Extended Half-day PM Inshore Fishing in Pensacola
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour afternoon charter targeting redfish, trout, and flounderProfessional guide accommodates all skill levels with gear includedSmall group experience limited to four guests maximum
This 6-hour afternoon charter with Hotspots Charters puts you right where the action is – working Pensacola's productive inshore waters when fish are most active. Starting in the afternoon means you'll fish through prime feeding times as the sun starts to drop, which is when redfish, speckled trout, and flounder really turn on. With just 4 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be fighting for the best spots on deck. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the grass flats around Santa Rosa Island to the deeper cuts where kings and spanish mackerel cruise through.
You'll launch from one of Pensacola's marinas and head straight to where the fish are biting that day. This isn't a cookie-cutter trip – your captain reads conditions, tides, and recent reports to put you on active fish. The afternoon start means you'll avoid the morning boat traffic and hit prime feeding windows. Expect to cover different types of water throughout the trip, from shallow grass flats where redfish tail in 2-3 feet of water to deeper channel edges where trout stack up waiting for baitfish to sweep through. The beauty of a 6-hour charter is there's time to really work an area when fish are cooperative, or move around to find them when they're being picky. Water temps, wind direction, and tide phase all play into where you'll fish, and your guide adjusts the game plan accordingly.
This is versatile inshore fishing that keeps you engaged with different presentations throughout the day. You'll likely start with live bait under popping corks over grass beds – nothing beats a live shrimp twitched over speckled trout. When working redfish in skinny water, expect to pitch jigs and soft plastics right up against oyster bars and mangrove edges where these copper-colored bruisers love to feed. For flounder, you'll drag gulp baits and live finger mullet along sandy bottoms and channel drop-offs. When kings and spanish mackerel are running, the captain will break out the trolling spread with spoons and small diving plugs. All tackle is provided, from medium-action spinning gear perfect for trout and reds to stouter setups when bigger fish show up. Circle hooks are standard for live bait fishing, and the crew handles all the rigging so you can focus on feeling that bite and setting the hook.
King Mackerel are absolute speed demons that'll make your drag sing when they hit. These silver missiles typically show up from spring through fall around Pensacola, often found near structure or following bait schools in 20-40 feet of water. They're notorious for their blistering runs – one minute you're fighting a fish, the next you're watching 100 yards of line peel off your reel. Kings are perfect eating too, with firm white meat that's fantastic grilled or blackened. The excitement factor is off the charts when a big king crushes a trolled spoon.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Pensacola inshore fishing, and for good reason. These bronze-backed fighters love shallow water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. What makes reds special is their tenacity – they don't jump like tarpon, but they'll bull-dog you with powerful runs that test your drag and technique. Fall months are prime time when big bull reds move through the passes, but slot-sized fish in the 18-27 inch range provide steady action year-round. Nothing beats sight-fishing to a red with its tail sticking out of the water as it roots around for crabs.
Red Snapper fishing around Pensacola is world-class when federal seasons are open. These bottom-dwellers hang around structure in deeper water, usually 40+ feet, and they're famous for their table fare. Snapper are smart fish that require finesse – they'll inspect your bait and spit it if something doesn't feel right. When you hook one, they make powerful runs toward the bottom, trying to cut you off on whatever structure they call home. The fight is methodical and strong, and landing a nice snapper gives you some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Spanish Mackerel are smaller cousins to kings but make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. These spotted speedsters love trolled small spoons and will often hit in multiples when you find a school. They're perfect for kids and newer anglers because they bite readily and provide non-stop action. Spanish macks also make excellent bait when cut up, and they're surprisingly good eating when prepared fresh.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. What makes flounder fishing so rewarding is the subtlety – their bite is often just a slight weight on your line, and setting the hook requires patience and timing. These flat fish love channel edges, boat cuts, and areas where current sweeps baitfish along the bottom. Fall is prime time for doormat-sized flounder as they stage near passes before heading offshore to spawn.
Six hours on Pensacola's premier inshore waters with an experienced captain puts you in the best position to load the cooler and make some memories. This extended afternoon trip gives you the time to really fish different techniques and target multiple species without feeling rushed. The small group size means personalized attention whether you're learning to read water or perfecting your technique with artificials. Pensacola's inshore fishery is consistently ranked among the Gulf Coast's best, and this charter puts you right in the middle of it all. Don't wait – prime afternoon slots with Hotspots Charters book up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is red-hot.
This 2010 Blazer Bay 24' center console is your ticket to Pensacola's best inshore fishing spots. Powered by a reliable 250hp Yamaha outboard, she'll cruise at 30mph to get you to the honey holes fast, then maneuver quietly through shallow bays and grass flats where redfish and speckled trout love to hang out. The spacious deck gives you and up to 3 other anglers plenty of room to cast without tangling lines, while the center console design means easy movement around the boat when that big red comes charging toward the stern. Built for Gulf Coast inshore conditions, this boat handles everything from protected bay waters to the deeper cuts near the inlet, putting you right where the flounder are waiting.
Scomberomorus CavallaThese fast-moving predators are built for speed and put up serious fights when hooked. Kings typically run 15-30 pounds around Pensacola, though some push 50+ pounds. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water near structure, but they also cruise inshore during cooler months chasing baitfish. Their razor-sharp teeth and explosive runs make them a favorite among anglers looking for action. The meat is rich and flavorful when fresh. Best tip: use a wire leader and double-hook your live bait - kings love to hit the tail first, so that second hook back by the dorsal fin will save you from a lot of missed fish. Summer through fall gives you the best shot at them.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are deep water warriors that live around hard bottom and structure in 60-200+ feet of water. These bright red fish average 2-8 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds. They're bottom dwellers with serious attitude - once hooked, they'll try to cut your line on whatever structure they call home. The fight is tough and steady, nothing fancy, just pure strength heading straight down. What really draws people back is the eating - firm, sweet white meat that's hard to beat. Season runs June through July typically. Pro tip: drop your bait right to the bottom and be ready to pull hard immediately when you feel that bite. Don't give them time to reach cover or you'll lose them every time.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Pensacola inshore fishing. These copper-colored fighters average 18-28 inches and love shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and structure in 1-4 feet of water. They're year-round residents but fish best during cooler months when they school up. What makes them special is their strong, bulldogging fight and that distinctive black spot near their tail. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. My go-to tip: when sight-fishing reds, cast past them and work your bait back slowly. They spook easily but once hooked, they'll give you a memorable battle.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that ambush prey from sandy and muddy bottoms. These flatfish typically run 12-18 inches and hide in plain sight using amazing camouflage abilities. Find them on soft bottom areas, around structure edges, and drop-offs in 2-20 feet of water. Fall migration time is prime - they're feeding heavy before heading offshore for winter. What's cool about flounder is they're like underwater chameleons, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. The fight isn't flashy, but landing a nice doormat is always satisfying. Key tip: use a slow, bouncing retrieve along the bottom with live minnows or soft plastics. They'll often just inhale the bait, so watch your line for subtle movements.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are silver bullets that travel in schools and hit baits with lightning speed. These sleek fish typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-20 inches long. They cruise near the surface around structure, bait schools, and open water from spring through fall. What makes them fun is their speed and aggressive strikes on small lures and live bait. They're also great eating - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. You'll often see them busting bait on the surface during warmer months. Best approach: use light tackle with small spoons or jigs, and when you find one, there's usually a whole school nearby. Keep your lures moving fast - these fish like their prey with some speed on it.
Pensacola Beach, FL