5.0(5 Reviews)Private Half-day Inshore Fishing Trip (PM)
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Private inshore fishing charter accommodates up to six guestsChoose between three-hour evening or four-hour afternoon departuresProfessional guides assist anglers of all experience levels
When the afternoon sun starts stretching across Destin's emerald waters, that's your cue to grab your gear and head out with Get The Gaff Sportfishing Charters. Our private half-day inshore trips give you and up to five friends the whole boat to yourselves – no crowded decks, no strangers hogging the best fishing spots. Choose between a laid-back 3-hour evening trip departing at 6:00 PM or stretch it out with a 4-hour afternoon adventure starting at 1:00 PM. Either way, you're in for some serious fish-catching action in the productive inshore waters around Destin.
These inshore trips are all about targeting the species that make Destin famous among saltwater anglers. We'll work the grass flats, navigate around structure, and hit the productive zones where redfish cruise and sheepshead hang out. The beauty of inshore fishing is that it's perfect for everyone – first-time saltwater anglers get to experience the thrill without dealing with rough offshore conditions, while seasoned fishermen can fine-tune their techniques in calmer waters. Your captain knows exactly where the fish are biting and will put you on them fast. The private charter setup means we can move at your pace, spend extra time on hot spots, and really focus on what you want to catch. Plus, there's something special about being out on the water as the day winds down – the fishing often heats up as temperatures cool off.
Inshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials, depending on what the fish are hitting that day. Live shrimp is always a go-to for sheepshead around structure, while cut bait works great for those bull sharks cruising the flats. For redfish, we might throw some soft plastics or spoons to cover more water and trigger those aggressive strikes. The captain provides all the tackle you'll need, from circle hooks for the bigger fish to lighter setups for Spanish mackerel. We'll anchor up on productive spots, drift over grass beds, and maybe do some sight fishing if conditions are right. The shallow inshore waters mean you'll see plenty of action – fish jumping, birds working baitfish, and that heart-pounding moment when your drag starts screaming on a big red or blacktip.
"Just went out this past Thursday. Well it was great, rough conditions but overall a beautiful day. We caught our limit of Red Snapper. Very friendly and enjoyed the trip. Booked for 6 hours and back in 3-4 with limit. Still had to pay for the full six hours. Felt so so on that part. We still would of paid the 5 plus tip. Just thought we could of gotten a little break considering we were back so quick. Maybe especially evening trip if you book 5 hr you can have the option to add hr if needed. But do not let this discourage we loved the trip and will book with him again. Memories that will last forever. Thank you and see you next time." - Lacye-shane
"We went out with Get the Gaff and it was so fun. It is private so you go out with your friends and or family only. It is very laid back. We started the morning catching bait then used the bait we caught. We caught 3 Spanish Mackerel and two king mackerels. So much fun, I definitely recommend going out with Get the Gaff." - Danelle
"Put us on fish right out of the gate!! Will be back next year!" - Karen
Sheepshead are one of the craftiest fish you'll encounter in these waters, and that's exactly why anglers love targeting them. These black-and-white striped beauties hang around pilings, docks, and any structure they can find, using their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. They're notorious bait thieves – you'll swear you felt a bite, reel up, and find your shrimp completely gone. But when you do hook one, especially a larger fish in the 3-5 pound range, they put up a solid fight. Fall through early spring is prime time for sheepshead, when they're thick around the jetties and bridges getting ready to spawn.
Redfish are the poster fish of inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can be found year-round in Destin's backwaters, and they never disappoint when it comes to putting up a fight. Slot-size reds (16-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls will test your tackle and your arms. They're ambush predators that love to cruise the grass flats and marsh edges, especially during moving tides. What makes reds so exciting is their versatility – they'll hit live bait, artificials, and topwater lures with equal enthusiasm. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black spot near the tail.
When you hook into a blacktip shark, you know it immediately. These athletic predators are built for speed and acrobatics, often launching themselves completely out of the water when hooked. Blacktips are common in the inshore waters around Destin, particularly during warmer months when they move into shallow areas to feed and give birth. They typically run 3-5 feet long and provide non-stop action once hooked. What's great about blacktips is they're perfect for catch-and-release fishing – they fight hard but handle release well, giving you that adrenaline rush without having to worry about what to do with a big shark.
