6 Hour Inshore Trip - Goodland, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target tarpon, snook, black drum, and redfish speciesSixhour inshore fishing charter accommodates three guestsPremium rods, reels, and tackle included with charter
Looking for some serious action on the water? This full-day inshore charter out of Goodland puts you right in the thick of Southwest Florida's best fishing grounds. We're talking prime backcountry waters where the fish are hungry and the scenery doesn't quit. Captain Joe knows these flats, mangrove creeks, and oyster bars like the back of his hand – he's been running charters here for years and has the local intel you need to put fish in the boat. With professional-grade tackle provided and room for up to three anglers, this trip gives you six solid hours to work the water and chase whatever's biting.
Your day kicks off early from the Goodland marina, where you'll meet Captain Joe and get the rundown on conditions and game plan. The boat's rigged and ready with everything you need – quality rods, fresh bait, and a cooler full of ice. We'll be working the shallow waters around the Ten Thousand Islands, hitting structure and grass flats where the big fish like to hang out. Depending on tides and weather, we might start on the outside edges where tarpon roll, then work our way into the backcountry for snook and reds. The beauty of a six-hour trip is we've got time to adjust and move around if one spot isn't producing. You'll be sight fishing, casting to structure, and working baits in the zones where these fish feed. Don't worry if you're new to this – Captain Joe will get you dialed in on the techniques that work best for each species.
All your tackle is covered, from spinning reels loaded with braid to circle hooks and the right weights for these waters. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what the fish want that day. For snook, we might work DOA shrimp around the mangroves or throw topwater plugs at first light. Redfish love cut bait on the bottom near oyster bars, but they'll also smash a gold spoon worked through the shallows. When we're targeting tarpon, it's all about getting that live crab or pinfish in the right spot and being ready for the fight of your life. The boat's equipped with a good fish finder to locate structure and bait schools, plus we've got a push pole for working those skinny water spots where the big fish like to hide. Captain Joe will handle the boat positioning and coach you through the fight – your job is to hang on and enjoy the ride.
Snook are the kings of these mangrove shorelines, and for good reason. These fish are smart, aggressive, and put up one heck of a fight. They love to ambush prey from under docks and overhanging branches, so accuracy with your cast matters. Peak season runs from spring through fall, with the bigger fish showing up during the warmer months. What makes snook special is their attitude – they'll hit hard and then try every trick in the book to shake the hook, including their famous gill-rattling jumps. A slot snook makes for great table fare, but plenty of anglers fish for them just for the sport.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs on the line. These fish cruise the oyster bars and grass flats looking for crabs and shrimp, and once you hook one, you'll know it. They use their broad sides to pull hard and stay deep, making you work for every inch of line you gain back. Fall and winter are prime time for the bigger drum, with fish over 30 pounds showing up regularly. The smaller ones in the 5-15 pound range are perfect for the dinner table, while the big ones are pure sport fish that'll test your tackle and your patience.
Tarpon are why people travel from all over the world to fish these waters. The silver king can show up any time of year in Southwest Florida, but late spring through summer is when the big migrations happen. These fish are pure muscle and acrobatics – when you hook a tarpon, the first thing it's going to do is launch itself out of the water trying to throw the hook. A 100-pound tarpon will jump six feet in the air and make you question everything you thought you knew about fishing. Even the smaller fish in the 50-80 pound range will give you a workout you won't forget. Most anglers practice catch and release with tarpon since they're primarily sport fish, but getting that silver king to the boat is a bucket list experience.
Redfish are the perfect inshore species – they're plentiful, they fight hard, and they taste great on the grill. These copper-colored fish love to cruise the shallows looking for crabs and baitfish, and they're not shy about taking a well-presented bait. You'll find them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines throughout the year. What's cool about reds is you can sight fish for them in shallow water, watching them cruise and making that perfect cast ahead of the school. They pull steady and strong, and a slot red in the 18-27 inch range is some of the best eating you'll find in these waters.
