Half Day Fishing Charter - Backcountry & Inshore
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday charter targeting backcountry, inshore, and nearshore watersRock hopping techniques for mangrove snapper and gag grouperMultiple fishing methods including live bait and bottom jigging
Ready to get your lines wet on some of the best fishing grounds around? This half-day charter with Extreme Fishing Habit Charters and Tours covers all the bases - backcountry flats, inshore waters, and near shore structure where the big boys hang out. We're talking about a versatile trip that adapts to what's biting and where the fish are feeding. Whether you're chasing tailing redfish in skinny water or dropping baits on rocky bottom for monster grouper, this charter puts you on fish. With a max of four anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to work without bumping elbows.
This isn't your typical run-and-gun charter. We fish smart, moving between different zones based on tides, weather, and what's been producing lately. The backcountry offers pristine flats fishing where you can sight-cast to cruising snook and redfish in crystal clear water. Inshore, we target structure and grass beds where trout and flounder ambush baitfish. Near shore is where things get exciting - we're rock hopping to productive ledges and hard bottom areas where massive mangrove snapper and gag grouper call home. The beauty of this trip is the variety. One minute you might be working a shallow flat, the next you're dropping baits in 30 feet of water targeting completely different species. Captain's choice depends on conditions, but rest assured we're going where the fish are most active.
We run the full spectrum of fishing techniques to match what the fish want on any given day. Float fishing is deadly for trout and redfish when they're feeding in the water column - nothing beats watching that cork disappear on a good bite. Bottom jigging keeps you connected to the structure and lets you feel every tap from curious grouper and snapper checking out your presentation. Straight bottom fishing with cut bait is productive for flounder, sheepshead, and bigger snapper that prefer their meals served on a platter. Flat lining with live bait covers water efficiently and triggers aggressive strikes from predators like snook and trout. We carry both live and cut bait options, switching between them based on what's working. The gear is provided and properly rigged for each technique - medium to medium-heavy spinning setups for most situations, with heavier tackle available when targeting larger near shore species around structure.
Southern flounder are the chameleons of the flats, perfectly camouflaged until they explode off the bottom to crush a well-presented bait. These flatfish love sandy areas near grass beds and can grow surprisingly large - a 20-inch doormat flounder is a real trophy. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is the subtle bite followed by that heavy, head-shaking fight as they try to bury back into the bottom.
Snook are the ultimate inshore gamefish, combining explosive strikes with acrobatic fights that'll test your drag system. These ambush predators love structure - docks, mangroves, bridges - anywhere they can stage and attack unsuspecting baitfish. Summer months bring the best snook action, particularly around dawn and dusk when they're most aggressive. The way a snook hits a live bait or lure is pure violence, often jumping completely out of the water multiple times during the fight. Their razor-sharp gill plates and stubborn nature make every hookup a memorable battle.
Grey snapper, especially the mangrove variety, are some of the smartest fish in the water but also some of the most rewarding to catch. These guys can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes around rocky structure and ledges. They're notorious bait stealers with incredible eyesight, making proper presentation crucial. Fall and winter months often produce the largest specimens as they school up in deeper water. When you hook into a big mangrove snapper, you'll understand why they're so prized - they fight with determination and make excellent table fare.
Sheepshead are the convicts of the inshore world with their distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth designed for crushing crustaceans. These fish are masters at picking baits clean, earning them a reputation as talented thieves. Winter months bring the best sheepshead fishing as they congregate around structure for spawning. Their bite is often described as feeling like your bait is caught on something, then suddenly your rod loads up with a powerful fish. The bigger ones are bulldogs that use their broad sides to fight in the current.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, providing consistent action and beautiful fish that fight above their weight class. These spotted beauties love grass flats and sandy potholes where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers prime trout fishing, with early morning and late afternoon being peak feeding times. Speckled trout have a soft mouth that requires finesse - too much pressure and you'll pull the hook. Their distinctive croaking sound when landed gives them their "trout" nickname, though they're actually members of the drum family.
