Full Day Backcountry Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Fullday private fishing charter targeting multiple speciesEight hours covering river, inshore, and backcountry watersMultiple techniques including fly fishing and light tackle
Looking for a serious day on the water? This 8-hour private backcountry fishing trip is what you've been waiting for. We're talking about a full commitment to finding fish in some of the most productive waters around. Starting at 8 AM, you and one fishing buddy get the boat to yourselves, which means we can chase whatever's biting without worrying about other people's agendas. At $500 for two anglers, you're getting access to multiple fishing environments - from shallow backcountry flats to deeper nearshore waters where the big boys hang out.
This isn't your typical half-day charter where you barely get warmed up before heading back to the dock. Eight hours gives us real flexibility to move around and adapt to what the fish are doing. We'll start in the backcountry where the water's usually calmer and the fishing can be fantastic, especially early morning when predators are actively feeding. Depending on conditions and what's happening, we might work our way toward nearshore structure or stay tight to the mangroves if that's where the action is. The beauty of a private trip is we can completely customize the day based on your experience level and what you want to target. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in specific techniques or newer to saltwater fishing and want to learn the ropes, we'll adjust accordingly. The backcountry environment offers incredible diversity - one minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in two feet of water, the next you're working deeper channels for trout or dropping baits around structure for drum and sheepshead.
We come prepared for whatever the day throws at us, and that means having the right gear for multiple scenarios. Light tackle is perfect for the technical sight-fishing we do in shallow water - there's nothing like watching a redfish eat your lure in crystal clear water on 15-pound test. When we're targeting bigger black drum or working structure, we'll bump up to heavier tackle that can handle the fight and pull fish away from snags. Fly fishing is absolutely killer in the backcountry, especially for reds and trout, and if you're into it, we can spend serious time sight-casting with the long rod. Bottom fishing produces consistent action when we find the right spots - sheepshead around structure, flounder in sandy areas, and drum in deeper holes. Popping topwater baits early and late in the day often triggers explosive strikes, while trolling lets us cover water efficiently when we're searching for active fish. We'll read the conditions and fish behavior throughout the day, switching techniques as needed to keep you connected to fish.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the backcountry, and catching a big one will test your tackle and your patience. These fish can push 20, 30, even 40 pounds in the right spots, and they fight like they're twice that size. They love structure - docks, pilings, oyster bars - and they're not picky eaters. Shrimp, crab, and cut bait all work well. The cool thing about drum fishing is you never know if the next bite is going to be a 5-pounder or a fish that's going to make your drag scream. They're most active during moving tides, and once you hook into a good one, you'll understand why serious anglers target them specifically.
Redfish are what made backcountry fishing famous, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are aggressive, relatively predictable, and absolutely gorgeous. In shallow water, you'll often see them before they see you - their backs out of the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. A well-placed cast with a gold spoon or soft plastic can trigger immediate strikes. Reds in the 20 to 30-inch range are perfect - big enough to give you a real fight but not so large they're sluggish. They're year-round residents in most backcountry areas, though they're more active during warmer months when they're feeding heavily.
Spotted seatrout are the bread and butter of backcountry fishing. They school up around grass flats, drop-offs, and current edges, making them relatively easy to locate once you understand their patterns. Trout are perfect light-tackle fish - they hit hard but don't have the bulldogging power of drum or reds, so you can really feel the fight on lighter gear. They're also excellent eating if you decide to keep a few within slot limits. Trout fishing is often about covering water until you find the school, then working that area thoroughly. Soft plastics, live shrimp, and topwater plugs all produce strikes, and they're active throughout most of the year.
