Quick Cast Fishing Trip In Dunedin, Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour inshore fishing adventure targeting snook and tarponAll equipment, bait, and licenses included aboard 25' vesselCatch and release trips available morning and afternoon
Captain Brandon Doty's 2-hour inshore fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of Dunedin's legendary flats and backwaters. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, this quick cast trip delivers serious action without eating up your whole day. You'll fish from a 25-foot Tidewater Raptor that's built for these skinny waters, chasing everything from explosive Snook strikes to acrobatic Tarpon jumps. With morning and afternoon slots available, it's the perfect addition to any Florida vacation or local getaway.
This top-rated Dunedin fishing experience starts the moment you step aboard Captain Brandon's well-equipped Tidewater. The boat's shallow draft design lets you access those honey holes where bigger boats can't go – we're talking about hidden pockets in the mangroves and grass flats that hold serious fish. You'll cover a good mix of structure and open water, from oyster bars that attract feeding Redfish to deeper channels where Tarpon cruise. The captain reads the water like a book, adjusting the game plan based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling him that day. Don't worry about bringing anything except snacks, drinks, and sunscreen – all your rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and fishing licenses are handled. This catch-and-release approach keeps these waters healthy and ensures future generations of anglers get the same quality fishing we're enjoying today.
Captain Brandon runs a variety of techniques depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. You'll likely throw live shrimp under popping corks around structure, which is deadly for Redfish and Sea Trout. When Snook are active, expect to pitch pilchards tight to mangrove edges or dock pilings – that's where the magic happens. For Tarpon, it's all about reading the rolls and getting baits in their path, whether that's freelining sardines or using just enough weight to get down to their level. The tackle is perfectly matched to the target species – medium spinning gear that can handle a nice fish but still gives you the feel for lighter bites. Black Drum fishing might call for bottom rigs with fresh cut bait, especially around deeper holes and channel edges. The captain adjusts everything on the fly, so you're always fishing the most productive method for the conditions.
Snook are the crown jewel of Dunedin's inshore scene, and for good reason. These ambush predators love to lurk around mangroves, docks, and any structure that provides shade and cover. They hit hard and fight dirty, using their gill plates and acrobatic jumps to try throwing your hook. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized to genuine trophies over 30 inches. What makes Snook special is their attitude – they'll crush a bait one second and completely ignore the same presentation the next.
Tarpon turn every angler into a kid again with their aerial displays and bulldogging runs. Dunedin's waters see resident fish year-round, but the real show happens during the warmer months when schools move through the area. These silver kings can range from 20-pound juveniles to 100-plus-pound adults that'll test every inch of your tackle and technique. The fight is just the beginning – watching a six-foot Tarpon clear the water completely is something you'll never forget.
Redfish are the reliable workhorses of the flats, offering consistent action and beautiful copper-colored fights. They cruise the shallows looking for crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish, often giving away their location with wakes and tailing behavior. Fall and winter months are prime time when schools of slot-sized Reds move through the area. They're not the flashiest fighters, but their steady, powerful runs and willingness to eat make them perfect for anglers wanting steady action.
Black Drum don't get the press of their Red cousins, but they're fantastic fighters that often surprise anglers with their size and power. These bottom-dwellers love structure and deeper holes, where they root around for crabs and shellfish. They're available year-round but really turn on during cooler months. A big Black Drum will test your drag and patience with long, steady runs that seem to go on forever.
Sea Trout round out the cast as the most cooperative species you'll encounter. They school up over grass flats and around structure, eagerly taking live shrimp and small baitfish. While they might not be the strongest fighters, they make up for it with numbers and willingness to bite. Spring and fall offer peak action, with fish ranging from eating-sized specks to gator trout pushing 20-plus inches.
