Extended Half-Day South Florida Inshore Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore charter targeting tarpon, snook, and redfishMaverick flats boat accommodates two guests with included gearMorning departure from Crandon Park or Homestead Bayfront
Six hours on the flats targeting some of South Florida's most prized gamefish – that's what you get with this morning charter out of Crandon Park or Homestead Bayfront. We're talking tarpon, snook, redfish, sea trout, bonefish, and snapper in some of the most productive shallow waters you'll find anywhere. Your guide knows these flats like the back of his hand, and with a maximum of two anglers, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between stories and fish photos. The Maverick flats boat gets you into skinny water where the big fish feed, and everything you need – bait, tackle, water, and expert guidance – comes with the trip.
This charter puts you in prime inshore territory where the fishing changes with the tides, weather, and seasons. Your captain reads the water constantly, looking for nervous baitfish, tailing redfish, or that telltale roll of a tarpon coming up for air. The morning departure gives you the best shot at active fish before the sun gets high and the boat traffic picks up. You'll work everything from grass flats to mangrove shorelines, oyster bars to channel edges. The beauty of a six-hour trip is having time to really work different spots without feeling rushed. If the tarpon aren't cooperating in one area, you've got time to move and find where they're feeding. The Maverick's shallow draft opens up water that bigger boats can't touch, putting you on fish that haven't seen much pressure.
Your guide comes equipped with quality spinning and conventional gear matched to whatever species you're targeting. For tarpon, expect medium-heavy spinning rods with 30-40 pound braid and circle hooks to protect these magnificent fish. Snook fishing calls for lighter tackle around structure – 20-30 pound braid with fluorocarbon leaders that won't spook these line-shy predators. Redfish on the flats might mean sight fishing with spoons or soft plastics, while bonefish require delicate presentations with small jigs or live shrimp. Live bait often produces the most consistent action – pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp are standard offerings. Your captain adjusts tactics based on conditions, switching from topwater plugs at dawn to deeper presentations as the sun climbs higher. The key is staying versatile and letting the fish tell you what they want.
Tarpon are the silver kings of South Florida inshore fishing, and these waters hold some genuine giants. These prehistoric-looking fish can exceed 100 pounds and put on aerial displays that'll have your heart pounding. Peak season runs from April through July when massive schools move through the area, but resident fish provide action year-round in deeper channels and around bridges. The fight is pure adrenaline – multiple jumps, screaming runs, and raw power that tests every knot in your system. Most guides practice catch and release with tarpon to preserve this world-class fishery.
Snook are the region's most popular inshore target, and for good reason. These ambush predators lurk around mangroves, docks, and structure, exploding on bait with gill-rattling strikes. They're incredibly line-shy and structure-oriented, making them a technical challenge that rewards precise casting and quality presentations. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action when water temperatures are optimal. A slot-sized snook makes excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's hard to beat fresh off the flats.
Redfish, or red drum, are the bread and butter of South Florida flats fishing. These copper-colored bruisers cruise shallow water looking for crabs and baitfish, often with their tails sticking out of the water. Sight fishing for tailing reds is one of the most visual and exciting ways to fish these waters. They're powerful fighters that make long, determined runs once hooked. Redfish feed aggressively year-round in South Florida, making them a reliable target when other species are finicky.
Bonefish represent the ultimate in sight fishing challenges. These spooky, silver ghosts cruise the flats in water so shallow their backs show, but they'll bolt at the slightest disturbance. Successfully catching a bonefish requires stealth, accurate casting, and nerves of steel. They're not large fish – most run 3-6 pounds – but they're incredibly fast and strong for their size. The initial run of a hooked bonefish is legendary among flats anglers.
Permit are considered the holy grail of flats fishing, combining the wariness of bonefish with an incredibly selective appetite. These disc-shaped fish cruise the flats looking for crabs, but they're notorious for refusing even perfect presentations. When you do connect with a permit, expect a fight that combines power and endurance. They're relatively rare compared to other species, making every encounter special.
