Half Day Inshore Fishing on 24' Pathfinder
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day inshore fishing targeting six premier South Florida speciesLight tackle sight casting in shallow flats and backcountry watersMorning departure with calm conditions aboard 24ft Pathfinder
Looking for that perfect half-day fishing adventure without burning your entire day? Captain Josh's morning inshore trips aboard his 24-foot Pathfinder are exactly what you need. We're talking prime South Florida flats fishing here – shallow water sight casting, light tackle action, and some seriously fun fish that'll test your skills. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives and breathes saltwater, this trip delivers the goods. You'll be targeting the big five of inshore fishing: redfish, snook, bonefish, tarpon, and permit, plus mangrove snapper when they're biting. With space for up to four anglers, you get that intimate fishing experience where everyone actually gets to fish instead of watching from the sidelines.
Your morning starts early – and trust me, that's when the magic happens. We launch before the weekend crowd hits the water, giving us first crack at the best spots. Captain Josh knows these South Florida flats like his own backyard, and he's got the local intel on where fish are holding based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. The 24-foot Pathfinder is built for this kind of fishing – shallow draft means we can get into those skinny water spots where the big fish cruise, but with enough stability that you're not fighting the boat while fighting your fish. All your gear is provided, from quality spinning rods matched to the conditions down to the bait and tackle. We're talking live shrimp, pilchards, and whatever else is working that day. The boat's equipped with a good casting platform, so you'll have room to work when that shot presents itself. Morning conditions are typically your best bet – calmer winds, less boat traffic, and fish that haven't been pressured all day.
This isn't about dropping heavy tackle and waiting for something to happen. We're running light spinning gear, usually 10-15 pound test, which means every fish is going to show you what it's made of. The real excitement comes from sight fishing – spotting your target cruising the flats before making your cast. Captain Josh will position the boat so you get clean shots at feeding fish, whether they're tailing reds in two feet of water or permit working a flat. You'll learn to read the water, spot subtle signs like nervous baitfish or that telltale wake of a big snook sliding through the shallows. The technique varies with the target – sometimes we're working topwater plugs at first light, other times it's live bait presented just right in front of a cruising fish. Don't worry if you've never sight fished before; Captain Josh will talk you through it. The learning curve is part of the fun, and when you nail that perfect cast to a fish you spotted yourself, you'll understand why inshore fishing gets so addictive.
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're most active during moving tides, especially around grass flats and oyster bars. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat – they're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from live shrimp to spoons. Plus, they're year-round residents, so you've got a solid shot no matter when you book. Watch for their black spotted tails breaking the surface when they're feeding head-down in shallow water.
Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers, and South Florida's flats hold some beauties. These silver ghosts are notorious for being picky eaters, but when one decides to play, you're in for a fight. They average 8-15 pounds and have this frustrating habit of following your bait right to the boat before turning away at the last second. Spring through fall gives you the best shots, especially around coral heads and sandy flats. Landing a permit on light tackle is something most anglers remember forever – they're that special.
Crevalle Jacks might not win beauty contests, but they'll absolutely school you on what a fish can do with leverage and determination. These amber-colored bulldogs are pure muscle and show up in schools when conditions are right. They're excellent for beginners because they eat aggressively and don't require perfect presentations. Expect fish in the 15-25 pound range that'll test your drag and your arms. They're particularly active during warmer months and love to crash baitfish schools in spectacular fashion.
Bonefish are the ultimate sight fishing challenge – smart, spooky, and lightning fast. South Florida bones average 3-6 pounds, but don't let the size fool you. Their initial run will strip line faster than you thought possible, and they have this maddening ability to find every piece of structure on the flat. They feed in super shallow water, often with their tails waving above the surface. The window for a good cast is usually seconds, not minutes, which makes connecting with one such a rush.
Grey Snapper, particularly mangroves, are opportunistic feeders that show up around structure. They're great eating and put up a respectable scrap on light tackle. Look for them around docks, bridges, and mangrove edges where they ambush smaller fish. They're not the most glamorous target, but when the bite is on, they'll keep your rod bent and add some variety to the fish box. Best action typically comes during warmer months when they move into shallower water to feed.
