3/4 Day Inshore – Snook, Redfish & Tarpon
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target snook, redfish, tarpon and permit on shallow water flatsExtended 3/4 day trip covers more fishing spots than halfday optionsEvening departures feature cooler temperatures and active sunset fishing
If you're tired of rushed half-day trips that leave you wanting more time on the water, this 3/4 day inshore charter with Grand Slam Charters is exactly what you need. Captain Josh knows these shallow waters like the back of his hand, and with six solid hours to work with, you'll hit multiple productive spots while targeting some of the most sought-after gamefish in these waters. The 24-foot Pathfinder is built for skinny water work, letting us slip into those back-country honey holes where the big fish hang out. Whether you book a morning trip or go for the evening session when temps drop and fish get active during those golden sunset hours, you're in for some serious action.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – we're talking about a real angling adventure that gives you the time to properly work the flats, mangrove shorelines, and creek mouths where trophy fish love to ambush prey. Captain Josh has all the gear dialed in, from live bait to the right tackle combinations for each species we're targeting. The extended time frame means we can cover way more ground than shorter trips, hitting early morning bite windows, adjusting to changing tides, and even catching that evening feed when the water comes alive. With room for up to four anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines, and the shallow-draft Pathfinder lets us access spots that bigger boats simply can't reach. You'll experience the thrill of sight fishing in crystal clear shallows, working structure along drop-offs, and maybe even some topwater action that'll get your heart pumping.
We fish these inshore waters using a mix of techniques that match what the fish are doing on any given day. Live bait fishing with shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish is deadly effective, especially when we're working the mangrove edges where snook and redfish cruise for easy meals. For the more adventurous anglers, we'll break out the topwater plugs and soft plastics for some sight casting action – nothing beats watching a big red crush a spook on the surface. The tackle setup varies depending on our target species, but we typically run medium to medium-heavy spinning gear that can handle everything from scrappy trout to bruiser tarpon. Captain Josh provides all the rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your fishing license and sunscreen. We'll adjust our approach based on tide movement, water temperature, and what the fish are telling us – some days they want fast-moving lures, other days they're finicky and require a more finesse presentation.
Redfish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, and for good reason – these copper-colored bruisers fight like freight trains and are incredibly fun to target. They typically range from 18 to 35 inches in these waters, with the bigger bulls showing up during their fall spawning runs. Reds are most active during moving tides, especially when water temperatures are between 70-85 degrees. What makes them so exciting to catch is their willingness to eat both live bait and artificials, plus they'll often feed in super shallow water where you can watch the whole fight unfold.
Permit are considered the holy grail of flats fishing – they're smart, spooky, and incredibly strong fighters that will test your skills and patience. These silvery ghosts average 8-20 pounds and are most commonly found over sandy flats and near structure during warmer months. They're notorious for their selective feeding habits, often requiring perfect presentations with crabs or small jigs. Landing a permit is something many anglers chase for years, making each hookup a truly special moment that you'll remember forever.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs that will give you an arm-burning fight from the moment they're hooked. These yellowish-silver torpedoes can exceed 20 pounds and are most active during spring and summer months when baitfish are abundant. They're aggressive feeders that love topwater lures and live bait, often traveling in schools that create feeding frenzies. Jacks are perfect for anglers who want consistent action and don't mind getting their drag tested by some of the strongest fish in the shallows.
Bonefish are the ultimate sight fishing challenge – these silvery phantoms cruise the flats in gin-clear water, requiring stealth and precision to hook up. Most bones in these waters run 3-8 pounds, but their speed and wariness make them incredibly challenging opponents. They're most active during warmer months when they move into super shallow water to feed on crabs and shrimp. The excitement comes from the visual aspect – spotting their shadows, making the perfect cast, and watching them slowly approach your bait before that lightning-fast takeoff that'll melt line off your reel.
