Half Day Fishing Trip In Shalimar, Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and snapperAll fishing tackle and equipment provided aboard comfortable boatCombines fishing with cruising and Crab Island sightseeing options
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't break the bank or eat up your whole vacation? Captain Tanner's got you covered with this 4-hour inshore adventure out of Shalimar. This isn't just another cookie-cutter charter – you're getting a local guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand, plus the flexibility to mix things up if the fish aren't biting in one spot. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing experience or looking to put some quality fish in the cooler, this trip delivers the goods without the all-day commitment.
Captain Tanner runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – exactly what you want for a family-friendly fishing trip. You'll launch from Shalimar and head out into some of the most productive inshore waters on the Emerald Coast. The beauty of this setup is that if one spot isn't producing, you've got options. Maybe the reds are stacked up on the grass flats, or the snapper are hitting hard around some structure – Captain Tanner reads the water and adjusts accordingly. And here's the kicker: if the fishing slows down, you can switch gears and cruise over to Crab Island for some sightseeing, or just enjoy the ride and soak up some Florida sun. All your tackle and gear are provided, so you just need to bring drinks, snacks, and plenty of sunscreen. The boat handles up to 5 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for families or small groups who want that personalized attention you just can't get on the big head boats.
This is classic Gulf Coast inshore fishing at its finest. You'll be working a variety of techniques depending on what's biting and where Captain Tanner decides to set up. Live bait fishing with shrimp and pinfish is the bread and butter here – nothing beats a live shrimp under a popping cork when the trout are schooled up in the grass beds. For the snapper and triggerfish, you'll likely be bottom fishing with cut bait around structure, using enough weight to get down and stay put in the current. The Spanish mackerel love fast-moving lures, so don't be surprised if Captain Tanner breaks out the trolling gear or has you casting spoons when these speedsters show up. All the rods are rigged and ready to go – medium action spinning gear that can handle everything from a feisty trout to a bruiser red drum. The boat's equipped with quality tackle boxes full of hooks, weights, and lures, plus a good fishfinder to locate structure and baitfish. Captain Tanner knows exactly what's working each season and will have you fishing the right baits in the right spots.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and when they're in season, there's nothing quite like the solid thump of a snapper hitting your bait. These beautiful fish typically run 2-8 pounds in the inshore waters, with their bright red color and distinctive profile making them unmistakable in the boat. They're structure-oriented fish, so you'll find them around rocks, reefs, and artificial structures. Red snapper have excellent table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying. The federal season typically runs during summer months, and Captain Tanner knows exactly where to find them when they're legal to keep.
Spanish Mackerel are pure adrenaline on light tackle. These silver bullets typically weigh 1-3 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. They show up in schools during warmer months, often feeding aggressively on the surface where you can see the water boiling with baitfish. Spanish mackerel are excellent eating when prepared fresh – their rich, flaky meat is perfect for smoking or making into fish dip. They're also one of the best baits for catching bigger fish like king mackerel and sharks if you decide to venture into deeper water.
Grey Triggerfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters that will test your patience and technique. These odd-looking fish have incredibly strong jaws and a habit of stealing bait, but when you hook one, they put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Triggerfish typically run 1-4 pounds in these waters and are excellent table fare with firm, white meat similar to grouper. They're curious fish that often approach the boat, making them fun to watch even when they're not cooperating. The key to catching triggers is using small hooks and being patient – they'll nibble and test your bait before committing.
Sea Trout (also called speckled trout) are the bread and butter of inshore fishing along the Gulf Coast. These beautiful fish are easily recognized by their spotted sides and prominent canine teeth. They typically range from 12-20 inches, with anything over 20 inches considered a real trophy. Trout love grass flats and drop-offs, especially during moving tides. They're ambush predators that respond well to live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater lures. Sea trout are fantastic eating and relatively easy to clean, making them a favorite among families.
