6 Hour Inshore Trip - Goodland, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target tarpon, snook, black drum, and redfish inshoreSix-hour charter includes high-quality rods and tackleSmall group experience with maximum three guests
Ready to get your line wet in some of Southwest Florida's most productive inshore waters? This full-day fishing charter out of Goodland puts you right in the heart of the action, where the Gulf meets Ten Thousand Islands. You'll spend six solid hours targeting some of the most sought-after game fish in Florida waters - tarpon, snook, redfish, black drum, and if we're lucky, maybe even a permit. I've been guiding these waters for years, and let me tell you, Goodland's location is pure gold for inshore fishing. We're talking shallow flats, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds that hold fish year-round. Pack your sunscreen and bring your appetite for some serious fishing - this isn't just a boat ride.
We'll meet up at the dock in Goodland bright and early, where you'll get your first look at our fully rigged boat loaded with top-shelf gear. No need to worry about bringing rods, reels, or tackle - we've got everything covered with high-quality equipment that can handle whatever we hook into. The boat's equipped with a shallow draft hull perfect for getting into those skinny water spots where the big fish like to hang out. Our game plan changes with the tides, seasons, and what's been biting lately. Some days we'll be sight fishing the flats for tailing redfish, other times we'll work the mangrove edges for snook or set up near structure for black drum. The beauty of a six-hour trip is we've got time to move around and find the fish. You'll learn to read the water, understand how tides affect fish behavior, and pick up techniques that'll make you a better angler long after this trip ends.
We fish light tackle here - think spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound test and leaders that won't spook these smart inshore fish. Depending on what we're targeting, we'll use everything from live bait like pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp to artificials like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs. When we're working the flats for redfish, we might use popping corks with live shrimp or throw gold spoons at cruising schools. For snook around the mangroves, live pilchards on a circle hook or paddle tail jigs work magic. Tarpon fishing gets more serious - we'll bump up to heavier tackle and use live crabs or large pinfish. The key is staying versatile and matching your presentation to the conditions. I'll show you how to work different lures, when to let live bait do its thing, and how to feel the difference between a pickup and bottom structure. These aren't deep water techniques - inshore fishing is about precision, stealth, and reading subtle signs that most people miss.
Snook are the bread and butter of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and these ambush predators know how to fight. They love structure - docks, mangrove roots, oyster bars - anywhere they can hide and slam bait fish. Best fishing is early morning, late afternoon, or around moving water during tide changes. What makes snook special is their attitude - they hit hard, jump like crazy, and use that big mouth and gill plates to throw hooks. Most of our snook run 20-30 inches, perfect eating size, though we'll throw back anything under slot to keep the fishery healthy.
Redfish are probably the most fun fish we target, especially when you spot them tailing in shallow water. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats looking for crabs and shrimp, often with their tails sticking out of the water. They're year-round residents here, but fall and winter months are prime time when they school up in big numbers. Reds fight different than snook - more bulldogging power than aerial acrobatics. They'll make long runs and use their broad sides to fight you all the way to the boat. The slot size fish around 18-27 inches are perfect for the table.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon around Goodland's deeper holes and oyster bars. They're bottom feeders with a serious crush, so when one picks up your bait, you'll know it. Winter months are peak season when big drum move into warmer shallow waters to spawn. They fight like freight trains - no jumping, just pure pulling power that'll test your drag and your arms. The smaller "puppy drum" under 16 inches are great eating, while the big breeders get released to keep making more fish.
Tarpon are the silver kings, and when one of these giants rolls near the boat, everything else stops mattering. These prehistoric fish can hit 100+ pounds and jump completely out of the water multiple times. Peak tarpon season runs May through August, but we see fish year-round in Southwest Florida. They're catch and release only, but landing even a small tarpon is something you'll remember forever. The fight is legendary - powerful runs, gill-rattling jumps, and enough stamina to wear out even experienced anglers.
