5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Carrabelle, Florida
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day inshore fishing trip targeting multiple Gulf Coast speciesMaximum 2 guests with all equipment and tackle providedFour-hour bay and reef adventure suitable for beginners
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that delivers both action and variety? This 4-hour guided adventure out of Carrabelle puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best inshore and nearshore fishing grounds. Captain Terry knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll get you on fish fast – we're talking bites within minutes of dropping your line. Perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a taste of what Gulf Coast fishing is all about without committing to a full day on the water.
Your morning starts at the dock in Carrabelle, where you'll meet Captain Terry and get set up for a productive day. This trip targets the protected bay waters and nearby reefs, giving you the best of both worlds – calm inshore flats where reds cruise the shallows, and structure-rich bottom where bass, flounder, and sharks hang out. The boat accommodates up to two anglers, so you'll get plenty of personalized attention and coaching. Captain Terry handles all the heavy lifting – he'll bait your hooks, net your fish, and even clean your catch at the end of the day. All you need to bring are snacks, drinks, and maybe a cooler if you want to take fish home. The rest is taken care of.
Captain Terry runs a well-equipped boat with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for everything from finicky trout to hard-fighting sharks. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you'll fish with both live and cut bait – pinfish, shrimp, and squid are go-to choices that produce consistent results in these waters. The techniques vary throughout the trip: you might start drift fishing over grass flats for trout and reds, then anchor up on structure for black sea bass and flounder. When sharks are around, Captain Terry switches to heavier tackle and circle hooks for safe catch-and-release action. The beauty of this trip is the variety – you're never doing the same thing for too long, and there's always something different to target based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns.
"Cpt Terry knew where the fish were. We had fish on the hook within a minute of dropping bait. Cpt Terry will bait your hook, take the fish off it, and even filet them up for you. Very knowledgeable and has great fish stories. Very nice guy as well. Highly recommend." - Ronald
Summer Flounder are one of the top-rated targets on this trip, and for good reason. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying perfectly still on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush baitfish. In Carrabelle's waters, flounder typically run 14-20 inches, with some doormat-sized fish pushing 24 inches or more. They're most active during moving tides, especially around structure like channel edges, dock pilings, and reef edges. What makes flounder so exciting is the way they hit – often a subtle tap followed by steady weight as they try to bury back into the bottom. Captain Terry knows exactly where these fish stage up, and his technique of bouncing jigs tipped with live shrimp or cut bait is deadly effective.
Redfish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, and the grass flats around Carrabelle hold some beautiful fish year-round. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches in the slot, though you'll occasionally hook into an oversized bull red that'll test your drag system. Reds are sight feeders that cruise shallow water looking for crabs, shrimp, and small fish. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day and on moving water. When a red takes your bait, you'll know it – they make powerful runs and use their broad sides to fight hard all the way to the boat. The best part about redfish is their reliability; even when other species are finicky, you can usually count on reds to keep the action going.
Blacktip Sharks bring serious excitement to any fishing trip, and the nearshore waters around Carrabelle see good numbers during warmer months. These sleek predators typically run 3-5 feet long and are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Blacktips are fast, aggressive feeders that respond well to fresh cut bait fished on the bottom or suspended in the water column. What makes them a customer favorite is their fighting ability – long runs, sudden direction changes, and those famous jumps that get everyone on the boat whooping. Captain Terry practices safe catch-and-release techniques, using circle hooks and handling methods that ensure these important predators swim away healthy.
Bull Sharks are the heavy hitters of this fishery, and encountering one is always memorable. These powerful predators can reach 6-8 feet in local waters and are known for their incredible strength and tenacity. Bulls are opportunistic feeders that patrol both shallow flats and deeper structure, making them a possibility throughout the trip. Unlike their more acrobatic blacktip cousins, bull sharks fight with pure power – long, steady runs that test both tackle and angler endurance. They're most active during warmer months and around structure where baitfish concentrate. The thrill of hooking into a bull shark is unmatched – it's a true test of fishing skill and definitely a story you'll be telling for years.
