5.0(1 Reviews)Redfish and Black Drum Half Day Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore charter targeting Redfish and Black DrumAll fishing gear provided, suitable for any skill levelProfessional guide adapts techniques to current water conditions
If you're looking for a solid four-hour fishing trip that puts you right in the action, this inshore charter with Inshore Addictz Charters delivers exactly what you need. We're talking about targeting some of the most reliable fighters in these coastal waters – Redfish and Black Drum – plus whatever else decides to bite along the way. This isn't one of those cookie-cutter trips where you sit in one spot all day. Captain Holtz adapts to what the water's telling him, moving between productive spots and switching techniques based on what's working. Whether you've been fishing for years or you're still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, this trip works for everyone. All your gear is covered, so you just need to show up ready to fish.
This half-day charter runs four hours, which gives you plenty of time to get into fish without burning your whole day. We fish the inshore waters where these species like to hang out – around structure, grass flats, and drop-offs where baitfish congregate. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility. Some days we're working the shallows for tailing reds, other days we're dropping baits in deeper holes for drum. Captain Holtz reads the conditions and adjusts accordingly. You might start the morning working one technique and end up doing something completely different if that's where the bite is. The boat handles a maximum of two anglers, so you're not fighting for rod space or waiting your turn. This intimate setup means more personal attention and better instruction if you need it. The vibe is relaxed but focused – we're here to catch fish, but we're going to have a good time doing it.
The arsenal for this trip includes bottom fishing, float rigs, and drifting – three proven methods that cover different scenarios you'll encounter inshore. Bottom fishing is your bread and butter for Black Drum, especially around structure where they root around for crabs and shellfish. We'll use circle hooks with cut bait or fresh shrimp, keeping it simple but effective. Float rigs come into play when fish are suspended or feeding in the middle of the water column. This technique lets your bait move naturally with the current while staying at the right depth. Drifting covers ground and lets you present baits to fish that might be scattered or moving. All the rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided – we're talking about quality gear that can handle these fish when they decide to make a run. Live bait isn't included in the trip cost, but Captain Holtz will let you know what's working best and where to get it. The tackle selection changes based on conditions, but you can count on having the right setup for whatever we're targeting that day.
"It was a slow start with the full moon and challenging tides, but Captain Holtz managed to put us on some sheepshead. Had a great time out there!" - Anonymous
Redfish are the poster fish for inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers fight hard and don't give up easily. They typically run anywhere from 18 to 30 inches in these waters, with the occasional oversized bull red making an appearance. What makes reds special is their feeding behavior – they'll hunt in shallow water, often with their tails sticking out as they root around for crabs and baitfish. Fall and spring are prime time for consistent action, but they're catchable year-round if you know where to look. When a red takes your bait, you'll know it immediately. They make strong runs and use their broad sides to fight against the drag.
Black Drum might not win beauty contests, but they're some of the strongest fish you'll tangle with inshore. These bottom-dwellers can range from schoolie-sized fish around 14 inches to monster drums pushing 40 pounds or more. They use their pharyngeal teeth to crush oysters and crabs, which means they prefer areas with hard bottom and structure. Spring brings the best action as they move into shallower water to spawn, but fall fishing can be equally productive. The fight is different from a redfish – more bulldogging and less flash, but they'll test your drag and your patience. Black drum are notorious for their ability to find structure underwater and wrap you around it if you're not paying attention.
Southern Flounder add variety to the trip and are always a welcome surprise. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. They're most active during cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for targeting them specifically. What's exciting about flounder is the way they hit – often just a subtle tick on your line, and then you realize you're connected to a fish that can go 3 to 5 pounds or more. They're also excellent table fare, which makes them doubly valuable. Flounder fishing requires a bit more finesse, often using lighter tackle and more subtle presentations.
Sea Trout round out the target species list and are often the most cooperative when other fish are being finicky. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders that will hit both live and artificial baits with enthusiasm. They school up, so when you find one, there are usually more in the area. Sea trout average 1 to 3 pounds in these waters, but larger gator trout over 20 inches are definitely possible. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods, and they love grass flats and drop-offs near deeper water. The bite is usually pretty obvious – they hit hard and often jump when hooked, making for exciting fights on lighter tackle.
This half-day charter strikes the perfect balance between getting serious fishing time and not committing your entire day to being on the water. With only two spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of
Your fishing platform for this inshore adventure is a 2022 Xpress H22 Bay, a solid 22-foot fishing machine that knows these coastal waters well. The 175 HP Yamaha pushes this rig up to 35 mph, getting you to the redfish and black drum spots quickly while burning less fuel than bigger boats. Built with a stable hull design, she handles choppy water without beating you up during the four-hour trip. The boat comes rigged with GPS navigation to hit productive structure and a quality fish finder to locate schools and bottom features where drum like to hang out. Three anglers fit comfortably with room to move around when fighting fish. The layout gives everyone access to different sections of water whether you're bottom fishing near oyster bars or working float rigs along grass lines. This setup handles the variety of techniques your guide uses - from anchoring over structure to controlled drifting with the current. The shallow draft gets into skinny water where big reds cruise, while the reliable Yamaha keeps you moving between spots when fish are scattered. Perfect size for staying mobile and covering water efficiently during your half-day charter.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, regularly hitting 15-30 pounds with some bruisers topping 50. These fish have crushing jaws built for oysters and crabs, so they put up a serious fight once hooked. You'll find them around oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths in brackish water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. Smaller fish under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The big ones are better released since the meat gets tough. For best results, use fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom near structure. Pro tip: when you feel that steady pull instead of sharp strikes, that's usually a drum picking up your bait.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and that signature black spot near the tail. These fish love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Most slot-size fish run 18-27 inches, but the big bulls offshore can hit 40+ pounds. Look for them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and marshy shorelines, especially during moving tides. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp, and they fight like freight trains with powerful runs. The meat on slot fish is sweet and firm - perfect on the grill. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action when they're feeding heavily. Watch for nervous water and tailing fish in the shallows - that's your money shot.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are some of the most reliable inshore targets. They typically run 1-3 pounds and 14-20 inches, with their silvery sides covered in distinctive black spots. These fish love grass flats, sandy potholes, and shallow bay areas where they cruise looking for shrimp and small baitfish. Dawn and dusk produce the best action, especially during warmer months when they're most active in the shallows. They're scrappy fighters that jump and make good runs, plus the meat is delicate and delicious - just don't overcook it. Artificial shrimp jigs and topwater plugs work great, but live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat. The trick is to work areas with moving water near structure or grass edges.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flatfish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sand and mud to ambush prey like shrimp and small baitfish. Most run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though you'll occasionally hook into one pushing 20+ pounds. They're found on sandy and muddy bottoms in shallow bays, estuaries, and coastal flats year-round, but cooler months bring better action when they move inshore. What makes flounder fishing special is watching that rod tip bounce as they mouth the bait before committing. The meat is sweet and flaky - some of the best eating you'll find inshore. Here's the key: when you feel that first tap, give them a few seconds to fully take the bait before setting the hook. They like to grab it sideways first.
5.0 out of 5.0It was a slow start with the full moon and challenging tides, but Captain Holtz managed to put us on some sheepshead. Had a great ...
Darien, GA