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing - spooky, smart, and incredibly difficult to hook. These disc-shaped fish cruise shallow water looking for crabs, but they're notorious for refusing perfectly presented baits. When everything lines up and you hook a permit, you've accomplished something special. They're strong fighters that make blistering runs across the flats. Permit fishing requires patience, skill, and a little luck, but that's what makes them so rewarding to catch.
Six hours gives us real time to find fish and put some serious bends in your rod. We've got all the gear covered, the local knowledge to put you on fish, and the experience to make sure you have a
Our well-equipped motorboat is perfect for targeting the productive inshore waters around Goodland. The wireless trolling motor lets us slip quietly into shallow flats where snook and redfish love to hang out, while the fish finder helps pinpoint schools of bait and hungry game fish below. With GPS navigation, we can efficiently move between productive spots throughout your 6-hour adventure. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh, and there's comfortable room for up to 3 anglers. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising tarpon or working structure for black drum, this boat gives us the versatility to fish everything from grass flats to mangrove shorelines. All the quality rods, reels, and tackle you need are provided, so you can focus on what matters most – landing that next fish.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavy hitters of our local waters, and they're perfect for anglers wanting a solid fight without the acrobatics. These bottom-feeders typically weigh 10-30 pounds around here, though we see some real bulls pushing 50+ pounds. Look for them on oyster bars, muddy flats, and around structure in 3-15 feet of water. They're most active during spring spawning season when they school up and make that distinctive drumming sound underwater. What guests love about drum fishing is the steady, powerful pull - no jumping, just pure bulldogging strength. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating too. Best baits are fresh blue crab, cut mullet, or shrimp fished right on the bottom. Pro tip: use enough weight to keep your bait down and be patient - drum take their time investigating before they commit to the bite.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - hands down the most challenging fish we target around Goodland. These disc-shaped silver bullets typically run 15-25 pounds with incredible eyesight that makes them extremely wary. You'll spot them cruising grass flats, sand holes, and channel edges in 2-8 feet of crystal clear water. Spring through fall offers the best shots, especially during their spawning season. What draws anglers to permit is their reputation as the hardest fish to fool - landing one is a real accomplishment. They fight with surprising power for their size, making long runs and using their flat body like a sail. Fresh blue crab is the gold standard bait, though they're notorious for inspecting and rejecting offerings. Here's the secret: present your crab well ahead of a cruising permit and let it sit motionless on the bottom - any movement will send them fleeing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands down one of the best species to target in our shallow waters around Goodland. These copper-colored beauties average 18-28 inches and are famous for that black eyespot near their tail. You'll find them tailing in 1-4 feet of water on grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter offer the most consistent action when they school up. What makes redfish so popular is their aggressive strike and strong, steady fight - no fancy jumps, just determined runs. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. They'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, spoons, and live shrimp equally well. Local trick: when you see a redfish with its tail out of water feeding, cast well ahead of where it's heading and let your bait sit still - they spook easily but can't resist an easy meal.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets around Goodland's mangroves and shallow waters. These sleek, golden fish typically run 1-3 feet long with that distinctive black lateral line and protruding lower jaw. You'll find them hugging structure - docks, mangrove roots, and creek mouths in 2-10 feet of water. They're ambush predators that hit hard and make blistering runs when hooked. Best action happens during warmer months, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes snook special is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and thrash like crazy. Plus, smaller ones make excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: cast your lure or bait tight to the mangroves and be ready - when a snook hits, it's usually heading straight back into cover, so keep your drag tight and pull them away fast.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters and the reason many anglers make the trip to Southwest Florida. These prehistoric giants typically range 50-150 pounds around Goodland, though we see some monsters pushing 200+ pounds. They cruise the deeper channels, passes, and edges of grass flats in 6-30 feet of water. Prime season runs May through September when they migrate through our area. What makes tarpon fishing so addictive is their explosive jumps - they'll clear the water by 6+ feet and shake their heads violently trying to throw the hook. It's pure adrenaline. We typically catch and release since they're not great table fare. Live bait like crabs, pinfish, or mullet works best. Here's the key: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - it prevents the line from snapping on a tight line during their aerial show.
Goodland, FL