Private 4 Hour Gulf Coast Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing adventure targeting snook and redfishExpert crew guidance provided for all experience levelsComfortable boat accommodates up to four guests maximum
If you're looking to get your line wet in some of the most productive inshore waters on the Gulf Coast, this 4-hour private charter with Hog HandlerZ Sportfishing is exactly what you need. We've been running these waters for years, and let me tell you - there's nothing quite like the adrenaline rush when a 30-inch redfish slams your bait in 3 feet of crystal-clear water. This trip is our bread and butter, designed for up to 4 anglers who want to target the Gulf's most prized inshore species without dealing with crowded party boats or rushed timelines.
Your morning starts at the dock where we'll get you set up on our well-equipped inshore boat - she's built for comfort and performance in the shallow flats and backcountry areas where these fish love to hang out. We're talking about fishing in 1 to 8 feet of water, where you can actually see the fish you're targeting. The Gulf Coast's inshore waters are like a massive nursery system, with grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and sandy potholes creating the perfect habitat for our target species. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a fishing rod, our crew will match the approach to your skill level. We've got everything from live bait setups for beginners to artificial lures for those who want to work for their fish.
Inshore fishing here is all about adapting to conditions and reading the water. We'll be using medium to medium-heavy spinning tackle, typically 7-foot rods paired with 3000-4000 series reels spooled with 15-20 lb braided line. Depending on what we're targeting and where we find them, we might be sight fishing with live shrimp under popping corks, throwing soft plastics on jig heads around structure, or working topwater plugs over grass flats during low light periods. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety - one minute you're pitching a live pinfish to a tarpon rolling on the surface, the next you're working a gold spoon through a school of redfish tailing in knee-deep water. We provide all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod or reel setup, feel free to bring it along.
Snook are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love to hang around docks, mangroves, and bridge pilings, especially during moving water. They're incredibly structure-oriented fish that can grow over 40 inches and put up a fight that'll test your drag system. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but we catch them year-round. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and their tendency to jump - when one hits your bait, you know it immediately. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters when kept within slot limits.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the Gulf, but they're absolute bulldogs that will test your patience and your tackle. These bottom-dwellers can reach impressive sizes - we're talking fish that can top 30-40 pounds - and they love to cruise shallow flats looking for crabs and shrimp. Spring months are prime time when they move into the shallows to spawn. What anglers love about black drum is their fighting style: they don't jump or make long runs, but they'll put their head down and bulldoze you, making every inch of line a battle. Plus, smaller drum make excellent table fare.
Tarpon are the ultimate inshore gamefish - period. These silver kings can exceed 100 pounds and 6 feet in length, and when one takes your bait, you're in for the fight of your life. They're most active during the warmer months from May through October, and the Gulf Coast sees incredible tarpon migrations. What makes tarpon fishing so addictive is their acrobatic ability - they'll jump repeatedly, often throwing the hook, which adds to the challenge. Most anglers practice catch and release with tarpon since they're primarily a sport fish, but landing one is a lifetime memory.
Redfish are arguably the most popular inshore target, and it's easy to see why. These copper-colored fighters are aggressive feeders that will hit everything from live bait to artificial lures. They're available year-round, but fall months are prime time when schools of bull reds move through our waters. What makes redfish so exciting is their versatility - you might catch a 16-inch "rat red" in a foot of water or hook into a 40-inch bull red that strips line like a freight train. They're also excellent table fare when kept within slot limits, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Cobia are the wildcards of inshore fishing. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) are curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities you won't find with other species. They can grow over 40 inches and are incredibly strong fighters that will test your gear. Spring and fall migrations bring the best cobia action, and they're often found around structure or following rays on the flats. What makes cobia special is their intelligence - they'll inspect your bait and often require a perfect presentation. When you do hook one, they're known for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style.
This 4-hour private charter gives you the flexibility to target multiple species while learning the ins and outs of Gulf Coast inshore fishing from experienced local guides. We're not just here to put you on fish - we want you to understand why we're fishing certain areas, what to look for, and how to improve your own angling skills. The Gulf Coast's inshore fishery is world-class, and there's no better way
Get ready to chase some serious fish aboard this solid 24' Ranger Bay Boat! This center console beauty packs a 250HP Yamaha engine that'll get you to the hottest fishing spots at 35 knots. Built for Gulf Coast waters, she handles like a dream whether you're drifting over grass flats or running to structure. The spacious layout keeps all 4 anglers comfortable during your 4-hour hunt for Snook, Redfish, and whatever else is biting. Smart features make all the difference - the fish finder helps locate schools, GPS keeps you on productive water, and the wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them. Pack your lunch in the icebox and get ready for some action. This 2008 Ranger has the reliability and fishability that Gulf Coast anglers demand.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldozers of our flats - powerful fish that'll give you a serious workout. Most run 5-30 pounds, but we catch some monsters pushing 50-60 pounds. They're bottom feeders that cruise oyster bars, muddy flats, and shallow grass beds, using those crushing jaws to munch crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. What guests love about drum fishing is the heavy, steady fight - no jumping, just pure pulling power that'll make your arms burn. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are fantastic table fare too. My go-to tip: use fresh cut crab on a Carolina rig and keep it right on the bottom. These fish have incredible noses, so fresh bait is key to getting them fired up.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the cruise missiles of our waters - dark brown torpedoes that average 30-60 pounds and can push 100. They're loners, not schooling fish, usually found around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-50 feet of water. Spring migration brings the best action when they move through our area to spawn. What makes cobia special is their curiosity - they'll actually swim up to the boat to investigate, giving you perfect sight-fishing opportunities. They fight hard with deep runs and are hands-down some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. Here's the trick: when you spot one, don't cast right at it. Lead them by 10 feet with a bucktail jig and work it slowly - their aggressive nature will take over from there.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread-and-butter species - beautiful bronze fish with distinctive black spots near their tails. They typically run 18-30 inches and love super shallow water, sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them tailing on grass flats, around oyster bars, and in marshy creeks. They're active year-round here, but fall and spring offer the best fishing when they school up. What makes reds so popular is their willingness to eat almost anything and their bulldogging fight in shallow water. They're also some of the best eating fish we catch - firm, sweet meat that's perfect on the grill. My favorite technique is sight-fishing with topwater plugs early morning. When you see that copper flash and explosive strike in 2 feet of water, you'll understand why redfish are so addictive to target.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 1-3 feet long, though the big ones can push 4 feet. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in shallow water - they love structure and ambush spots. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's a tip: when you're working mangroves, cast your lure right into the roots. Snook sit tight to cover, so you've got to put it right in their kitchen to get bit.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - pure silver rockets that can grow 4-8 feet and weigh 80-200 pounds. They cruise shallow flats, channels, and harbor areas, often rolling on the surface to gulp air. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through our waters. What makes tarpon fishing so addictive is watching a 100-pound fish launch 6 feet out of the water when hooked - it's a sight you'll never forget. We practice catch and release since they're not great eating, but the fight is what you're after anyway. These fish are built for speed and acrobatics, capable of multiple jumps and long runs. Pro tip: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to give slack and prevent the hook from pulling out during those aerial shows.
Clearwater