Choctawhatchee Bay Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Allinclusive inshore fishing charter with gear and bait providedMultiple fishing techniques including flyline, bottom fishing, and trollingAccommodates up to 6 guests in scenic Choctawhatchee Bay waters
Looking for a top-rated inshore fishing adventure that'll have you bragging for months? Got 2 Go Fishing Charters delivers exactly that on the pristine waters of Choctawhatchee Bay. This isn't your typical crowded tourist trap – we're talking about a customer favorite destination where the fishing is consistently hot and the scenery is pure Florida gold. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a seasoned angler, these waters offer something special that keeps folks coming back season after season. With everything included from bait to tackle, all you need to bring is your cooler and your game face.
Choctawhatchee Bay is hands down one of the most productive inshore fishing spots along Florida's Emerald Coast. This massive estuary system stretches over 129 square miles, giving you plenty of room to find the fish without bumping into other boats every five minutes. The bay connects to several tributaries and sound areas, creating diverse habitat that holds everything from schooling Spanish mackerel to sneaky redfish lurking in the grass flats. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand – from the deep channels where the big trout hang out to the shallow oyster bars where sheepshead love to feed. The trip accommodates up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for family outings or a group of buddies ready to settle some friendly competition. Don't expect a rushed experience either – there's plenty of time to soak up the Florida sunshine while working different spots until you find where the fish are biting.
This charter covers all the bases when it comes to inshore fishing techniques, so you'll walk away with some serious skills under your belt. Fly-line casting is perfect for working the grass flats and targeting speckled trout and redfish – it's all about reading the water and placing your bait right where the fish are feeding. Bottom fishing comes into play around the oyster bars and structure, where sheepshead and pompano like to hang out. Your captain will show you how to feel for that subtle bite and set the hook before these crafty fish spit your bait. Trolling opens up opportunities for Spanish mackerel and other pelagic species, especially when they're schooled up and feeding aggressively. And here's a local secret – dock fishing around the area's many piers and structures can produce some of the best action, especially when the tide is moving. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided, plus fresh bait that's proven to work in these waters. The gear is top-quality stuff that can handle whatever you hook into, from feisty pompano to bull redfish that'll test your drag system.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of Choctawhatchee Bay, and they're absolutely world-class fighters that'll give you an arm workout. These silvery rockets typically run 1-3 pounds but what they lack in size they make up for in pure energy. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when baitfish are thick in the bay. They love fast-moving lures and cut bait, and when you find a school, the action can be nonstop. The razor-sharp teeth mean you'll need a wire leader, but that first screaming run makes it all worthwhile.
Florida Pompano are the gold standard of eating fish, and Choctawhatchee Bay holds some beautiful specimens. These disc-shaped fighters average 1-2 pounds but occasionally surprise you with a 4-pounder that'll make your reel sing. They're notorious bait thieves with their small mouths, so it takes some finesse to hook them consistently. Sand fleas, shrimp, and small jigs work best around sandy bottoms and drop-offs. Fall and winter months tend to be most productive when they're fattening up for their offshore migration.
Sheepshead are the ultimate test of an angler's patience and skill – they're called the "convict fish" for their black stripes and their tendency to steal your bait like little criminals. These master bait thieves hang around structure like dock pilings, oyster bars, and bridges where they feed on barnacles and crabs. They average 2-4 pounds but can reach 8-10 pounds if you're lucky. Winter months are prime time when they move into shallow water to spawn. The bite is so subtle you'll swear you're just ticking bottom until you set the hook and feel that head-shaking fight.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as the locals call them, are the bread and butter of Choctawhatchee Bay fishing. These beautiful spotted fish love grass flats and can be caught year-round, though spring and fall produce the biggest numbers. They're ambush predators that rely on their camouflage, so working soft baits slowly along the bottom is often the ticket. A nice "gator trout" over 20 inches is a real trophy that veteran anglers dream about, and this bay has produced plenty of them over the years.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and Choctawhatchee Bay's shallow grass flats and oyster bars provide perfect habitat for these copper-colored bruisers. They're built like linebackers and fight twice as hard, often making powerful runs that'll have your drag screaming. Slot-sized fish run 18-27 inches, but the real excitement comes when you hook into a bull red over 30 inches. These fish feed in surprisingly shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Sight fishing for reds on a clear day is about as good as it gets in the fishing world.
