Inshore Fishing Charter in Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing charter targets Grouper, Cobia, Redfish, and TroutCaptain Donny Miley guides small groups of four guestsPotential catches include challenging Tarpon and Tripletail species
Florida's inshore waters are buzzing with action year-round, and Captain Donny Miley knows exactly where the fish are biting. This top-rated inshore charter puts you right in the heart of some of the state's most productive shallow water fishing grounds. Whether you're bringing the family for a fun day out or looking to test your skills against Florida's legendary gamefish, this trip delivers the goods. With room for up to four anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without feeling crowded, plus Captain Donny's expert guidance to put you on the fish.
Captain Donny runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed and fun for everyone aboard. You'll be fishing Florida's prime inshore spots where the water ranges from just a few feet deep to around 20 feet, targeting structure, grass flats, and drop-offs where big fish love to hang out. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast you might be working a grass bed for sea trout, the next you're sight-casting to a laid-up tarpon or hoping a monster grouper inhales your bait near some structure. Captain Donny reads the water like a book and adjusts tactics based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are telling him that day. You'll spend your time moving between productive spots, learning different techniques, and hopefully filling the cooler with some quality fish. The atmosphere is laid-back but focused – perfect for families wanting to create lasting memories or serious anglers looking to put some numbers on the board.
Inshore fishing in Florida is all about versatility, and Captain Donny comes prepared with the right gear for whatever the day brings. You'll be using medium to heavy spinning tackle mostly, perfect for handling everything from scrappy redfish to powerful tarpon. Live bait is king out here – expect to fish with shrimp, pinfish, and other local baits that these fish can't resist. When the bite is hot, you might switch to artificials like soft plastics, spoons, or topwater plugs that can really get the fish fired up. The boat is rigged with quality rods and reels, plus all the terminal tackle you'll need. Captain Donny will show you the right techniques for each species you're targeting – whether that's working a jig along the bottom for grouper, free-lining a live shrimp for redfish, or making precise casts to structure for cobia. The key to inshore success is staying mobile and adapting your approach, something Captain Donny has mastered over years of working these waters.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Florida inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers are world-class fighters that'll test your drag system. They typically run anywhere from 18 to 30+ inches, with the bigger bulls putting up battles you won't soon forget. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though Florida's year-round fishery means you've got shots at them any time. What makes redfish so special is their willingness to eat and their dogged fighting style – they'll make multiple runs and use their broad sides to pull hard against your rod.
Southern Flounder might not be the flashiest fish in the lineup, but they're customer favorites for their excellent table fare and sneaky fighting ability. These flatfish typically range from 14 to 20+ inches and are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottoms near structure. Fall and winter months tend to produce the best flounder action as they move toward deeper water. The fun comes from the hunt – working baits slowly along the bottom and feeling that distinctive flounder bite.
Gag Grouper and Black Grouper are the heavyweight champions of the inshore scene, with gags commonly running 15 to 25 pounds and black grouper potentially even larger. These bottom-dwellers are ambush predators that hang around structure, ready to inhale anything that looks like an easy meal. The challenge with grouper is the initial battle – they'll immediately try to get back to their holes, so you need to turn their heads quickly. Spring through early summer typically offers the best shallow water grouper action.
Tarpon are Florida's signature gamefish, and hooking into one of these silver kings is a bucket-list experience. These prehistoric fighters can range from juvenile fish around 20-40 pounds to massive adults exceeding 100 pounds. What makes tarpon legendary is their aerial displays – they'll jump repeatedly, shaking their heads and gill-rattling in attempts to throw your hook. Summer months bring the best tarpon opportunities, though smaller fish are around much of the year.
Sea Trout are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and excellent eating. These spotted beauties typically run 12 to 18 inches, with occasional "gator trout" pushing 20+ inches. They're schooling fish that love grass flats and can provide steady action when you locate them. Spring and fall offer peak trout fishing, and they're particularly active during low-light periods.
Cobia are the "brown sharks" of inshore fishing – curious, powerful fish that often approach the boat and provide heart-stopping sight-fishing opportunities. These chocolate-colored fighters typically range from 20 to 40+ pounds and are known for their incredible strength and endurance. Spring migration brings the best cobia fishing as they move along the coast, often found following rays or just cruising in open water.
Tripletail are one of Florida's most unique inshore species, known for their habit of floating on their sides near structure, mimicking debris. These oddball fighters typically run 10 to 15 pounds and provide surprisingly strong battles for their size. Summer months offer the best tripletail action around buoys, markers, and floating debris. The excitement comes from the sight-fishing aspect – spotting them floating and making accurate casts.
