Private 4 Hour Saltwater Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target snook, redfish, and tarpon in Florida Bay watersCaptain George provides gear and handson fishing guidanceShallowwater skiff accommodates up to two guests comfortably
Looking for a solid half-day on the water that won't eat up your whole vacation? Captain George has you covered with this top-rated 4-hour saltwater fishing adventure in Florida Bay and Flamingo. This isn't some crowded party boat deal – you're getting a private charter for up to 2 anglers, which means personalized attention and no fighting for rail space. The backcountry waters around here are legendary for good reason, holding some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet in saltwater fishing, this trip delivers the perfect balance of action and instruction.
You'll be fishing from Captain George's well-equipped skiff that's built specifically for navigating the shallow backcountry waters of Florida Bay. This isn't your typical deep-water boat – we're talking about a shallow-draft vessel designed to get you into those skinny-water honey holes where the big fish love to hang out. The GPS and fish-finding electronics onboard help locate productive structure and moving schools, but don't worry about getting overwhelmed with technology. Captain George handles all the navigation while you focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat. The 4-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to work different spots without feeling rushed. You'll start early to take advantage of the best bite times, and the captain adjusts tactics throughout the trip based on conditions and what the fish are telling us. All your gear is included, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, so you can travel light and let the professionals handle the setup.
Florida Bay fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Captain George uses a mix of live bait fishing and artificial lures depending on what's working that day. You might find yourself sight-casting to cruising fish in crystal-clear flats, or working structure with live shrimp and pinfish. The shallow water means you'll often see your target before you cast – there's nothing quite like watching a big redfish or snook track your bait. Techniques vary from popping corks over grass flats to freelining live bait around mangrove shorelines. The captain teaches proper casting techniques and helps you read the signs that indicate fish are nearby. Bird activity, bait movement, and water color all play a role in finding productive water. Since this is backcountry fishing, stealth matters. The electric trolling motor keeps noise to a minimum while positioning for the perfect cast. You'll learn how tidal movement affects fish behavior and why certain spots produce better on different stages of the tide.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida Bay fishing and for good reason. These ambush predators love hanging around mangrove shorelines and oyster bars where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. Snook are notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, often jumping multiple times before giving up. They're most active during dawn and dusk, making them perfect targets for morning trips. What makes snook special is their intelligence – they'll study your bait and reject anything that doesn't look natural. Landing one requires patience and skill, which is why anglers keep coming back for more. The slot size for keeping snook is pretty specific, but even the catch-and-release fish provide memories that last a lifetime.
Redfish, or "reds" as locals call them, are the bread and butter of backcountry fishing around here. These copper-colored bulldogs can be found cruising shallow flats, often with their backs out of the water in just inches of depth. What's exciting about redfish is their willingness to eat almost anything – live shrimp, cut bait, or artificial lures all work. They're available year-round, though fall and winter tend to produce the biggest fish. Reds are famous for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style. They don't jump like snook, but they'll test your drag and make you work for every inch of line. The oversized fish, called "bull reds," can exceed 30 inches and provide arm-burning battles in shallow water.
Tarpon fishing in Florida Bay is world-class, especially during their annual migration from March through July. These "silver kings" can reach over 100 pounds and are pure adrenaline when hooked. Even smaller tarpon in the 30-60 pound range will test your tackle and technique with their signature jumping ability. What makes tarpon special is that they're almost always catch-and-release, so it's purely about the experience. They're ancient fish that can live for decades, and hooking one connects you to something truly wild. Tarpon have hard mouths that require sharp hooks and solid hooksets. They're known for throwing hooks, so keeping steady pressure without overdoing it is key to landing these magnificent fish.
This private 4-hour saltwater trip with Dirty 30 Charters gives you everything you need for a memorable day on the water without the commitment of a full-day charter. Captain George's local knowledge and personalized instruction make this perfect for anglers wanting to improve their skills while targeting Florida's premier inshore species. The small group size ensures you get plenty of hands-on coaching and prime fishing time. Whether you're looking to check snook off your bucket list, battle a tarpon, or just enjoy some quality time on the water, this trip delivers. Florida Bay's backcountry waters offer consistent action year-round, and the 4-hour format fits perfectly into most vacation schedules. Don't let this opportunity slip away – book your private saltwater adventure with Dirty 30 Charters and get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer.
This 18-foot Beaver Tail Skiff cuts through Florida Bay's shallow waters like it was built for them—because it was. The 2019 model runs on a reliable 60HP Suzuki that'll get you to those hard-to-reach honey holes where the big snook and redfish hang out. With GPS navigation on board, you won't waste time searching for productive water. The shallow draft design lets you slip into skinny backcountry spots that bigger boats can't touch, putting you right where the tarpon roll and the reds cruise the flats. Built for up to 2 anglers, there's plenty of casting room without getting tangled up with your fishing partner. The stable platform gives you solid footing whether you're sight-casting to cruising fish or working structure for that next keeper. Perfect for navigating Flamingo's maze of mangroves and oyster bars where the best saltwater action happens.
Florida