5.0(3 Reviews)Inshore Redfish and Sea Trout Tarpon Springs Trip
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore trip targets redfish, sea trout, and snookSeasonal tarpon fishing available in Boca Grande during migrationAll tackle, licenses, and professional guidance included for anglers
When you're looking for a solid inshore fishing adventure in Tarpon Springs, this five-hour guided trip delivers everything you'd want from Florida's Gulf Coast waters. Captain Saki and his crew know these backcountry flats like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're casting your first line or you've been working these waters for years. The beauty of this trip is how it adapts to what's biting – some days you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in knee-deep water, other days you're working the grass flats for speckled trout that are absolutely crushing topwater plugs at first light.
This isn't your typical run-and-gun charter where you're burning fuel to get to one honey hole. Instead, you'll explore the diverse coastal ecosystems that make Tarpon Springs such a productive fishery. The trip starts in the protected backcountry areas where the water stays calm even when the Gulf gets choppy. You'll work shallow flats, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds that hold quality fish year-round. During May and June, things get really interesting when the seasonal tarpon migration kicks into high gear. That's when the focus can shift to Boca Grande, where you'll sight-cast to 80-100 pound silver kings using live crabs and sardines. The crew handles all the logistics – high-quality rods and reels are provided, along with your Florida fishing license and whatever tackle the fish are demanding that day. With only two anglers max, you get personalized attention whether you need help with your casting technique or want to learn how to read the water like a local.
The fishing approach changes based on conditions, target species, and what's working that day. For redfish, you'll often use live shrimp or cut bait around structure, but when they're up shallow and tailing, nothing beats the excitement of sight-casting with artificial lures. Speckled trout respond well to soft plastics worked over grass beds, especially during moving water. The crew sets you up with the right gear for each situation – medium-light spinning tackle for finesse work, heavier setups when you're targeting bigger fish around structure. During tarpon season, it's a whole different ballgame. You'll use conventional reels with serious drag systems, circle hooks to protect the fish, and learn the art of sight-casting to rolling tarpon. The guides coach you through hook sets, fighting techniques, and how to handle these powerful fish safely. Live bait is king for tarpon – fresh crabs and sardines that the crew sources from local bait shops. The boat is rigged with everything you need, from landing nets to leader material, so you can focus on fishing instead of gear management.
"Captain Saki and his Crew were the best!" - Reese. "Saki and Ryan were amazing! The boat was top-notch, and we had an incredible time landing four great catches. Highly recommend for a top-quality experience and unforgettable memories! 🎣" - Thomas. "We had an amazing day on the water! Saki and Ryan are top-notch guides who made the trip seamless and enjoyable. Two of us even landed a "Grand Slam" with Redfish, Snook, and Trout. The boat was spotless, and they took care of everything, making for a stress-free and exciting experience. Highly recommend!" - David.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Tarpon Springs inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-sized 18-27 inchers up to oversized bulls that'll test your drag system. Reds feed aggressively in shallow water, especially around oyster bars and mangrove edges during moving tides. The best part about targeting redfish here is the variety – some days you're sight-casting to tailers in 12 inches of water, other days you're working deeper holes where schools of reds stack up during cold fronts. They hit everything from live shrimp to gold spoons, and their powerful runs make every hookup memorable. Fall and winter months are prime time when cooler water concentrates baitfish and the reds follow.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the perfect complement to redfish and often share the same water. These spotted beauties love grass flats and sandy potholes where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Specks are known for their explosive strikes on topwater lures, especially during low-light periods. A quality trout in Tarpon Springs runs 15-20 inches, with occasional gator trout pushing 24-26 inches that really get your heart pumping. They're more temperature sensitive than redfish, so the guides adjust tactics based on seasonal patterns. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, while summer fishing is best early morning and late afternoon when water temps cool down.
Snook are the glamour fish of Florida inshore waters, and Tarpon Springs holds some quality fish year-round. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangrove overhangs, bridge pilings, anywhere they can hide and attack unsuspecting prey. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward cover, making them a favorite among experienced anglers. The slot limit keeps things interesting since you need a fish between 28-33 inches to keep, but most anglers are happy to release these beautiful fish anyway. Live bait works great, but throwing artificial lures around structure is where snook fishing gets really fun. Summer months bring the best action when snook move shallow to feed, though they're catchable year-round if you know where to look.
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Step aboard our 2017 25' Dorado Bay Boat, the perfect vessel for chasing redfish and sea trout through Tarpon Springs' productive waters. This center console fishing machine packs a 350HP Mercury Pro Verado that gets you to the fish fast, cruising at 28 knots across the Gulf's inshore flats and backcountry spots. Built specifically for serious anglers, she handles shallow water like a dream with her wireless trolling motor for silent stalking of spooky fish. The GPS and fish finder combo keeps you on productive structure and drop-offs where the big sea trout hang out. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida fishing days. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water or working the grass beds for spotted trout, this boat's stable platform and smooth ride make for productive fishing. During tarpon season, she'll get you to Boca Grande's world-class fishing grounds where those 100-pound silver kings roll. Perfect for up to 2 anglers who want to fish seriously without fighting for space.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing here in Tarpon Springs. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-30 inches in our waters, with that distinctive black spot near their tail making them unmistakable. They love cruising the shallow flats in just 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs showing above the surface. You'll find them around oyster bars, grass beds, and mangrove shorelines where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action, but they bite year-round in our area. Reds are famous for their powerful, sustained runs that'll test your equipment. They're also fantastic table fare when kept within slot limits. What guests love most is sight-fishing for them on the flats - watching a big red inhale your bait in skinny water never gets old. Local tip: cast well ahead of cruising fish and let your bait sink to the bottom before they arrive.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are perfect for anglers who enjoy working the grass flats and shallow bays. These beautiful fish typically run 14-20 inches, with their distinctive spotted pattern making them easy to identify. You'll find them cruising over seagrass beds in 2-8 feet of water, especially during cooler parts of the day. They school up more in winter and scatter across the flats during warmer months. Trout have a soft bite compared to other species, so they're great for teaching finesse fishing. The fight is steady rather than explosive, but they make up for it with excellent table fare - their flaky white meat is some of the best eating in the Gulf. They respond well to live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. My advice: use a light drag and don't horse them in - their mouths are soft and they'll pull the hook if you're too aggressive with them.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier gamefish, and for good reason. These ambush predators love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where they can dart out for prey. Most snook you'll catch run 18-28 inches, but the bigger females can push 35+ inches and really test your drag. They're incredibly structure-oriented, so we'll work the shadowy spots where they like to hide. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll head straight for cover once hooked. The meat is also top-notch, with firm white fillets that taste amazing. Pro tip: always approach structure quietly and make your first cast count, because once you spook them, they shut down fast.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Saki and his Crew were the best!
Saki and Ryan were amazing! The boat was top-notch, and we had an incredible time landing four great catches. Highly recommend for...
We had an amazing day on the water! Saki and Ryan are top-notch guides who made the trip seamless and enjoyable. Two of us even la...
Despite the challenging weather, the crew went above and beyond to ensure a fantastic experience. They were thoughtful, courteous,...
Tarpon Springs, FL