4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip in Destin Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and speckled troutAll equipment, bait, and fishing licenses included in packageDaily departures from August 1st through September 30th
Looking for the perfect way to start your day in Destin? This 4-hour inshore fishing trip with Last Cast Charters runs from August 1st through September 30th and hits the water right as the sun comes up. We're talking about some of the best fishing conditions you'll find along the Gulf Coast, with calm waters, active fish, and those picture-perfect morning skies that make every cast feel special. You'll be targeting redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and mangrove snapper in the protected waters around Destin's coastline. The boat holds up to 4 anglers, so it's perfect for families or small groups who want that personal touch without feeling crowded.
Your morning starts early – and trust me, it's worth it. We'll meet at the dock while the water's still glass-smooth and the fish are actively feeding in the shallows. The inshore waters around Destin offer incredible variety, from grass flats where redfish cruise in skinny water to deeper channels where black drum and mangrove snapper hang out near structure. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading the tides, wind, and seasonal patterns to put you on fish. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – we're here to catch fish, but there's no pressure. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, the crew will adjust the approach to match your skill level. The all-inclusive package means you don't need to worry about tackle, bait, or licenses – just bring yourself, some snacks, drinks, and sun protection.
Inshore fishing in Destin is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll be using light to medium tackle – think spinning reels with 15-20 pound test line that gives you the sensitivity to feel those subtle bites but enough backbone to handle a bull redfish. Live bait is the name of the game here, with live shrimp being the go-to for most species. We'll also have cut bait for the black drum and some artificial lures for when the fish are aggressive. Depending on conditions, we might be sight fishing in shallow water, drifting over grass beds, or anchoring up near docks and pilings. The technique changes throughout the trip as we move from spot to spot, but your captain will walk you through everything – from how to read your rod tip for bites to the best way to fight different species. The gear provided is top-quality stuff that can handle anything we're likely to hook, from feisty trout to heavyweight drum.
The redfish action has been absolutely stellar this season. These copper-colored fighters love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars around Destin, and they're showing up in good numbers during the early morning hours. You'll typically find them in 2-6 feet of water, cruising in small schools or singles. What makes redfish so special is their fighting spirit – they'll make that first blistering run and then dig deep, using their broad shoulders to test your drag. Most of the reds we're seeing range from 18-27 inches, perfect eating size with some slot fish thrown in for sport. The speckled trout bite has been consistent too, especially around the grass beds near the East Pass. These fish are all about finesse – they'll mouth the bait gently, so you need to stay alert and set the hook at the right moment. Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and while they don't run like reds, they'll test your patience with their bulldogging fight. Mangrove snapper add some variety to the mix, hanging around any structure they can find and providing excellent table fare. Southern flounder round out the slam, lying in ambush on sandy bottoms and striking with surprising aggression when the bait drifts by.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Destin's inshore waters, and for good reason. These bronze beauties with their distinctive black spots are ambush predators that cruise the shallows looking for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. Late summer through early fall is prime time, as the water temperatures are perfect and baitfish are abundant. Most redfish here run between 20-28 inches, putting them right in that sweet spot where they fight hard but aren't too big to handle on light tackle. What anglers love most is their predictable behavior – once you learn to read the water and understand their patterns, you can consistently put yourself in position for shots at these fish.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, and Destin's grass flats provide ideal habitat. These spotted predators are most active during low-light periods, making early morning trips perfect timing. They typically range from 14-20 inches in these waters, with the occasional gator trout pushing over 24 inches. Specks are structure-oriented fish that love grass beds, drop-offs, and areas where current creates feeding opportunities. Their delicate bite requires attention, but once hooked, they'll jump and make short runs that keep things interesting.
Black drum are the workhorses of the inshore world, growing larger than any other species we target. These bottom-dwellers can range from 16 inches up to massive 40+ pound bulls, though most fish caught fall in the 5-15 pound range. They're most active during moving water, using their downturned mouths to root around for crabs and mollusks. What makes drum special is their seasonal nature – they show up in numbers during specific times, and when they're here, the action can be fast and furious.
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for prey to swim by. These flatfish are most active during moving tides, positioning themselves
This 24' Skeeter bay boat is your ticket to productive inshore fishing in Destin's rich waters. Built in 2018 with a reliable 300HP Yamaha engine, she cruises at 50 knots to get you to the hotspots fast and maximize your fishing time. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to cast and fight fish. You'll appreciate the onboard fish finder for locating schools of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, while the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking your targets. The icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those productive August and September mornings. GPS navigation ensures efficient travel between fishing spots along the coast, and the shallow draft design opens up access to those prime backcountry areas where the big reds like to feed. Perfect for small groups wanting a serious fishing experience.
Pogonias CromisThese powerhouse bottom-feeders are the heavyweights of the drum family, averaging 10-20 pounds but capable of hitting 40+ pounds. They cruise shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and around bridge pilings with their heads down, using powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. What makes them special is that drumming sound they make - you can actually hear schools of them underwater. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating, but the big boys are better released as their meat gets tough. Here's the key: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on a slip sinker rig. Keep your bait right on the bottom and be ready for a bulldogging fight when they take off.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called Mangrove Snapper, these copper-red fish with the dark eye stripe are some of the smartest fighters in our waters. They average 1-2 pounds inshore but can surprise you with 4-5 pounders around deeper structure. You'll find them hanging around docks, bridge pilings, and mangrove roots where they ambush prey as opportunistic night feeders. Late summer into fall gives you the best action, especially around dawn and dusk. What guests love is their willingness to bite and that white, flaky meat that's table fare gold. They're crafty though - one wrong move and they'll vanish into cover. My go-to trick is using a 4J hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail. Let it sink to the bottom, reel up just enough to stay off structure, then wait for that subtle tap.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed Drum with their distinctive black spots and copper-bronze color are the ultimate sight-fishing target in our shallow waters. They typically run 18-27 inches inshore, cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and around docks in just 1-4 feet of water. Late summer through fall is prime time when they're feeding aggressively before winter. What guests love is watching these fish hunt in skinny water - sometimes with their backs out of the water - and the powerful runs they make when hooked. The meat on slot-sized fish is sweet and firm, perfect on the grill. They'll eat just about anything, from topwater plugs to live shrimp. My favorite approach is using gold spoons or paddle-tail soft plastics. Look for tailing fish or nervous baitfish, and always approach from downwind to avoid spooking them in the shallows.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, running 14-20 inches with those distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. They love grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and potholes where baitfish concentrate. Early morning and evening during summer months are prime time, though they bite throughout the day. What makes them popular is their aggressive strikes and tender, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also great fighters for their size, making screaming runs on light tackle. The trick is working topwater lures or soft plastics over the grass beds at dawn. When you see mullet jumping or birds working, that's where you want to be - the trout are usually right underneath feeding.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, oval-shaped fish are master ambush predators that bury themselves in sand or mud with both eyes on one side of their head. You'll find them in shallow bays, grass flats, and around oyster bars throughout our waters. They typically run 15-18 inches and weigh 3-5 pounds, though bigger ones push 20+ pounds. Summer through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before their offshore winter migration. What makes them special is their color-changing ability and the challenge of spotting their camouflaged outline. The meat is sweet and flaky - some of the best eating you'll find. Pro tip: look for subtle "puffs" of sand or slight depressions on the bottom. When you spot one, drop your bait right in front of their nose and be patient.
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