Florida Nearshore Fishing Experience
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target kingfish, cobia, red snapper, barracuda and sharks nearshoreInshore opportunities for redfish, trout, flounder and sheepsheadSmall group charter accommodates maximum two guests
Get ready for some serious action with Last Call Fishing Charters, where Florida's nearshore waters deliver non-stop fishing excitement. This top-rated charter targets the sweet spot between inshore flats and the deep blue, where predators patrol structure and baitfish congregate in massive schools. You'll be working both nearshore reefs and productive inshore waters, giving you the best of both worlds in a single trip. With a maximum of just 2 anglers, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to fight fish without bumping into other lines. Captain and crew know exactly where the fish are holding based on tide, season, and recent reports.
Your day starts early, heading out to productive nearshore structure where kingfish cruise and cobia patrol. The boat is rigged and ready with quality tackle, fresh bait, and all the gear you need to tangle with everything from speedy barracuda to hard-fighting black drum. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself drifting over reefs, anchored up on structure, or working the grass flats where redfish and trout ambush unsuspecting prey. The crew adjusts tactics throughout the day, reading the water and fish behavior to keep your lines tight. When the nearshore bite slows, you'll head into skinnier water where sheepshead pick around pilings and jacks crash bait pods in spectacular fashion.
This charter runs the full spectrum of Florida fishing techniques. Nearshore, you'll be trolling for kings and cobia, using live bait on the drift, and bottom fishing structure for snapper. The captain knows when to switch from trolling spoons to slow-trolling live sardines, and when to break out the heavy tackle for sharks cruising the edges. Inshore techniques include sight fishing for tailing redfish, working soft plastics around structure for trout, and using fiddler crabs to target sheepshead and black drum. Tackle ranges from medium spinning gear for trout and smaller species to heavy conventional setups for big cobia and sharks. All rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait are provided, though you're welcome to bring your own favorites if you prefer.
Black drum are the bulldogs of Florida's inshore waters, often weighing 20-40 pounds with some real monsters pushing 50-plus. These bottom huggers love oyster bars, bridge pilings, and deeper holes where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Peak season runs fall through spring when cooler water pulls them into shallower areas. When a big drum takes your bait, expect a powerful, stubborn fight with deep runs and head shakes that'll test your drag system. They're not flashy jumpers, but pure muscle that keeps pulling until you get them boatside.
Barracuda are Florida's silver missiles, patrolling nearshore reefs and grass flats with lightning speed and razor-sharp teeth. These ambush predators can reach 3-4 feet and hit baits with explosive strikes that'll snap you to attention. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish are thick, though you can find them year-round in deeper water. Cuda fights are pure chaos - screaming runs, aerial acrobatics, and sudden direction changes that keep you guessing. Their toothy grins and prehistoric appearance make for great photos, plus they're excellent table fare when handled properly.
Crevalle jacks are the ultimate fun fish, traveling in schools and attacking bait with reckless abandon. These golden torpedoes average 5-15 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, using broad sides and powerful tails to wage war against your drag. Summer months bring the best jack action when they push bait against shorelines and structure in feeding frenzies that have to be seen to be believed. Jack fights are all about endurance - they don't quit until they're completely exhausted, making multiple runs and testing every knot in your rig.
Cobia are Florida's brown sharks without the bite, cruising structure and following rays in search of easy meals. These curious fish often approach the boat for a closer look, giving skilled anglers sight-fishing opportunities that get the adrenaline pumping. Spring migration brings the best cobia action when 20-40 pounders move through nearshore waters. A hooked cobia means business - powerful runs, surprising speed, and the strength to test heavy tackle. They're also outstanding eating, making them a favorite target for charter captains who know their seasonal patterns and preferred haunts.
Last Call Fishing Charters delivers world-class Florida fishing without the crowds, giving you and one buddy exclusive access to some of the state's most productive waters. Whether you're after the raw power of black drum, the speed of barracuda, the chaos of feeding jacks, or the sight-fishing excitement of cobia, this charter puts you on fish with professional guidance and top-notch equipment. The intimate 2-angler setup means more fish per person, personalized instruction, and the flexibility to target whatever's biting best. Don't wait - prime dates fill fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is red-hot and every trip produces memorable catches.
Our Carolina Skiff is built for serious fishing in Florida's productive waters. This shallow-draft boat handles both nearshore and inshore fishing with ease, letting us target everything from kingfish and cobia in deeper water to redfish and trout in the shallows. The wireless trolling motor keeps us quiet when stalking spooky fish, while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish. GPS navigation gets us to the hotspots efficiently, and VHF radio keeps us connected for safety. The spacious ice box ensures your catch stays fresh, whether we're chasing barracuda nearshore or working the flats for sheepshead and black drum. Perfect for two anglers who want to experience Florida's diverse fishing opportunities without the crowds of larger charter boats.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the speed demons of our nearshore waters, built like torpedoes and capable of hitting 35 mph when they strike. These silver bullets typically run 2-4 feet long and patrol grass flats, reefs, and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. They're visual hunters attracted to flash and movement, making them perfect for sight fishing with light tackle. You'll find them year-round in Florida, but they're most active during warmer months. What makes them fun is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, run, and test your drag. The meat is decent eating if you know how to handle it properly. Here's the key: use wire leader and fast-moving lures like spoons or tube baits. Cast past them and rip it back quickly - that erratic action triggers their predatory instincts.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, averaging 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish hang around oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow estuaries where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom is your best bet. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you feel that steady, heavy pull instead of aggressive runs, you've probably hooked into a nice drum. They fight more like a bulldozer than a racehorse, but that steady power will test your tackle and patience.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these solitary hunters cruise nearshore waters looking like trouble but fighting even harder. They average 20-50 pounds, with some pushing 100+ pounds, and they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. You'll spot them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet of water, especially during spring migration when they move through our area. What makes them special is they're sight fishing targets - we actually see them cruising near the surface before casting. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. The fight is powerful and determined, with long runs that'll test your drag. Best technique is sight casting with bucktail jigs or live bait. When you see one, get your bait in front of them and be ready - they hit hard and don't give up easy.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bullies of inshore waters, averaging 3-5 pounds but capable of reaching 60+ pounds. These golden, muscular fish travel in schools and push baitfish to the surface - just look for diving birds to find the action. They hang around grass flats, reefs, and channel edges from shallow water to about 100 feet deep. Spring through fall is peak season when they're most active feeding. What guests love is their raw power and never-give-up attitude - pound for pound, they're one of the strongest fighters you'll encounter. They're not great table fare, but the fight more than makes up for it. The trick is watching for that distinctive watermelon smell when schools are feeding nearby. Cast silver spoons or swimbaits past the school and retrieve fast - they love the chase and will hammer moving baits.
Saint Augustine, FL