5.0(1 Reviews)2 Hour Private Inshore Beginner Friendly Fishing
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour beginnerfriendly inshore fishing charter in Destin watersTargets Spanish Mackerel, Catfish, Ladyfish, and Red Snapper speciesAccommodates up to four guests with expert guidance provided
Looking for the perfect introduction to Destin's world-class fishing scene? This 2-hour private inshore charter with Dawn Patrol Charters is exactly what you need. Captain JT specializes in making first-timers feel comfortable while showing experienced anglers some of the best spots along Florida's Emerald Coast. With room for up to 4 guests, this trip focuses on catch and release fishing, teaching conservation while you have a blast pulling in everything from feisty Spanish Mackerel to bottom-dwelling Channel Catfish. The inshore waters around Destin offer incredible diversity, and this beginner-friendly approach means everyone goes home with stories to tell.
Your morning starts at the dock where Captain JT gets everyone settled and comfortable. The boat heads out into Destin's protected inshore waters - think back bays, grass flats, and structure-rich areas where fish love to hang out. The beauty of inshore fishing is that you're not dealing with big swells or long runs to fishing spots. We're talking 10-15 minutes max before lines are in the water. The focus here is on fun and education, so don't worry if you've never held a rod before. JT walks everyone through the basics: how to cast, how to feel for bites, and most importantly, how to fight a fish without losing it at the boat. Kids especially love this trip because the action is consistent and the fish are willing to bite. Two hours flies by when you're having this much fun, and it's the perfect amount of time before younger anglers start getting restless.
All tackle and bait are provided, so you just need to show up ready to fish. Captain JT runs light to medium tackle - perfect for the inshore species you'll be targeting. We're talking spinning reels loaded with 15-20 pound test, paired with 7-foot rods that have enough backbone to handle a good fish but won't tire out smaller anglers. The technique varies based on what's biting, but expect to do some bottom fishing with live or cut bait for Catfish and Red Snapper, plus some moving presentations for Spanish Mackerel and Ladyfish. JT knows exactly where to find structure - old docks, grass beds, and drop-offs where fish congregate. He'll anchor up on productive spots and let everyone get their lines down, then move if the action slows down. The catch and release approach means you'll learn proper fish handling techniques, and JT always explains what you're catching and why these fish are important to the ecosystem.
"We had a great fishing trip with JT. It was myself, my best friend, and my 6 year old son. It was his first time fishing and we started catching small bait fish right away that he was really excited about. After a bit we headed further out and started angling for the bigger stuff! I caught a grouper and a snapper. The trip was only a couple of hours which was perfect because that's about the time my little boy lost interest! For the adults, it was both very relaxing and of course thrilling when we got one of the line. I will definitely go back out with JT for a longer trip when we're down here again. He's very personable, provides just the right amount of guidance, and was fun to be around! Highly recommend!" - Sarah
Spanish Mackerel are absolute blast to catch and one of the most reliable species in Destin's inshore waters. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They're most active during warmer months from spring through fall, and they love to chase moving baits. What makes Spanish Mackerel so exciting is their speed - they'll hit a lure or live bait and take off on blistering runs that get your drag screaming. Plus, they're beautiful fish with distinctive yellow spots along their sides. Captain JT often finds them around structure or in open water where they're actively feeding.
Channel Catfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're fantastic fighters and perfect for beginners. These bottom-dwellers can range from 2-10 pounds in local waters, and they're not picky eaters. What guests love about targeting catfish is the consistent action - they're always around and willing to bite. They fight with a steady, bulldogging style that's different from other species, giving anglers a real workout. The best part is that catfish bite year-round, making them a reliable target no matter when you visit. JT knows all the muddy holes and structure where these whiskers like to hang out.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast fishing, and even though this trip focuses on smaller individuals in shallower water, they're still a prized catch. These pink and red beauties are smart, structure-oriented fish that require some finesse to hook consistently. What makes Red Snapper special is their combination of beauty and fight - they're stunning fish that pull hard and know how to use structure to their advantage. In the inshore environment, you'll typically encounter smaller snapper in the 12-16 inch range, but they still provide great action. JT targets them around hard bottom areas and artificial reefs where they feel safe.
