Half Day Fishing Trip In Shalimar, Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and snapperCaptain Tanner provides all tackle and quality gear aboardFamilyfriendly adventure accommodates up to five guests maximum
Captain Tanner knows the waters around Shalimar like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish during this 4-hour inshore adventure. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this top-rated fishing charter delivers the perfect mix of action and relaxation on Florida's Emerald Coast. You'll target everything from hard-fighting redfish to tasty red snapper while enjoying the stunning Gulf waters that make this area a customer favorite among fishing enthusiasts.
Your half-day adventure starts in the protected waters around Shalimar, where Captain Tanner will tailor the trip to your group's experience level and preferences. The boat comfortably handles up to 5 anglers, making it perfect for families or small groups of friends looking to spend quality time together. You're not locked into just fishing either – Captain Tanner can mix in some sightseeing, cruising, or even a quick stop at the famous Crab Island if the group wants to break up the action. All the tackle and gear you need comes included, so just pack your cooler with drinks and snacks, slather on the sunscreen, and get ready for a memorable day on the Gulf. The shallow inshore waters provide calmer conditions than offshore trips, making this an ideal choice for kids or anyone prone to seasickness.
Inshore fishing in Shalimar means working a variety of structures and depths to find where the fish are holding. Captain Tanner uses quality spinning and conventional tackle matched to the target species, from lighter setups for sea trout and Spanish mackerel to heavier gear when the red snapper and triggerfish are biting. You'll learn different techniques throughout the day – maybe starting with live bait fishing around grass flats for redfish, then switching to bottom fishing over structure for snapper and triggers. The captain provides all the rods, reels, bait, and terminal tackle, plus he'll be right there to help with everything from casting technique to fighting fish. The boat is equipped with a fish finder and GPS to locate the best spots, and Captain Tanner's local knowledge means you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time searching for fish.
Red snapper are the prize catch that keeps anglers coming back to these waters. These hard-fighting fish typically run 2-5 pounds in the inshore zones, with occasional bigger specimens that'll really test your drag. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day and love structure like artificial reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom. What makes red snapper so special is their combination of fight and flavor – they'll make screaming runs when hooked, but they're also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Spanish mackerel bring non-stop action when they're schooled up, especially during spring and fall migrations. These speedy predators rarely exceed 3 pounds, but they make up for size with pure aggression and numbers. They'll hit fast-moving lures, live bait, and even small jigs with equal enthusiasm. Kids especially love Spanish mackerel because they bite readily and put up a spirited fight without being overwhelming.
Grey triggerfish are the bullies of the reef, with their powerful jaws and territorial attitude. They average 1-3 pounds but fight way above their weight class, using their flat profile to turn sideways and make it tough to reel them up from structure. Triggerfish are most cooperative during summer months when they're spawning around hard bottom areas. Their unique appearance and scrappy nature make them a favorite photo fish.
Sea trout patrol the grass flats and sandy areas, providing consistent action throughout most of the year. These spotted beauties typically range from 12-20 inches, with occasional "gator trout" pushing over 5 pounds. They're ambush predators that respond well to live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater lures during low-light periods. Sea trout are perfect for beginning anglers because they're cooperative and forgiving.
Redfish are the ultimate inshore gamefish, combining size, fight, and beauty in one bronze package. These drum can range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to oversized bulls pushing 40+ inches. They're year-round residents that love shallow water, making them perfect targets for sight fishing when conditions allow. Redfish are notorious for their bulldogging runs and their ability to use their broad tails to fight all the way to the boat.
This world-class fishing experience offers something for everyone – from first-timers who want to learn the ropes to experienced anglers looking to explore new waters with a knowledgeable local captain. The 4-hour format gives you plenty of time to try different techniques and locations without the commitment of a full-day trip. Captain Tanner's reputation for putting clients on fish, combined with the diverse fishery around Shalimar, makes this one of the best fishing values on the Emerald Coast. Don't wait too long to secure your date – the best fishing charter captains book up quickly, especially during peak season. Contact Destin Gills for Thrills today to reserve your spot and get ready for a day of fishing you'll be talking about for years to come.
Captain Tanner's fishing boat is perfectly rigged for chasing redfish and snapper in Shalimar's productive waters. This comfortable motorboat handles up to 5 anglers with room to move around while fighting fish. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into shallow spots where sea trout hang out without spooking them. GPS keeps you on the productive reefs and structure, while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below - whether it's a school of Spanish mackerel or bottom-hugging triggerfish. The boat's setup makes it easy to work different techniques, from casting to structure for redfish to dropping baits for snapper. Plus, if the fish are slow, you can cruise over to Crab Island or explore the scenic coastline. All the tackle's provided, so you just need to show up ready to fish these Gulf Coast waters.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are the clowns of the reef, but don't let their goofy looks fool you. These chunky fighters average 12-16 inches and pack a surprising punch when hooked. You'll find them around structure in 40-180 feet - ledges, reefs, and wrecks where they pick at crabs and sea urchins with those powerful teeth. Summer and fall are prime time when they're most aggressive. What makes them fun is their personality - they'll steal bait right off your hook and give you a stubborn, bulldogging fight that's way stronger than you'd expect from their size. They're also excellent table fare with firm, sweet meat. Pro tip: use chunk squid and drop it right to the bottom near other fish like snapper. Triggerfish are competitive and will rush in to steal bait from their neighbors.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the Gulf's most prized bottom fish, and for good reason. These beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-8 pounds around here, but we occasionally hook into 15+ pounders that'll test your arms. They hang around structure in 30-100 feet - ledges, artificial reefs, and hard bottom areas where they can ambush baitfish. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when they're most active. What makes them special? They fight hard all the way to the boat, pulling drag and trying to cut your line on structure. Plus, you can't beat the eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant-quality. My tip: once you feel that telltale snapper bite, reel fast and keep steady pressure. They love to dive back into structure, so get them up and away from cover quickly.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around here. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches (slot size), but we also target the big "bull reds" that can push 40+ inches and 30 pounds. They love shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are prime when they school up. What guests love is the visual excitement - seeing that red back and black spot cruising the shallows, then watching the water explode when they hit. They fight like trucks, making long runs and bulldogging toward structure. Plus they're excellent eating within the slot. Best tip: cast past them and work your bait back into their path. They spook easily in shallow water, so stay quiet and make long casts.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout (or Speckled Trout as we call them) are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. These spotted beauties average 12-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, though we catch plenty of 20+ inch "gator trout" that'll surprise you. Look for them over grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper holes during cooler months. Spring through fall are peak times, especially early morning and evening when they're feeding. What makes them special is they're willing biters that fight well for their size, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - tender, flaky white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. They're also great for beginners since they're forgiving and plentiful. My go-to trick: work a soft plastic shrimp or jig slowly over the grass. Don't set the hook too hard - their mouths are soft and you'll pull right through.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll give you an arm workout. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-20 inches, but they make up for size with pure energy. You'll find them in schools near the surface around structure, grass flats, and anywhere baitfish are thick. They're most active spring through fall when water temps are right. What guests love about them is the non-stop action - when you find a school, it's fish after fish. They hit hard, run fast, and jump like crazy. Plus they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Here's the trick: use small, fast-moving lures or live shrimp, and when you hook up, keep that line tight. They'll throw the hook if you give them any slack during those acrobatic jumps.
Destin