Permit are the wild cards of the flats – they're here, but they're picky eaters with a reputation for being tough to hook. These disc-shaped fish cruise the sandy flats and turtle grass beds looking for crabs, and they're incredibly spooky. When you do manage to hook one, they'll make blazing runs that'll have your reel screaming. Permit fishing is equal parts frustration and addiction – you might see dozens of fish and get refused by all of them, but when one finally eats your bait, you'll understand why anglers get so obsessed with them. Spring and fall tend to be the best times to find permit in good numbers around Goodland.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious inshore action around Goodland's productive waters. This boat handles the shallow flats and backcountry channels perfectly, getting you to where the tarpon roll and snook hide along the mangrove edges. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking fish in skinny water, while the fish finder helps locate schools of redfish and black drum. An ice box keeps your catch fresh, and GPS ensures we hit all the prime spots during our 6-hour hunt. With space for three anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the water properly. All your rods, reels, and tackle are provided, so just bring yourself and get ready to battle some of Florida's finest gamefish in these legendary backcountry waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldogs of our local waters - powerful fish that can really test your arms. Most run 15-30 pounds, but we see plenty over 40 pounds, especially in spring. These dark, chunky fish love oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths where they root around for crabs and shellfish. You'll find them in 3-15 feet of water, often in areas with structure or current breaks. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you have the best shot at multiple hookups. What guests love about drum fishing is the strong, steady fight - no jumping, just pure pulling power. Keep fish under 15 pounds for the table; the big ones are better released since the meat gets tough. My go-to tip: use fresh cut crab and make sure your bait stays on the bottom - these fish feed with their heads down.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - a fish that'll humble even experienced anglers. These disc-shaped, silver fish typically run 10-25 pounds with that distinctive tall profile and forked tail. They cruise grass flats and sand patches in 2-6 feet, often solo or in small groups. Spring through fall gives you the best shots, especially April through October. What makes permit legendary is their spookiness and selective feeding - they have incredible eyesight and will bolt at the slightest wrong move. When you do hook one, they make powerful runs and fight like fish twice their size. The challenge is what keeps people coming back; landing a permit on fly or light tackle is a real achievement. My advice: approach quietly, present your crab bait well ahead of them, and be patient - most permit encounters end with the fish swimming away, but that's what makes success so sweet.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and great table fare. These copper-colored fish with the signature black spots near their tails typically run 18-27 inches in our shallow waters. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges in 1-4 feet - so shallow you'll often see their backs out of water when they're feeding. Fall and winter are prime months when they school up in big numbers. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their strong, bulldogging fight. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. The sight fishing is amazing when conditions are right. Pro tip: look for nervous water or mud clouds on the flats - that's usually redfish rooting around for crabs. Cast ahead of the school and let your bait sink naturally.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most sought-after inshore species here in Goodland waters. These sleek, golden-colored fish with that distinctive black lateral line usually run 18-28 inches, though we occasionally hook into 30+ inch bruisers. You'll find them hanging around mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. They love structure and ambush points. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the spawning months of May through September when they're more aggressive. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and strong runs - they'll jump and shake their heads trying to throw the hook. The meat is excellent eating too, white and flaky. Pro tip: work your lure slowly along the mangrove edge and be ready - when they hit, they hit hard and head straight for cover.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate gamefish experience - pure silver rockets that can hit 100+ pounds and jump 8 feet out of the water. Around Goodland, we target them in 5-20 feet over grass flats, around bridges, and near deep channels. Most fish run 60-120 pounds, though we see juveniles and occasional giants over 150. May through August is peak season when they migrate through our waters in good numbers. What makes tarpon fishing special is that first jump - nothing prepares you for a 6-foot fish going airborne right next to the boat. They're strictly catch-and-release since the meat isn't great, but the fight is worth every minute. These battles can last 45 minutes or more. Key tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by pointing your rod tip toward them - it gives slack and prevents the hook from pulling out during those violent head shakes.
Goodland, FL