5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Shark, Trout And Sheepshead Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour private inshore fishing charter targeting multiple speciesAll equipment and expert guidance included for complete experienceAccommodates up to four guests with flexible pricing structure
Get ready for an epic 8-hour inshore fishing adventure that'll have you talking about it for years to come. This isn't your typical half-day quickie – we're talking about a serious fishing commitment that starts at 8 AM and keeps you on the productive waters around Port St. Joe until the cooler's full and your arms are tired from reeling in fish. Captain Mitch and the Florida Cracker Charter crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species. Whether you've been fishing since you could hold a rod or you're just getting your feet wet, this private charter experience is designed to put fish in the boat while you soak up some serious local knowledge about this incredible fishery.
This top-rated charter accommodates up to 4 anglers, with the base price covering 2 fishermen and just $50 for each additional person you want to bring along. You're getting a fully private boat, which means no strangers crowding your fishing spots or rushing you through the good action. The crew provides all the tackle, bait, and equipment you'll need, plus they'll be right there to help you land that fish of a lifetime when it hits. We're talking about 8 solid hours of fishing the most productive inshore waters around Port St. Joe, where the grass flats, oyster bars, and deeper channels hold some serious fish. The boat stays comfortable all day, and you'll have plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up with other lines. Captain Mitch brings decades of local knowledge to every trip, so you're not just getting a fishing guide – you're getting a floating classroom about this amazing ecosystem and its history.
The inshore waters around Port St. Joe offer incredible variety, which means we'll be switching up techniques throughout the day to match what the fish are doing. Early morning usually finds us working the grass flats with live bait under popping corks, targeting speckled trout that are actively feeding in the shallows. As the day progresses, we might switch to bottom rigs around structure for sheepshead, using fiddler crabs or shrimp to tempt these finicky biters. When we're after sharks, we'll set up with heavier tackle and fresh-cut bait, letting it soak while we work other areas. The boat carries everything from light spinning gear for trout to heavy conventional setups for the bigger predators. Captain Mitch will match your tackle to the target species and current conditions, plus he'll walk you through proper technique if you're new to any of these methods. The key to success out here is reading the water – understanding how tides, structure, and baitfish movements all work together to create feeding opportunities.
"We had a blast fishing with Captain Mitch! We loved hearing the history of the area. We will definitely fish with him again." - Sharon
Sheepshead are hands-down one of the most challenging and rewarding fish you'll target on this trip. These black-and-white striped masters of theft hang around structure like dock pilings, oyster bars, and bridge supports, using their human-like teeth to crush crabs and barnacles. They're notorious bait stealers, so you'll need to stay sharp and set the hook at the first hint of a bite. The best sheepshead fishing typically happens during cooler months when they're most active, and Port St. Joe's abundant structure makes it a world-class destination for these tasty fish. What makes them so exciting is the challenge – they require finesse, patience, and quick reflexes. When you finally hook into a good one, they'll use every piling and barnacle cluster to try to break you off.
Lemon sharks bring the adrenaline factor to this charter experience. These powerful predators cruise the inshore waters year-round, but they're most active during warmer months when baitfish are abundant. Lemons can reach impressive sizes – we're talking about fish that can stretch 6 feet or more and put up a fight that'll test your tackle and your stamina. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and incredible strength. When a lemon shark takes your bait, you'll know it immediately. They make long, powerful runs that strip line off your reel, and they're known for their acrobatic jumps that'll get everyone on the boat screaming. The waters around Port St. Joe provide perfect habitat for these apex predators, with plenty of shallow flats and deeper channels that they use as hunting grounds.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here. These beautiful gamefish with their distinctive spotted sides are abundant throughout the year, though they really turn on during spring and fall when water temperatures are ideal. Specs are perfect for anglers of all skill levels – they're aggressive enough to make beginners feel successful, but they can be finicky enough to challenge experienced fishermen. They typically run 14-20 inches, with occasional trophy fish pushing 25 inches or more. What makes trout fishing so addictive is the variety of ways you can catch them – live bait under corks, soft plastics, topwater plugs early in the morning, or suspending baits over grass beds. The Port St. Joe area offers miles of prime trout habitat, from shallow grass flats to deeper channel edges where bigger fish often lurk.
This customer favorite charter fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when word gets out about how good the bite has been. You're getting 8 hours of top-shelf inshore fishing with one of the most renowned guides in the area, plus all the local knowledge and fish-finding expertise that comes with decades of experience on these waters. The private charter setup means you're not sharing the boat
Jump aboard this nimble 17' Carolina Skiff and get ready to target some serious fish in Port St. Joe's productive inshore waters. Built for up to 4 anglers, this well-rigged boat comes loaded with everything you need – GPS to navigate the flats, fish finder to locate the hotspots, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold. The shallow draft design lets you slip into those skinny water honey holes where the big trout, redfish, and sheepshead like to hang out. All your rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the cooler. Whether you're sight casting the grass flats or working structure for sheepshead, this Carolina Skiff handles it all with room to move around and fight fish properly.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are perfect for anglers wanting their first taste of shark fishing without the chaos of bigger species. These golden beauties typically range from 3-6 feet in our inshore waters, with plenty of fight but manageable on medium tackle. You'll find them cruising grass flats and sandy bottoms in 3-15 feet of water, especially around St. Joseph Bay. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, particularly on warmer days when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is how aggressive they are - lemon sharks will hit cut bait, live pinfish, or even artificials with authority. They put on a great show with jumps and long runs, but won't drag you around the boat like a bull shark. Here's the key: use a 3-foot wire leader and fresh cut bait on the bottom. These sharks hunt by smell, so the fishier the bait, the better your chances.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing here in Port St. Joe. Most run 14-18 inches and 1-2 pounds, but those gator trout over 20 inches make every trip memorable. They love grass flats and shallow bays, typically in 2-8 feet of water where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action, though summer nights can be magic. What makes trout fishing so popular? They're aggressive strikers that'll hit everything from live shrimp to soft plastics, and that delicate white meat is outstanding on the dinner table. Just don't overcook it - the flesh is tender and flakes apart easily. Pro tip: work your bait slow along the bottom of grass edges during moving tides. Trout are sight feeders, so clear water days with a gentle chop usually produce the best results.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are one of the most distinctive fish you'll encounter around Port St. Joe's docks and bridges. These gray and black striped "convict fish" typically run 1-4 pounds, though we occasionally see monsters pushing 15+ pounds. They're famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush barnacles and crabs off pier pilings. You'll find them hanging tight to structure year-round, but spring brings the best action when they move shallow to spawn. What makes them special? They're notorious bait thieves with a delicate bite, making them a real challenge for beginners and pros alike. Plus, that white, flaky meat is some of the best eating around. My tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard - they'll steal your bait before you know it.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a blast fishing with Captain Mitch! We loved hearing the history of the area. We will definitely fish with him again.
Port St Joe, FL