Full Day Beginner Shark, Trout & Sheepshead Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day private charter with beginner-friendly instruction from Captain MitchTarget lemon shark, sea trout, and sheepshead in Port St. Joe watersAll fishing gear and bait provided for 8-hour inshore adventure
Looking to get your feet wet in the fishing world? Captain Mitch's full-day charter out of Port St. Joe is exactly what you need. This 8-hour adventure kicks off at 8 AM and takes you into some of Florida's most productive inshore waters, where beginners can learn the ropes while targeting three of the area's most exciting species. With all gear and bait included, plus patient instruction from one of the Gulf Coast's top-rated guides, you'll be setting the hook like a pro by the end of the day. The charter handles up to 4 guests total, with pricing that covers 2 anglers and runs $50 for each additional person.
Port St. Joe's inshore waters offer the perfect classroom for new anglers. Captain Mitch knows these flats, channels, and structure like the back of his hand, and he's got the patience to teach you everything from tying knots to reading fish behavior. You'll spend your day moving between different spots depending on conditions and what's biting, learning to read the water and understand why fish hold in certain areas. The boat stays comfortable throughout the 8-hour trip, with plenty of shade when you need a break from the Florida sun. Don't worry about bringing anything except sunscreen and drinks – Captain Mitch provides all rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait. This world-class fishery produces year-round, but spring and fall months tend to be the most consistent for all three target species.
This charter focuses on light tackle fishing methods that let beginners feel every bite and fight. You'll learn bottom fishing with circle hooks for sheepshead around structure, drift fishing with live bait for trout over grass flats, and cut bait fishing for sharks in deeper channels. Captain Mitch uses quality spinning gear that's easy to handle but strong enough to land big fish. He'll teach you proper drag settings, how to feel the difference between a bite and bottom contact, and when to set the hook versus letting the fish take line. The inshore waters around Port St. Joe range from 2 to 20 feet deep, with a mix of sandy bottom, grass beds, and oyster bars that hold different species. You'll move between spots using both the trolling motor for quiet approaches and the main engine when covering water between fishing areas.
Sheepshead are the technical fish of this trip – they've got human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and oysters, which makes them incredibly structure-oriented. Around Port St. Joe, they stack up on dock pilings, bridge supports, and oyster bars, especially during their spawning run from February through April. These black and white striped fish are notorious bait thieves, so Captain Mitch will teach you to feel their subtle nibbles and set the hook at just the right moment. Most sheepshead here run 2-4 pounds, but the area produces plenty of 6-pounders that'll test your drag.
Lemon sharks bring the excitement factor that gets every angler's heart pumping. These bronze-colored sharks cruise the shallow flats and channels around Port St. Joe, feeding on everything from blue crabs to small fish. They're perfect for beginners because they fight hard but don't have the unpredictable jumps of other species. Lemons typically range from 3-6 feet in this area, with the bigger females showing up during warmer months. Captain Mitch uses circle hooks and wire leaders to ensure safe releases, and he'll teach you proper shark handling techniques so you can get that perfect photo before letting them swim away.
Sea trout are the bread and butter fish that keep action steady throughout the day. These spotted beauties love the grass flats around St. Joseph Bay, where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall offer the best trout fishing, when schools of keeper-sized fish move shallow to feed. You'll learn to work soft plastics and live bait over the grass beds, watching for that telltale tap-tap bite that signals a trout has found your offering. The slot limit here protects the breeding stock, so Captain Mitch will teach you to quickly identify keepers versus fish that need to go back for future trips.
Captain Mitch's beginner-friendly approach has made this charter a customer favorite among first-time anglers visiting the Panhandle. The combination of patient instruction, quality equipment, and productive fishing grounds creates the perfect environment for building confidence on the water. Whether you're looking to start a new hobby or just want to experience Florida's renowned inshore fishing, this full-day adventure delivers real results. The private charter format means you're not competing with other anglers for attention, and Captain Mitch can adjust the pace based on your group's comfort level. Book early, especially during peak seasons when these prime fishing dates fill up fast. Port St. Joe's protected waters fish well in most weather conditions, making this one of the most reliable charters on the Gulf Coast.
Get ready to fish the productive inshore waters around Port St. Joe aboard this well-rigged 17' Carolina Skiff. Built for serious angling, this nimble boat cuts through shallow flats and navigates tight spots where the big lemon sharks, speckled trout, and sheepshead like to hang out. The skiff comes loaded with everything you need - GPS to mark those honey holes, fish finder to locate structure and baitfish, plus a solid icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. Captain Mitch knows these waters inside and out, and he'll put you on fish while teaching proper techniques for handling gear and fighting whatever's on the other end of your line. Perfect for up to 4 anglers who want to learn the ropes without the pressure of a crowded boat.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are perfect for beginners - they're aggressive feeders and put up a solid fight without being too overwhelming. These sharks typically run 3-6 feet in our inshore waters, with that distinctive yellow-bronze color that gives them their name. You'll find them in shallow bays, around grass flats, and near structure in 5-15 feet of water. They're most active spring through fall when the water warms up. What guests love about lemons is their predictable behavior and willingness to take bait. They fight clean with powerful runs but don't go crazy like some shark species. We always catch and release them safely. The key to success is using fresh cut bait - mullet or ladyfish work great - and fishing near the bottom on a fish-finder rig. Keep your drag loose at first, let them take the bait and run before setting the hook firmly.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are hands-down one of the best fish for beginners to target. They typically run 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, with those beautiful black spots covering their silver sides. You'll find them over grass flats, around docks, and in shallow bays - usually in 3-8 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily before and after the summer heat. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. They fight well for their size with some nice jumps and runs. The trick is fishing early morning or late evening when they're most active. I always start with live shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds - the sound draws them in and the visual bite keeps everyone engaged.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our inshore waters - those black and white stripes make them easy to spot around dock pilings and bridges. Most run 1-3 pounds, but we regularly see 5-8 pounders that'll test your skills. They hang tight to structure year-round, feeding on barnacles, crabs, and shrimp with those famous human-like teeth. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active. What makes them special? They're notorious bait thieves with a light bite, so you need to stay sharp. Once hooked, they fight hard and make excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's worth the effort. My tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp, keep your bait right against the pilings, and set the hook the second you feel weight. They'll steal your bait all day if you're not quick enough.
Port St Joe, FL