Hudson Half-Day Flats Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Fishing
Fourhour morning charter targeting redfish, snook, and spotted seatroutWeekend availability with experienced flats fishing guide Eric MarshallSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests maximum
Captain Eric Marshall knows these Hudson flats like the back of his hand, and his morning half-day charter puts you right in the sweet spot when fish are most active. This four-hour trip runs Friday through Sunday mornings, giving you prime access to some of Florida's most productive shallow water fishing. With space for up to three anglers, you'll get personalized attention whether you're casting the grass flats or working the deeper edges of Hudson's extensive backwater system.
You'll launch early to catch that magical morning bite when Redfish are cruising the shallows and Snook are ambushing baitfish along the mangrove edges. Eric's got this trip dialed in perfectly – four hours gives you enough time to work multiple spots without feeling rushed, but keeps things focused on the most productive fishing window. The Hudson area offers incredible variety, from crystal-clear grass flats where you can sight-cast to tailing Reds, to deeper pockets and channels where monster Snook hang out waiting for an easy meal. Eric reads the conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly, whether that means working the incoming tide on the flats or hitting structure during slack water.
Eric comes prepared with a full arsenal of tackle and techniques to match whatever the fish are doing that morning. You'll likely throw everything from topwater plugs at first light to soft plastics when the sun gets higher and fish get pickier. Live bait is often the ticket here – nothing beats a perfectly presented shrimp or pinfish when Snook are being finicky around structure. The grass flats call for different tactics entirely, often requiring stealthy approaches with weedless lures that won't hang up in the vegetation. Eric's boat is rigged specifically for this style of fishing, with a shallow draft that lets you get into spots bigger boats can't reach, plus a quiet trolling motor for those times when you need to sneak up on spooky fish. He'll teach you how to read the water, spot nervous baitfish, and present your lure or bait in a way that triggers strikes from even the most educated fish.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Hudson flats fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 20-28 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot fish that make for fantastic table fare. Reds here are year-round residents, but they're most aggressive during the cooler months when they school up on the flats. What makes them so exciting is their willingness to eat topwater lures – there's nothing like watching a big Red explode on a walk-the-dog plug in two feet of water. They're also incredibly smart, so when conditions are tough, you'll need to bring your A-game with precise presentations and quality lures.
Snook fishing around Hudson is world-class, especially during the warmer months when these ambush predators become more active. These fish are structure-oriented, hanging around docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines where they can dart out to grab unsuspecting baitfish. Hudson Snook typically run 18-30 inches, with the occasional trophy fish pushing into the low 30s. They're notorious for their acrobatic fights – expect multiple jumps and powerful runs that will test your drag system. The morning hours are prime time since Snook often feed aggressively at dawn before retreating to deeper water as boat traffic picks up.
Spotted Seatrout, or "Specks" as locals call them, are the perfect species for anglers who love finesse fishing. These beautiful fish are abundant in Hudson's grass beds, where they feed on shrimp and small baitfish. They average 14-18 inches, with plenty of keeper-sized fish mixed in with some real doormat Trout that can push 20+ inches. What makes Trout fishing so addictive is their willingness to bite artificial lures, especially soft plastics worked slowly over the grass. They're also excellent eating, which makes them a favorite target for anglers looking to bring home dinner. Spring and fall offer the best Trout action, when water temperatures are optimal and these fish are actively feeding to prepare for seasonal changes.
Eric's morning half-day charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want – focused fishing during prime hours with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The Friday-Sunday schedule means you can plan your weekend around some of the best flats fishing Florida has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your shallow water techniques or a newcomer ready to experience what makes Hudson such a special fishery, this trip gives you the perfect introduction to world-class inshore fishing. With only three spots available and Eric's reputation for consistent success, these dates fill up fast during peak season. Don't wait – book your Hudson flats fishing adventure and get ready to experience why anglers travel from all over to fish these waters.
Step aboard this brand-new 2026 Pathfinder 24 and get ready to work the Hudson flats like a pro. This 24-footer runs smooth and quiet with its single 300hp Suzuki, perfect for sneaking up on those shallow water redfish and snook without spooking them. The boat's shallow draft design lets you access those productive grass flats and backwater spots where the big fish hide. Your captain has this bay boat rigged right for serious flats fishing - the fish finder will help locate schools of trout, while the GPS keeps you on the hottest spots trip after trip. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to cast and fight fish, whether you're sight fishing the shallows or working the mangroves. Keep your drinks cold in the icebox during those warm Florida mornings. With room for up to 3 anglers, this Pathfinder delivers the stability and performance you need to make the most of Hudson's incredible fishing opportunities. The 30mph cruise gets you to the fish fast, then settles down to a whisper when it's time to pole the flats.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Hudson flats fishing. These copper-backed beauties with the signature black spot near their tail typically run 20-28 inches in our waters. They love super shallow areas - often in just 1-3 feet where you can see their backs. Look for them around oyster bars, grass edges, and muddy bottoms where they root for crabs and shrimp. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall months are prime when they're feeding heavily. Reds are tough fighters with serious pulling power, and they're excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. What guests love most is sight fishing - actually seeing the fish before casting. Pro tip: when you spot a red with its head down tailing, cast well ahead of where it's moving and let your bait settle naturally.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call them, are perfect for our grass flats around Hudson. These silvery fish with their telltale black spots average 14-18 inches, though we'll see some nice 3-4 pounders. They love the shallow grass beds in 2-8 feet of water, especially areas with good current flow. Cooler months bring the best fishing when they school up in deeper holes. Trout have a soft mouth and make great eating with delicate, flaky white meat. They're also willing biters on both artificial lures and live bait. My go-to advice: use a popping cork with live shrimp over the grass flats. The noise draws them in, and that natural presentation is hard to beat. Just remember to set the hook gently - those soft mouths tear easily.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of my favorite targets on these Hudson flats. These golden-sided fighters typically run 18-24 inches around here, with that distinctive black lateral line and big mouth that screams predator. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and grass edges in 2-6 feet of water. They're temperature sensitive, so spring through fall gives you the best action - they really turn on during those warmer months. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight once hooked. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: work your lure slow along structure edges early morning. Snook ambush from cover, so that first cast to a spot is often your best shot.
Hudson, FL