"Captain Corey got us on plenty of trout and we even caught a huge bull red at the end of the trip. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was also very patient with and kind to my son. Highly recommend." - Jeffery
"Captain Cory was a very friendly captain .Keeping us baited at all times.Took all the fish off the hook before we could even get it .We will go back the next time we are down.We loved it." - Melissa
"Captain Corey was so nice, knowledgeable, quick to keep us baited, and even went out of his way to bring the cleaned fish to our home in Port St. Joe that evening. We would highly recommend him to others!" - Ashley
Redfish are the bread and butter of Apalachicola Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 18-27 inches in these waters, with plenty of oversized bulls mixed in during certain times of year. Fall and spring offer the best redfish action when they school up in massive numbers along the grass flats and oyster bars. What makes redfish so exciting is their aggressive nature - they'll crush live bait, artificials, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. The slot-sized fish make excellent table fare, while the big bulls provide heart-stopping fights before their mandatory release.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, thrive in the grass beds and sandy potholes throughout the bay system. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots and sharp teeth are available year-round, though spring and fall produce the largest specimens. Trout in the 15-20 inch range are common, with trophy fish over 24 inches possible during cooler months. They're incredibly fun on light tackle, making long runs and jumping when hooked, plus they're among the best eating fish in these waters.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of inshore fishing, and Apalachicola Bay's abundant oyster bars and structure create perfect habitat for these black-and-white striped fish. They're notorious bait thieves with their human-like teeth, making every bite a victory. Most sheepshead here run 12-16 inches, though 3-4 pound fish show up regularly around deeper structure. Winter months produce the best sheepshead fishing when they school up for spawning, and their firm white meat makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Goliath Grouper represent the ultimate catch-and-release challenge in these waters. These massive fish, which can exceed 200 pounds, inhabit deeper structure and wrecks around the area. While harvest isn't allowed, the experience of hooking into one of these prehistoric-looking giants is something anglers never forget. They're ambush predators that inhale baits, and once hooked, they'll try to get back to their hole with incredible power. Summer months offer the best Goliath Grouper opportunities when they're most active in the shallower inshore structures.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel when federal season opens, typically during summer months. These highly regulated fish require specific season dates and bag limits, but when it's legal to target them, few fish generate more excitement. Red Snapper around St. George Island average 16-22 inches, with their brilliant red coloration
This 22-foot Aquasport CTMC is your ticket to productive fishing in Apalachicola Bay's rich waters. Built tough for inshore adventures, she handles the shallow flats and structure around St. George Island with ease. The GPS keeps you on the best fishing spots while the fish finder helps locate schools of redfish, sea trout, and sheepshead hiding in the grass beds. With room for four anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without getting tangled up. The reliable motor gets you to the action quickly, whether you're targeting goliath grouper around the docks or chasing seasonal red snapper. This boat has been working these waters for years and knows how to handle everything from calm morning glass-offs to afternoon chop. Perfect for families or small groups wanting to experience some of Florida's best inshore fishing without the long run to deep water.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are the gentle giants of our waters - these massive fish can reach 6+ feet and several hundred pounds. You'll find them around docks, bridges, and artificial reefs in 20-100 feet of water year-round. They're curious fish that will come investigate your boat, and hooking one is like being tied to a truck. The initial run will test every piece of your tackle. We practice strict catch-and-release since they're protected, but the experience is unforgettable. Most fish we encounter are 50-200 pounds. They feed on crabs, slow-moving fish, and whatever they can fit in their huge mouths. Pro tip: use heavy tackle with 80+ pound test and big circle hooks. Once hooked, keep constant pressure and try to turn their head up before they reach cover.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are seasonal visitors here, usually showing up late spring through early fall when regulations allow. Most fish we catch run 1-3 feet and weigh 4-12 pounds, though bigger ones are always possible. They hang around structure in 30-80 feet of water - artificial reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom areas offshore from St. George Island. These fish put up a solid fight and will try to get back to cover fast, so you need to muscle them up quickly. The meat is outstanding - mild, sweet, and flaky white flesh that's perfect for the grill. My tip: use circle hooks with fresh cut bait and keep steady pressure on them. They're smart fish with sharp teeth, so don't give them any slack to shake free.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore flats - bronze-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails. Around here, most run 18-32 inches, perfect slot-size fish. They cruise super shallow water, sometimes with their backs showing, around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall and spring are peak times when they school up and feed aggressively. These fish fight like bulldogs with long, powerful runs. The meat is fantastic - firm texture with a mild, sweet flavor that grills perfectly. They'll eat almost anything: topwater plugs, spoons, soft plastics, live shrimp, or cut bait. Local tip: look for "tailing" fish in skinny water during moving tides. Cast ahead of their path and let your bait settle naturally. They're spooky in shallow water, so stay quiet and make accurate casts.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks," are bread-and-butter fish in our grass flats and shallow bays. Most average 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, with occasional 5+ pounders showing up. They love seagrass beds in 2-8 feet of water, especially during dawn and dusk. Fall and spring offer the best action, though summer nights can be fantastic. These fish have soft mouths, so don't horse them - just steady pressure. The meat is delicate and tasty but cook it right or it gets mushy. They're aggressive feeders that hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp. My go-to trick: fish popping corks with shrimp over grass flats at first light. The sound draws them in, and when they hit, it's pure excitement. Work the edges where grass meets sand - that's where they ambush baitfish.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Apalachicola Bay - those black and white stripes make them easy to spot around any structure. Most run 2-8 pounds and 14-18 inches, perfect eating size. They love bridge pilings, docks, and oyster bars where they munch on barnacles and small crabs. Spring is prime time, especially February through April when they're spawning. These fish are notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can strip your hook clean. They're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The key is getting your bait right against the structure - they won't move far from cover. Use fiddler crabs or shrimp on a small hook and feel for that subtle tap. Set the hook hard when you feel them - they've got tough mouths.
5.0 out of 5.0Fun trip. Caught fish. Corey had his spots but if one wasn’t producing like he thought it should, he wouldn’t waste too much time ...
Captain Corey got us on plenty of trout and we even caught a huge bull red at the end of the trip. He was very friendly and knowle...
Captain Cory was a very friendly captain .Keeping us baited at all times.Took all the fish off the hook before we could even get i...
Captain Corey was so nice, knowledgeable, quick to keep us baited, and even went out of his way to bring the cleaned fish to our h...
St. George Island