Captain Brandon's quick cast trips offer world-class inshore fishing without the full-day commitment, making them perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting to experience Dunedin's renowned fishery. The 2-hour format lets you squeeze in serious angling action while leaving time for other vacation activities. With everything included and a captain who knows these waters inside and out, you're guaranteed a quality fishing experience that showcases why this area is considered some of Florida's best inshore fishing. Morning trips catch the sunrise bite, while afternoon slots often coincide with moving tides that get fish active. Book now and discover why anglers keep coming back to fish these productive Dunedin waters.
Captain Brandon's 25' Tidewater Raptor is your ticket to some serious inshore action around Dunedin's flats and backwaters. This 2022 center console runs smooth with a Yamaha 250HP that'll get you to the fish fast, hitting speeds up to 40 knots when you need to chase down that perfect spot. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on spooky snook in the shallows, while the GPS and fishfinder combo helps locate structure where tarpon and redfish like to hang out. Built for up to 4 anglers, this boat's got the live bait well to keep your offerings frisky and all the gear you need for a productive day on the water. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working the mangrove edges for snook, this rig handles the skinny water like a dream while keeping everyone comfortable during those 2-hour sessions.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldogs of the flats - powerful, stubborn fighters that'll test your drag system. These bottom-feeders typically range from 5-15 pounds in our local waters, though we occasionally hook into 20-30 pounders. They love shallow oyster beds, grass flats, and muddy areas where they can root around for crabs and shellfish with those crushing jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. What guests love about drum fishing is the steady, powerful fight - no flashy jumps, just pure muscle. The smaller ones make decent table fare, but the bigger fish are tough and better released. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater, which is pretty cool. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on the bottom, and don't set the hook too hard - let them take it and run a bit before applying pressure. Their mouths are bony and hooks pull out easily if you horse them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands down one of the most exciting targets on our flats. These copper-colored bruisers with the signature black spot near their tail average 18-27 inches in our area, with some real bulls pushing 30+ inches. They love super shallow water - we're talking 1-3 feet around oyster bars, mangroves, and grass flats where their backs sometimes show above the surface. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and winter bring the best action when they school up. What makes reds special is their bulldogging fight and the fact you can sight-fish them in skinny water, watching them crush your bait right in front of you. They're also fantastic eating when kept within slot limits. The real thrill is spotting their tails or backs in shallow water and making that perfect cast. Local secret: when you see a red with its head down feeding, cast your live shrimp or soft plastic about 3 feet ahead of where it's going - not right on top of them. They spook easily in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are probably the most reliable fish in our waters. These silvery beauties with distinctive black spots typically run 12-18 inches, with some reaching 20+ inches. They love grass flats, especially in 2-8 feet of water where they can ambush shrimp and baitfish. Dawn and dusk are prime times, and they bite well year-round, though spring and fall offer the best action. What guests appreciate about trout is their willingness to bite and their excellent eating quality - firm, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for kids and beginners since they're not too picky about bait. A local trick that works wonders: use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below it over grass beds. The popping sound mimics feeding activity and draws them in from a distance. Work it slow with gentle pops and pauses - that's when they usually strike.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most sought-after inshore species, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches around Dunedin, though bigger ones always lurk in the shadows. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in water ranging from a few feet to about 20 feet deep. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll make several hard runs and try to wrap you around structure. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: when fishing around docks or mangroves, cast your live shrimp or pinfish tight to the structure and let it drift naturally with the current - that's where the big ones wait to ambush their prey.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of inshore fishing - pure silver muscle that can reach 100+ pounds and jump clean out of the water when hooked. Around Dunedin, we typically see fish ranging from 20-80 pounds cruising the flats and channels in 3-15 feet of water. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through our area. What makes tarpon fishing special is the sheer athleticism - these fish will jump repeatedly, making multiple runs that'll burn your arms. They're strictly catch and release since the meat isn't great, but landing one is a bucket list experience. Look for them rolling on the surface or cruising in schools along channel edges and grass flats. The key to hooking up is using live bait like crabs or pinfish, and here's the secret: when you see that massive mouth open on your bait, don't set the hook immediately - let them turn and swim away with it first, then come tight. Their mouths are like concrete.
Palm Harbor, FL