Full Day Family Shark, Trout & Sheepshead Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 8-hour inshore fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesFamily-friendly charter accommodates all experience levels safelyFull equipment provided for lemon shark, trout, sheepshead fishing
When you're looking for a fishing trip that gets the whole crew excited, Captain Mitch's full-day inshore adventure in Port St. Joe hits different. This isn't your typical charter – it's an 8-hour private fishing experience where families can target some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species together. Starting bright and early at 8 AM, you'll have the entire day to work the flats, channels, and structure around this top-rated fishing destination. With lemon sharks cruising the shallows, speckled trout schooling up in the grass beds, and sheepshead hanging around every piling, Port St. Joe's waters offer world-class action for anglers who know where to look.
Captain Mitch runs a family-friendly operation that's perfect for mixed groups of all skill levels. The base rate covers two anglers, but he can accommodate up to four guests total for just $50 per extra person – making it one of the best deals around for larger families. You'll fish from a well-equipped inshore boat that's built for comfort and safety, with all the tackle, bait, and gear included in your trip. No need to worry about licenses or bringing your own rods – everything's handled. The captain creates a relaxed atmosphere where first-timers feel confident and experienced anglers can focus on landing fish. Port St. Joe's protected waters mean you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time fighting rough seas, which is exactly what you want on a full-day family trip.
Inshore fishing around Port St. Joe requires adapting your approach based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Captain Mitch switches between live bait fishing with shrimp and pinfish, artificial lures like spoons and soft plastics, and bottom fishing with cut bait depending on the target species. For lemon sharks, you'll typically use heavier tackle with circle hooks and wire leaders, while trout fishing calls for lighter setups with popping corks or free-lined baits over grass beds. Sheepshead demand a different game entirely – small hooks, light line, and the patience to feel those subtle bites around structure. The boat carries multiple rod setups so everyone can fish simultaneously, and Captain Mitch handles all the rigging and re-baiting to keep the action moving. You'll fish everything from shallow flats in 2-3 feet of water to deeper channels and around docks, bridges, and oyster bars where these species love to hang out.
Sheepshead are the ultimate test of an angler's finesse and patience. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles and crabs around structure, making them notorious bait stealers. In Port St. Joe, sheepshead congregate around docks, bridge pilings, and oyster beds year-round, but they're most active during cooler months from November through March. They typically run 2-4 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 6-8 pounds that'll give you a serious fight on light tackle. What makes sheepshead so addictive is their incredibly light bite – you have to stay focused and set the hook at the first sign of movement. Families love targeting them because kids can learn to really feel what's happening on the other end of the line.
Lemon sharks bring the excitement factor that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. These bronze-colored sharks cruise Port St. Joe's shallow waters year-round but are most active during warmer months from May through September. They typically range from 3-6 feet long and put up an amazing fight, making long runs and jumping when hooked. What's special about fishing for lemons in Port St. Joe is that you can often sight-fish them in clear, shallow water – watching a 5-foot shark take your bait is a rush that never gets old. Captain Mitch uses circle hooks and teaches proper shark handling techniques for safe catch-and-release. These fish are perfect for family trips because everyone can participate in the fight, passing the rod around while the shark makes its runs.
Speckled trout are the bread-and-butter species that keep the action steady throughout the day. Port St. Joe's grass flats are renowned for holding quality trout year-round, with the best fishing typically happening during dawn, dusk, and overcast conditions. These fish average 14-18 inches but can reach 24+ inches for true trophy specimens. Trout are aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials with authority, making them perfect for teaching kids how to feel strikes and set hooks. They school up in predictable areas around grass beds, sand holes, and channel edges, so Captain Mitch can usually put you on fish quickly. The best part about trout fishing is the variety – you might catch a dozen fish in an hour when you find an active school, keeping everyone engaged and excited throughout the trip.
This full-day family adventure offers something for everyone, from the thrill of hooking into a lemon shark to the finesse required for sheepshead and the consistent action of trout fishing. Captain Mitch's approach focuses on creating positive experiences for all ages while putting you on fish in Port St. Joe's productive inshore waters. With all gear included, flexible group sizing up to four anglers, and eight full hours on the water, it's a customer favorite for families wanting to experience Florida's world-class inshore fishing scene. The early start time means you'll beat the crowds and fish during prime morning hours, while the private charter format lets you fish at your own pace without worrying about other anglers. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have everyone talking about the one that didn't get away.
Your fishing platform for the day is a reliable 17' Carolina Skiff that's built for serious angling in Port St. Joe's inshore waters. This nimble boat handles shallow flats and coastal runs with ease, getting you to prime shark, trout, and sheepshead spots efficiently. The skiff comes loaded with everything you need - a GPS to navigate the best fishing grounds, fish finder to locate your targets below, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 8-hour adventure. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to move around while fighting fish or helping younger family members land their first catch. The open layout means everyone gets their shot at the action, whether you're working the shallows for trout or targeting bigger lemon sharks in deeper water. Captain Mitch knows how to position this boat for maximum success, and the stable platform makes it perfect for anglers of all skill levels to cast, reel, and boat fish safely.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are a perfect introduction to shark fishing for families. These gentle giants typically run 3-8 feet in our shallow inshore waters and get their name from that distinctive yellowish color. You'll find them cruising grass flats, sandy bottoms, and around structure in 3-15 feet of water. Spring and summer are prime time when the water warms up and they move into the shallows to feed. What guests love most is the steady, powerful fight - no crazy jumps, just a solid battle that everyone can handle. They're curious fish that will often circle the boat, giving kids a great look. The key is using circle hooks with cut bait on the bottom - mullet or pinfish work great. Keep your drag loose and let them run when they first take off. It's catch and release only, but the memories last forever.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or speckled trout as we call them, are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though we do see some bigger ones. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially during cooler months when they school up tight. Early morning and evening are prime time, and they really turn on when the water temperature drops below 70 degrees. What makes trout fishing fun is their willingness to hit artificial lures - soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons all work great. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious, but handle them gently since they're pretty soft. My go-to technique is working a paddle tail jig slowly along the grass edges. When you feel that tap, don't jerk - just lift and reel steady. They have soft mouths, so easy does it.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are one of the most unique fish you'll target in these waters. These "convict fish" with their black and white stripes usually run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around any structure - docks, bridge pilings, and barnacle-covered posts. What makes them special are those human-like teeth they use to crunch barnacles and crabs. They're notorious bait thieves, so you'll need to stay alert and set the hook hard when you feel that telltale nibble. Spring through early summer gives us the best action when they're feeding heavy. The meat is absolutely delicious - white, flaky, and mild - though those scales are tough to clean. My tip: get your bait right against the structure and keep it moving up and down in the water column until you find where they're suspended.
Port St Joe, FL