Extended Half Day South Florida Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore charter targeting tarpon, snook, and redfishMaverick flats boat accommodates two guests with equipment includedMorning departures from Crandon Park or Homestead Bayfront locations
Six hours of prime South Florida inshore fishing puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive flats and backcountry waters on the planet. This morning charter launches from either Crandon Park Marina or Homestead Bayfront, giving us flexibility to hit the best bite based on conditions, tides, and what's feeding that day. You'll fish from a top-rated Maverick flats boat designed specifically for these shallow waters, with everything you need included – bait, tackle, water, and a guide who knows exactly where to find tarpon, snook, redfish, and more.
We're talking about a full morning and early afternoon on some of the most diverse inshore waters you'll find anywhere. The extended six-hour window gives us real flexibility to chase multiple species and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. Early morning starts are key here – we'll be running out as the sun comes up, which is when the flats really come alive. The Maverick flats boat is perfect for this style of fishing, with its shallow draft letting us pole into skinny water where the big fish feel safe to feed. You'll experience everything from sight fishing crystal-clear flats to working structure around mangrove shorelines. The boat's setup includes a raised poling platform that gives your guide the perfect vantage point to spot fish and position you for the best shots. With space for just two anglers, this isn't a crowded party boat situation – it's serious fishing with personalized attention to help you connect with South Florida's world-class gamefish.
This style of inshore fishing combines multiple approaches depending on what we're targeting and where we find them. Live bait fishing plays a huge role – we'll have pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp on board, which are absolute magnets for everything from tarpon to snook. When we're sight fishing the flats for redfish or bonefish, we'll switch to lighter tackle with artificial lures like spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. The Maverick's shallow draft means we can pole right up to fish without spooking them, then you'll make precise casts to feeding fish you can actually see. For tarpon, we might anchor up on a channel edge and fish live crabs or switch to casting big swimbaits around rolling fish. The tackle provided covers everything from light spinning gear for bonefish up to medium-heavy setups that can handle a 100-pound tarpon. Your guide will match the rod and technique to whatever we're targeting, and they'll coach you through the fight whether it's a delicate presentation to a tailing redfish or setting the hook on a jumping silver king.
Snook are the bread and butter of South Florida inshore fishing, and these fish fight way above their weight class. They'll ambush bait around mangrove points, dock pilings, and inlet mouths, hitting live pilchards with authority before making powerful runs toward structure. Most snook here run between 24 and 32 inches, with the occasional slot-busting fish that'll test your drag system. They're most active during moving water – incoming and outgoing tides get them fired up and feeding aggressively. What makes snook so addictive is their explosive strike and the way they use every piece of structure to try and break you off.
Tarpon fishing in South Florida is legendary for good reason. These silver kings range from juvenile fish in the 20 to 40-pound range all the way up to massive adults pushing 150 pounds or more. The smaller tarpon are perfect on medium tackle – they'll still jump repeatedly and give you a real workout without the hours-long battle that comes with the giants. Peak tarpon season runs from April through July, but resident fish are here year-round. They're famous for their aerial displays, often jumping six or seven times during a fight. The key with tarpon is keeping steady pressure and letting them tire themselves out with all that jumping.
Redfish are the perfect inshore gamefish – they're aggressive, readily available, and put up a determined fight characterized by long, bulldogging runs. South Florida reds typically range from 18 to 30 inches, with the bigger fish often found tailing in skinny water during higher tides. They're incredibly opportunistic feeders, crushing everything from live shrimp to gold spoons worked over grass flats. The sight fishing opportunities for redfish here are world-class – there's nothing quite like watching a big red track down your lure in two feet of clear water.
Bonefish represent the ultimate challenge in South Florida flats fishing. These ghosts of the flats are incredibly spooky and require precise presentations, but when you connect with one, they'll make screaming runs that can empty half your spool in seconds. Most bones here run between 3 and 8 pounds, but even a smaller fish will give you a fight you won't forget. They're most cooperative during cooler months when water temperatures drop into the upper 60s and low 70s. The key is spotting them before they spot you – they feed with their heads down in the sand, creating distinctive mud puffs that give away their location.
