Port Inlet Inshore Fishing with Dirty Dolly Fish Company
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, black drum, trout, and snook near Port InletFish from comfortable 30' Sea Hunt with twin outboardsAll equipment, bait, licenses, and water included onboard
Looking for some solid fishing action without burning a tank of gas getting way offshore? This Port Inlet inshore trip hits that sweet spot perfectly. You'll spend your day working the productive waters just inside and outside the inlet aboard a well-rigged 30' Sea Hunt Gamefish with twin outboards. The boat's built for comfort and fishing, giving you and up to five buddies plenty of room to work without getting in each other's way. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're targeting some of the area's most sought-after species including redfish, snook, trout, black drum, and Spanish mackerel. Everything's included – rods, reels, tackle, bait, fishing licenses, and bottled water – so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat.
Your day starts at Port Inlet, where you'll meet your captain and get a quick rundown of the game plan. The 30' Sea Hunt is a top-rated platform for inshore work – stable enough to handle inlet conditions but nimble enough to get into the skinny water where the fish like to hang out. Twin outboards mean you'll cover ground efficiently, whether you're working the inlet mouth for Spanish mackerel or sliding into the backcountry for redfish and snook. The captain reads conditions daily and adjusts the plan accordingly – maybe you'll start outside if the bite's hot, or head straight to the protected waters if it's blowing. That's the beauty of inshore fishing: there's always somewhere to find fish. Expect a relaxed but focused atmosphere where everyone gets a chance to hook up, and don't be surprised if you end up learning a few new techniques along the way.
Inshore fishing around Port Inlet calls for versatility, and that's exactly what you'll get. Depending on what's biting, you might be throwing live bait under popping corks for trout, working soft plastics through grass beds for redfish, or casting jigs around structure for snook. The captain provides all the gear, and it's quality stuff – medium-action spinning rods spooled with braid that can handle everything from finicky trout to bull redfish. Live bait is often the ticket here, with shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish all producing depending on the season and target species. Artificial lures play a big role too, especially when fish are scattered or you want to cover water quickly. Expect to see plenty of soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons in the tackle box. The inlet itself offers structure fishing around pilings and jetties, while the adjacent flats and grass beds are perfect for sight fishing when conditions allow.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Port Inlet inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars around the inlet, where they cruise looking for crabs and baitfish. Fall and spring offer the best action, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. Reds between 18 and 27 inches are slot-legal keepers, but don't be shocked if you hook into a bull red that'll test your drag and your arms. They're incredibly fun to fight and even better on the dinner table.
Snook fishing peaks during the warmer months when these ambush predators move into the inlet to feed. They love structure – bridge pilings, dock lines, and mangrove edges – where they can hide and strike at passing bait. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs, making them a customer favorite despite the closed season restrictions. Even if you can't keep them, the fight alone is worth the trip. Live pilchards and soft plastics worked around structure are your best bet.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are probably the most reliable biters you'll encounter. They school up over grass beds and sand holes, making them perfect for groups where everyone wants steady action. Trout bite year-round but really turn on during the cooler months when they move into deeper holes. They're excellent eating and relatively easy to catch, making them perfect for newer anglers or anyone who just wants to bend a rod consistently.
Black drum often get overlooked, but they shouldn't be. These bottom-dwellers can reach impressive sizes around Port Inlet, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon. They're found around structure and oyster beds, where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Black drum fight like freight trains – no fancy jumps or runs, just steady, stubborn pulling power. The smaller ones make excellent table fare, while the big breeders are better released to keep the population healthy.
Spanish mackerel show up seasonally and provide some of the most exciting action you'll find inshore. These speed demons hit fast and fight hard, often jumping clear of the water multiple times. They school heavily around the inlet mouth and nearby structure, feeding on small baitfish. Mackerel are fantastic eating when fresh, and they're usually willing biters when they're around, making them a real crowd-pleaser.