Ready to experience why Choctawhatchee Bay is considered one of Florida's best-kept fishing secrets? This renowne
Our 22-foot Cape Horn center console is perfect for exploring Choctawhatchee Bay's productive fishing grounds. Built in 2007 and powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha outboard, this boat cruises at 45 knots to get you to the hotspots quickly. The spacious layout comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers with plenty of room for casting and fighting fish. Essential gear includes a fish finder to locate schools, GPS for navigation, VHF radio for safety, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh. The wireless trolling motor lets you quietly approach shallow water targets without spooking fish. Whether you're bottom fishing for snapper, casting flies in the grass flats, or trolling the deeper channels, this well-equipped boat handles Choctawhatchee Bay's varied waters with ease. The center console design provides 360-degree fishing access and keeps everyone comfortable during long days on the water.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida pompano are the gold standard of inshore fishing - literally. These deep-bodied, silvery fish with bright yellow fins typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They cruise sandy bottoms and grass flats in 2-10 feet of water, feeding on crabs and small baitfish. Spring and summer are prime time when water warms up. What makes pompano special is their incredible table fare - buttery, flaky meat that restaurants pay top dollar for. They're also scrappy fighters that make multiple runs and test your drag. The trick here is using small hooks with live shrimp or small jigs in bright colors like orange and pink. Fish them right on the bottom near oyster bars and drop-offs. Once hooked, they'll make you think you've got a much bigger fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in Choctawhatchee Bay's shallow waters. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water. They range from slot-size 18-27 inchers to oversized bulls pushing 30+ pounds. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What guests love most is watching their backs break the surface while feeding, then seeing that explosive strike on topwater lures. They're powerful fighters that make long runs and test your equipment. The meat on slot fish is excellent - firm and mild. Pro tip: look for nervous baitfish and muddy water from feeding reds. Approach quietly and cast gold spoons or dark jigs just ahead of cruising fish. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and let them run.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are the bread and butter of Choctawhatchee Bay fishing. These silvery fish with black spots typically range 14-20 inches and love grass flats in 3-8 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods like dawn and dusk. What makes trout fishing fun is their willingness to hit topwater plugs and soft plastics, plus they make great table fare with delicate, flaky meat. They school up in deeper holes during winter, making for fast action when you find them. The fight is steady rather than spectacular, but they're reliable and tasty. Best local trick is working scented soft plastics like shrimp tails under popping corks around grass edges. Keep your drag light - their soft mouths tear easily, and a gentle hand lands more fish than horsing them.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Choctawhatchee Bay with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the best eating around. These 2-5 pound bruisers hang around any structure with barnacles: docks, pilings, oyster bars, and bridges. Their human-like teeth crush shellfish, making them notorious bait thieves. Winter and spring are peak times when they school up for spawning. What guests love is the challenge - sheepshead require finesse and patience, but the reward is sweet, flaky white meat. They're incredibly strong for their size and will wrap you around structure if given the chance. The key is using small hooks with fresh shrimp, getting tight to cover, and setting the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They'll steal your bait all day if you're not quick.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast-moving silver bullets that typically run 1-3 pounds in Choctawhatchee Bay, though bigger ones show up offshore. You'll spot their yellow-spotted sides when they hit the surface chasing baitfish in large schools. These speedsters love trolling spoons and small jigs around grass flats and channel edges, especially during warmer months from spring through fall. They're fantastic on light tackle - their initial run will surprise you, and they jump like crazy. The meat is excellent grilled or smoked, with a mild flavor that's not too fishy. Local tip: when you see diving birds, get there fast and cast small silver spoons right into the action. They'll hit anything shiny moving through a bait school, but strike quick before the school moves on.
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