Permit are the holy grail of South Florida flats fishing – they're notoriously difficult to catch but absolutely spectacular when everything comes together. These deep-bodied fish are incredibly selective and will spook at the slightest disturbance. Most permit encounters happen while targeting other species, making a hookup even more special. They prefer live crabs and will occasionally eat a well-presented shrimp, but getting them to commit requires perfect conditions and a bit of luck. When hooked, permit make powerful runs and use their broad sides to fight the current.
This extended half-day charter gives you the best of South Florida inshore fishing without the commitment of a full day. Six hours is the sweet spot – enough time
Your fishing platform for this South Florida adventure is a 2020 Maverick HPXV Carbon Edition flats boat – a 17-footer built specifically for stalking tarpon, snook, and redfish in shallow waters. The Yamaha 70HP pushes this lightweight carbon hull at a smooth 40 mph cruise, getting you to the productive flats and backcountry spots quickly and quietly. With its ultra-shallow draft, you'll slip into skinny water where the big fish feed without spooking them. The boat's rock-solid stability gives you the perfect casting platform whether you're sight-fishing rolling tarpon or working mangrove shorelines for snook. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold during the 6-hour hunt, while GPS navigation and VHF radio keep you connected and on target. Built tough for Florida's inshore conditions, this Maverick handles everything from glassy backcountry creeks to choppy bay crossings with precision. Two anglers fish comfortably with plenty of deck space for fighting fish and room to move around structure.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the "grey ghosts" of the flats - silver, torpedo-shaped fish that blend perfectly with sandy bottoms. Most run 16-24 inches and 3-6 pounds, but their speed and wariness make them a real challenge. You'll spot them on grass flats and sand bars in 6 inches to 3 feet of water, especially on incoming tides when they move shallow to feed on crabs and shrimp. Year-round fishing is good here, but spring and fall offer prime conditions with comfortable weather and active fish. What hooks people on bonefish is the sight-fishing aspect - spotting them tailing or cruising, then making the perfect cast. When hooked, they make blistering 100-yard runs that'll empty your reel fast. They're bony and rarely kept for eating. The secret is approaching quietly and casting small jigs or live shrimp 10 feet ahead of moving fish - any closer and they'll vanish in a puff of mud.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - the toughest fish to fool in shallow water. These disc-shaped silver fish average 10-20 pounds and have incredible eyesight that can spot you from 100 yards away. You'll find them on sandy flats and grass beds in 2-8 feet of water, often cruising in small groups or solo. Spring through fall offers the best shots, particularly during spawning season from April to October. What makes permit fishing addictive is the challenge - they're extremely selective and spook at the slightest movement. When you do hook one, they make long, powerful runs across the flats. While edible, most are released due to their reputation as a premier gamefish. The key to success is live crabs fished dead-still on light tackle. Present your bait well ahead of cruising fish and resist the urge to move it - let them find it naturally.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are fantastic inshore targets that cruise our shallow flats and mangrove edges. Most run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, though bull reds over 30 inches show up in deeper water. Look for them in 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and dock pilings - sometimes so shallow their backs are out of the water. They're year-round fish here, but fall and winter offer some of the most consistent action. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their strong, steady fight. They're also excellent on the table with sweet, mild meat. You can spot them by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Pro tip: when you see them tailing or cruising in skinny water, cast your soft plastic or live shrimp well ahead of them and work it slowly. They spook easily in ultra-shallow water.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of South Florida's most prized inshore gamefish, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though bigger ones over 30 inches aren't uncommon around mangroves and docks. They love structure - think oyster bars, bridges, and mangrove shorelines in 2-6 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around moving tides when they ambush baitfish. What makes them special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll jump and make powerful runs toward cover. Plus, they're excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: cast your live shrimp or pinfish just upcurrent of a mangrove point and let it drift naturally into the strike zone. Snook are ambush predators, so patience pays off.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - true giants that can stretch 4-6 feet and weigh 80-150 pounds. These silver kings cruise our flats, channels, and bridges in 3-15 feet of water, following baitfish and tides. May through September is prime time when they're most active, especially around new and full moons. What draws people to tarpon isn't the eating (they're bony and not great table fare) - it's the raw power and acrobatics. When hooked, they'll jump 6-8 feet out of the water and make screaming runs that test your tackle and patience. The fight can last 30 minutes or more. A key tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip - it keeps tension off the line and prevents them from throwing the hook. Most tarpon battles end in a respectful release after some photos.
Miami, FL, United States