Extended Half-day Inshore Fishing Charter PM
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour afternoon charter targeting redfish and speckled troutExplores Pensacola's productive bays, estuaries, and shallow flatsAccommodates up to four guests with all skill levels welcome
Looking to spend your afternoon chasing some of the Gulf Coast's most prized inshore species? This 5-hour afternoon fishing charter with Hotspots Charters puts you right in the heart of Pensacola's most productive inshore waters. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet, this top-rated charter is designed to get everyone on the boat connected with fish. We're talking redfish, speckled trout, king mackerel, and more – all within the protected bays, grass flats, and estuaries that make Pensacola one of Florida's premier inshore fishing destinations.
Your afternoon starts with a quick meet-and-greet at the marina before we head out to where the fish are biting. Pensacola's inshore waters offer some serious variety – one minute you might be working the grass flats for reds, the next you're drifting over structure for Spanish mackerel. The beauty of this 5-hour window is that we've got time to hit multiple spots and really dial in what's working. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, from the shallow sand bars where redfish cruise during high tide to the deeper cuts where speckled trout ambush baitfish. With a maximum of 4 anglers on board, everyone gets plenty of room to cast and personal attention from your guide. The afternoon bite can be absolutely killer here – fish are often more aggressive as the day heats up and baitfish start moving.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. Live bait is king in these waters – we're talking live shrimp, pinfish, and pogies that drive inshore species absolutely crazy. You'll also get dialed in on artificial lures that produce day after day: soft plastics rigged on jig heads, topwater plugs that create explosive strikes, and spoons that flash just right in the Gulf's green water. Most of our fishing happens in 2-15 feet of water, so we're using medium-action spinning gear that's perfect for feeling every bump and tap. Your captain will have you rigged up with the right tackle for each spot – maybe a popping cork rig over grass beds or a free-lined live bait near structure. The boat is equipped with everything you need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, plus all the safety gear required by the Coast Guard.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of our local waters, and when they're around, you know it. These fish hit live bait like freight trains, often making blistering runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. Spring through fall is prime time for kings in our inshore waters, especially around structure and bait schools. What makes them so exciting is their unpredictability – one second you're bottom fishing for snapper, the next a 20-pound king is screaming drag off your reel.
Redfish are hands down the most sought-after inshore species in Pensacola, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love our shallow grass flats and oyster bars, where they cruise looking for crabs and shrimp. Reds fight dirty – they'll use their broad shoulders and that famous bulldogging power to try and wrap you around every piling and oyster cluster they can find. Fall and spring offer the best action, but we catch quality reds year-round. The slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls provide pure adrenaline.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel when they're in season, typically during summer months. These bottom dwellers love structure – artificial reefs, rock piles, and ledges where they ambush passing baitfish. Snapper fishing requires patience and skill; you've got to get your bait down quick before the bait stealers find it, but once you hook up, you're in for a fight. Their bulldogging runs toward structure will test every knot you've tied.
Spanish Mackerel are perfect for anglers who love fast action and surface strikes. These smaller cousins to the king mackerel are absolute terrors on light tackle, making multiple jumps and long runs. They school up heavy in summer and fall, often feeding so aggressively you can see them busting bait on the surface. Spanish macs are excellent eating when handled properly, and their aggressive nature makes them perfect for getting kids or new anglers hooked on saltwater fishing.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage in our local waters, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. These flatfish are most active during cooler months and moving tides, often positioning themselves near drop-offs, creek mouths, and channel edges. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is the subtlety – their bite is often just a gentle thump or the feeling of weight on your line. Once hooked, they fight with a unique side-to-side head shake that keeps you guessing until they hit the surface.
This afternoon charter delivers everything that makes Pensacola inshore fishing so special – variety, action, and the chance to learn from guides who live and breathe these waters every day. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table or just need to get your fishing fix, this 5-hour trip gives you enough time to really get dialed in without burning a whole day. The afternoon timing is clutch too – you can sleep in, grab lunch, and still be on the water when the bite turns on. With Hotspots Charters, you're getting local knowledge that can't be bought, tackle that's tournament-ready, and access to spots that produce year after year. Don't let another perfect fishing day slip by – book your extended half-day charter and see why
Hit the productive inshore waters around Pensacola aboard this reliable 24-foot Blazer Bay center console. Powered by a 250hp Yamaha engine, she'll cruise smoothly at 30mph to get you to the best fishing spots without wasting time. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to cast and fight fish. This boat's shallow draft design is perfect for working the bays, grass flats, and estuary systems where redfish and speckled trout love to hang out. The center console setup gives everyone easy access to both sides of the boat, making it simple to follow schools of fish or work different structure. Whether you're sight-fishing the flats or drifting oyster bars, this proven fishing platform will put you on the fish in Pensacola's prime inshore waters.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are built for speed and they'll show you what that means when you hook into one. These silver rockets typically run 15-30 pounds around Pensacola, though we see some pushing 40+ pounds during peak season. You'll find them in 40-100 feet of water, often around structure or temperature breaks where baitfish gather. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else out here. The meat's excellent too, with that rich flavor perfect for the grill. Pro tip: use a wire leader and keep your drag loose on the initial run, or they'll snap you off before you know what hit you.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the deep water prize that keeps anglers coming back. These crimson beauties average 2-5 pounds in our Gulf waters, though 10+ pounders show up regularly around structure. You'll find them hugging bottom in 60-150 feet, especially around reefs, wrecks, and rock piles where they ambush passing bait. Summer months during snapper season offer the best shots, when regulations allow us to target them. What makes snappers special is their hard-fighting attitude and absolutely outstanding table fare - firm, white meat with a sweet, nutty flavor that's tough to beat. They'll test your drag with powerful runs toward structure. My advice: use circle hooks with cut bait, keep steady pressure, and don't give them slack or they'll wrap you up in the rocks below.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-28 inches in our local waters, with that signature black spot near the tail that fools predators. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and shallow bays in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs are showing. Fall and spring offer the hottest action when they're feeding heavy before and after winter. What guests love is watching these fish "tail" in skinny water and the strong, bulldogging fight they put up. The meat's sweet and flaky too - perfect for blackening. Here's a local secret: look for nervous water over grass beds during moving tides. That's usually redfish pushing bait around.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise lurking on our sandy and muddy bottoms. These flat fighters typically run 15-20 inches, though we see some pushing 25+ inches during good years. You'll find them buried in soft bottom areas of bays, channels, and nearshore waters in 3-20 feet, perfectly camouflaged waiting to ambush prey. Fall brings the best action as they stage for their offshore spawning run. What's unique about flounder is the way they inhale your bait from below - often feeling like you're snagged on bottom at first. They're also some of the finest eating fish in our waters with sweet, white meat. Local tip: use a Carolina rig with live mud minnows or finger mullet, and fish it slow along channel edges and drop-offs. Give them time to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll keep your rod bent all day long. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds around Pensacola, with those distinctive yellow spots along their sides. You'll find schools of them in 15-50 feet of water, often near structure or following bait pods close to shore. Spring through fall brings consistent action, especially when water temps are in the 70s. What makes spanish macks fun is their lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic jumps - plus they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect for smoking. They travel in large schools, so when you find one, you've usually found dozens. Here's the trick: use small silver spoons or jigs and retrieve them fast. These fish love speed and won't chase slow-moving baits.
Pensacola Beach, FL