5.0(3 Reviews)Tarpon Springs Inshore Redfish and Sea Trout Charter
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore charter targets redfish, sea trout, and snookMayJune trips include specialized tarpon fishing at Boca GrandeAll equipment, tackle, and fishing licenses provided by guide
This six-hour inshore fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of Florida's Gulf Coast fishing grounds, where shallow flats and winding mangrove creeks hold some of the region's most sought-after game fish. Captain Saki and his team at Florida Snook Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to show you why Tarpon Springs has earned its reputation as a world-class fishing destination. Whether you're casting your first line or you've been chasing redfish for decades, this charter delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your day starts early with Captain Saki and his crew, who'll have the 25-foot Dorado rigged and ready to hit the productive shallows around Tarpon Springs. This isn't your typical tourist trip – you'll be working the same spots where local guides take their most serious clients. The boat's shallow draft lets you get into backcountry areas where bigger vessels can't follow, putting you on fish that see less pressure. All your gear is provided, from quality rods and reels to fresh live bait that makes all the difference when these fish are being picky. The crew handles the technical stuff like reading the tides and wind, so you can focus on what you came here to do: catch fish. During May and June, there's an added bonus – if conditions are right, you might head to Boca Grande for some sight-casting at massive tarpon in the 80 to 100-pound range using live sardines and crabs.
This charter covers a lot of different fishing styles depending on what's working best that day. You'll spend time working the grass flats with live shrimp under popping corks, a deadly technique for sea trout when they're feeding in the shallows. For redfish, the crew switches things up with cut bait on the bottom around structure, or live pinfish when the fish are cruising the flats. The mangrove shorelines call for a different approach entirely – accurate casting with live bait or soft plastics to get back into the shadows where snook like to ambush their prey. Captain Saki's known for his ability to read water and adjust tactics on the fly, whether that means switching from live bait to artificials or moving from deep holes to skinny water. The boat carries everything from light spinning gear for finesse work to heavier tackle for when you hook into something that wants to take you into the mangroves.
"We had an outstanding time! Captain Saki was a true professional—helpful, knowledgeable, and made sure everyone felt comfortable. Every spot he took us to was loaded with fish, and the live bait was top quality. We landed over 20 slot Redfish and Snook! Captain Ryan was just as impressive, always dialed in and quick to spot fish. He handled the 25' Dorado with skill and precision, making the entire trip smooth and enjoyable. The boat was perfectly equipped for the conditions, and the overall experience exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend this charter for an unforgettable day on the water!" - David
"Captain Saki was an incredible guide! Even with less-than-ideal weather, he made sure we had a great experience. His knowledge and patience led us to a prime spot where we landed some impressive fish despite the wind and cold. Every moment was enjoyable, and we'll definitely be booking another trip!" - Keith
"Despite the cold front and windy conditions, Saki and Ryan still put us on the fish! Their expertise and determination made for a successful trip. Highly recommended!" - Pembroke
Redfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 18 to 27 inches in the slot, but don't let their size fool you – they'll test your drag and give you a fight you won't forget. Reds are year-round residents here, but they really turn on during the cooler months when they school up in big numbers. You'll find them tailing in skinny water during high tide, or holding around oyster bars and mangrove points on the falling water. What makes catching redfish so addictive is their aggressive nature – when they eat, they mean it, and that first run toward structure will get your heart pumping every time.
Sea trout bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These spotted beauties are abundant in the grass flats around Tarpon Springs, especially during spring and fall when water temperatures are in their comfort zone. Most of your trout will run 14 to 18 inches, but the area produces some real gator trout over 20 inches that'll make you forget about everything else. They're sight feeders that respond well to live shrimp and soft plastics worked slowly over the grass beds. The bite can be subtle, so you need to stay alert, but when you set the hook on a good trout, they'll jump and shake their heads like a miniature tarpon.
Snook are the prize that every inshore angler dreams about. These ambush predators hang out in the shadows of mangrove overhangs, around dock pilings, and near any structure that gives them an advantage over their prey. They're incredibly temperature sensitive, so timing is everything – early morning and late afternoon are prime time, especially during the warmer months. Snook have that distinctive black lateral line and can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 30 inches not uncommon in these waters. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and their ability to cut you off in the mangroves if you're not ready for them.
This top-rated charter fills up fast, especially during peak fishing months when the bite is at its best. Captain
Your fishing platform for this Tarpon Springs adventure is a 2017 25' Dorado Bay Boat that cuts through Gulf waters with authority. This center console design gives you 360-degree casting room while the 350HP Mercury Pro Verado delivers smooth runs between fishing spots at 28 knots. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking redfish in skinny water, while the fish finder helps locate those deeper sea trout holes. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the six-hour trip. GPS navigation ensures your captain can hit the productive backwater spots and navigate the maze of mangrove creeks where snook love to ambush bait. Built specifically for inshore work, this boat handles the shallow flats with ease while remaining stable enough for sight-casting to tarpon when the season's right. The center console layout maximizes fishing space for up to 4 anglers, though your trip accommodates 2 guests for optimal comfort and fish-fighting room.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, running anywhere from 18-inch "rat reds" to massive 40+ inch bulls. You'll spot them by those signature black spots near the tail and copper-bronze backs. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out - around oyster bars, mangroves, and grass flats. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring are peak times when they school up heavy. What guests love most is sight-fishing these copper-colored fish in skinny water - it's like hunting. They fight hard, dive deep, and make excellent table fare under 27 inches. Local secret: look for nervous water or subtle wakes - redfish push water when they're feeding, and that's your cue to make a quiet cast ahead of them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are beautiful fish with silver sides covered in black spots. Most run 14-20 inches, though we see some real slabs pushing 24+ inches on these flats. They love grass beds in 2-6 feet of water, especially during cooler months when they school up tight. Spring through fall offers the best action, with early morning and evening being prime time. Guests love trout fishing because they're aggressive biters and make great eating - that white, flaky meat is hard to beat. They're also perfect for beginners since they're forgiving and fight hard for their size. Pro tip: work your lure slowly through the grass - trout often follow before striking, so don't rush the retrieve.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after inshore species, typically running 18-30 inches with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. They're ambush predators that love structure - mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where they can use those powerful tails for lightning-fast strikes. Best fishing happens during warmer months when water temps stay above 70°F, especially around moving tides. What makes snook special is their explosive fight and excellent table fare with firm, white meat. They're also temperature-sensitive, so cold fronts can shut them down completely. Here's a local tip: cast your lure past the structure and work it back along the edge - snook rarely come out to chase, they want that bait right in their zone.
5.0 out of 5.0We had an outstanding time! Captain Saki was a true professional—helpful, knowledgeable, and made sure everyone felt comfortable. ...
Captain Saki was an incredible guide! Even with less-than-ideal weather, he made sure we had a great experience. His knowledge and...
Despite the cold front and windy conditions, Saki and Ryan still put us on the fish! Their expertise and determination made for a ...
Tarpon Springs, FL