Inshore Fishing Charter in Florida – Target Redfish, Trout & More
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4-hour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and troutAll fishing gear provided aboard 24-foot Carolina SkiffExpert Captain Stacy guides anglers of all skill levels
Captain Stacy's inshore fishing charter puts you right in the heart of Florida's legendary backwater fishing grounds. This top-rated 4-hour adventure takes you aboard a spacious 24-foot Carolina Skiff where redfish, sea trout, sheepshead, and black drum are biting year-round. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just picked up your first rod, Captain Stacy knows how to put fish in the boat and keep the good times rolling. All tackle and gear come with the trip, so you just need to bring your appetite for action and maybe some snacks to keep you fueled between hookups.
Your morning starts at the dock where Captain Stacy will walk you through the game plan for the day. Florida's inshore waters are a maze of grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines – each holding different species depending on the tide, time of year, and what's been biting lately. The Carolina Skiff is perfect for this type of fishing because it draws shallow and can slip into those skinny water spots where the big reds like to cruise. You'll be sight fishing one minute, then working structure the next. Captain Stacy reads these waters like a book and knows exactly where to position the boat for the best shots at quality fish. The relaxed pace means there's plenty of time to learn proper technique, swap fishing stories, and soak up some Florida sunshine between bites.
Inshore fishing in Florida is all about versatility, and Captain Stacy comes prepared with everything you need to match the conditions. Live bait is king out here – shrimp, pinfish, and cut bait work wonders around structure and grass beds where these fish feed. You'll also throw artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs when the fish are actively feeding. The tackle setup varies depending on what's on the menu, but expect medium-action spinning rods paired with reels spooled with 15-20 pound test line. When sight fishing for reds in shallow water, stealth and accuracy matter more than heavy tackle. Captain Stacy will coach you through proper casting technique and help you read the water to spot fish before they spot you. Circle hooks are standard to ensure clean releases, and the boat carries a full selection of weights and leaders to handle everything from spooky trout over grass to stubborn sheepshead around pilings.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers put up a fight that'll test your drag system. They range from slot-sized fish around 18-27 inches up to bull reds that can push 40 inches and 30+ pounds. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but these fish bite year-round in Florida's warm waters. Redfish love shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines where they hunt for crabs and baitfish. When you hook one, expect powerful runs and head-shaking jumps that'll get your heart pumping. The thrill of sight fishing to a tailing red in two feet of water never gets old.
Sea Trout are another customer favorite that provides steady action throughout the trip. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches and are perfect for anglers looking to bend the rod consistently. They school up over grass flats and around structure, especially during cooler months when bait concentrates in deeper holes. Trout have soft mouths, so light drag and smooth hooksets are key to landing them. Their willingness to bite artificial lures makes them great for practicing different techniques, and they're absolutely delicious if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Sheepshead are the ultimate test of angling skill, earning their nickname as the "convict fish" thanks to their black and white stripes and their reputation for stealing bait. These crafty fish hang around docks, bridges, and oyster bars where they use their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. They typically weigh 2-8 pounds but fight much bigger than their size suggests. Winter months bring the best sheepshead action as they move into shallow water to spawn. Landing one requires patience, sharp hooks, and lightning-fast reflexes when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap bite.
Black Drum round out the target species list and offer a completely different fishing experience. These powerful bottom-dwellers can range from puppy drum under 10 pounds to massive fish pushing 50+ pounds. They love oyster bars, grass edges, and sandy holes where they root around for crabs and mollusks. Big drum are renowned for their bulldogging fights – they won't jump like a red, but they'll test every inch of your tackle with steady, powerful runs. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when large schools move into the shallows to feed and spawn.
Captain Stacy's inshore charter delivers everything you want in a Florida fishing trip – consistent action, beautiful scenery, and the chance to tangle with some of the Gulf Coast's most popular gamefish. The 2-person capacity keeps things intimate and ensures everyone gets plenty of rod time. With all gear provided and Captain Stacy's local knowledge guiding every move, you're set up for success from the first cast. Florida's inshore fishing is world-class year-round, but the best days fill up fast during peak season. Don't wait – book your spot today and get ready to experience why anglers travel from around the globe to fish these legendary waters.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard this beautifully restored 24-foot Carolina Skiff Sea Chaser, a true workhorse built for Florida's inshore waters. Fresh from a complete 2023 restoration, this center console beauty packs a serious 250HP Yamaha engine that'll get you to those prime redfish and trout spots in no time. The boat's sleek design cuts through choppy water like butter while keeping your crew of up to 2 anglers comfortable and stable for those perfect casts. Captain Stacy knows these backwaters like the back of his hand, and with the onboard fish finder, you'll be targeting the best fishing holes where the big ones hide. The built-in icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons, while the GPS navigation ensures smooth runs between fishing spots. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this reliable charter boat delivers the perfect platform for chasing speckled trout, sheepshead, and those hard-fighting redfish that make Florida inshore fishing legendary.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Florida's inshore waters, commonly running 10-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish cruise shallow mudflats, oyster beds, and creek mouths in our brackish backwaters. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're tough fighters with crushing jaws built for shellfish, so expect a solid battle. Smaller fish under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. My go-to tip: use fresh crab chunks on the bottom near oyster bars during incoming tides. They're bottom feeders, so keep your bait down where they're feeding and be patient - they'll test your drag when they hit.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-red color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches and fight like bulldogs in water so shallow their backs show. They live year-round in our marshes, oyster bars, and grass flats, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. What makes them special is watching them cruise the shallows like submarines - it's sight fishing at its best. They eat well too, with firm white meat and a mild flavor. Fall and spring offer the hottest action when they school up. Pro tip: cast ahead of cruising fish and let your bait sit still. They spook easily in skinny water, so quiet approaches and long casts make all the difference.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout are gorgeous fish with silver sides covered in black spots, typically running 14-20 inches in our grass flats. They love shallow water around 2-6 feet deep, especially areas with good grass coverage where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Best action happens during cooler months when they school up, and early morning or evening bites are usually most productive. They're fun on light tackle with a distinctive soft bite, and the meat is delicate and sweet - just don't overcook it. During winter, look for them in deeper channels where they gather in big schools. My favorite approach is working topwater plugs or soft plastics over grass flats at dawn. Keep moving until you find them - when you catch one, there's usually more around.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with their distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 2-6 pounds around docks, bridges, and any structure with barnacles. They're year-round residents but really fire up in cooler months when they stack up on pilings. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves - you'll feel those gentle taps as they try to steal your bait without getting hooked. The reward is worth it though - white, flaky meat that's some of the best eating around. Here's the key: get your bait right against the structure, use small hooks, and set hard the moment you feel weight. Fiddler crabs work great, but I'll often scrape barnacles off pilings to get them feeding first.
St Marks, FL