Private 6-8 Hour Fishing Adventure in Indian Shores
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 68 hour inshore fishing adventure in Indian ShoresAccommodates up to 4 guests with experienced crew guidanceEquipment and expertise provided for all skill levels
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a well-equipped sportfishing boat, watching the sun rise over the pristine waters of Indian Shores while your captain scouts for the perfect fishing spots. That's exactly what you'll get with Hog HandlerZ Sportfishing's top-rated extended charter. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking about a proper 6 to 8-hour fishing experience that gives you real time to work the waters and chase the fish that make the Gulf Coast legendary. Whether you're bringing the family or your best fishing buddies, our private charter accommodates up to 4 anglers, so you won't be elbow-to-elbow with strangers while trying to land your personal best.
Your day starts early – and trust me, it's worth every minute of lost sleep. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not just going to anchor up at the first spot and hope for the best. We'll be moving around, reading the conditions, watching for bird activity, and following the baitfish to where the action really happens. The beauty of an extended trip is that we have time to adjust our game plan. If the inshore bite is hot, we'll work the grass flats and mangrove shorelines where snook and redfish love to ambush their prey. When conditions are right, we might head to the nearshore structure where tarpon roll and cobia cruise the surface. You'll fish from a stable, comfortable platform with all the gear provided – though if you've got a lucky rod or favorite tackle box, bring it along. Our crew will handle the net, offer guidance on technique, and make sure you're hooked up with the right bait for whatever we're targeting that day.
The waters around Indian Shores offer world-class diversity, and we'll use every trick in the book to put fish in the boat. Live bait fishing is our bread and butter – there's nothing like a frisky pilchard or pinfish to get a snook's attention. We'll drift the grass flats with live shrimp for redfish, or anchor up near structure and free-line baits for tarpon when they're in season. Artificial lures have their place too, especially when fish are actively feeding. Topwater plugs at dawn can produce explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping, while soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom are deadly for black drum. The captain will read the conditions and adjust tactics throughout the day – maybe we start with live bait on the flats, then switch to artificial lures as we work our way to deeper structure. The extended time frame means we can really fine-tune our approach and give you hands-on experience with different techniques. Don't worry if you're new to this – our crew loves teaching, and there's no better classroom than being on the water with fish cooperating.
Snook are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around Indian Shores, and these ambush predators know how to put on a show. They love hanging around docks, mangroves, and bridge pilings where they can dart out to grab an easy meal. Most of our snook run between 20 and 30 inches, though slot-sized fish over 28 inches are common during peak season from spring through fall. What makes them special is their fighting spirit – they'll jump, they'll run for cover, and they'll test your drag like few other fish can. The thrill of watching a snook explode on a topwater lure in shallow water is something that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs when it comes to fighting power. These bottom-dwellers can grow massive – we're talking 20 to 40-pound fish that will make your arms burn. They feed primarily on crabs and shellfish, so we'll fish them with cut bait or live shrimp near oyster bars and deeper grass flats. Black drum are year-round residents, but spring brings the big spawning fish into our area. Landing a trophy black drum is like arm-wrestling with a truck tire – they pull straight down and just don't give up.
Tarpon are the ultimate prize for any angler visiting our waters. These silver kings can reach 100 pounds or more, and when one takes your bait, you'll know it immediately. They jump repeatedly, often launching their entire body out of the water in spectacular fashion. Late spring through early fall is prime tarpon time around Indian Shores, when schools of these giants migrate through our area. Even smaller tarpon in the 40 to 80-pound range will give you a workout you won't forget. Fair warning – tarpon fishing requires patience and strong arms, but the payoff is worth every minute of the fight.
Redfish, or red drum as they're properly called, are the workhorses of our inshore fishery. These copper-colored bruisers are built for the shallow flats, where they cruise in search of crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. Most reds we catch run between 18 and 27 inches – perfect for the dinner table if you're keeping a few. They're available year-round, though fall brings the best action when they school up in impressive numbers. Redfish fight with determination, making long runs and using their broad sides to pull against your rod. They're also one of the most reliable species, making them perfect for families or anglers who want consistent action.
Cobia are the wildcards of our fishing trips – you never know when one might show up. These curious fish often approach the boat, giving you a shot at sight-fishing one of the best eating fish in the Gulf. They're typically found around structure or cruising in open water, and they can range from 20 pounds to well over 50. Spring is peak cobia season around Indian Shores, when they migrate through our area heading to their spaw
Hit the inshore waters around Indian Shores aboard this solid 24' Ranger Bay Boat, perfect for your 6-8 hour fishing adventure. This 2008 center console runs on a reliable 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hotspots at up to 35 knots. With room for 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the lines without crowding each other. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on spooky redfish and snook in the shallows, while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish. GPS keeps you on track to productive spots, and the icebox ensures your drinks stay cold and your catch stays fresh. Whether you're working the grass flats for trout or targeting the mangrove edges for reds, this boat handles the shallow Gulf Coast waters with ease. The spacious layout gives everyone room to fight fish and move around comfortably during those long days on the water.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of our flats - powerful fish that typically run 10-30 pounds, though we see monsters over 50 pounds. They cruise oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of brackish water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. What draws anglers is their brute strength and that steady, head-shaking fight that'll test your tackle. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make good eating with firm white meat. They're bottom feeders with crushing jaws built for crabs and oysters. Live or fresh dead crab is your best bet - blue crab, fiddler crab, or cut bait. Pro tip: use just enough weight to stay on bottom and be patient. When a drum picks up your bait, let them run with it for a few seconds before setting the hook.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are sharks with attitude - dark brown bruisers that average 20-40 pounds but can hit 60+ pounds. They're loners, cruising around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 15-50 feet. Spring migration brings the best action as they move through our waters heading north. What gets anglers excited is their aggressive nature and bulldogging fight, plus they're premium table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. They'll eat just about anything - bucktail jigs, live bait, even topwater lures. Sight fishing is the name of the game - you'll often see them just under the surface. Here's the trick: when you spot one, cast ahead of where it's swimming and work your lure right in front of its nose. They rarely refuse a well-placed offering.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread-and-butter inshore species, easily spotted by those black spots near the tail. Most run 18-27 inches, perfect slot size for keeping dinner. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. Year-round fishing with spring and fall being hottest. Redfish fight hard with powerful runs and make excellent table fare - mild, sweet meat that's great grilled or blackened. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from topwater plugs to soft plastics and live shrimp. Look for nervous water, tailing fish, or wakes in the shallows. Local secret: when you see them tailing in super skinny water, approach quietly and cast well ahead of where they're moving. They spook easy but once hooked, they'll give you a battle.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier gamefish, known for that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. Most fish run 18-28 inches around here, though big females can push 40+ inches. They love structure - docks, mangroves, bridges, and grass flats in 2-8 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're spawning. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, plus they're excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. They're ambush predators, so soft plastics and topwater lures work great. Here's a local tip: cast your lure past the structure and work it back through the strike zone - snook rarely chase, so put it right in their face for the best results.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - silver kings that can reach 6 feet and 100+ pounds around here. They patrol shallow flats, channels, and bridges in 3-20 feet during their spring migration through summer. Late spring through early fall is peak season, especially on moving tides. What makes tarpon legendary is their aerial show - these fish can jump 8 feet out of the water and peel line like no other. They're strictly catch-and-release due to their bony meat and importance to the fishery. Live bait like crabs, pinfish, and threadfins work well, but they'll hit topwater plugs and flies too. Key tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. This keeps tension off the line and prevents them from throwing the hook during those spectacular leaps.
Clearwater