Full Day Inshore Fishing with Grand Slam Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing targeting multiple South Florida speciesProfessional captain provides tackle, bait, and local expertiseShallowwater boat accommodates up to four anglers comfortably
When you're serious about getting into South Florida's legendary inshore waters, you need more than just a few hours – you need a full day with Captain Josh aboard his 24ft Pathfinder. This isn't your typical half-day rush job where you're checking your watch every hour. With 8 solid hours on the water, you get the real deal: time to work different flats, adjust tactics when the bite slows down, and actually learn something about these waters. The backcountry here is maze-like, and having a local pro who knows every channel, flat, and honey hole makes all the difference between stories and photos.
Captain Josh runs a top-rated operation that's built around giving you options. Some days the tarpon are rolling thick in the early morning, other days the permit show up on the flats right at lunch. With a full day charter, you're not locked into one game plan – you can chase whatever's hot or focus on that one species you've been dreaming about. The Pathfinder is purpose-built for this kind of fishing, drawing just inches of water so you can get into skinny backcountry spots where the big boys hang out. Everything's included – tackle, bait, ice, and all the local knowledge you can soak up. Just bring yourself, some snacks, drinks, and sunscreen. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, so there's room to spread out and fish without bumping elbows.
Inshore fishing in South Florida is all about adapting to conditions and reading the water. Captain Josh switches between live bait fishing with pilchards and shrimp, artificial lures for active feeders, and sight fishing when the water's gin clear and fish are cruising the flats. The Pathfinder's shallow draft lets you work everything from grass flats to mangrove shorelines to sandy potholes where fish ambush prey. You'll learn to spot nervous water, read bird activity, and understand how tides move bait and predators around. The tackle setup varies by target – lighter spinning gear for trout and smaller snook, heavier baitcasters when tarpon or big jacks show up. Captain Josh matches the gear to what you're comfortable with and what the conditions call for, so beginners get confidence while experienced anglers get challenged.
Redfish are the bread and butter of South Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and fight like they're twice that size. They cruise shallow flats looking for crabs and shrimp, often with their backs out of the water. Fall and winter are prime time when big schools push into the backcountry, but you'll find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes reds so addictive is how they eat – aggressive strikes followed by bulldogging runs that test your drag system.
Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers, and South Florida's flats hold some of the best opportunities in the world. These disc-shaped fighters are notoriously picky eaters, often following a bait for hundreds of yards before deciding to strike or spook. They average 15-25 pounds and when hooked, they make screaming runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Spring through fall offers the best shot at permit, especially on incoming tides when they move onto the flats to feed on crabs. Landing one is a career highlight for most anglers.
Crevalle Jacks bring pure muscle to the fight. These silver torpedoes travel in schools and when you find them feeding, the action gets crazy fast. They'll crush anything that moves and fight dirty – long runs, head shakes, and enough power to make your arms ache. Jacks are around all year but peak in summer when bait schools are thick. They're perfect for anglers who want to feel their drag scream and test their tackle to the limit.
Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats – silvery shadows that materialize and vanish in ankle-deep water. These speed demons average 4-8 pounds but when hooked, they make blistering runs that can cover 100 yards in seconds. Bones are year-round residents but are most active during warm months when they cruise the flats in small schools. Sight fishing for bonefish is addictive – the visual element of watching them approach your bait, the subtle take, then the explosive run when they feel the hook.
Snook are South Florida's signature gamefish, with their distinctive black lateral line and aggressive attitude. These ambush predators hang around structure – docks, mangroves, bridges – and explode on baits with gill-rattling strikes. They average 20-30 inches and are renowned for their jumping ability and powerful runs. Snook fishing is best during warmer months, particularly around new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their unpredictability – they might slam a topwater plug at dawn or sip a live shrimp in the shadows at noon.
