Florida Inshore Fishing Options
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Expert captain with 25 years Northeast Florida experienceTarget redfish, trout, flounder, and multiple inshore speciesIntimate 2guest capacity for personalized fishing adventure
Northeast Florida's inshore waters offer some of the most consistent and diverse fishing action you'll find anywhere along the Atlantic Coast. Captain Tyler brings over 25 years of local knowledge to these productive waters, targeting everything from hard-fighting redfish in the grass flats to sheepshead around the jetties. This intimate 2-angler charter gives you personalized attention and access to prime fishing spots that bigger boats simply can't reach. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique or someone new to saltwater fishing, these inshore trips deliver the kind of action that keeps folks coming back season after season.
Your day starts early, meeting Captain Tyler at the dock as the sun comes up and the water begins to come alive. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in two feet of water, the next you're bouncing live shrimp along an oyster bar for black drum. The shallow draft boat lets you slip into backwater creeks and grass flats where the big boats can't follow, putting you right where the fish live and feed. Expect to cover different types of structure throughout the day, from sandy potholes and grass beds to oyster bars and creek mouths. The fishing changes with the tides, and Captain Tyler reads these waters like a book, positioning you for success whether the water's moving in or out. With just two anglers aboard, you'll get hands-on instruction and plenty of rod time without feeling rushed or crowded.
Captain Tyler employs a mix of live bait and artificial lure techniques depending on conditions and target species. Live shrimp remains the go-to bait for most inshore species, fished under popping corks or free-lined along structure. For redfish and sea trout, expect to throw soft plastics like paddle tails and shrimp imitations on jig heads, working them slowly through the grass. When the fish are aggressive, topwater plugs create explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. The captain provides all tackle and bait, from light spinning gear perfect for finesse presentations to slightly heavier setups for wrestling fish out of heavy cover. Circle hooks are standard for live bait fishing, ensuring better hooksets and fish survival. You'll learn to read the water, identify productive structure, and understand how tides influence fish behavior – skills that'll make you a better angler long after your trip ends.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Northeast Florida inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers put up fights that'll test your tackle and skills. They're most active during moving tides, often found tailing in shallow grass flats or ambushing bait along oyster bars. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from slot-sized 18-27 inchers to oversized bulls pushing 30-plus pounds. What makes reds so special is their aggressive nature and willingness to eat both live bait and artificials – plus they're absolutely delicious when prepared right.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are abundant year-round but really shine during cooler months when they school up in deeper grass beds and creek channels. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots are perfect for light tackle enthusiasts, often falling for live shrimp under corks or soft plastic jigs. The bigger "gator trout" over 20 inches become more common in winter, and landing one of these trophy specks is a real accomplishment that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Black drum are the bulldozers of the inshore world, using their powerful bodies and crushing jaws to root out crabs and shellfish from oyster bars and hard bottom. These fish are available year-round but peak during spring spawning runs when massive schools move through local waters. They're not flashy fighters, but their steady, head-shaking battles will put serious bend in your rod. The bigger drum, often called "big uglies" for their size and appearance, can weigh 20-40 pounds and provide arm-burning fights.
Sheepshead earn their nickname as the "convict fish" thanks to their black and white stripes, but don't let their appearance fool you – these are some of the smartest and most challenging fish to catch. They hang around structure like pilings, jetties, and oyster bars, using their human-like teeth to pick crabs and barnacles off the rocks. Light tackle and small hooks are essential, and you'll need to develop a quick trigger finger to hook these bait thieves. When you do connect, their dogged fighting style and excellent table fare make them a favorite among local anglers.
Ladyfish might not win any beauty contests, but these silver torpedoes provide non-stop action when they're around. Often called the "poor man's tarpon," ladyfish jump and run like fish twice their size, making them perfect for light tackle fun. They're most common during warmer months and often show up in schools, meaning when you find one, you'll likely find dozens. While most anglers release them, ladyfish make excellent cut bait for larger species and provide endless entertainment for kids or anyone who loves constant action.
Northeast Florida's inshore fishing delivers consistent action throughout the year, with each season offering its own unique opportunities and challenges. Captain Tyler's quarter-century of experience on these waters means you're not just booking a fishing trip – you're getting an education in reading water, understanding fish behavior, and mastering techniques that'll serve you well wherever you fish. The intimate 2-angler setup ensures personalized instruction and maximum rod time, while the variety of target species keeps things interesting from first cast to last. Whether you're looking to check redfish off your bucket list, learn proper inshore techniques, or simply enjoy a day on the water catching fish, Last Call Fishing Charters provides the local expertise and proven results that turn goo
This reliable Carolina Skiff is built for Northeast Florida's shallow inshore waters where redfish, sea trout, and flounder like to hang out. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on spooky fish in skinny water, while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish. With an ice box to keep your catch fresh and GPS to mark those productive spots, this boat handles everything from grass flats to oyster bars. The VHF radio keeps you connected for safety and fishing reports. Perfect for two anglers who want to target drum, sheepshead, and jacks without the crowd. Captain Tyler knows these waters like the back of his hand after 25 years of fishing here, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time searching for fish.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they use their crushing jaws to eat crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. They're strong fighters that will test your tackle, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: use fresh blue crab or fiddler crabs on the bottom near oyster bars. Keep your bait right on the structure and be patient - they'll mouth the bait before committing, so wait for that solid pull before setting the hook.
Elops SaurusLadyfish are the "poor man's tarpon" - silver rockets that'll jump and dance across the surface when hooked. They typically run 12-20 inches and are absolute blast on light tackle, putting on an aerial show that rivals much bigger fish. You'll find them year-round in bays, canals, and along beaches, often in schools that'll keep you busy all day. While they're not great table fare, they're perfect for kids and beginners who want consistent action and excitement. They hit just about anything - shrimp, jigs, spoons, even flies. The real entertainment is watching them cartwheel out of the water. Pro tip: when you see birds diving and baitfish scattering on the surface, cast into that chaos. Ladyfish are usually underneath feeding, and you'll hook up immediately on almost any lure you throw.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our signature inshore species, copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most run 20-35 inches, but the "bull" reds over 27 inches will really test your drag. They live in super shallow water - sometimes their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights, plus that iconic red color makes for great photos. The meat on slot-sized fish is excellent too. Here's my top tip: look for "nervous water" or slight surface disturbance on shallow flats. That's usually redfish rooting around in the mud, and a well-placed gold spoon will fire them up every time.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are beautiful silver fish with distinctive black spots running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night when they move up to feed. You'll find them year-round, but cooler months bring schools into deeper channels. What makes them special is their delicate white meat and willingness to hit both live bait and artificials. They're great fighters on light tackle but have soft mouths, so keep steady pressure without horsing them. My best advice for consistent success is to fish grass flats with live shrimp under a popping cork during moving water. The cork noise attracts them from a distance, and that natural shrimp presentation is hard to beat.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with their black and white stripes, typically running 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure. They're famous for their human-like teeth that crush barnacles and crabs all day long. Spring spawning season from February through April is when they're most active and easiest to target. Anglers love the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light, finicky bites that require patience and quick reflexes. The reward is some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, white meat. My go-to trick is using small fiddler crabs or sand fleas on a #1 hook, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately. They'll steal your bait all day if you're not quick enough.
Saint Augustine, FL