Black Sea Bass might not be the flashiest fish on the list, but they're solid fighters and excellent table fare. These bottom dwellers love structure – reefs, rocks, and hard bottom areas where they can ambush prey and find shelter. In Carrabelle's nearshore waters, black sea bass typically run 12-16 inches and are year-round residents. They're aggressive biters that hit both live and cut bait with enthusiasm. What anglers love about black
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our reliable 22-foot Twin Vee center console, powered by a smooth 150HP Suzuki engine that'll get you to the productive waters around Carrabelle Bay quickly and quietly. This 2017 boat handles the inshore waters like a dream, with plenty of room for you and your fishing buddy to cast lines without getting tangled up. We've got everything set up for a successful day on the water - a built-in icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, while our GPS and fish finder take the guesswork out of locating those honey holes where the Redfish and Trout like to hang out. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for working those shallow flats or drifting over nearshore reefs where Cobia cruise. Whether you're targeting Flounder in the grass beds or hoping to hook into something bigger near the structure, this boat gets you there comfortably and puts you on the fish fast.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky, cooperative fish that make perfect targets for families and new anglers. These grouper relatives typically run 1-4 pounds and 12-16 inches, with their dark, mottled colors and big mouths. They live around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom in 20-80 feet of water, rarely straying far from structure. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed heavily. Guests appreciate their willingness to bite and decent fight, plus they're fantastic eating - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit squid strips, cut bait, small jigs, and live shrimp. Medium tackle works fine since they don't run far once hooked. Pro tip: fish right on the bottom and be ready - they'll grab bait fast and try to duck back into the structure.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, known for their spectacular jumps and those distinctive black-tipped fins. They average 4-5 feet but can reach 8 feet and 200+ pounds. You'll find them cruising in 30-100 feet of water around reefs, wrecks, and structure where baitfish congregate. Warm months bring the best action when they're actively feeding near the surface. What guests love is their aerial show - these sharks can launch 20 feet out of the water! They're also great fighters, making long runs and showing plenty of attitude. They hit cut mackerel, sardines, and live bait readily. My go-to setup is heavy braid with circle hooks and plenty of chum. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - their acrobatics can throw the hook if you're too aggressive.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull Sharks are the tanks of the shark world - thick, muscular, and built for power. These gray bruisers typically run 6-8 feet and 200-300 pounds around here. What's unique is they can handle both salt and fresh water, so you might find them anywhere from deep channels to shallow bays and creek mouths. Summer months are prime time when they move inshore to feed and breed. Guests love the raw power these sharks bring - it's a straight-up tug of war with no fancy jumps, just bulldogging strength. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit cut bait, live fish, and anything that smells strong. Heavy tackle is a must - think 50+ pound line and strong circle hooks. Secret weapon: fresh eel makes killer bait due to its high oil content and tough skin that stays on the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are true crowd-pleasers with their copper-bronze backs and signature black spots near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but the big bulls can push 40+ inches and 30 pounds. They love super shallow water - often just 1-4 feet deep around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're cruising the flats in small schools. What makes them special is their explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fight once hooked. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, mild meat. They'll hit live shrimp, cut bait, spoons, and topwater plugs. Local trick: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats during moving tides, and approach quietly with your trolling motor.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are fascinating flatfish that sit camouflaged on sandy bottoms, both eyes on their left side watching for prey above. These "chameleons of the sea" change color to match their surroundings perfectly. Most run 15-20 inches, but bigger ones push 4-5 pounds and make great table fare with their mild, flaky meat. They're active year-round but easiest to catch September through November when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. You'll find them in 10-30 feet around structure, grass beds, and drop-offs. They hit live minnows, mullet, and sea worms best. Pro tip: use a circle hook and let them run with the bait for a few seconds before setting - they grab prey sideways and need time to turn it around in their mouth.
5.0 out of 5.0Cpt Terry knew where the fish were. We had fish on the hook within a minute of dropping bait. Cpt Terry will bait your hook, take ...
Ronald J., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Tallahassee