A full day inshore charter with Grand Slam Charters isn't just about catching fish – it's about understanding South Florida's incredible ecosystem and learning techniques that'll make you a better angler anywhere. Captain Josh's local expertise combined with 8 hours of fishing time gives you the best shot at multiple species and that trophy photo you've been chasing. The Pathfinder's shallow water capabilities open up backcountry spots that bigger boats can't reach, where the fishing pressure is lighter and the fish are less spooky. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next challenge or someone wanting to seriously upgrade their inshore game, this world-class fishing experience delivers. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so lock in your dates
This 24ft Pathfinder Tournament is your ticket to prime South Florida flats fishing. Built specifically for shallow water hunting, she's powered by a reliable 300hp Yamaha that'll get you to the fish fast and quiet. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky tarpon and redfish without spooking them, while the elevated casting platform gives you the perfect vantage point to spot tailing fish in skinny water. Power Poles keep you locked in position when you're working a school, and the GPS fish finder combo helps locate structure where snook and trout hang out. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work without bumping elbows. Captain Josh knows these backcountry waters like his backyard and has all the tackle dialed in for whatever's biting. Whether you're sight casting to cruising tarpon or working dock lights for snook, this boat handles the flats like a dream and gives you access to spots bigger boats can't reach.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the ultimate flats challenge - these "gray ghosts" will make you a better angler whether you catch one or not. Most bones run 4-8 pounds and 20-30 inches, with that torpedo shape built for speed in skinny water. They cruise sand and grass flats in 6 inches to 4 feet, often showing their tails when feeding. Winter through spring offers the most consistent fishing when water temps are cooler. What makes bonefishing addictive is the sight-fishing aspect and their lightning-fast runs - a spooked bone will rip 100 yards of line before you blink. They're catch-and-release fish, prized purely for the challenge. Live shrimp and small crabs work best, along with shrimp-pattern flies for fly anglers. Key tip: when you see tailing bones, approach from downwind and cast to individual fish, not the middle of the school - one spooked fish will blow out the whole group.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the flats - pure muscle wrapped in gold and green. These aggressive fighters average 3-8 pounds but can push 20+ pounds when you find the big ones around structure. They roam everything from shallow grass flats to deeper channels, always hunting in packs. You'll often spot them by the bird action - when jacks push baitfish up, the pelicans and gulls go crazy overhead. They're year-round residents here, but summer and fall are prime time when the bait is thick. What guests love about jacks is their willingness to eat anything and that non-stop fight - they'll pull drag from the moment you hook up until they're in the boat. Silver spoons and fast-retrieved swimbaits are deadly. Pro tip: when you see that surface commotion with birds diving, get there fast and cast beyond the school, then burn your lure back through it.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - these silver ghosts will test every bit of your patience and skill. Most run 20-30 pounds with that distinctive tall, compressed body and forked tail. You'll find them on shallow sand and grass flats, usually in 2-6 feet of water, though they can show up in water so thin their backs are exposed. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, especially around the new and full moons. What drives anglers crazy about permit is their spooky nature and those golf ball-sized eyes that see everything. But land one and you've got bragging rights for life - they pull like freight trains and make long, powerful runs. Live crabs are the gold standard for bait. Here's the secret: when you spot one, lead it by at least 10 feet and let that crab settle naturally to the bottom.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable targets here in South Florida. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and love cruising the shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot that distinctive black eyespot near their tail as they hunt around oyster bars, grass beds, and mangrove shorelines. They're not picky eaters - live shrimp, cut bait, and topwater plugs all work well. Best fishing happens around moving tides, especially early morning and late afternoon. What makes redfish special is their bulldogging fight and willingness to eat just about anything you throw at them. They're also great table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in super shallow water, cast well ahead of where they're moving and let your bait settle to the bottom before they get there.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature inshore gamefish - sleek predators with that unmistakable black lateral line running down their golden sides. Most fish range 18-28 inches, though trophy snook can hit 30+ pounds. They're structure lovers, hanging around mangrove shorelines, docks, bridges, and inlet mouths in 2-15 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during spawning season when they stack up near passes. Snook are popular because they fight hard with explosive strikes, plus they're outstanding table fare with white, flaky meat. They're ambush feeders that love live bait like pilchards and shrimp, but also smash topwater plugs and soft plastics. Temperature sensitive - anything below 60 degrees shuts them down. Pro tip: work the shadow lines along mangroves and docks during the day, and focus on current edges where they wait to ambush baitfish.
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