Summer flounder are the chameleons of the flats - they bury themselves in sand and ambush prey swimming overhead. Finding flounder requires understanding bottom structure and current flow. They position themselves where current brings food to them, often near channel edges or around structure transitions. Flounder fishing is methodical - you're working baits slowly along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive tap-tap bite. When you hook a good doormat flounder, they fight surprisingly hard for a flatfish, and they're absolutely delicious on the table.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of the bunch. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish, which means they're masters at stealing bait without getting hooked. They hang around structure - docks, pilings, rock piles - and they require patience and skill to hook consistently. Using small hooks, light line, and fresh bait like fiddler crabs or barnacles gives you the best shot. When you do connect with a good sheepshead, they're surprisingly strong fighters, and they're considered some of the best eating fish in the water.
This trip delivers serious value for dedicate
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our reliable 20-foot Pro Sports flats boat, perfectly rigged for backcountry waters. Built in 2000 and powered by a strong Yamaha 150HP engine, this skiff cuts through shallow flats and reaches your favorite fishing spots at speeds up to 45 knots. The wireless trolling motor keeps you positioned quietly over redfish and trout without spooking the fish. Modern GPS navigation helps locate productive waters while the fish finder reveals structure and schools below. With room for 2 anglers plus your captain, you'll have plenty of space to cast flies, work bottom rigs, or fight that trophy black drum. This versatile platform handles everything from sight fishing the skinny water to working nearshore structure for sheepshead and flounder.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and structure around inlets and creeks. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. They're powerful fighters with crushing jaws built for eating crabs and shellfish, so expect a solid battle on light tackle. The meat on smaller fish under 15 pounds is excellent eating, but the big ones get tough and are better released. My go-to tip: use fresh crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom - these bottom-feeders won't chase anything too far off the deck. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard because their bony mouths are tough to penetrate.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails - true shallow water warriors that'll get your heart pumping. These guys typically run 20-35 inches and can push 50 pounds, living in incredibly shallow water where their backs show above the surface. Look for them on muddy flats, around oyster reefs, and in marsh creeks from 1-4 feet deep. They're year-round targets but really shine in fall when they school up. What makes them so popular is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights that'll test your drag. Plus they're excellent eating when kept in the slot. They'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp, but my favorite trick is sight-casting to tailing fish with a gold spoon or soft plastic. When you see those tails waving in skinny water, make a quiet approach and drop your lure right in their feeding zone.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout are beautiful silver fish covered in dark spots, running 14-24 inches on average with that classic gamefish fight. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night when they're most active feeding. You'll find them in 2-6 feet of water around oyster bars, creek mouths, and grassy areas. Fall and spring offer the best action, while winter finds them schooled up in deeper channels. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their excellent table fare - just don't overcook the tender white meat or it gets mushy. They're aggressive strikers that love live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. My tip for consistent success: work grass flats slowly with a popping cork and live shrimp, or try trolling slowly along the edges at idle speed. The key is covering water until you locate a school, then work that area thoroughly.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their distinctive black and gray stripes, and they're famous for their human-like teeth that crush barnacles and crabs with ease. Most run 1-8 pounds, but you might luck into a 20-pounder around the right structure. They live around docks, bridges, pilings, and reefs where they feed on barnacles and small crabs. Spring months from February through April are prime when they spawn in big schools near structure. What guests love is the challenge - these are notorious bait thieves that require skill and patience. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the water with sweet, flaky white meat. My trick: get your bait as close to structure as possible and set the hook aggressively at the first sign of weight. They nibble to steal bait, so when you feel them, don't hesitate or you'll just be feeding them.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise on sandy bottoms, changing colors to match their surroundings perfectly. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and make for excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. You'll find them on sandy flats and around structure in both shallow bays and deeper waters up to 100 feet. September through November is when they're most active and easier to target. What makes them fun is they're ambush predators that hit hard and fight surprisingly well for a flatfish. They love live baitfish like minnows and mullet, plus sea worms work great too. Here's a key tip: when using live bait, hook smaller fish through the eye and bigger ones through the lips. Use a circle hook and give them time to really take the bait before setting - they bite sideways and need a moment to get it positioned right.
Florida