This half-day morning trip hits that sweet spot – enough time on the water to really get into fish without killing your whole day. Captain Josh's local knowledge, quality gear, and that perfectly sized Pathfinder make it a top-rated choice for anyone wanting to experience South Florida's world-class inshore fishing. Whether you're looking to check permit off your
Hit the South Florida flats aboard our 24ft Pathfinder Tournament boat, built for serious inshore fishing. The 300hp Yamaha gets you to the fish fast, while Power Poles keep you locked down when you find them. Our wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly through skinny water where Redfish and Snook hang out. The elevated casting platform gives you clear sight lines for spotting Tarpon rolling or Bonefish tailing in the backcountry. GPS and fish finder help locate structure and baitfish. Perfect for light tackle action and sight casting in the shallows. Captain Josh stocks quality gear and knows where the fish are feeding. Up to 4 anglers fish comfortably while targeting Permit, Mangrove Snapper, and Bonefish. Morning trips mean calmer water and active fish before the afternoon heat kicks in.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the "grey ghosts" of the flats - silver, streamlined fish that average 3-8 pounds and can hit 30 mph when spooked. They feed in water so shallow their backs stick out, rooting around turtle grass and sandy bottoms for shrimp and crabs. You'll spot them by their tails slapping the surface while they dig, or see them cruising like shadows. Low tide is prime time when they move onto the flats to feed. What makes them special is the challenge - they're spooky as hell and require perfect presentations. Hook one and they'll rip line for 100 yards without stopping. We don't keep them since they're too bony to eat. Here's the key: when approaching tailing bones, pole upwind and cast to individual fish on the edges of the school, not the middle. Lead them by about 3 feet.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of the flats - aggressive, powerful fish that average 3-8 pounds but can hit 20 or more. These brassy-colored fighters love to school up and crash baitfish near the surface. Look for diving birds to find them feeding. They'll hit just about anything you throw - spoons, plugs, jigs, or live bait. You'll find them around grass flats, channels, and structure in 3-15 feet of water year-round, though they're most active in warmer months. What guests love is their attitude - they hit hard and fight dirty with long, powerful runs. They're not great table fare, so most folks release them. Pro tip: when you see them busting bait on top, don't cast right into the school. Throw past them and work your lure back through the edge - that's where the biggest ones usually hang.
Lutjanus GriseusMangrove snapper are scrappy little fighters that hang around structure - docks, mangroves, rock piles, and oyster bars. Most run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds, but they punch above their weight. These greyish-red fish have great eyesight and are super cautious, especially during the day. They feed best at dawn, dusk, and night when they get more aggressive. You'll find them in 3-15 feet around any kind of cover. What guests love is they're both fun to catch and great eating - white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. Live shrimp is hard to beat for bait. Here's my trick: don't use a bobber during the day. Instead, free-line a shrimp on a small circle hook right to the bottom near structure, then lift it just off the bottom and wait. The less hardware they see, the better.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - tall, silver, and smart as they come. Most run 15-25 pounds with those distinctive sickle-shaped fins. They cruise turtle grass flats and sandy areas in 2-6 feet of water, using those golf ball-sized eyes that can spot you from way off. Spring through fall gives you the best shot when they're spawning and more aggressive. What draws anglers is the challenge - these fish are incredibly spooky and picky eaters. When you do hook one, they'll make blistering runs that'll test your drag. While not great eating due to those big bones, catching one is a real accomplishment. Blue crabs are your best bet for bait, but here's the trick: present it dead still on the bottom and don't move it until they pick it up. Any twitch and they're gone.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable targets on the flats, usually running 20-30 inches and putting up a solid fight on light tackle. You'll spot that distinctive black eyespot near their tail as they cruise the shallows looking for crabs and shrimp. These copper-colored fish love water 1-4 feet deep around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. They feed best during moving tides, especially early morning when the water's calm. What makes them special is their willingness to eat just about anything - topwater plugs, jigs, or live shrimp all work great. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when you see them tailing in super shallow water, cast your bait about three feet ahead of where they're heading and let it sit still. They'll find it.
Key Largo