Johns Pass Fishing Charter | 2-8 Hour Escapades
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Flexible 2-8 hour inshore fishing trips with Captain KennyTarget King Fish, Snapper, Redfish, Trout, Snook, and TarponSmall group experience accommodating up to 2 guests maximum
Looking for a top-rated fishing adventure that puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best inshore action? Captain Kenny's Johns Pass fishing charters deliver exactly what serious anglers are after. Whether you've got a couple hours to burn or want to make a full day of it, these customizable trips from 2 to 8 hours let you chase some of the Gulf Coast's most prized catches. Johns Pass sits right where Boca Ciega Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico, creating the perfect mixing zone that attracts everything from aggressive snook to massive tarpon. With space for just two anglers, you're getting personalized attention and prime fishing spots without the crowds.
Captain Kenny knows Johns Pass like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge makes all the difference when you're trying to put fish in the boat. These waters offer incredible variety – one minute you're working the mangrove shorelines for snook, the next you're heading to deeper channels where king mackerel patrol. The beauty of these flexible trip lengths is that shorter 2-4 hour trips focus on the hottest bite of the day, while longer 6-8 hour adventures let you explore multiple fishing zones and target different species as conditions change. The intimate 2-person capacity means Captain Kenny can tailor every aspect of the trip to your skill level and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in specific techniques or a newcomer wanting to learn the ropes, you'll get hands-on instruction and plenty of rod time. Johns Pass provides natural protection from rough seas, so even when the Gulf gets choppy, there are always productive spots to fish in calmer waters.
Captain Kenny comes prepared with quality gear suited for the variety of species you'll encounter around Johns Pass. For snook and redfish in the shallows, expect to throw live bait on medium-heavy spinning tackle, working everything from oyster bars to dock pilings. When targeting speckled trout, lighter tackle with jigs and soft plastics becomes the name of the game – these fish can be finicky, and the right presentation makes or breaks your success. King mackerel fishing calls for a completely different approach, with trolling being the go-to method using wire leaders and fast-moving lures or live bait. The area's structure-rich bottom around the pass mouth holds plenty of kings, especially during their seasonal migrations. Tarpon fishing is where things get really exciting – these silver kings require heavy tackle and strong drag systems, as even smaller fish in the 50-80 pound range will test your endurance. Live bait like pinfish, threadfin herring, or crabs fished near bridges and channels produces the most consistent tarpon action. Captain Kenny adjusts techniques throughout the trip based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling him that day.
Snook: These ambush predators are what many anglers consider the holy grail of inshore fishing around Johns Pass. Snook love structure – think bridge pilings, mangrove overhangs, and oyster points where they can hide and strike unsuspecting baitfish. They're most active during warmer months from late spring through early fall, with dawn and dusk providing the hottest action. What makes snook so special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight in shallow water. Plus, their slot limit means you're targeting fish in that sweet spot of size and strength that guarantees a memorable battle.
Tarpon: The silver king needs no introduction among serious anglers. Johns Pass serves as a major tarpon highway during their spring and summer migrations, with fish ranging from juvenile "baby" tarpon around 20-40 pounds up to giants exceeding 100 pounds. These prehistoric fighters are famous for their aerial displays – expect multiple jumps and long, powerful runs that will have your drag screaming. Even if you don't boat one, just having a tarpon on the line for a few minutes creates fishing memories that last a lifetime. Peak season runs from April through July, with early morning and late afternoon producing the most consistent shots.
King Mackerel: Kings are speed demons that provide non-stop action when they're biting. These toothy predators cruise the deeper waters around Johns Pass, especially near structure and bait schools. Fall and winter months often produce the largest fish as they move through on their southern migration. Kings hit hard and fast, making blistering runs that can peel off hundreds of yards of line in seconds. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who like to take dinner home.
Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these aren't trout at all, but members of the drum family that provide consistent action year-round. Specks love grass flats and are perfect for anglers who enjoy sight fishing and working artificial lures. They're most active in cooler months when they school up in deeper holes and channels. What makes speckled trout special is their willingness to hit a variety of lures and their cooperative nature – find one, and you'll usually find more.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are built for power, using their broad tails to make strong runs in shallow water. Redfish around Johns Pass can be found year-round, but fall months often produce the largest schools as they prepare for their spawning runs. They're not picky eaters, readily taking live bait, cut bait, and artificials. The sight of a red drum's distinctive spot and bronze coloring never gets old, and their reputation as one of the best-eating fish in these waters makes them a customer favorite.
Johns Pass fishing with Captain Kenny offers the perfect blend of world-class angling and personalized service that keeps customers coming back season after season. The flexibility of trip lengths means you can
Meet the Pathfinder 2500, your gateway to serious fishing action at Johns Pass. This 25-foot fishing machine packs a powerful 300-horsepower Mercury engine that'll get you to the hotspots fast, cruising smooth at 30-35 knots through St. Petersburg waters. Built for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the lines whether you're chasing kings and snapper offshore or stalking redfish and snook in the shallows. Captain Kenny knows these waters like the back of his hand, and this boat's got the speed and stability to put you on everything from speckled trout to trophy tarpon. The Pathfinder's design means you can fish comfortably all day, from quick 2-hour strikes to full 8-hour adventures targeting whatever's biting in Johns Pass.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons of the Gulf, typically running 15-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 50+. These silver bullets cruise the 40-150 foot depths along ledges, wrecks, and temperature breaks. Spring and fall migrations bring the best fishing when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80 degrees. What makes them special is pure speed - they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost any fish out there. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, flaky meat perfect for the grill. The key is trolling with wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. My go-to setup: slow-troll live bait or spoons behind planers, and always use a stinger hook - kings love to bite bait in half.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored bulldogs of the flats, typically 18-27 inches with that signature black spot near the tail. They cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and shallow mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water - so shallow their backs sometimes show. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they school up. What makes reds special is their powerful, head-shaking fight and willingness to eat topwater lures in skinny water. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. The real thrill is sight-fishing to tailing reds in knee-deep water. Here's my secret: cast well ahead of cruising fish and let your bait sink to the bottom - reds are bottom feeders and spook easily from aggressive presentations.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here, running 14-20 inches with those beautiful black spots scattered across their silver sides. They hang around grass flats, oyster bars, and drop-offs in 2-12 feet of water. Cool mornings and evenings from fall through spring offer the hottest action, especially when water temps drop into the 60s and 70s. What anglers love is their willingness to bite and their sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also great fighters for their size, with a soft mouth that requires a gentle touch. The trick is using light tackle and soft plastics like shrimp tails or jerkbaits worked slowly over the grass. Keep your drag loose - their mouths tear easily.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier inshore gamefish, averaging 1-3 feet with that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. They love structure - docks, mangroves, bridges, and grass flats in 2-8 feet of water. These ambush predators hit hard and make blistering runs when hooked. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their explosive strike and stubborn fight - they'll jump, run, and try every trick to shake the hook. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My tip: use a wire leader and fish live shrimp or pinfish right along the mangrove edges where they wait to ambush baitfish.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "silver king" is what dreams are made of - these prehistoric giants average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, though they can hit 200+ pounds. You'll find them rolling in channels, around bridges, and over grass flats in 10-40 feet of water. May through September is prime time when they migrate through our waters. What hooks anglers is their aerial show - tarpon can jump 10 feet out of the water and make drag-screaming runs that'll test your tackle and patience. They're purely catch-and-release fish, but landing one is a lifetime achievement. The fight can last hours with these acrobatic beasts. Here's the key: when they jump, bow to the king - drop your rod tip to give slack, or they'll throw the hook every time.
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