Inshore Fishing in Destin with Flowing Water
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing targeting seven species in shallow Florida watersCoast Guard certified captain guides trips on 32foot vesselFamilyfriendly charters accommodate up to six guests comfortably
Looking for some quality time on the water without burning a tank of gas getting there? Our inshore charters keep you close to Destin's gorgeous coastline while putting you on fish that'll make your day. Captain runs a tight ship on our 32-foot Sailfish Express, and with waters up to 30 feet deep, you're fishing prime territory where the big ones hang out. We keep groups small at six anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention from someone who knows these waters like the back of their hand.
You'll be fishing some of the most productive inshore waters along Florida's Emerald Coast. The beauty of staying inshore means we're targeting structure-loving fish that call the nearshore reefs, grass flats, and sandy bottoms home. Our Coast Guard licensed captain knows exactly where to find the honey holes, and the 32-foot Sailfish gives us the perfect platform to work these spots effectively. The boat comes loaded with quality tackle, bait, and all the gear you need – just bring yourself, some snacks, and get ready to bend some rods. These waters stay fishable year-round, but each season brings different opportunities and peak times for our target species.
Inshore fishing here is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish are doing. We'll be using a mix of live bait, cut bait, and artificials depending on what's working that day. Bottom fishing with circle hooks is our bread and butter for species like snapper and sheepshead around structure, while we'll switch to lighter tackle for trout over the grass beds. Spanish mackerel often call for a different game plan entirely – maybe some light spinning gear with small jigs or spoons when they're schooled up and feeding. The captain provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait, plus he'll walk you through the techniques so everyone from beginners to seasoned anglers can get in on the action. The shallow water means shorter fights but these fish are scrappy, and you'll feel every head shake.
Spanish Mackerel are absolute blast to catch on light tackle. These silver bullets show up in schools during the warmer months, typically from spring through fall, and when you find them, it's often wide-open fishing. They hit fast and fight hard for their size, usually running 1-3 pounds with the occasional bigger fish mixed in. What makes them special is their speed – they'll smoke drag and put on an aerial show that gets everyone on the boat excited. Plus, they're excellent table fare when handled properly.
Spadefish are one of those species that really test your angling skills. These silver, disc-shaped fish are notorious for their light bite and tendency to steal bait, but when you hook one, you'll understand why they're a favorite among experienced anglers. They typically show up around structure in the warmer months, running anywhere from 2-8 pounds. The bigger ones are genuine tackle-busters, and their fighting style is pure bulldog – long, powerful runs that'll have you wondering what you hooked into.
Sheepshead are the masters of structure fishing, and Destin's inshore waters hold some beautiful fish. These black-and-white striped fighters are famous for their human-like teeth and their ability to steal bait faster than you can blink. Fall through early spring is prime time, with fish ranging from keeper size up to genuine trophies over 5 pounds. They're considered some of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are available year-round, though spring and fall typically produce the best action. They love grass flats and sandy areas near structure, and they'll eat both live and artificial baits. The bigger "gator trout" over 20 inches are the ones that make memories, with their distinctive canine teeth and beautiful golden coloration. They're also one of the most reliable species we target, so when other fish are finicky, trout often save the day.
Redfish might just be the perfect inshore game fish – they eat well, fight hard, and grow to impressive sizes. Our inshore waters hold both slot-size fish perfect for dinner and oversized bulls that are pure adrenaline on the right tackle. They're ambush predators that love structure, drop-offs, and grass lines. Fall is typically peak season, but we catch them consistently throughout the year. When a big red picks up your bait and makes that first run, you'll understand why they're called "red drums" – they'll pound your tackle and test your drag system.
This inshore charter offers everything you need for a top-notch day of fishing without the expense and time commitment of heading offshore. With Flowing Water Charters, you're getting an experienced captain who knows these waters inside and out, a well-equipped boat that's perfect for the job, and access to some of the most productive inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Whether you're a family looking to get the kids on fish or experienced anglers wanting to target quality inshore species, this trip delivers. The 6-person capacity keeps things comfortable and ensures everyone gets plenty of fishing time. Book your charter today and see why Destin's inshore fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Get ready to fish the shallow waters around Destin aboard this well-equipped 32' Sailfish Express. Twin 300HP Suzuki engines will get you to the fishing spots quickly, hitting speeds up to 40 knots when needed. Built in 2008, she's got everything you need for a comfortable day chasing Redfish, Flounder, and Spanish Mackerel in waters up to 30 feet deep. The boat comes loaded with serious fishing gear including a fish finder to locate schools and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to spooky fish. Stay cool with onboard air conditioning between bites, and keep your catch fresh in the icebox. When you need a break from the action, there's a full kitchen, shower, and even a bed if the kids need a nap. Your Coast Guard licensed captain knows these inshore waters like the back of their hand and where the Red Snapper, Sheepshead, and Spotted Trout like to hang out. With GPS navigation, radar, and VHF radio onboard, you'll fish safely while targeting the species that make Destin famous. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for families or small groups looking to experience some of Florida's best inshore fishing action.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and signature black eyespot near the tail. Most of our fish run 18-30 inches and put up bulldogging fights that'll test your tackle. They cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and shallow bays in 1-8 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. Fall through spring is prime time when they school up and feed aggressively. Guests love them because they're visual targets, strong fighters, and excellent eating with firm, mild meat. The trick is being quiet and making accurate casts ahead of cruising fish. Use gold spoons, soft plastics, or live shrimp. When you hook one, hang on - they'll make long, powerful runs toward structure.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout are a staple of our inshore fishing, averaging 1-3 pounds with beautiful silver sides covered in distinct black spots. They prefer grass flats, sandy bottoms, and shallow areas from 3-15 feet deep. These fish are most active during cooler months and low-light periods - early morning, late evening, and overcast days are money time. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their delicate, sweet meat that's perfect fried. They're great for families since they bite readily and fight well on light tackle. Pro tip: work soft plastics or live shrimp slowly along the bottom in grass beds. When water temps drop below 60°F, look for them schooled up in deeper channels where they winter over.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 2-6 pounds, though we catch some real slabs over 10 pounds around the right structure. They live around anything with barnacles - bridge pilings, docks, jetties, and oyster bars in 10-25 feet of water. Winter through spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. Guests love targeting them because they're crafty fighters and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They're notorious bait thieves, so here's the deal: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get tight to structure, and set the hook hard the second you feel weight. These guys have crushing jaws that'll straighten hooks.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are one of our most unique targets with their disk-shaped bodies and black vertical stripes. They typically weigh 3-8 pounds and fight way harder than you'd expect. These guys love hanging around structure in our 20-30 foot waters - think bridge pilings, reefs, and channel markers. They school up in groups of hundreds, making for fast action when you find them. Summer months are best when they're most active and feeding heavily. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters and excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. The key to catching spadefish is using small hooks with fresh clam or cut bait. Drop it right next to the structure and be patient - they nibble before they bite.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, aggressive fighters that make our inshore trips exciting. These silver speedsters typically run 1-3 pounds and 14-20 inches, with distinctive yellow spots along their sides. They love to school up in our 15-30 foot waters, especially around structure and bait schools. Spring through fall are prime time when water temps climb above 70°F. What makes them special is their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. Plus, they're fantastic eating - mild, white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Here's a local trick: when you see diving birds, Spanish Mackerel are usually feeding underneath. Cast small spoons or live shrimp right into the commotion and hold on tight.
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