3/4 Day South Florida Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Extended 3/4 day charter targets multiple South Florida speciesAccommodates up to 4 anglers with all gear and guidance providedLight tackle fishing across flats and backcountry locations
When you want more than just a quick morning bite but don't need a full day commitment, this 3/4 day inshore charter hits the sweet spot. Captain Josh runs a top-rated operation out of South Florida's prime flats and backcountry waters, where the fishing can go from steady to absolutely electric in the span of a single cast. You'll be working some of the most productive shallow water fisheries in the world, targeting everything from chrome-bright tarpon to sneaky permit that'll test every bit of your angling skills. With room for up to 4 anglers and gear provided, this trip lets you focus on what matters most - putting fish in the boat and memories in the bank.
Your day starts aboard a 24-foot Pathfinder that's built specifically for South Florida's inshore game. This boat gets you into skinny water where the big fish live, but keeps you comfortable when the afternoon chop picks up. Captain Josh knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the grass flats where snook ambush baitfish to the deeper channels where tarpon stage before moving shallow. The extended trip length gives you real advantages - you're not rushing from spot to spot, and you can work productive areas when the bite gets good. Expect to cover serious ground, from protected mangrove shorelines to open flats where you can see fish cruising in crystal clear water. The boat comes loaded with everything you need, so whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bite, you'll have the right tackle for whatever swims up.
South Florida inshore fishing is all about finesse and reading the water. You'll be casting light tackle - think spinning rods with 15-20 pound braid and leaders that won't spook fish in clear water. Captain Josh sets you up with live bait when the fish want it natural, or artificial lures when they're aggressive and looking for movement. The flats fishing here is sight-based, meaning you're actually seeing your targets before you cast. Tarpon roll on the surface, permit show their black-tipped fins, and redfish push wakes in ankle-deep water. The backcountry spots offer different opportunities - deeper pockets where snook stack up, and grass beds where trout hit topwater plugs at first light. You'll learn to read water color, current breaks, and structure that holds fish. The technique varies by species and conditions, but expect plenty of casting practice and the kind of fishing where every cast could produce something special.
Snook are the bread and butter of South Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love structure - docks, mangrove overhangs, and channel edges where they can pin baitfish. They hit hard and jump when hooked, making every hookup feel like you've connected with something twice their size. Best action comes during moving water, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. Spring through fall offers the most consistent bite, though winter can produce some of the biggest fish of the year when they're stacked up in warmer water.
Tarpon are the fish that bring anglers back to South Florida year after year. These silver kings can range from 20-pound juveniles to fish pushing 150 pounds, and they all share one thing - they jump like their tail's on fire when hooked. Peak season runs May through August when massive schools move through, but resident fish provide action almost year-round. They're incredibly strong, aerial acrobats that'll test your drag and your patience. Landing one is a real accomplishment, and the photos speak for themselves.
Redfish cruise the flats in schools or solo, and they're perfectly built for South Florida's shallow water environment. Their copper-colored sides and distinctive black spots make them easy to identify, but don't let their laid-back cruising fool you - they pull hard and steady when hooked. They're year-round residents that feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Sight-fishing for reds in two feet of water never gets old, especially when you can see them tailing in the grass beds.
Permit are the holy grail for many flats anglers, and South Florida offers some of the best permit fishing in the world. These disc-shaped fighters are incredibly spooky and selective, often requiring perfect presentations with live crabs or specialized flies. They're most active during warmer months and often found around wrecks, channel edges, and deeper flats. Hooking a permit is tough - landing one is tougher - but it's the kind of fish that can make an entire trip memorable.
Bonefish might be the smartest fish in the shallows, with eyesight that seems supernatural and a tendency to spook at the slightest wrong move. They're usually found tailing in turtle grass beds or cruising flats edges, and they require stealthy approaches and accurate casting. When hooked, they make blistering runs that'll empty your reel if your drag isn't set right. They're year-round residents, but spring and summer typically offer the most consistent action when water temperatures are stable.