Spanish Mackerel round out the target list as speed demons
Captain Donny's motorboat is built for serious inshore action along Florida's productive waters. This fishing machine comes equipped with a GPS navigation system to hit those sweet spots and a quality fish finder to locate schools of Grouper, Cobia, Redfish, and Trout hiding in the shallows. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rods without bumping elbows. The boat handles the skinny water perfectly, getting you close to structure where the big fish hang out. Whether you're casting for aggressive Redfish in the grass flats or hoping to connect with a rolling Tarpon, this rig has everything you need for a productive day on the water. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating baitfish and structure, while the GPS ensures you can return to those honey holes that produce fish after fish.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the bruisers of the offshore reefs, with olive bodies covered in dark rectangular blotches. They average 20-30 inches but the big ones can hit 100+ pounds. You'll find them around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom in 30-300 feet depending on season - shallower in winter, deeper in summer. These fish are pure strength and will test your tackle to the limit. The meat is phenomenal, mild and firm. They're not picky eaters but they don't nibble - when they hit, it's all or nothing. Heavy tackle is a must with 80-pound braid and strong drag. Once you hook one, pump and wind immediately - give them time to think and they'll bury you in the rocks below.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the sharks that aren't sharks - these brown, torpedo-shaped fish cruise near the surface and often get mistaken for trouble until you see that single dorsal fin. They average 30-50 pounds and are solitary hunters, unlike most fish that school up. Spring migration brings them inshore around buoys, markers, and crab traps where they hunt. What makes them special is they're curious - they'll actually follow your boat sometimes. Plus the meat rivals any fish we catch, firm and white like grouper. They'll eat almost anything but bucktail jigs work great. Best tip: when you see one, stay calm and make a good cast ahead of them - they'll investigate but move slow or you'll spook them off.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, averaging 20 inches but capable of hitting 50+ pounds. These gray, mottled fish live around rocky bottoms, ledges, and offshore structures where they ambush prey. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavy before and after spawning. What guests love is the raw power - once hooked, they dive straight for the rocks trying to break you off. The meat is top-shelf white and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. Use heavy tackle with at least 40-pound line and circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait. Pro tip: the second you feel that bite, crank hard and don't give them an inch - let them get back to structure and you're done.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable inshore targets, running 20-40 pounds with that signature black spot near the tail. These copper-colored fighters love shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines - often in water so skinny their backs show. They feed year-round but get really active in spring and fall when water temps are just right. What makes them special is that explosive strike in shallow water, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. They'll hit live shrimp, cut bait, or topwater plugs. Here's the trick: when you spot one tailing in the shallows, cast past them and work your bait slowly back - they spook easy but once they commit, hold on tight.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks," are beautiful fish with silver sides covered in dark spots and that distinctive canine tooth. They average 14-24 inches and prefer grass flats and shallow bays where they feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Best action is spring through fall, especially early morning and evening around structure. They're excellent table fare with sweet, delicate meat that flakes perfectly. These fish have soft mouths so they're fun on light tackle but you gotta be gentle. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, or try topwater plugs at dawn. Local trick: work the edges of grass beds during moving tides - that's when they're actively feeding and you'll get the most consistent bites.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are the masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and make for great eating with their mild, white meat. You'll find them in shallow bays, rivers, and estuaries during warmer months, then they move offshore when it gets cold. What's cool is watching them change colors to match the bottom - both eyes are on one side of their head too. They're not flashy fighters but they're sneaky and fun to target. The key is fishing right on the bottom with live minnows or shrimp on a drift. Move slow and stay patient - once they grab your bait, they don't let go easily.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are the speed demons with silver sides and yellow spots, running in big schools that can stretch for miles. They average 1-2 feet and 3-8 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fight. You'll find them around piers, jetties, and open water structure, especially when baitfish are thick. Fall migration brings great action as they head south. They're fantastic eating - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. They hit fast-moving lures and live bait. Key is finding the schools first, then staying with them. Pro tip: use a wire leader - those razor teeth will cut through mono in seconds, and keep your lures moving fast or they'll lose interest quick.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings - these prehistoric giants can reach 6 feet and jump 10 feet out of the water when hooked. Most we see run 80-150 pounds and they're pure muscle and acrobatics. You'll find them rolling on the surface around bridges, channels, and deeper flats, especially during their spring migration through Florida waters. People travel worldwide just to fight one of these beasts - the jumps and long runs are legendary. They're not great eating, so we release them all. Live crabs, pinfish, and mullet work best. Here's what I tell everyone: when they jump, bow to the fish - drop your rod tip toward them or they'll throw the hook on you every time.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are the weird-looking ones with three fins that look like tails - they're sneaky fish that float on their sides mimicking debris. Most run 2-5 pounds and hang around channel markers, crab buoys, and weed lines in summer months. They're becoming popular with fly fishermen because they're surprisingly acrobatic for such an odd-looking fish. The meat tastes like snapper or grouper, really good eating. They're spooky though - approach quietly and sight cast to them. Live shrimp or small jigs work best. Here's the secret: don't cast right at them, put your bait 10 feet away and let it drift over - they'll usually investigate and strike when they think nobody's watching.
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