Port Inlet inshore fishing delivers exactly what it promises – quality fishing without the long boat ride or rough water that comes with offshore trips. The 30' Sea Hunt provides a stable, comfortable platform for up to six anglers, and with all gear, bait, and licenses included, you're getting real value for your money. The variety of species keeps things interesting, whether you're after dinner or just looking to have some fun on the water. The captain's local knowledge makes all the difference, putting you on fish while sharing insights about techniques and seasonal patterns. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and some snacks – trust the captain's recommendations on this one. Book your trip
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped 30' Sea Hunt Gamefish designed for serious angling action. This twin outboard motorboat cuts through Port Inlet waters with ease while you target redfish, black drum, trout, snook, and Spanish mackerel in productive inshore spots. The boat features a reliable fish finder to locate schools, GPS navigation to hit the best fishing grounds, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches when fish are spooky. An onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh, and there's a toilet for convenience during longer fishing sessions. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rods without crowding. All tackle, bait, licenses, and bottled water are included, so just bring sunscreen, snacks, and your appetite for good fishing. Whether working the inlet structure or venturing just outside the port, this setup puts you in prime position for consistent action on quality inshore species.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters - powerful bottom-feeders that can really test your tackle. Most fish we catch run 5-15 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 30-40 pounder. They love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 3-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning around the inlet. What makes them special is their crushing power and the drumming sounds they make. Smaller ones eat great, but release the big breeders. They're notorious bait stealers, so fresh blue crab or cut mullet works best. Here's the key: keep your bait right on the bottom and be patient. When they pick it up, let them run a few seconds before setting the hook - they need time to really grab it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing - bronze-backed bruisers with that classic black spot near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches and really know how to fight, making long runs in shallow water. They love oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Fall and spring are peak seasons when they school up and feed aggressively. What guests love is watching them cruise the flats and that powerful fight once hooked. Smaller ones are excellent eating with firm, mild meat. The secret is sight fishing - look for their copper-colored backs or tailing fish rooting in the mud. Cast ahead of them with a gold spoon or soft plastic, then work it slowly past their nose.
Salmo TruttaSea trout (or speckled trout) are classic grass flat fish that provide steady action on light tackle. Most run 12-16 inches with plenty in the 2-3 pound range. They hang over sandy bottoms with scattered grass in 2-6 feet of water, especially around deeper potholes and edges. Cooler months are best when they school up in deeper channels. Guests love their willingness to bite and the distinctive spotted pattern. The meat is delicate and flaky - great table fare if you don't overcook it. They're also fun on topwater early morning and late evening. My go-to technique is drifting grass flats with a popping cork and live shrimp, keeping it about 18 inches off bottom. Work it slow with gentle pops - trout prefer a subtle presentation over aggressive action.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore gamefish around Port Inlet - ambush predators that love structure and put up serious fights. Most run 18-28 inches, but we regularly hook slot-sized fish and the occasional monster over 30 inches. They're always near cover - mangroves, docks, bridges, and oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water. Summer and fall are peak season, especially around new and full moons when they spawn. What guests love is their explosive strikes and bulldogging runs that'll test your drag. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. One local trick: work the current breaks where moving water hits structure. Cast your live shrimp or soft plastic just upcurrent and let it drift naturally into their ambush zone.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that'll give you a solid fight on light tackle. These silvery speedsters typically run 1-2 feet and weigh 2-3 pounds, though we catch some pushing 5-6 pounds. You'll find them schooling near the surface around the inlet and just offshore, especially over structure and baitfish. Spring through fall are prime times when they're chasing sardines and anchovies. What makes them fun is their lightning-quick strikes and acrobatic jumps. The meat is excellent - firm, mild, and perfect for grilling or smoking. Pro tip: when you see diving birds or surface action, get there fast with a small spoon or live shrimp. These fish move quickly, so once you find a school, work it hard before they disappear.
Cape Canaveral, FL