Florida Full Day Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday private charter accommodates up to 4 guests comfortablyTarget Snook, Redfish, and Spotted Sea Trout using live baitCaptain Shane brings 20 years of local fishing expertise
Captain Shane's got you covered for a full day of serious inshore fishing action around Pine Island Sound and Captiva Pass. This private charter accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, with room for 2 more if your crew needs the extra space. You'll spend the day chasing some of Southwest Florida's most sought-after gamefish – Snook, Redfish, and Spotted Sea Trout – using light tackle techniques that'll put you right in the action. The protected waters here are perfect for anglers who want consistent fish without dealing with rough seas, and Shane's two decades of local knowledge means you'll be fishing the most productive spots all day long.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job. With a full day charter, you've got time to really get into the rhythm and fish multiple spots as conditions change. Pine Island Sound's shallow grass flats and mangrove shorelines create the perfect habitat for inshore species, while Captiva Pass offers deeper channels where bigger fish patrol. Shane adjusts the game plan based on tides, weather, and what's biting that day – maybe starting on the flats during an incoming tide, then moving to structure when the water gets high. The calm, protected nature of these waters means you'll spend more time with lines in the water instead of fighting choppy conditions. Pack your own food and drinks because you'll work up an appetite out there, and don't worry about gear – all rods, reels, bait, and licenses are handled.
Shane runs his charters using light tackle setups that make every fish feel like a monster. We're talking spinning reels loaded with 15-20 pound test, paired with rods that have enough backbone to handle big Snook but enough sensitivity to feel a Sea Trout tapping your bait. Live bait is the name of the game here – fresh shrimp, pinfish, and pilchards that get the attention of hungry gamefish cruising the flats. You'll learn to work baits around downed trees, oyster bars, and grass edges where these fish love to ambush prey. The technique might look simple, but there's an art to reading the water, understanding how fish move with the tides, and knowing when to switch from live bait to artificials. Shane's got the local knowledge to put you on fish whether they're feeding aggressively or being finicky.
Snook are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around Pine Island Sound, and for good reason. These fish are pure attitude – they'll crush your bait one second and sulk under a mangrove the next. Most of the Snook you'll target here run between 24-32 inches, with slot-sized fish being perfect for a photo and release. They're most active during moving water, especially around dawn and dusk, but a full day gives you multiple tide changes to find them feeding. What makes Snook special is their fight – they'll make blistering runs toward structure, trying to wrap your line around anything they can find.
Redfish are the workhorses of these waters, and they're always ready to eat. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the grass flats in small schools, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Pine Island Sound Redfish typically run 20-28 inches and fight with a steady, bulldogging power that'll test your drag system. They're not as spooky as Snook, which makes them perfect for anglers still learning to read the water. The best part about targeting Reds is watching them tail in shallow water – their backs and tails breaking the surface as they root around for crabs and shrimp.
Spotted Sea Trout round out the slam, and they're often the most willing biters on any given day. These fish school up over grass beds and around channel edges, and they're suckers for a well-presented shrimp or small baitfish. Trout in this area range from keeper-sized fish around 15 inches up to "gator" trout pushing 24 inches or more. They're the perfect fish for light tackle – aggressive enough to bend your rod but not so powerful that they'll straighten your hooks. Sea Trout also make excellent table fare if you're looking to take a few home for dinner.
Tarpon show up seasonally and turn every angler into a kid again. These silver kings aren't always on the menu, but when they're around Pine Island Sound, usually during spring and summer months, they provide some of the most spectacular fishing you'll ever experience. Even a 40-pound Tarpon will jump multiple times and run line off your reel like it's on fire. Most anglers practice catch and release with these fish, but the photos and memories last forever.
Sheepshead are the sneaky good fish that many people overlook. These black and white striped convicts hang around any kind of structure – bridges, docks, oyster bars – and they're notorious bait thieves. What makes them challenging is their light bite and hard mouth, but once you get the hang of detecting their subtle taps, they're a blast on light tackle. Sheepshead are also excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
A full day charter with Captain Shane gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Pine Island Sound has to offer. You're not rushed, you're not watching the clock, and you've got time to learn techniques that'll make you a better angler. The combination of productive waters, expert local knowledge, and quality light tackle fishing creates the kind of day that reminds you why you love being on the water. Just remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates are locked in before you commit. Whether you're looking to check species off your bucket list or just want to spend a day fishing some of Florida's most productive inshore waters, this
Captain Shane's 24' Morgan center console is the perfect fishing platform for working Pine Island Sound's productive inshore waters. Powered by a reliable Yamaha outboard and equipped with a tower for spotting fish in the shallows, this boat handles the backwater channels and mangrove cuts like a dream. The center console design gives you plenty of casting room while staying stable in the calm bays around Captiva Pass. With comfortable seating for up to 6 anglers, there's space to spread out whether you're sight-fishing for redfish or working the grass flats for trout. The shallow draft lets Captain Shane get you into those hard-to-reach spots where the snook like to hide, while the tower gives him the perfect vantage point to read the water and put you on fish all day long.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored bruisers that patrol Pine Island Sound's shallow flats. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches with that distinctive black eyespot near their tail. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. They bite year-round, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. Guests love reds for their powerful runs and bulldogging fights - they're like underwater bulldozers that'll test your tackle. They're also excellent table fare with firm, sweet meat. Here's a guide secret: look for nervous water or muddy spots where they're rooting around for crabs. Cast ahead of cruising fish and let your bait settle naturally.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are bread-and-butter fish in Pine Island Sound's grass flats. Most run 14-20 inches with beautiful silver sides covered in dark spots. You'll find them over shallow grass beds in 2-6 feet of water, especially around potholes and edges. They bite year-round but spring and fall are peak times when water temps are comfortable. Guests enjoy trout because they're willing biters that put up a decent scrap on light tackle, plus they're excellent eating with delicate, flaky white meat. They school up, so where you catch one, there's usually more. My local tip: fish the grass flats on moving tides with live shrimp under a popping cork. The noise attracts them from distance, and the natural presentation seals the deal.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Pine Island Sound with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, perfect pan size. You'll find them around any structure - bridge pilings, docks, oyster bars - feeding on barnacles and crabs. Winter months through early spring are prime time when they're thickest around structures before spawning. Guests love sheepshead because they're notorious bait thieves that require skill to hook, plus they make fantastic table fare with sweet, white meat. They're sneaky - you'll feel gentle taps before they steal your bait. Here's my trick: use small hooks with fresh shrimp and set the hook at the first sign of movement. Don't wait for a big pull or you'll just be feeding them.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore challenge around Pine Island Sound. These golden-sided beauties with their signature black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though larger specimens lurk near deep channels and mangrove shorelines. You'll find them hugging structure - docks, oyster bars, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. They're temperature sensitive, so spring through fall offers the best action, especially during moving tides at dawn and dusk. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and powerful runs that'll test your drag. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: when casting near mangroves, let your live shrimp sink naturally and watch for that telltale tap-tap before they crush it.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of inshore fishing around Captiva Pass. These prehistoric silver giants typically range 80-150 pounds in our waters, with their famous bucket-sized mouths and massive scales. You'll spot them rolling in channels, around bridges, and over grass flats in 4-15 feet of water. Late spring through summer brings the best action when they're most active and feeding. What guests love most is the aerial show - these fish can jump 8 feet out of water and make blistering runs that'll empty your reel fast. We practice catch-and-release since their meat is bony and tough. My tip for landing one: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - it keeps tension off the line and prevents break-offs during their acrobatic display.
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