Steinhatchee 8 Hour Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore charter targeting trout, redfish, and mackerelAll equipment and fishing licenses included with captainPrivate 22foot boat accommodates up to four guests
When you want serious time on the water without rushing back to the dock, this full-day charter delivers exactly what you're looking for. Starting at 8am sharp, you'll have eight solid hours to work Steinhatchee's productive inshore waters with a captain who knows every grass flat, oyster bar, and drop-off where fish like to hang out. The 22-foot Express flats boat gives you the perfect platform for sight fishing the shallows while still having room to spread out when things get busy. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing, this trip gives you the flexibility to chase whatever's biting and adjust your game plan as conditions change throughout the day.
Your day kicks off early to beat the crowds and make the most of prime fishing hours. The captain provides all your gear – quality rods, reels, tackle boxes full of proven lures, and fresh bait that local fish can't resist. You're covered under the boat's fishing license, so one less thing to worry about before you head out. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is having time to really explore different areas. Maybe you start working a grass flat for trout at first light, then move to deeper structure when the sun gets higher, or chase schools of Spanish mackerel if they're running. The flats boat design means you can get into skinny water where bigger boats can't go, opening up spots that see less pressure and hold more fish. Expect to move around based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling you – that's half the fun of a full day charter.
The captain comes loaded with tackle that's proven effective in these waters. Light spinning gear works great for trout and flounder, while slightly heavier setups handle redfish and mackerel when they're fired up. You'll likely use a mix of live bait – shrimp, pinfish, or pilchards – along with artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs depending on what's working. Fishing the grass flats means lots of sight casting to fish you can actually see, which adds a whole different level of excitement to the day. The captain will position the boat to give everyone clean shots at fish, whether you're drifting a flat or anchored up on structure. With eight hours to work with, there's time to try different techniques and really dial in what the fish want. Some days they'll crush topwater baits at sunrise, other times you'll need to slow down with live shrimp on the bottom – having all day means you can figure it out and capitalize.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Steinhatchee fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties love the grass flats and can be found year-round, though spring through fall offers the most consistent action. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit both live bait and artificials with equal enthusiasm. A nice keeper trout runs 15-20 inches, but the area produces plenty of "gator" trout pushing 5-6 pounds that'll test your drag and give you something to brag about back at the dock.
Redfish are what dreams are made of – copper-colored bulldogs that'll make multiple runs and have you questioning your knot-tying skills. Steinhatchee reds love shallow oyster bars and grass edges, especially during moving tides. They range from schoolie-sized fish perfect for dinner to bruiser bulls over 30 inches that you'll be talking about for years. Fall months bring some of the best red fishing as cooler water temperatures get them fired up and feeding heavily.
Spanish mackerel show up when you least expect them and turn a slow day into controlled chaos in seconds. These speed demons travel in schools and when you find them, it's game on. They're suckers for small spoons and jigs worked fast, and their blistering runs will have your reel screaming. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're absolute table fare if you're looking to fill the cooler.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. They're fun to target because it's all about reading the bottom and knowing where they like to set up – creek mouths, channel edges, and areas where current brings food. A keeper flounder is 12 inches, but Steinhatchee produces plenty of "doormat" flatfish that'll surprise you with how hard they can pull when they want to get back to the bottom.
Eight hours on the water with a knowledgeable local captain, all gear included, and access to some of Florida's most productive inshore fishing – this trip delivers serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time and opportunity. The flexibility to adjust locations and techniques throughout the day means you're always fishing where conditions are best, not just where you happened to start. Whether you're after a mess of fish for dinner, looking to land your personal best, or just want to spend a full day doing what you love, this charter puts you in position to succeed. Steinhatchee's waters are calling, and there's no better way to answer than with a full day to explore what they have to offer.
Fish the productive waters around Steinhatchee aboard this well-equipped 22-foot Express flats boat. The reliable 150hp Yamaha gets you to the fishing grounds efficiently while handling both shallow inshore flats and nearshore waters with ease. With room for up to four anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without crowding – whether you're sight-casting to redfish in the shallows or drifting for trout over grass beds. The boat's design gives you the casting room you need while keeping gear organized and accessible. Perfect for targeting the area's signature species like speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and Spanish mackerel as conditions allow throughout your full day on the water.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our Steinhatchee flats fishing, running anywhere from slot-size 18-27 inchers up to hefty bulls over 40 pounds. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots love shallow water - we often find them in 1-3 feet around oyster bars, grass edges, and creek mouths. They're year-round residents here, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and stubborn fight once hooked. Plus, slot fish are fantastic eating with firm, sweet meat. They're not overly spooky, so kids and beginners have great success. The key is keeping your bait on or near the bottom - they're primarily bottom feeders. I like using cut mullet on a 1/4 oz jig head, bouncing it slowly along drop-offs where the grass meets sand.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout (speckled trout) are one of our most reliable targets in Steinhatchee waters. These silvery fish with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and fight harder than their size suggests. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around structure like oyster bars and creek mouths. They bite best during moving tides, particularly early morning and evening. Spring through fall are prime seasons, with cooler months often producing bigger fish. Guests love them for their aggressive strikes on artificial lures and excellent table fare - the white, flaky meat is some of the best eating around. My go-to trick is using a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. The noise draws them up from the grass, and that suspended bait looks natural as it drifts with the current.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our Steinhatchee flats, typically running 15-18 inches with occasional doormat-sized fish over 20 inches. These flatfish bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms near grass edges, creek channels, and around structure in 2-8 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they're moving toward deeper water, but we catch them year-round. What guests love about flounder fishing is the challenge - you're hunting invisible fish that ambush from below. The payoff is some of the finest eating in the Gulf with sweet, white meat perfect for any cooking method. They don't fight like other species, but that sudden thump and head-shaking tells you immediately what you've got. My best advice is to fish slow and low with live mullet or shrimp on a jig head, bouncing it right on bottom. When you feel that pickup, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to turn and swallow.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel bring non-stop action when they show up in Steinhatchee waters, typically from late spring through early fall. These streamlined speedsters average 1-2 feet and 2-4 pounds, but don't let their size fool you - they're built for speed and put up a scrappy fight with blazing runs. You'll find schools roaming open water areas, grass flats, and around structure in 5-15 feet of water. They hit fast and hard, making them perfect for guests who want constant action. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills, smokes, or fries beautifully. Kids especially love targeting them because the bite is often fast and furious. Watch for diving birds or bait activity on the surface - that's your clue. Once you find a school, work quickly with small spoons or gotcha plugs. Keep your drag loose; their razor-sharp teeth and speed mean they'll cut you off or break light tackle in a heartbeat.
Steinhatchee, FL