Redfish are the ultimate inshore game fish – they grow big, fight hard, and are beautiful to boot. These copper-colored drums can range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to oversized bulls that can exceed 40 inches. Reds are incredibly adaptable, feeding in everything from shallow grass flats to deeper channels. They're known for their bulldogging fights and their habit of making powerful runs when hooked. The smaller slot fish are excellent eating, while the big breeders are typically released to ensure future generations. Redfish are available year-round in these waters, though they tend to
Step aboard this well-equipped motorboat designed for serious inshore fishing in Shalimar's productive waters. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working shallow flats for redfish and trout, while the GPS navigation system gets you to the hotspots efficiently. The fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish where snapper and triggerfish like to hang out. With room for up to 5 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines. The boat handles Gulf chop well whether you're drifting over grass beds or anchored up on structure. All the fishing gear is provided, so you can focus on reading the water and working your bait. The setup works great for targeting everything from shallow-water redfish to deeper Spanish mackerel, giving you options based on conditions and what's biting.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are quirky fighters that'll surprise you with their personality. These leather-skinned fish average around 17 inches but can hit 2 feet, and they've got this unique beak-like mouth and tough attitude to match. You'll find them around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 30-180 feet of water - they love hanging near anything they can hide in when spooked. What makes them fun to target is their curious nature and the way they'll inspect your bait before committing. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat that holds up well on the grill. The challenge is they're notorious bait stealers with those sharp teeth. My go-to trick: use chunks of fresh squid about an inch wide - it stays on the hook better than other baits. Drop it near some snappers or grouper, and the triggerfish will rush in to steal it from them.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize catch around here - these bottom dwellers typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh under 10 pounds, though bigger ones are out there. You'll find them around structure in 30-200 feet of water, especially near reefs and hard bottom. They've got that classic red color and white belly that makes them easy to spot. What makes guests love targeting them is the solid fight they put up - they'll try to run straight back to cover when hooked, so you need to get them up quick. The meat is top-notch too, with that mild, sweet flavor that's perfect for the dinner table. My tip: use fresh squid or cigar minnows on heavy tackle, and when you feel that bite, don't hesitate - reel fast and keep steady pressure. They're smart fish that know every hiding spot down there.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water target - these copper-colored bruisers with the signature black spot near their tail typically run 28-33 inches and love water so shallow their backs sometimes stick out. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and around docks in 1-4 feet of water. They're year-round residents here, but fall and spring offer the best action when they're most active. What guests love is watching them cruise the shallows and that powerful, bulldogging fight once hooked. They're also excellent table fare with mild, slightly sweet meat. The real thrill is sight fishing - spotting their copper backs or tails in skinny water. My best tip: use live shrimp on a 1/4 oz jig head and work it slow along the bottom near structure. When you see one tailing, cast well ahead and let the bait settle - they spook easily in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call them locally, are fantastic inshore targets that typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. These spotted beauties love grass flats, shallow bays, and areas with good current flow - especially at night when they move up to feed. They're most active during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. What guests love about them is they're great fighters on light tackle and have some of the best eating quality of any inshore fish - just don't overcook that tender, flaky meat. They're also perfect for beginners since they bite well and aren't too overwhelming to fight. The key to success is fishing the grass flats early morning or evening with live shrimp under a popping cork. Work it slow and listen for that distinctive "pop" when they hit - they'll usually take it on the first or second twitch.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll give you a real workout on light tackle. These silvery fish with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds, but they're lightning fast swimmers that travel in big schools. You'll spot them near the surface around structures, grass flats, and open water - they love cruising the Gulf during warmer months. What guests really enjoy is how aggressive they are when feeding and the acrobatic fight they put up once hooked. The meat is fantastic too - mild flavor that's not too fishy, perfect for grilling or smoking. They're great for families since they bite readily and fight hard without being too overwhelming. Here's my local trick: when you see birds diving, get over there fast and throw shiny spoons or small jigs. Those birds are usually following the mackerel schools feeding on baitfish.
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