Private 8-Hour Florida Bay Saltwater Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore fishing adventure targeting tarpon, snook, and redfishProfessional gear and expert guidance included with Captain GeorgeMaximum two guests aboard shallowdraft backcountry skiff
Captain George knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when you book this full-day charter with Dirty 30 Charters, you're getting eight solid hours to work the best spots Florida Bay and Flamingo have to offer. This isn't your typical half-day rush job where you barely get your bearings before heading back to the dock. We're talking about a proper fishing day where you can really settle in, learn the water, and put some serious fish in the boat. The beauty of having this much time is flexibility – if one spot isn't producing, we've got plenty of daylight to move around and find where they're biting. Perfect for two anglers who want to fish hard without watching the clock.
Florida Bay is legendary among saltwater anglers, and for good reason. This massive shallow-water system stretches between the mainland and the Florida Keys, creating the perfect nursery and hunting ground for some of the most sought-after game fish in the country. Captain George runs a shallow-draft skiff that's built specifically for these backcountry conditions – we're talking about getting into skinny water where the big boats can't follow. The flats, mangrove shorelines, and channels here hold fish year-round, but each season brings its own opportunities. You'll spend your day sight-fishing the flats, working the mangrove edges, and hitting the deeper channels when the tide calls for it. The Flamingo area adds another dimension with its mix of fresh and saltwater influences, creating unique feeding opportunities that keep the fish active and the fishing interesting.
Captain George provides all the professional-grade gear you'll need, but the real value is in his knowledge of when and where to use different techniques. We'll be sight-fishing the flats with live bait when conditions are right – there's nothing quite like watching a big redfish cruise up to your shrimp in two feet of crystal-clear water. When the fish are holding tight to structure, we'll work jigs and soft plastics along the mangrove edges, targeting the shadows and pockets where snook and tarpon like to ambush prey. Depending on the tide and time of day, we might drift the deeper channels with cut bait for bigger fish, or work topwater lures during the early morning and late afternoon feeding periods. The shallow-draft skiff gives us access to water that's often overlooked by other anglers, and the quiet trolling motor lets us get close without spooking fish in the skinny water.
Tarpon are the kings of these waters, and Florida Bay is famous for holding some of the biggest silver kings you'll find anywhere. These fish can range from 50 pounds up to well over 100, and they're incredibly acrobatic fighters that will test your tackle and your endurance. Spring through fall offers the best tarpon action, with the bigger fish typically showing up during the warmer months. What makes catching tarpon here so special is the variety of ways you can target them – sight-fishing on the flats, drifting live crabs in the channels, or working the bridges and structures where they like to ambush bait.
Snook are another prize catch that keeps anglers coming back to these waters. These ambush predators love the mangrove shorelines and can be incredibly aggressive when conditions are right. They're known for their explosive strikes and their ability to wrap you up in the mangroves if you're not ready for them. Snook fishing is excellent during the warmer months, and they're particularly active during the early morning and late evening periods. What's exciting about snook fishing here is the visual aspect – you'll often see them following your lure or exploding on topwater baits in shallow water.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Florida Bay fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers are available year-round. They're perfect for sight-fishing on the flats, and their willingness to eat a variety of baits makes them great for anglers of all skill levels. Redfish here commonly run from 20 to 35 inches, with the occasional bull red pushing the limits. They're known for their strong, steady fights and their tendency to make long runs in the shallow water. The best part about redfish is their predictable behavior – once you understand how they feed and where they like to hang out, you can consistently find them in similar spots.
This 8-hour charter with Captain George gives you the time and flexibility to really experience what Florida Bay fishing is all about. Whether you're a serious angler looking to target specific species or just want to spend a full day on some of the best saltwater fishing grounds in the country, this trip delivers. The combination of professional guidance, quality gear, and access to productive water makes this a top-rated choice for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water. With space for just two anglers, you'll get personalized attention and the chance to learn techniques that will make you a better angler long after your trip is over. Don't wait – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak season.
This 18-foot 2019 Beaver Tail Skiff is your ticket to serious backcountry fishing in Florida Bay's shallow waters. Built specifically for skinny water exploration, this shallow-draft boat draws just inches, letting you slip into those hidden spots where big fish hang out. The reliable 60HP Suzuki engine provides plenty of power to cover ground quickly between fishing areas, while the GPS navigation keeps you on track in the maze of mangrove islands and flats. The stable platform gives you and one fishing buddy room to work without getting in each other's way, whether you're sight-casting to cruising tarpon or working the edges for snook and redfish. Perfect for navigating tight creeks and expansive flats where larger boats can't go, this skiff opens up the entire backcountry playground. The shallow draft design means you can fish areas that most anglers never see, giving you access to some of Florida Bay's most productive and pristine fishing grounds.
Florida