Half Day Inshore Redfish, Snook, and Trout Hudson FL
Private Trip
Fishing
Fourhour afternoon inshore fishing targeting redfish, snook, and troutProfessional guide with Pathfinder boat accommodating up to six guestsLight tackle, live bait, and fishing licenses included with service
When you're looking to get out on the water for some serious inshore action, this afternoon trip out of Hudson puts you right in the middle of some of Florida's best fishing grounds. We're talking four solid hours of guided fishing starting at 1:00 PM, hitting all the sweet spots where redfish, snook, and trout hang out. The boat's a Pathfinder that'll get you there fast with that 300hp Suzuki, and we've got everything covered - tackle, live bait, even your fishing license. Perfect for those weekend warriors who want to make the most of their Friday, Saturday, or Sunday afternoon on the water.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip - we're targeting the real deal here. You'll be working the flats and mangroves where these fish actually live, not just hoping to get lucky in open water. The afternoon timing is money for this type of fishing. As the day heats up, these fish start moving into their feeding patterns, especially around structure and in the shallows. The Pathfinder's shallow draft gets us into spots bigger boats can't touch, and that 300hp motor means we're not wasting time getting from spot to spot. Whether you're a weekend angler or someone who's been chasing these species for years, the setup here gives you the best shot at connecting with quality fish. We keep groups small - just three anglers max - so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention.
We're fishing light tackle here, which is exactly what you want for redfish, snook, and trout. Think spinning gear in the 2500 to 4000 size range, paired with 10-15 pound braid and fluorocarbon leaders. The live bait program is where it's at - we're talking live shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish depending on what's available and what the fish are keyed in on. You'll be working these baits around oyster bars, dock pilings, and grass flats where these species set up to ambush prey. Free-lining live bait in current, working jigs around structure, and sight fishing in the shallows are all part of the game plan. The guide reads the water and adjusts tactics based on conditions - maybe we're popping corks over grass beds in the morning or sight casting to tailing reds in skinny water. The beautiful thing about this fishery is the variety. One cast you might be working a mangrove shoreline for snook, the next you're drifting a flat for trout.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Hudson's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs range from schoolie size around 18-24 inches up to true bulls pushing 30-plus pounds. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but winter can produce some memorable days when conditions align. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat and their fight - they'll take live bait, artificials, and they don't give up easy once hooked. You'll find them tailing in inches of water or laid up around structure in deeper areas. The sight fishing opportunities here are world-class when conditions are right.
Snook fishing around Hudson hits its peak during the warmer months, roughly April through October. These ambush predators love structure - think dock pilings, mangrove overhangs, and channel edges where they can pin baitfish. A quality snook runs anywhere from slot size around 28 inches up to fish pushing 35-40 inches, and they've got an attitude to match their size. They'll slam live bait but can be finicky, especially on bright, calm days. What keeps anglers coming back is that explosive strike and the way they use structure to their advantage during the fight. Plus, they're just beautiful fish with that distinctive black lateral line and that prehistoric look.
Sea trout might not have the size of a big red or the attitude of a snook, but they make up for it in numbers and eating quality. These spotted beauties are year-round residents, though spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action. They school up over grass flats and around structure, and when you find them, you can usually catch several before they wise up. Trout in the 14-20 inch range are common, with occasional fish pushing into the mid-twenties. They're perfect light tackle fish - they'll hit live bait, soft plastics, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. Many anglers consider them the best eating of the three target species, which makes them a customer favorite for those planning a fish dinner.
Hudson's inshore fishing scene delivers consistent action for anglers who want to target multiple species in a single trip. This afternoon departure gives you prime time fishing when these fish are most active, and the four-hour window lets you cover serious water without feeling rushed. The all-inclusive approach means you show up ready to fish - no need to worry about licenses, bait, or tackle. With availability on weekends only and a three-angler maximum, these trips fill up fast during peak season. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to inshore fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to explore new water, this Hudson trip puts you on fish in a professional, no-nonsense way. Book your afternoon slot and get ready to see why Florida's inshore fishing keeps people coming back.
This 2026 Pathfinder 24 is built for serious inshore fishing in Hudson's productive waters. The 24-footer runs on a reliable 300hp Suzuki that'll get you to the flats and mangroves where the redfish, snook, and trout are feeding. Cruising at 30mph means more time fishing, less time running. The fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish while GPS keeps you on productive spots. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. With room for up to 6 anglers, this bay boat handles shallow water with ease and provides a stable platform for casting to spooked fish in skinny water. Perfect for targeting reds around oyster bars or working snook along the mangrove edges.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing here in Hudson. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-32 inches and pack serious power with their broad shoulders and strong tails. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats - sometimes so shallow their backs are showing. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter provide the most consistent action as they school up. What makes reds special is their bulldogging fight and willingness to eat just about anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials. They're also excellent on the table with sweet, firm meat. Guests love sight-fishing to tailing reds in skinny water. Pro tip: when you see nervous water or mullet jumping, reds are usually nearby. Approach quietly and make your first cast count - you often only get one shot at spooky fish.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are a staple of our Hudson flats. These silvery fish with black spots typically run 14-20 inches, though we catch some real slobs over 24 inches. They cruise grass flats and shallow bays in 3-6 feet of water, feeding on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Fall through spring is prime time when cooler water brings them into the shallows to feed actively. Trout are popular because they bite readily, fight well for their size, and make fantastic table fare with their mild, flaky white meat. They're also great for beginners since they're not too picky about presentations. A solid tip for our area: focus on potholes and edges in the grass beds during moving tides. Trout love to ambush prey from these breaks in the grass, and that's where you'll find the bigger fish grouped up.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier inshore targets, and our Hudson waters hold plenty of them. These sleek, golden fish average 18-30 inches with that distinctive black lateral line running down their sides. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. They love ambush spots where they can dart out for baitfish, shrimp, and crabs. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make powerful runs that test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: when working mangrove shorelines, cast your lure or bait right into the roots and work it slowly along the edge. That's where the big ones hide.
Hudson, FL