Private 8 Hour Fishing Trip with First Nature
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight hours of live bait fishing with premium gear providedNight fishing options available with experienced Captain JohnSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests maximum
When you want to fish hard and fish smart, this full-day adventure delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for. Captain John runs one of the most popular extended trips in the area, combining his deep knowledge of local waters with premium tackle and the kind of live bait that gets fish fired up. This isn't your typical half-day outing – we're talking eight solid hours of fishing time, with the option to start before dawn and fish into the night when the big ones come out to play.
This top-rated fishing experience starts early and keeps you busy all day long. Captain John specializes in live bait presentations that trigger aggressive strikes from the species that make inshore fishing so addictive. You'll fish multiple spots throughout the day, adjusting tactics as conditions change and following the bite wherever it takes us. The boat carries all the gear you need, from light tackle rods perfect for finicky trout to heavier setups that can handle a bull redfish when it decides to make a run. With space for up to three anglers, there's plenty of room to work without getting tangled up, and Captain John makes sure everyone gets their shot at the action. The extended timeframe means we can really dial in what's working – if the morning bite is slow, we've got all day to find where the fish are stacked up.
Live bait fishing is an art form, and Captain John has it down to a science. We're talking about fresh shrimp, pilchards, and whatever else is running that'll get the local fish excited. The key is presentation – knowing how to rig it, where to place it, and how to work it so it looks natural in the water. Free-lining live bait around structure lets it swim naturally, which drives predatory fish crazy. When we're targeting specific species like snook around docks and mangroves, we'll use just enough weight to get the bait down but let it move with the current. For redfish on the flats, it's all about a quiet approach and letting that shrimp or crab do what it does naturally. The boat stays stocked with circle hooks in multiple sizes, fluorocarbon leaders that fish can't see, and split shots for fine-tuning your drift. Captain John reads the water constantly – watching for bait schools, bird activity, and subtle changes in current that signal where fish are likely to be feeding.
Snook are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and these ambush predators know how to put up a fight. They love hanging around docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines where they can dart out to grab an easy meal. The best action typically happens during moving water – incoming or outgoing tides when baitfish get pushed around and snook can position themselves for an easy strike. What makes them so exciting is their explosive hit and their tendency to jump when hooked. A slot-sized snook will test your drag and your nerves, especially when it heads straight for the nearest piling.
Redfish are the workhorses of the flats, and they're always hungry. These copper-colored bruisers cruise shallow water looking for crabs, shrimp, and small fish. They're not as spooky as some species, which makes them great for anglers still learning to read the water. When a red finds your bait, you'll know it – they hit hard and immediately try to bulldoze their way back to deeper water. The bigger bulls can really stretch your tackle, and their stamina keeps them fighting right to the boat. Fall and winter months often produce the best redfish action when they school up in larger numbers.
Sea trout might be the most cooperative fish in the bay, but don't let that fool you into thinking they're boring. These spotted beauties respond well to live shrimp and small baitfish, and they're often the first species to start biting when you hit a new spot. They prefer grass flats and sandy areas where they can pick off prey, and they're particularly active during low-light periods. What trout lack in pure fighting power, they make up for in numbers – when you find a school of keeper-sized trout, you can often catch several before they wise up and move on.
Sheepshead are the ultimate test of an angler's patience and skill. These black-and-white striped fish have small mouths and are notorious bait stealers, but they're also some of the best eating fish in the water. They love hanging around structure where they can pick at barnacles and small crabs. Catching sheepshead requires a delicate touch – you need to feel that subtle tap and set the hook immediately, or they'll strip your bait clean and leave you wondering what happened. When you do connect with a good sheepshead, their broad body creates surprising resistance in the water.
Crevalle jack might not win any beauty contests, but they'll give you an arm workout you won't forget. These aggressive fish hit hard and fight harder, often making multiple runs that'll have your reel screaming. They school up and feed aggressively, creating surface commotion that's visible from a distance. When the jacks are active, it's non-stop action – they're not picky about bait and they don't give up easy once hooked. Many anglers target them specifically for the pure sport of it.
Eight hours on the water with a captain who knows how to put you on fish – that's what separates a good day from a great one. This world-class fishing experience gives you the time to really learn the water, try different techniques, and maximize your chances of connecting with multiple species. Whether you're looking to improve your skills or just want to spend a full day doing what you love, Captain John's extended trip delivers the kind of fishing memories that keep you coming back. The boat stays busy, so don't wait around – book your adventure today and get ready for some
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard this 2014 Hewes flats boat, specifically designed for serious anglers who want to get into the shallow waters where the fish are biting. At 19 feet with a powerful 115HP Yamaha engine, this boat cuts through the water smoothly while staying quiet enough not to spook your targets. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip into those prime fishing spots without a sound, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure below. With GPS navigation keeping you on course to the hottest fishing areas, you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time searching. The built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long hours on the water. Accommodating up to 3 anglers comfortably, there's plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around the boat safely. Whether you're targeting reds in skinny water or searching for snook around structure, this flats boat gives you access to waters that bigger boats simply can't reach.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the flats - brassy, aggressive fish that average 12-24 inches but can hit 4 feet and 60 pounds. They roam both shallow flats and deeper water, often in schools that push baitfish to the surface. You can spot them by watching for diving birds since they force prey up where pelicans and gulls can grab them. These fish are pure muscle and will test your drag system with powerful runs. While they're not great eating, the fight is what brings people back - they're relentless and never quit. Best part of the year is summer when they school up and feed aggressively. Here's my secret: when you see birds working, cast a silver spoon past the school and retrieve it fast. Jacks love the chase, and that continuous movement triggers their predator instincts.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails that'll give you a workout every time. They typically run 20-35 inches and can be found in water so shallow their backs stick out. These fish love oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges where they hunt crabs and baitfish. They bite year-round but are most active during moving tides. What guests love is their power - they make long, strong runs and never give up easy. Plus they're great eating with sweet, firm meat. The real excitement comes from sight fishing - watching them cruise the shallows and making that perfect cast. My go-to trick is using a gold spoon or topwater plug early morning. Cast past them and work it back slowly - that distinctive "thump" when they hit will get your heart pumping every time.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the prison-striped fish with human-like teeth that make them one of the most unique catches around. They typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around any structure - docks, bridges, reefs, anywhere with barnacles and crabs to munch on. Spring months are prime time when they spawn around passes and jetties. What guests love is the challenge - these are notorious bait thieves that require perfect presentation and quick hook sets. Their firm, white meat is some of the best eating you'll find. Here's the trick: use small hooks with fiddler crabs or shrimp, get right up against the pilings, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately. They'll pick your bait clean if you hesitate even a second.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most sought-after inshore fish, averaging 1-3 feet but capable of reaching over 4 feet. These golden-colored fighters have a distinctive black lateral line and love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in both salt and fresh water. They're most active during warmer months, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes them special is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll make multiple runs and try to wrap your line around structure. The meat is firm and flaky, making them excellent table fare. Pro tip: get your bait right up against the structure where they hide. They're ambush predators and won't chase far from cover. Live shrimp or pilchards work great, but don't be surprised if they steal your bait a few times before you hook up.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are beautiful spotted fish that cruise grass flats and shallow bays year-round. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water during winter months. They're most active during low-light periods - early morning, evening, and especially under lights at night. What makes them fun is they'll hit both live bait and artificials, plus they make great table fare with their mild, flaky white meat. They're perfect for beginners since they're aggressive feeders but still provide a good fight. Best tip I can share: work the grass edges slowly with a popping cork and live shrimp about 18 inches below. When the cork goes down, count to two before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Fort Pierce, FL