Full Day Redfish And Sea Trout Fishing Trip
Captain Jr. Holland knows Apalachicola Bay like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This full-day adventure gives you eight solid hours to work the flats, grass beds, and deeper holes where redfish and sea trout love to hang out. You'll be fishing some of the most productive waters on Florida's Forgotten Coast, where the Apalachicola River meets the Gulf, creating the perfect storm of nutrients that keeps these fish fat and happy year-round.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early with Captain Jr., who's been guiding these waters for years and has that local knowledge you just can't buy. The Apalachicola River system and surrounding bay offer diverse fishing opportunities, from shallow grass flats perfect for sight fishing to deeper channels where bigger fish cruise. You'll cover serious ground in eight hours, hitting multiple spots based on tides, weather, and where the fish are biting that day. The scenery alone is worth the trip – pristine waters, abundant wildlife, and that Old Florida vibe that's getting harder to find. Captain Jr. keeps the group small at just four anglers, so everyone gets plenty of attention and casting opportunities without feeling crowded.
Techniques and Tackle
Captain Jr. comes prepared with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, and bait are all included in your trip. You'll be fishing with light tackle that's perfect for the inshore game, using a mix of live bait, cut bait, and artificial lures depending on conditions and target species. Live shrimp and pinfish are go-to baits in these waters, but don't be surprised if Captain Jr. breaks out some soft plastics or topwater plugs when the fish are aggressive. The variety keeps things interesting – one minute you might be bouncing a jig along the bottom for flounder, the next you're working a topwater plug over a grass flat for a big trout. The captain reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the day, which is exactly what separates the guides from the weekend warriors.
Customer Stories
"Junior knows how to make a day on the water unforgettable. Great guide that knows the area and where to find fish. We enjoyed every minute of the trip. Will definitely be back to see Junior. One hell of a good trip." - Brad
Species You'll Want to Hook
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Apalachicola Bay fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties love the grass flats and can be caught year-round, though spring and fall offer the best action when they're feeding heavily. Trout in these waters commonly run 14-20 inches, with plenty of keepers mixed in with some real doormat specimens that'll test your drag. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – there's nothing quite like fresh trout on the grill after a day on the water.
Redfish are the other star of the show and arguably the most sought-after species in these waters. These copper-colored bruisers are built for the shallow flats and grass beds of Apalachicola Bay, where they cruise looking for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. Bull reds can push 30-40 inches and will absolutely smoke your drag when they feel the hook. The slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls provide pure adrenaline before being released to fight another day. Redfish are sight-fishing targets in the shallows during warmer months, but they'll also ambush baits around structure and deeper edges. Their hard pulls and never-give-up attitude make them a favorite among both novice and experienced anglers.
Time to Book Your Spot
Eight hours with Captain Jr. Holland gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Apalachicola Bay has to offer. This isn't a quick trip where you're rushing back to the dock just as the bite heats up – you've got time to work different areas, try various techniques, and really get into the rhythm of the fishing. The captain provides all the gear and knowledge, you just need to bring your appetite for adventure and maybe some snacks and drinks for the day. With only four spots available, these trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. If you're serious about experiencing some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, don't wait to secure your date with one of the area's most respected guides.