Guided Fishing Trip In Destin, Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing targeting Mangrove Snapper, Black Drum, and RedfishCaptain Jake provides expert guidance for all skill levelsScenic bayou waters adventure accommodating up to four guests
Captain Jake Sargent knows these Destin waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. Charter Boat 2nd Chance offers a top-rated inshore fishing experience that targets the bay's best species – Mangrove Snapper, Black Drum, Redfish, Sea Trout, and Summer Flounder. You'll fish the protected bayou waters where the action stays consistent and the scenery keeps you coming back. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter operation – Captain Jake tailors every trip to match your crew's experience level, whether you're threading your first hook or you've been working these flats for decades. With space for up to four anglers, it's perfect for families, couples, or a small group of fishing buddies looking to get away from the crowded party boats.
Your day starts when you meet Captain Jake at the dock, where he'll get you set up with quality tackle and go over the game plan. The 2nd Chance runs smooth in these protected waters, so you won't be fighting seasickness while trying to land fish. Destin's inshore scene revolves around structure fishing – you'll be working around docks, grass flats, oyster bars, and channel edges where these coastal species love to hang out. The bayou system here stays productive year-round, with different species moving in and out based on water temperature, tides, and baitfish movements. Captain Jake reads these conditions daily, so he knows exactly where to position the boat for the best action. You'll spend your time moving between productive spots, and when the fish are biting, you'll know it. The shallow water fishing here lets you see a lot of the action, especially when those redfish start tailing in the grass or you spot drum rooting around the bottom.
Inshore fishing in Destin means versatility – you'll use everything from live bait rigs to artificial lures depending on what's working that day. Captain Jake provides all the gear, but he's also happy to let experienced anglers bring their own setup if they prefer. Live shrimp and pinfish are the go-to baits here, rigged on circle hooks with just enough weight to get down to the fish without spooking them in these clear waters. You'll also throw some artificials – soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs when the conditions are right. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you're sight fishing for redfish in two feet of water, the next you're dropping down to drum holding in deeper holes. Captain Jake handles the boat positioning and helps with rigging, so you can focus on the fishing. The light tackle used for inshore species makes every fight more exciting, and in these shallow waters, even a modest-sized fish can put on quite a show.
Grey Snapper, better known as Mangrove Snapper around here, are some of the smartest fish you'll target on this trip. These guys hang around structure like docks and bridge pilings, and they're notorious for their light bites and quick runs back to cover. They typically run 12-16 inches inshore, though you might luck into a bigger one. Summer and fall are prime time for mangrove snapper, when they move into the bays in good numbers. What makes them special is their fight – they'll use every piece of structure to try and cut your line, and landing one feels like a real accomplishment.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of this fishery, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know it immediately. These fish can range from schoolie-sized juveniles up to massive 40+ pound bulls that'll test your drag system. They're bottom feeders that love to cruise oyster bars and grass flats looking for crabs and shrimp. Spring and fall see the best drum action, especially during cooler months when the big fish move shallow. The fight is all about power – drum don't jump or make long runs, but they'll put a serious bend in your rod and make you work for every inch of line.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and Destin's grass flats produce some beautiful fish year-round. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches in the slot, with their distinctive black spots and bronze coloring making them easy to identify. Redfish are aggressive feeders that'll hit live bait, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm. What makes them special is their versatility – you might catch them over grass, around docks, or in deeper channels. Fall is peak season when big schools move through the area, but you'll find fish here in every season.
Sea Trout patrol the grass flats and are one of the most consistent species you'll encounter. These spotted beauties typically range from 14-20 inches, with their delicate mouths requiring a gentle touch when fighting them. They're most active during low-light periods and respond well to both live bait and soft plastic lures. Sea trout are perfect for novice anglers because they bite readily and don't require specialized techniques. Their seasons peak in spring and fall, but you'll find them throughout the warmer months in good numbers.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as many call them, are the masters of camouflage in these waters. These flatfish bury themselves in sandy bottoms and ambush prey swimming overhead. They're found around channel edges and deeper grass areas, typically ranging from 15-22 inches with some larger fish mixed in. Flounder fishing requires patience and the right presentation – a slow-moving bait bounced along the bottom often triggers strikes. Summer through early fall offers the best flounder action, when these fish are most active and feeding heavily before moving to deeper water.
