5.0(4 Reviews)Extended Half Day Fishing Trip In Hudson, Florida
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and snookAll gear, bait, licenses and fish cleaning includedSmall group experience with maximum two guests
Hudson's inshore waters offer some of the most consistent fishing along Florida's Nature Coast, and this 6-hour trip puts you right in the heart of the action. You'll be working the grass flats, oyster bars, and nearshore structure where Redfish, Snook, and Trout love to hunt. Captain Billy and the Florida Fish Invaders crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish even when conditions get tough. With everything included – rods, reels, bait, licenses, and professional filleting – you just need to bring your appetite for catching fish and maybe a cooler for your dinner.
This is a serious fishing trip designed for anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water. You'll launch from Hudson and work a variety of inshore and nearshore spots depending on tides, weather, and what's biting. The boat holds just two anglers, so you're getting a personalized experience without fighting for rod space or the captain's attention. Six hours gives you plenty of time to work different techniques and locations – maybe starting with live shrimp on the grass flats for Trout, then switching to artificial lures around structure for Snook and Redfish. The crew handles all the technical stuff like reading the GPS, working the trolling motor, and netting your fish, so you can focus on what you came for – putting fish in the boat.
Florida Fish Invaders runs quality gear that's perfectly matched to Hudson's inshore fishery. You'll be fishing medium-light spinning rods with braided line and fluorocarbon leaders – the perfect setup for feeling light bites from spooky Trout while still having enough backbone to turn a big Redfish away from structure. Live bait is the bread and butter here, with fresh shrimp and pilchards accounting for most of the action, but the crew also knows when to break out the artificials. Soft plastics work great around oyster bars, and topwater plugs can produce explosive strikes from Snook in low light conditions. The captain reads the water constantly – adjusting depths, switching baits, and moving spots based on what the fish are telling him. This isn't a sit-and-wait kind of trip; you'll be actively fishing and learning the whole time.
"Great guide caught plenty of fish. Goes above and beyond. Highly recommend. We will definitely book again" - Russ "Captain Billy was top notch. Great attitude and worked hard to put me on fish in not-so-great conditions. Boated multiple Black Drum, Sea Trout, Reds and a couple of Mangrove Snapper. Looking forward to his boat in the future. Allen Allred" - Allred Allred
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Hudson's inshore fishery, and for good reason. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches but can push over 20 when you find the right school. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning and late afternoon when they move up onto the grass flats to feed. Trout have soft mouths, so you'll feel that distinctive head shake when one takes your bait. They're excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle – plus they school up, so where you catch one, there's usually more.
Crevalle Jack bring the power game to Hudson's waters. These silver bulldozers average 10-15 pounds but can top 20, and they fight like fish twice their size. Jacks are year-round residents but peak in spring and fall when they form large schools near structure. They'll hit live bait aggressively and make blistering runs that'll test your drag and your arms. While they're not great eating, they're pure adrenaline on the end of your line and a favorite target for anglers who love a good fight.
Snook represent the ultimate inshore prize in Hudson. These ambush predators lurk around docks, mangroves, and oyster bars, waiting to crush baitfish with their bucket mouths. They're extremely structure-oriented and notoriously finicky, which makes landing one feel like a real accomplishment. Snook are most active during warmer months and around moving tides, especially dawn and dusk. Their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs make them a top target, plus they're fantastic on the dinner table when prepared properly.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of Hudson's flats, with fish commonly reaching 20-40 pounds and some topping 50. These bottom-dwelling bruisers love oyster bars and grass edges where they root around for crabs and shrimp. They're year-round residents but most active in cooler months when they move shallow to feed. Black Drum don't jump or make flashy runs, but they use their size and power to bulldoze toward structure. The smaller ones (under 16 inches) are excellent eating, while the big breeder fish provide trophy photo opportunities before release.
Hudson's inshore fishing delivers consistent action throughout the year, but the best trips book up fast, especially during peak seasons. This extended half-day format gives you the perfect balance – enough time to work multiple spots and techniques without committing to a full day on the water. With professional filleting included, you'll head home with fresh fish ready for the table and stories that'll last a lifetime. The crew at Florida Fish Invaders has built their reputation on putting clients on fish and providing top-notch service, even when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. Don't wait – prime dates fill up weeks in advance, and you don't want to miss out on what could be your best fishing trip of the year.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our reliable 20' Florida Fisher, a 2010 flats boat powered by a smooth 115HP Yamaha 4-stroke engine. This shallow-draft vessel cuts quietly through Hudson's productive waters, getting you to those prime fishing spots where snook and trout hang out without spooking the fish. The spacious deck gives you and your fishing buddy plenty of room to cast and fight fish, while the wireless trolling motor lets us position perfectly over structure and grass flats. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, plus GPS navigation ensures we hit all the best fishing grounds around Hudson. Whether you're working live bait around mangroves or casting lures over shallow flats, this boat handles it all with ease, making your half-day on the water as productive as possible.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our shallow water fishing, with most fish running 10-30 pounds and some real giants hitting 50+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish are bottom feeders with crushing jaws built for cracking oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 3-20 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we get the best numbers and biggest fish. What's cool about drum is you can actually hear them "drumming" underwater during spawning season. They're strong, steady fighters that will test your tackle. Smaller fish under 15 pounds are excellent eating, but the big ones are better released. My secret: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and fish it dead still on the bottom near oyster beds. Patience pays off with these fish.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jack are the bulldogs of our inshore waters - pure muscle and aggression. These brassy-green fighters typically run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, though we see some real bruisers pushing 20+ pounds. They're schooling fish that love chasing baitfish around grass flats, channels, and nearshore structure. Year-round fishing is solid, but summer months when bait is thick really get them fired up. What guests love most is the raw power - these fish will test your drag and your arms. They're curious too, often approaching the boat to investigate. While not the best table fare, they're pure sport on light tackle. Pro tip: when you see diving birds, get there fast and throw anything silver or white that moves quickly. Jacks can't resist a fast-moving lure worked aggressively through a feeding school.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are one of our most reliable inshore targets. These silvery fish with their distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds in our waters. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow bays, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, though they school up in deeper channels during winter months. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - they're perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. The meat is excellent eating too, with white, flaky fillets that cook up beautifully. My go-to tip: work your lure slowly over the grass beds and listen for their distinctive "drumming" sound when they're feeding actively.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature gamefish - sleek, powerful, and smart as they come. The distinctive black lateral line and sloped forehead make them unmistakable. Most of our snook run 18-30 inches, with some real trophies pushing 35+ inches in the deeper channels. They're structure lovers, hanging around mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths in water from 2-15 feet deep. Warmer months from May through October are prime time, especially around new and full moons. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll run straight for cover every time. Plus, they're outstanding table fare when in season. These fish are temperature sensitive, so focus on deeper holes during cold snaps. My best tip: cast live shrimp or pinfish tight to structure and be ready - snook hit hard and head for the nearest piling immediately.
5.0 out of 5.0Great guide caught plenty of fish. Goes above and beyond. Highly recommend. We will definitely book again
Captain Billy was top notch. Great attitude and worked hard to put me on fish in not-so-great conditions. Boated multiple Black Dr...
Hudson