5.0(11 Reviews)Half Day PM Redfish & Cobia Charter
5.0(11 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top RatedMost Reviewed
Fourhour afternoon charter targeting redfish, cobia, and snookLight tackle fishing in shallow flats and mangrovesAll equipment, tackle, and fishing licenses included
There's something special about afternoon fishing in Tarpon Springs. The late-day bite often fires up just as other boats are heading back to the dock, and that's exactly when Captain Saki and his crew shine. This four-hour PM charter puts you right in the heart of Florida's Gulf Coast flats, where redfish patrol the shallows and cobia cruise the deeper edges. You'll work the productive mangrove shorelines and grass flats that make this area a world-class inshore destination, with professional light tackle that lets you feel every headshake and run.
Your afternoon starts with a focused game plan tailored to the day's conditions and your crew's experience level. Captain Saki runs these waters daily, so he knows exactly which flats are holding fish and what they're eating. Whether you're a first-timer learning to cast or a seasoned angler looking to dial in your sight-fishing skills, the approach gets customized to put everyone on fish. The shallow-draft boat lets you access spots that bigger vessels can't reach – those back-country honey holes where redfish tail in two feet of water and snook ambush bait around mangrove roots. During May and June, things get even more exciting when the massive tarpon show up. We're talking 80 to 100-pound silver kings that'll test your drag and your arms. When conditions align, the trip can pivot to sight-casting live bait at these rolling giants – a bucket-list experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
This isn't heavy offshore gear – you'll be working with professional light tackle that matches perfectly to inshore species. Spinning reels loaded with braid give you the sensitivity to feel a redfish picking up your bait in the grass, while the backbone to turn a big fish away from structure. The boat carries an arsenal of proven lures: soft plastics for working the grass flats, topwater plugs for explosive morning action, and live bait when the fish get finicky. Captain Saki's approach blends sight-fishing with strategic bait placement. You'll learn to read the water – spotting nervous bait, following bird activity, and picking apart likely structure. The shallow flats require stealth and precision, so expect plenty of poling and quiet approaches to feeding fish. All your tackle, rods, reels, and Florida fishing licenses come included, so you can focus purely on the fishing without worrying about gear or regulations.
"Captains Saki and Ryan were outstanding! They knew exactly where to find the fish and the best techniques to reel them in. Their expertise and dedication made all the difference. I've been on many trips, but I've never worked with a better captain. Highly recommend this charter for an amazing day on the water!" - Joshua. "We had an amazing day fishing with Captain Saki! Even in the Florida heat, he knew exactly where to go, putting us on Redfish, Snook, and Jack while also spotting some incredible wildlife. His knowledge and hospitality made the trip even better. Highly recommend—10/10! We'll definitely be booking again." - Melissa. "We had an amazing 4-hour trip, landing around 8 Redfish and 8 Trout! Captain Saki and Ryan were excellent at spotting and tracking fish, making the experience even more exciting. The gear was top-notch, and everything was handled with skill and precision. We can't wait to return in the spring—thank you, Captain!" - Bruce.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Tarpon Springs inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20 to 30 inches and fight like fish twice their size. They love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars, often feeding in water so skinny their backs show above the surface. Fall and winter months are prime time when big schools push into the shallows to feed on crabs and baitfish. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat – they'll crush a topwater plug, inhale a live shrimp, or track down a well-presented soft plastic. The fight is pure bulldogging power with occasional jumps that'll get your heart racing.
Cobia are the wildcards of this fishery – powerful, aggressive fish that can show up anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds. They're curious by nature and will often follow rays and sharks looking for stirred-up prey. Spring through fall offers the best shot at these brown torpedoes, especially around structure and deeper grass edges. When a cobia eats, there's no mistaking it – they'll crush your bait and make a blistering run that tests your drag settings. Their table fare is outstanding, earning them the nickname "ling" among Gulf Coast anglers who prize their firm, white meat.
Spotted weakfish, or speckled trout, are the technical challenge of the group. These beautiful fish require finesse and the right presentation to consistently catch. They school up over grass beds and sandy potholes, feeding heavily during moving tides. Winter months bring the big "gator" trout that seasoned anglers dream about – fish pushing 25 inches with shoulders to match. Specks are structure-oriented and temperature sensitive, making local knowledge crucial for consistent success. They reward patient anglers with excellent table fare and that satisfying "thump" bite that keeps you coming back.