Ladyfish are often called the "poor man's tarpon" because they jump and fight like their much larger cousins. These silver speedsters typically run 1-3 pounds and are incredibly acrobatic when hooked. What makes Ladyfish so exciting for beginners is their willingness to bite and their spectacular aerial displays. They'll jump multiple times during a fight, often throwing the hook in the process, which keeps things interesting. They're most active during warmer months and often travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Captain JT loves using them to get kids excited about fishing because they're so active and fun to watch.
This trusty 22-foot Cape Horn center console from 1994 is your ticket to some great inshore fishing around Destin's waters. Powered by a reliable Yamaha 250HP engine that'll cruise you to the fishing spots at up to 35 knots, she's built to handle whatever the Gulf throws at you. The boat comfortably fishes up to 4 anglers and comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS to get you there, fish finder to locate those Spanish Mackerel and Red Snapper, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. The flybridge gives you elevated visibility for spotting fish and navigating the flats. Whether you're targeting Catfish in the bay or chasing Triggerfish near the reefs, this boat's center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are the perfect species for new anglers - they're forgiving, fight hard, and taste great. These whisker-faced bottom dwellers typically run 2-5 pounds around here, though some push 10+ pounds. They hang out in deeper holes, around structure, and near drop-offs in brackish water. Spring through fall are prime times when water warms up. What makes them special is their incredible sense of smell - they can detect food from amazing distances. Kids love the steady pull they give, and they're some of the best eating fish we catch. The key is getting your bait on the bottom and being patient. I always tell guests to use fresh shrimp or cut mullet, and don't be afraid of that slime when handling them - just grip behind the head to avoid those sharp pectoral fins.
Elops SaurusKnown as "poor man's tarpon," ladyfish are perfect for beginners wanting some action. These silvery fish typically run 12-20 inches and love to jump and thrash when hooked, giving kids a real thrill. You'll find them in shallow bays, around grass flats, and near structure in 2-15 feet of water. They're active year-round but really turn on during warmer months. While they're not great eating, they put up a scrappy fight on light tackle and are fantastic for teaching casting techniques. They travel in schools and will hit just about anything - shrimp, small jigs, or cut bait. My tip: use a short wire leader since their small but sharp teeth can cut through mono, and keep your drag light to enjoy their acrobatic show.
Lagodon RhomboidesPinfish might be small, but they're everywhere and perfect for beginners to practice their technique. These spiny little guys rarely exceed 6-8 inches and have distinctive dark bars across their silvery sides. You'll find huge schools around grass flats, docks, and shallow reefs in 5-30 feet of water. They're most active during daylight hours and stay busy year-round in our warm Gulf waters. While they're not good eating due to their size and bones, kids love catching them because they bite constantly and are easy to hook. They're also excellent live bait for bigger fish like grouper and snapper. Best approach is using small hooks with tiny pieces of shrimp or squid. Pro tip: fish around the edges of grass beds in the morning - that's where they feed most actively, and you can fill a livewell quickly.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize catch that gets everyone excited. These beautiful pink-red fish typically run 2-8 pounds inshore, but can grow much larger offshore. They're usually found around structure - rocks, ledges, and artificial reefs in 20-100+ feet of water. Summer months offer the best action when they move closer to shore. What makes them special is their aggressive strike and strong fight, plus they're absolutely delicious - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're smart fish with sharp teeth, so they'll test your skills. The trick is getting your bait down quickly to the bottom before other fish grab it. Use a knocker rig with fresh squid or pinfish, keep your drag tight, and reel fast once hooked - they'll head straight for cover to break you off.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that provide non-stop action for anglers of all skill levels. These sleek, spotted fish typically measure 12-20 inches and are built for speed - they'll give you line-screaming runs that get everyone's adrenaline pumping. Look for them around structure, grass flats, and open water in 10-40 feet, especially during spring and fall migrations. They travel in big schools and hit fast-moving lures aggressively. What makes them popular is their fantastic fight and excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or fried. They can be finicky though, often preferring smaller baits and lures. My go-to technique is trolling small spoons or casting gotcha plugs near feeding birds. Keep your retrieve fast and steady - these fish want their prey moving, and once you find the school, you'll usually catch several quickly.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a great fishing trip with JT. It was myself, my best friend, and my 6 year old son. It was his first time fishing and we st...
Destin, FL