This extended half-day charter gives you serious time on the water with South Florida's best inshore species. Six hours lets you experience different fishing styles, from the explosive topwater action of snook at dawn to the technical sight fishing for bonefish on the flats. Your guide's local knowledge and the Maverick's shallow-water capabilities put you in position for the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back to these waters year after year. The small group size means personalized instruction whether you're a seasoned flats veteran or new to saltwater fishing. With everything provided except your fishing license, all you need to bring is sunscreen, a hat, and the desire to tangle with some of Florida's finest gamefish. These morning slots fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so secure your dates early for the best shot at the fishing trip you'll be talking about for years.
Your fishing machine for this South Florida adventure is a 2020 Maverick HPXV Carbon Edition – a 17-foot flats boat that's built specifically for stalking tarpon, snook, and reds in shallow water. This Yamerick runs on a reliable Yamaha 70HP that'll cruise at 40 mph, getting you from Crandon Park or Homestead Bayfront to the fish fast. The carbon construction keeps things light while the shallow draft design lets you slip into those skinny-water spots where the big fish hang out. With room for two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows. The boat comes equipped with GPS to mark productive spots, VHF radio for safety, and an icebox to keep your drinks cold during the 6-hour hunt. This is serious fishing equipment designed to handle South Florida's inshore waters and put you on fish.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the "gray ghosts" of the flats, and landing one is a true accomplishment. These silvery torpedoes average 4-8 pounds but what they lack in size they make up for in speed and wariness. They cruise shallow grass flats and sand bottoms in 6 inches to 3 feet of water, often "tailing" when feeding. Low tide periods are prime time when they move onto the flats to hunt crabs and shrimp. Anglers love bones for the technical challenge - they spook at the slightest disturbance and can hit 30 mph when scared. The initial run is legendary, often taking 100+ yards of line. Most are released since they're pretty bony to eat. Watch for their tails sticking up when they're feeding head-down. Cast your shrimp or crab pattern 8-10 feet ahead of moving fish, let it settle, then twitch it slightly when they get close.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of South Florida flats fishing - challenging, beautiful, and incredibly rewarding. These disc-shaped fish typically run 15-25 pounds in our waters and are famous for being one of the trickiest species to fool. You'll find them on shallow sand and grass flats, often in just 2-4 feet of water despite their tall profile. Spring through fall offers the best shots, especially April to October. What draws anglers to permit is the challenge - they have incredible eyesight and spook easily, making every hookup an achievement. They're strong fighters too, using that broad body to leverage against your drag. Most folks release them, but they do eat well. Here's the key: live blue crabs are your best bet, and when you see one, get that crab 10 feet in front of where they're headed, not where they are now.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and great eating. Most of our fish run 20-30 inches with that signature copper color and black spot near the tail. They cruise super shallow flats, sometimes in just 12 inches of water where you'll see their backs exposed. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and winter months are prime when they school up. Redfish fight hard with bulldogging runs and they're fantastic table fare - firm white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. They're not spooky like some flats species, making them ideal for beginners. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Pro tip: when you spot a school of reds, don't cast right into the middle - work the edges first. Once you spook them, they're gone, but fish the perimeter and you can often pick off several.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of South Florida's most sought-after inshore species, and for good reason. These sleek predators typically run 18-28 inches around here, with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring that makes them unmistakable. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in shallow water, ambushing baitfish with lightning-fast strikes. Peak season runs May through September when they're spawning and most active. What guests love about snook is their explosive fight - they'll jump and make powerful runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's a local tip: target the shadow lines around docks and mangroves during moving water. Snook are ambush predators, so they'll position themselves where the current brings food right to them.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate South Florida game fish experience. These silver kings average 80-120 pounds in our waters, though we see fish pushing 200+ during peak season. Look for them rolling in deeper channels, around bridges, and along the flats edges in 6-20 feet of water. Best fishing runs April through August when they're migrating through. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating - most folks release them - it's the fight. When a big tarpon takes your bait and goes airborne, that's a memory you'll carry forever. They can jump 8 feet out of the water and peel off hundreds of yards of line. My advice: when one jumps, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to prevent the hook from pulling out. Their hard, bony mouths make hooksets tricky, so patience pays off.
Miami, FL, United States