Snook are the ultimate inshore gamefish – beautiful, aggressive, and absolutely acrobatic when hooked. These ambush predators lurk around mangrove edges, dock pilings, and creek mouths waiting to blast unwary baitfish. The best snook action happens during warmer months when they move into skinny water to feed. They're famous for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs back to cover. Florida's slot limits and seasonal closures
Step aboard our 2017 25' Dorado Bay Boat and get ready to chase redfish and cobia through the productive flats around Tarpon Springs. This center console fishing machine packs a serious 350HP Mercury Pro Verado that'll cruise you to the hotspots at 28 knots, cutting through chop with ease. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're working the shallow mangroves where the big reds like to hide. Our fish finder will help locate suspended cobia, while the GPS gets you to those seasonal honey holes where the action heats up. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the four-hour afternoon hunt. Built for serious inshore fishing, this boat handles the Gulf Coast waters like a dream while comfortably fishing up to 2 anglers. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising fish or working structure for snook and trout, this rig has everything you need for a productive day on the water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - you'll know what I mean when you see that dark silhouette cruise by. These solitary fish average 30-50 pounds around here and love hanging near structure like channel markers, wrecks, and crab traps. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when water temps hit the 70s. They're sight-fishing targets that'll take you into your backing fast - aggressive fighters that don't give up easy. The meat is absolutely top-notch, firm and white like mahi. What I love about cobia fishing is it's all visual - we spot them on the surface or just below, then pitch live bait or jigs right to them. Pro tip: if you see one cobia, slow down and look around - where there's one, there's often another nearby.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of my favorite species to target around Tarpon Springs. These copper-colored drum typically run 20-30 inches and love our shallow grass flats in 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by their distinctive black eyespots near the tail - usually one, sometimes several. They're year-round residents here, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up in the shallows. What makes them special is their powerful runs and tail-walking fights on light tackle. Plus, they're excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat. My best tip: when you see a red's back sticking out of the water while it's feeding head-down, cast past it and work your bait slowly back - they spook easily but hit hard when they're hungry.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature gamefish and one of the most challenging species we target. These ambush predators average 24-30 inches and have that unmistakable black lateral line running down their silver sides. You'll find them around mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridges where they can hide and attack baitfish. Warmer months from May through September are prime time, especially around the full and new moons. What guests love about snook is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, run, and use every trick to break free. They're also prized table fare with sweet, white meat. The challenge is they're structure-oriented and will cut you off in the mangroves if you let them. My advice: fish tight to cover but be ready to turn their head quick and get them into open water.
Cynoscion NebulosusSpeckled trout are what we call spotted weakfish around here, and they're perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. Most run 12-16 inches, though we get some nice 3-4 pounders that'll surprise you. They love our grass flats and sandy potholes in 2-15 feet of water, especially during moving tides. Spring through fall are best, with early morning and late afternoon being magic hours. What makes them fun is they're aggressive feeders that hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp equally well. The meat is sweet and flaky - great eating. Here's the key: their mouths are soft, so don't horse them. Once you hook up, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work. They'll shake their heads and try to throw the hook if you get too aggressive with them.
5.0 out of 5.0Captains Saki and Ryan were outstanding! They knew exactly where to find the fish and the best techniques to reel them in. Their e...
Captain Saki and Ryan provided an incredible experience! We caught multiple large fish and had a fantastic time on the water. Thei...
Captain Saki knows exactly where to find the fish! The boat is top-notch, and the conversations made the trip even more enjoyable....
We had an amazing day fishing with Captain Saki! Even in the Florida heat, he knew exactly where to go, putting us on Redfish, Sno...
Fantastic day on the water! Captain Saki and Ryan’s local expertise had us on the fish in no time. We caught a great mix of hard-f...
Excellent trip! The captain was very knowledgeable and gave great instructions on how to land fish successfully. He put us right o...
We had an amazing 4-hour trip, landing around 8 Redfish and 8 Trout! Captain Saki and Ryan were excellent at spotting and tracking...
Despite the chilly water conditions, we had a fantastic trip, landing some great Redfish and Trout, along with a couple of Sheepsh...
The captain and his first mate were fantastic! They went above and beyond to make sure we had an unforgettable trip, from finding ...
Captain Saki was an excellent guide, getting us on the fish quickly and helping us land several big catches! His expertise made al...
Tarpon Springs, FL