This half-day charter delivers maximum variety and fish-catching potential in a condensed timeframe. Whether you're a local angler looking to explore new waters or a visitor wanting to experience world-class inshore fishing, this trip covers all the bases. The small group size ensures personalized instruction and plenty of fishing time for everyone aboard. With techniques ranging from sight fishing in shallow water to bottom fishing near shore structure, you'll leave with new skills and hopefully a cooler full of fish. Additional guests beyond the four-person max are welcome at $45 per person, making this a great option for larger groups. Book your spot and get ready to experience some of the most productive and diverse fishing waters around.
Our reliable motorboat gets you to the best fishing spots across backcountry flats, inshore waters, and near shore reefs where the big fish hang out. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're stalking redfish in shallow water or positioning for that perfect cast near structure. GPS navigation takes the guesswork out of finding productive waters, while the VHF radio keeps us connected for safety and fishing reports. Whether we're float fishing for snapper, bottom jigging for grouper, or running live bait along the flats, this boat handles it all. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without getting tangled up with your fishing buddies. The shallow draft lets us access those hidden backcountry spots where the fish haven't seen many lures, and the reliable engine gets us out to the near shore rocks where monster mangrove snapper and gag grouper wait.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are smart, spooky fish that make for great sport. These copper-red colored fish with the dark eye stripe typically run 1-3 pounds inshore, but we catch them up to 10+ pounds around deeper structure. They love mangroves, docks, rocks, and reefs where they can ambush prey. You'll find them year-round, but they're most active at night and during moving tides. People love targeting them because they're crafty - they'll steal your bait if you're not paying attention. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish around with sweet, white meat. My advice: use a 4/0 hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, and when you feel that nibble, set the hook hard before they strip your bait clean.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are perfect for light tackle fishing with their beautiful silver sides covered in black spots. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-3 pounds, though some reach 5+ pounds. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and channels. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods like dawn and dusk. Spring and fall are prime time when they school up and feed aggressively. They fight well for their size and make excellent table fare with tender, white meat - just don't overcook them. During winter, they group up in deeper holes. Best approach is drifting grass flats with live shrimp under popping corks or throwing soft plastics. Key tip: work the edges of grass beds where they ambush baitfish.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of the inshore world, sporting those distinctive black and gray stripes. They're built like tanks with human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs off pilings. Most run 2-5 pounds, but 10-15 pounders aren't uncommon around good structure. You'll find them year-round around docks, bridges, jetties, and any barnacle-covered structure. Spring is peak season when they spawn around passes and offshore reefs. They're notorious bait thieves with light bites, but once hooked, they pull hard. The payoff is some of the sweetest, flakiest white meat you'll ever taste. My secret: use fiddler crabs or fresh shrimp on a small hook, get right against the pilings, and set the hook the instant you feel weight - they'll clean your hook otherwise.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish around here. These sleek, golden fish with the distinctive black lateral line typically run 1-3 feet long, but the big females can hit 20+ pounds. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, bridges, and any structure in both salt and fresh water. They're ambush predators that love cover and current. Spring through fall is prime time, especially around the full and new moons when they spawn. Snook fight hard with explosive runs and acrobatic jumps, plus they're excellent eating. They're very temperature sensitive, so warmer months are best. Pro tip: use live shrimp or pinfish and get your bait right up against the structure - they won't chase it far from cover.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are flat, oval-shaped fish that love to bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms. Most run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. These ambush predators have both eyes on one side of their head and use amazing camouflage to blend with the bottom. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries year-round, but they move offshore during winter. They're fantastic table fare with mild, flaky white meat. Best technique is drift fishing or still fishing with live shrimp, bull minnows, or mullet on the bottom. My tip: when you feel that subtle tap, give them a second to take the bait before setting the hook - they're sneaky biters.
Homosassa, FL