Captain Jake Sargent and Charter Boat 2n
Captain Jake's 22-foot Parker center console "2nd Chance" is built for productive inshore fishing in Destin's coastal waters. This 2017 boat handles beautifully with its 150HP Yamaha engine, cruising at 26 knots to get you to the best fishing spots quickly. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure where snapper and drum like to hide, while the fish finder helps locate schools and bottom features. GPS keeps you on productive reefs and grass flats. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to fish comfortably without crowding. The onboard facilities include a toilet for convenience during longer trips. Captain Jake knows these bayou waters inside and out, putting you on mangrove snapper, black drum, and redfish. Whether you're casting around oyster bars or dropping baits near channel markers, this boat gets you there safely and puts you on fish.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore flats, and they'll give you a fight you won't forget. These gray-black bruisers typically range 5-30 pounds around here, with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them on muddy bottoms near oyster beds, especially in spring when they school up for spawning - that's prime time for targeting them. What guests love most is their bulldogging fight and that distinctive drumming sound they make. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating with mild, flaky meat. Here's my local trick: use fresh blue crab for bait and make sure your weight gets it down to the bottom where they feed. When you hook one, don't try to horse it in - let that fish tire itself out first. They're strong enough to snap your line if you rush the fight.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are smart fish that'll test your skills. These copper-colored beauties with dark eye stripes typically run 1-3 pounds inshore, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. You'll find them around docks, mangroves, and any structure they can use for ambush hunting. They're nocturnal feeders, so dawn and dusk fishing produces the best results. What makes them popular is their firm, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. These fish are cautious - they'll inspect your bait carefully before committing. My tip: use live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then reel up just enough to stay off the structure. Once you feel that subtle tap, resist jerking the rod. Let them take it and run before setting the hook. Patience pays off with these clever snappers.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore waters and what most guests get fired up about catching. These bronze-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near the tail typically run 20-35 inches and fight like they're twice their size. You'll find them cruising shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs showing above the surface. They love oyster bars, grass edges, and muddy shorelines where they hunt for crabs and shrimp. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but they bite year-round here. What makes them special is that powerful run when hooked - they'll peel drag and make your reel sing. Plus, the smaller "slot" fish are excellent eating. My local secret is sight fishing with topwater plugs early morning. When you see that copper flash, cast well ahead of where they're heading and work your lure slowly. Once hooked, keep steady pressure but let them run - they'll tire eventually.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call them locally, are one of the most popular inshore targets and for good reason. These silvery fish with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, making them perfect for light tackle fishing. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and channel edges. They're most active during cooler months and low-light conditions - dawn and dusk are prime times. What guests love is their scrappy fight and excellent table fare with tender, mild white meat that's easy to cook. They school up in winter, making for fast action when you find them. My favorite local trick is using a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. Work it slowly over the grass beds, and when that cork goes under, set the hook quick. These fish have soft mouths, so don't overdo it or you'll pull the hook right out.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the chameleons of our sandy bottoms, and they're a blast to target for both beginners and seasoned anglers. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and weigh 1-3 pounds, though bigger ones always surprise you. They bury in sand and mud flats, waiting to ambush baitfish that swim by. Fall months from September through November are prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily before winter. What makes them special is their pure white, flaky meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Plus, watching them change colors to match the bottom is pretty cool. My go-to technique is drifting live minnows or strips of squid along the bottom. Hook your baitfish through the lips and keep it moving slowly. When you feel that subtle thump, give them a second to fully take the bait before setting the hook gently.
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