Bull sharks are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and landing one is something you'll never forget
Our restored 1989 Robalo Explorer is your ticket to productive inshore waters around Destin. This 26-foot center console runs on twin 150HP Yamaha engines, cruising at 30 knots to get you to the fish faster. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to work the rods. You'll have a fish finder to locate schools, GPS to mark productive spots, and radar for those late afternoon runs when visibility drops. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish, while the icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. Whether you're targeting redfish in the shallows or working deeper channels for snook and trout, this boat puts you in prime position for a solid afternoon on the water.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for their spectacular jumps that can reach 20 feet out of the water. These sleek predators average 4-6 feet but can grow up to 8 feet, with those telltale black-tipped fins that give them their name. Around Destin, you'll find them in 30-100 feet of water, often near artificial reefs where they hunt for mackerel, sardines, and other baitfish. Summer months bring the best action when they're most active in our warmer waters. What makes them a favorite target is their aggressive nature and aerial displays - nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like watching one launch skyward. They're surprisingly strong fighters for their size. Here's a local trick: use oily fish like mackerel or sardines for chum, and don't be afraid to use circle hooks with 30-50 pound tackle. These guys get excited fast and can put on quite a show.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the heavyweights of our inshore waters - thick, powerful fish that can handle both salt and fresh water. These gray bruisers typically run 6-8 feet and 200-300 pounds around here, with broad heads and an aggressive attitude to match. You'll find them in deeper channels, around passes, and surprisingly close to shore in murky water. They're year-round residents, but summer brings the best fishing when they're most active. What draws anglers is their raw power - these are one of the strongest fighting sharks you'll encounter, with the ability to make long, powerful runs. They're not great table fare, but the thrill of battling one is worth the trip. My go-to technique is using fresh eel or cut mackerel on the bottom near structure. The oil content drives them crazy, and eel's tough skin stays on the hook even when smaller fish try to steal it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore trips, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties with their distinctive black spots are built for shallow water fights. You'll typically catch them between 18-30 inches, though we see plenty of slot fish in that sweet 20-27 inch range. They love super shallow flats, grass beds, and oyster bars - sometimes in water so thin their backs show above the surface. Spring through fall are peak seasons, with cooler months bringing them into even shallower water to feed. What guests love most is their explosive strikes on topwater lures and their bulldogging fight once hooked. Plus, they're excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. The key around here is to look for nervous water and baitfish activity on the flats. When you spot redfish tailing or cruising, cast ahead of them and let your bait sink naturally to the bottom.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are some of the most distinctive fish you'll encounter around Destin - those black and white stripes earned them the nickname "convict fish." They're famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crunch barnacles and crabs off dock pilings and bridge structures. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we occasionally land monsters over 15 pounds. You'll find them year-round, but spring months from February through April are prime time when they spawn around jetties and structures. What makes them special is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites, so you need quick reflexes to set the hook. The payoff is worth it though - their white, flaky meat is some of the best eating around. My local tip: get your bait as close to the pilings as possible and keep it tight to the structure. They rarely venture far from cover.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and light tackle skills. These silver bullets with golden spots typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-20 inches, but their blazing fast runs make them fight much bigger. They travel in large schools near the surface, often around structure and baitfish activity in 20-80 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime seasons, with early morning and late afternoon providing the hottest action. What makes them so popular is their aggressive strikes, blistering runs, and excellent eating - their mild, flaky meat is perfect grilled or smoked. They're also great for kids since they bite readily and put up a good scrap. The trick is to keep moving until you find the school, then work small spoons or jigs quickly through the water column. Once you hook up, expect multiple fish since they rarely travel alone.
5.0 out of 5.0Just went out this past Thursday. Well it was great, rough conditions but overall a beautiful day. We caught our limit of Red Snap...
We went out with Get the Gaff and it was so fun. It is private so you go out with your friends and or family only. It is very laid...
Put us on fish right out of the gate!! Will be back next year!
Went out for a 6 hour trip with captain Bankston and caught a massive king within the first hour of fishing. Captain Bankston was ...
We had a GREAT trip and experience! It was all of our first time deep sea fishing and Taylor made it better than we imagined it wo...
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