Full Day Beginner Shark, Trout & Sheepshead Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day private inshore fishing charter targeting multiple speciesCaptain Mitch provides handson instruction for complete beginnersAll fishing gear and bait included for up to 4 guests
Captain Mitch knows exactly how to turn first-time anglers into hooked-for-life fishing fanatics. This top-rated 8-hour adventure in Port St. Joe's pristine inshore waters is designed specifically for beginners who want to learn the ropes while actually catching fish. You'll be targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most exciting species – lemon sharks, sea trout, and sheepshead – all while getting hands-on instruction from one of the area's most patient guides. With all gear and bait included, plus a fully private charter experience, this trip takes the guesswork out of your first serious fishing day.
Your day kicks off at 8 AM sharp from Port St. Joe's marina, where Captain Mitch will greet you with coffee and a quick rundown of the day ahead. The beauty of this charter lies in its relaxed pace – there's no rushing around or pressure to perform like a pro angler right out of the gate. You'll spend the morning learning basic casting techniques, understanding how to read the water, and getting comfortable with different rod and reel setups. Port St. Joe's inshore waters are perfect for beginners because they're protected from big swells, yet still hold plenty of action. The flats, grass beds, and oyster bars around St. Joseph Bay create an ideal classroom where you can practice your technique between fish. Captain Mitch has been working these waters for years and knows exactly where to position the boat for maximum success. He'll teach you how to feel the difference between a fish bite and bottom structure, when to set the hook, and most importantly, how to stay calm when that first big fish starts pulling drag.
This charter comes fully rigged with quality spinning reels and medium-action rods that are forgiving for beginners but still have enough backbone for larger fish. You'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures depending on what the fish are hitting that day. For sheepshead, Captain Mitch typically rigs up with small hooks and fiddler crabs or shrimp, teaching you how to detect those subtle nibbles that sheepshead are famous for. When targeting sea trout, you'll learn the art of working soft plastic baits across grass flats, understanding how to vary your retrieve speed and cadence. The lemon shark fishing is where things get really exciting – using heavier tackle with cut bait or live pinfish. You'll learn proper shark handling techniques, including how to safely bring them alongside the boat for photos before release. All bait is provided fresh each morning, and Captain Mitch keeps backup rods rigged and ready so there's no downtime when the bite is hot. He'll also teach you essential knots like the improved clinch and loop knot, skills you'll use for the rest of your fishing career.
Sheepshead are the ultimate test of an angler's finesse and patience. These black-and-white striped fish hang around structure like dock pilings and oyster bars, using their powerful teeth to crunch crabs and barnacles. They're notorious for their light bites – you'll often feel just a slight tick or weight on your line before they spit the bait out. Captain Mitch will teach you to set the hook at the first sign of resistance. Sheepshead typically run 2-5 pounds in these waters, with occasional larger specimens pushing 8-10 pounds. They're most active during cooler months from November through March, making them a reliable target year-round. What makes them special is the challenge – even experienced anglers struggle with sheepshead, so landing your first one feels like a real accomplishment.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are Port St. Joe's bread-and-butter species. These beautiful fish with distinctive spots thrive in the grass beds throughout St. Joseph Bay. They're aggressive feeders that will hit both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for building confidence. Most trout you'll catch range from 14-18 inches, with the occasional "gator trout" over 20 inches providing heart-stopping action. They're most active during dawn and dusk, but in the deeper grass beds, you can catch them throughout the day. Sea trout have a soft mouth, so Captain Mitch will teach you to fight them with steady pressure rather than aggressive rod pumping. They're also excellent table fare, and you're welcome to keep a few within legal limits for dinner.
Lemon sharks are the crown jewel of this charter experience. These prehistoric predators patrol the shallow flats and channel edges, growing up to 6-8 feet in local waters. Don't worry – they're not aggressive toward humans, but they'll absolutely destroy a properly presented bait. The fight is what makes lemon sharks so special – they're powerful, stubborn, and will test every knot and connection on your tackle. Captain Mitch practices catch and release for all sharks, but you'll get plenty of photos with your catch before releasing it healthy. Peak lemon shark action happens during warmer months from May through September, when they move into the shallows to feed. The thrill of seeing that bronze shape materialize in the clear water, then watching your rod double over, is something that hooks anglers for life.
This customer-favorite charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when the lemon sharks are most active. Captain Mitch's patient teaching style and proven track record for putting beginners on fish has made this one of Port St. Joe's most requested trips. The base rate covers up to 2 anglers, with additional guests at $50 each up to a maximum of 4 people total. Remember to bring sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water – while meals aren't included, Captain Mitch will point you toward the best local spots for a post-fishing celebration meal. Whether you're looking to start a new hobby, plan a memorable
The 17' Carolina Skiff is your ticket to productive inshore fishing around Port St. Joe's prime waters. This compact but capable boat handles shallow flats and nearshore structure with ease, getting you right where the lemon sharks, sea trout, and sheepshead are feeding. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating fish, while GPS navigation ensures you can return to hot spots throughout the day. Keep your catch fresh in the built-in icebox, and store snacks and drinks for the full 8-hour trip. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to cast without tangling lines. Captain Mitch knows exactly where to position this shallow-draft skiff for the best bite, whether you're working grass beds for trout or targeting structure for sheepshead. All your rods, reels, tackle, and bait are already aboard, so you can focus on learning proper techniques and landing fish.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are ideal for first-time shark anglers, typically running 3-6 feet and 20-80 pounds in our inshore waters. These yellow-bronze beauties cruise grass flats and sandy bottoms in 6-15 feet of water, often coming surprisingly shallow to hunt. Spring and fall bring the most consistent action, especially on warmer days when baitfish are active. What makes them special is their curious nature and strong but manageable fight - powerful enough to get your heart racing without being overwhelming for beginners. They're surprisingly gentle once brought alongside the boat. The key is using fresh cut bait on a sliding sinker rig and being patient. Unlike other sharks, lemons often circle back to investigate, so don't reel in too quickly if you miss the first bite.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are a staple of Gulf Coast fishing and perfect for learning proper technique. Most run 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, though 5+ pounders show up regularly in deeper water. They love grass flats, sandy potholes, and drop-offs in 4-12 feet of water. Early morning and late evening produce the best bites, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their distinctive spotted silver sides. They're also excellent table fare with delicate, flaky meat. The fight is spirited but manageable for beginners. My go-to tip: work soft plastics slowly over grass beds with gentle twitches. Trout have soft mouths, so keep steady pressure but don't horse them in or you'll pull the hook.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are perfect for beginners thanks to their 1-8 pound size and predictable behavior around structure. You'll find them hugging docks, bridge pilings, and any barnacle-covered structure in 5-20 feet of water. Their gray bodies with black stripes earned them the nickname "convict fish," but what really sets them apart are their human-like teeth used for crushing shellfish. Spring through early summer offers the best action when they're most active. Guests love the challenge - these fish are notorious bait thieves with a light nibble before the real bite. The reward is sweet, flaky white meat that's some of the best eating around. Pro tip: get your bait right against the pilings and set the hook hard when you feel that telltale tap-tap-pull sequence.
Port St Joe, FL