This 3/4 day charter gives you the perfect window to experience world-class South Florida inshore fishing without the full-day commitment. Captain Josh's local knowledge, quality equipment, and productive fishing grounds make this a customer favorite for good reason. Whether you're looking to check species off your bucket list or just want to spend quality time on some of the best fishing waters in the country, this trip delivers the goods. The extended time on the water means better odds at multiple species and the chance to really work productive areas when the bite gets hot. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so lock in your dates early - the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak seasons.
Fish the pristine South Florida flats aboard our sleek 24ft Pathfinder Tournament boat, built for serious anglers who want to reach the best spots fast. The 300hp Yamaha gets you there quickly, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when stalking spooky redfish and snook in skinny water. Power Poles lock you in position for those perfect casts, and the elevated platform gives you the vantage point to spot tailing fish before they see you. With GPS navigation and fish finder technology, Captain Josh puts you on productive water where tarpon roll and permit cruise the edges. This extended 3/4 day format gives you real time to work different areas and species as conditions change throughout the day. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising fish or working structure for trout, this boat handles South Florida's backcountry with confidence.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the ghosts of the flats - silvery, spooky, and lightning fast. These torpedo-shaped fish average 3-6 pounds and 16-24 inches, perfectly camouflaged against sandy bottoms. They hunt shallow grass flats and sandy areas in 6 inches to 3 feet of water, often "tailing" while digging for crabs and shrimp. Year-round fishing is good here, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. What makes bones special is the challenge and their blistering runs - they'll strip 100+ yards of line in seconds when hooked. It's all catch-and-release since they're too bony to eat well. The thrill is in the hunt and that first run. Look for nervous water, mud puffs, or tails breaking the surface. My best advice: use small shrimp patterns or live shrimp, cast well ahead of moving fish, and strip slowly. One wrong move and they vanish like smoke.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - beautiful, challenging, and incredibly rewarding when you connect. These silver, disc-shaped fish average 10-20 pounds with that distinctive tall profile and forked tail. They cruise sandy flats and turtle grass beds in 2-8 feet of water, often spooking at the slightest movement. April through October gives you the best shots during their spawning season. What makes permit special is their difficulty - they have amazing eyesight and are extremely picky eaters. Most anglers consider them harder to catch than tarpon or bonefish. They fight strong but smart, using their flat sides against the current. While edible, most are released for conservation. The key is live crabs or perfect crab imitations presented quietly ahead of cruising fish. Watch for their dark shadows on the flats and that telltale sickle-shaped tail.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and great eating. Most of our reds run 18-27 inches with that classic copper color and black spots near the tail. They're shallow water specialists, cruising flats in just 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass beds, and mangrove edges. Fall and winter months are prime time when they school up in big numbers. What guests love about redfish is their willingness to eat almost anything and their strong, steady fights. They don't jump much but pull hard and make good runs. The meat is also top-notch - firm and mild. These fish are sight-fishing targets, so we'll pole quietly and look for tailing fish or cruising schools. My go-to trick is using a gold spoon or live shrimp worked slowly along the bottom where you see nervous water or mud clouds from feeding fish.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are some of the most rewarding inshore targets we chase here in South Florida. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-30 inches, though you'll occasionally hook into bigger specimens. They love hanging around mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridge pilings in shallow water, especially where there's current and structure. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are warm. What makes snook special is their aggressive strikes and strong fights - they'll jump and make powerful runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: cast your live shrimp or snook jig just upcurrent of the structure and let it drift naturally past their ambush spots. Keep your rod tip up and be ready for that hard strike.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of South Florida flats fishing. These silver giants typically range from 80-150 pounds in our waters, though smaller "baby" tarpon around 10-40 pounds are common in the backcountry. You'll find them rolling on shallow flats, around bridges, and in deeper channels from 3-15 feet. May through September is prime time when they migrate through our area. What hooks anglers is their famous jumping ability - they'll leap completely out of the water multiple times during a fight. It's purely catch-and-release since they're not great eating, but the experience is what you're after. Most fights last 30-60 minutes on light tackle. Pro tip: when you see one jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water - it reduces line tension and prevents break-offs during their aerial show.
Key Largo