Extended Half-day Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour morning charter targeting redfish and speckled troutAll experience levels welcome with professional guide assistanceMaximum four guests for personalized inshore fishing experience
Picture this: the sun's just breaking over Pensacola Bay, you've got a steaming cup of coffee in your hands, and the water's glass-calm as far as you can see. That's how most mornings start on this 5-hour inshore charter with Hotspots Charters. We're talking about a proper half-day trip that gives you enough time to really get into the groove without feeling rushed. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a fishing rod, this charter puts you right in the sweet spots where Pensacola's inshore game fish love to hang out.
This isn't your typical quick-hit fishing trip. Five hours gives us the luxury of covering some serious water and hitting multiple spots depending on what the fish are telling us. We'll start the morning working the grass flats and oyster bars where redfish cruise looking for their breakfast. The beauty of Pensacola's inshore waters is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds in two feet of water, the next you're working a deep channel edge for keeper trout. The boat holds up to four anglers comfortably, so you're not bumping elbows with a crowd. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got that local intel that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. You'll fish everything from protected creek mouths to the edges of the main bay, always staying in that productive inshore zone where the action stays consistent.
We fish smart out here, not just hard. Depending on conditions and what we're targeting, you might find yourself throwing topwater plugs at first light, working soft plastics along drop-offs, or free-lining live bait around structure. The charter provides all your tackle, from light spinning gear perfect for trout to medium-action rods that can handle a bull redfish when he decides to make a run. Live bait is the name of the game most days – we're talking fresh shrimp, finger mullet, and whatever baitfish are thick in the area. But don't sleep on the artificials either. There's nothing quite like watching a big red blow up on a topwater plug in shallow water. The captain will match the technique to the conditions and what the fish want that particular morning. Some days they're aggressive and hitting anything that moves, other days you need to slow down and finesse them with a perfectly presented live shrimp under a popping cork.
Let's talk about what's swimming around these waters and why each species keeps anglers coming back for more. King mackerel might seem like an odd target for an inshore trip, but Pensacola's got those deep channels and passes where kings patrol, especially during their migration periods. These fish are pure speed and aggression – when a king hits your bait, you know it immediately. They'll scream line off your reel and put on an aerial show that gets everyone on the boat excited. Best time to target them is typically late spring through early fall when they're moving through our area. Redfish are the bread and butter of Pensacola inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-sized fish perfect for dinner to oversized bulls that'll test your tackle and your patience. They're year-round residents, but fall brings some of the best action when they school up in massive numbers. What makes reds special is their attitude – they eat with authority and fight dirty, using their broad shoulders to pull hard and stay deep.
Red snapper traditionally get lumped in with offshore fishing, but Pensacola's inshore structure holds plenty of keeper-sized fish, especially around bridges, artificial reefs, and rocky bottom. They're smart fish that require some finesse, but when you connect with a good snapper, that headshaking fight and the promise of some of the best table fare in the Gulf makes it worth the effort. Spanish mackerel are the speed demons of the inshore fleet. They travel in schools, hit fast and hard, and provide non-stop action when you find them. They're particularly fun on light tackle, and kids love them because they bite aggressively and don't require a lot of technique to catch. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and when they're here, they're everywhere. Southern flounder round out our target list and represent some of the most challenging and rewarding fishing in our area. These ambush predators lie buried in sand and mud, waiting for bait to swim by. Finding them requires reading the water and understanding current, structure, and bait movement. But when you connect with a doormat flounder, you're looking at some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf.
Here's the bottom line – this extended half-day trip gives you the best of both worlds. You get a serious fishing experience without burning the entire day, leaving you time to enjoy everything else Pensacola has to offer. The morning bite is typically the most productive time, and starting early means you're working prime fishing hours when the water's calm and the fish are active. With only four spots on the boat, you get personalized attention from the captain and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table, introduce someone new to the sport, or just get your fish fix, this charter delivers. The variety of species and techniques keeps it interesting, and Pensacola's inshore waters are productive enough that you've got a real shot at a mixed bag that'll make for great photos and better stories. Don't wait around – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak season. Get your spot locked in and get ready for a morning on the water that reminds you why Pensacola inshore fishing has such a solid reputation among serious anglers.
Jump aboard our reliable 24-foot Blazer Bay center console, powered by a smooth 250hp Yamaha that'll get you to the fish quickly and quietly. This 2010 boat is built for Pensacola's inshore waters, with plenty of deck space for up to 4 anglers to work their lines comfortably. The shallow draft design lets us slip into those productive back bays and grass flats where the redfish and speckled trout like to hang out. With rod holders positioned around the gunwales and a spacious casting platform, everyone gets their shot at the action. The center console layout keeps gear organized and gives our captain clear sight lines to spot tailing fish and structure. Whether we're drifting oyster bars or working the mangrove shorelines, this boat handles Pensacola's varied inshore terrain with ease, getting you into fish-holding water while staying comfortable throughout your 5-hour morning adventure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, typically running 8-30 pounds with some reaching 50+. These silver bullets cruise depths from 40-150 feet around structure, reefs, and drop-offs. They're aggressive predators that'll hit fast-trolled spoons, live bait, or jigs. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes kings special is their blazing runs - they'll strip line like nothing else and make multiple jumps. The meat's rich and flaky, perfect for the grill or smoker. Here's a local tip: when trolling, use a wire leader and two hooks on live bait - one through the nose, one in the back. Kings often hit the tail first, so that trailing hook saves the day.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, averaging 2-8 pounds inshore with monsters reaching 20+ pounds offshore. These crimson beauties live around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 30-200+ feet of water. Summer months during open season provide the hottest action. Snapper are notorious fighters - they'll dive straight for cover and test your drag with powerful runs. The firm, sweet white meat is restaurant-quality and a real treat for the dinner table. Adults develop that classic bright red color that makes them unmistakable. My go-to method around Pensacola: drop fresh cut bait or live pinfish right to the bottom near structure, but be ready - when a big snapper hits, you need to turn him quick before he reaches the rocks and cuts your line.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore waters, running 18-35 inches and 3-15 pounds on average. These copper-colored beauties love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds - sometimes in water so skinny their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall migration brings the best action. Reds are tough fighters that use their broad sides to pull hard and make long runs toward structure. They're also table fare champions with sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. The distinctive black spots near their tail make them easy to identify. Pro tip from the local waters: when sight fishing the flats, cast well ahead of cruising reds and let your bait settle - they spook easy but can't resist a well-placed shrimp or soft plastic.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise in our shallow waters, typically running 15-20 inches and 2-5 pounds. These flatfish bury in sand and mud bottoms around creek mouths, oyster bars, and grass edges waiting to ambush prey. Fall provides peak fishing as they fatten up before moving offshore. What's cool about flounder is watching them change colors to match the bottom - both eyes on one side gives them a unique look. They're excellent eating with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat fried or baked. The key is slow presentation since they're ambush predators, not chasers. Here's the trick that works around Pensacola: drift live mud minnows or finger mullet on light jigs along sandy bottoms near structure - let it sit and twitch it slowly.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect starter fish for new anglers, typically running 1-3 pounds and 12-20 inches. These silver speedsters with yellow spots love near-shore waters, piers, and beaches during warmer months. Spring through fall brings consistent action as schools move through our area. They're lightning fast and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. The mild, flaky meat grills beautifully and doesn't taste too fishy. You'll often see them busting bait on the surface in feeding frenzies. They school heavily and where you catch one, there's usually more. Local secret: small silver spoons or gotcha plugs cast into surface activity works great, but use a short wire leader - those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Pensacola Beach, FL