Snook are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, combining stunning looks with explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. These fish can reach impressive sizes, with slot fish running 28-33 inches being common, though catch-and-release opportunities for larger broodstock are always possible. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods, especially around structure like docks, mangroves, and bridges. Snook are ambush predators that love live bait but will absolutely crush the right artificial lure, making them versatile targets that keep every cast interesting.
This 3/4 day charter gives you the perfect balance of time and value – enough hours to really get into the fish without committing to a full day on the water. Captain Josh's local knowledge combined with a boat designed for these shallow waters means you're setting yourself up for success from the moment you leave the dock. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target specific
Fish the Florida flats like a pro aboard our 24ft Pathfinder Tournament boat! This fishing machine packs serious power with a 300hp Yamaha engine, getting you to prime spots fast while staying rock-solid in choppy water. The elevated platform gives you perfect sight-fishing advantage for stalking redfish and snook in skinny water, while Power Poles keep you anchored silently over productive flats. When tarpon are rolling or permit are tailing, the wireless trolling motor lets you creep in close without spooking fish. GPS and fish finder help locate structure and baitfish, so you're always fishing smart. Built for serious anglers who want performance and comfort during those long battles with Florida's premier gamefish. Up to 4 anglers can fish comfortably with room to work big fish.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the ultimate shallow water challenge, averaging 6-8 pounds but growing to 16 pounds. These silver torpedoes cruise turtle grass flats in water so thin you can barely float a skiff. Watch for "tailing" fish - when they tip down to feed, their tails break the surface. They're year-round residents but feed best on incoming tides around dawn and dusk. The thrill is the hunt: spotting them, making a perfect cast, then holding on when they make that legendary 100-yard run at 30 mph. Most folks release them since they're bony and not great eating. The key is staying quiet and casting well ahead of moving fish - shrimp patterns and small crabs work best. Spook one and the whole school vanishes.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bullies of the inshore waters, running 12-24 inches on average but capable of hitting 4 feet and 60 pounds. Look for them around grass beds, sandy bays, and near any structure where they hunt in aggressive schools. The dead giveaway is birds working the surface - jacks push baitfish up and create a feeding frenzy. They're year-round targets but really turn on during warmer months. What guests love is the raw power and that initial screaming run. They're not great eating, but the fight more than makes up for it. Silver spoons and fast-moving swimbaits are money. Here's the trick: cast past the school and retrieve fast - these fish love the chase, and slow presentations get ignored.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the ghosts of the flats - silver, disc-shaped fish that average around 3 feet but can hit 4 feet and 60 pounds. These guys cruise sandy and grass flats in crazy shallow water, sometimes just 2 feet deep. What makes them tough is those golf ball-sized eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees - they see everything. Spring through fall is prime time, especially around the spawn. Anglers love the challenge because permit are notoriously spooky and selective. Blue crab is the go-to bait, but soft plastic crab imitations work too. They're not great table fare, so most folks release them. Pro tip: when you spot one, lead it by several feet and let your crab offering sit still on bottom - movement spooks them fast.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of the most reliable targets we see in shallow water, usually running 20-30 inches with that signature black spot near the tail. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and muddy bottoms in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. What makes them special is that explosive strike and strong pull, plus they taste great on the table with that mild, sweet flavor. Fish the falling tide around structure, and here's a tip: when you see their tails up while feeding, cast past them and work your bait slowly back through their zone. They spook easy if you drop it right on their head.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are ambush predators with that distinctive black lateral line, typically running 1-3 feet but capable of hitting 4+ feet. They love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, anywhere they can hide and attack. You'll find them in both salt and fresh water, from deep passes to skinny creeks. May through September is spawn time when they're most active, especially around new and full moons. What makes them special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight, plus they're excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. They're temperature sensitive, so warmer months are best. Use the same lures you'd throw for bass - soft plastics, topwaters, and live bait. My tip: fish the shadow lines around structure during the day, then hit the lights at night.
Key Largo