Destin Inshore Fishing with Last Cast Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour inshore fishing targeting Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and RedfishAll fishing gear, bait, and licenses included in packageSmall group trips with maximum four guests per charter
Looking for some real fishing action without burning a whole day on the water? This three-hour inshore trip along Destin's coastline is exactly what you need. From May 22 through July 31, we're targeting the species that make this area famous – Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Redfish, Grey Snapper, and Sheepshead. Don't let anyone tell you three hours isn't enough time to get into fish. We know these waters like the back of our hand, and we'll put you on the bite fast. Everything's included except your snacks and drinks, so all you need to worry about is setting the hook.
This isn't some crowded party boat situation – we keep it intimate with just four anglers max. You'll have plenty of room to fish and won't be fighting for rail space when the action heats up. We launch from Destin Harbor and head to our proven inshore spots where the grass flats, oyster bars, and structure hold the fish you're after. The Emerald Coast's inshore waters are perfect for this type of fishing – shallow enough to sight-cast when conditions are right, but deep enough to hold quality fish year-round. Your captain knows where the fish are staging based on tides, bait movement, and seasonal patterns. We're not just hoping to get lucky out there.
We've got you covered with quality spinning gear spooled with fresh line – no need to drag your own rods unless you want to. Most of our fishing involves live bait presentations around structure, but we'll also throw artificials when the fish are aggressive. Depending on what's biting, you might be bouncing jigs on the bottom for Sheepshead, working topwater plugs for Speckled Trout at dawn, or slow-trolling for Spanish Mackerel over grass beds. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – we can switch tactics on the fly based on what the fish want. Circle hooks are standard for most presentations to ensure clean releases, and we'll walk you through proper fish handling techniques if you're new to saltwater angling.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These silvery missiles typically run 1-3 pounds and are absolute blast on light tackle. Peak season runs from late spring through summer, which lines up perfectly with our trip dates. They school up over grass flats and around bait pods, often feeding aggressively in the early morning hours. When they're on, you can catch them as fast as you can get your line back in the water. They're also excellent table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Bluefish bring serious attitude to the fight. These toothy predators range from 2-8 pounds in our area and they don't give up easy. They travel in schools and feed with reckless abandon, often creating surface disturbances that we can spot from a distance. Summer is prime time for Blues along the Destin coast, and they're not picky about baits – live, dead, or artificial, they'll hammer just about anything. Handle them with respect though – those choppers are razor sharp.
Speckled Trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. These spotted beauties average 14-20 inches and are known for their delicate bite and spectacular jumps. They love grass flats, especially during moving tides when bait gets stirred up. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times, though summer patterns can shift feeding periods. Specks are structure-oriented fish, so we'll work oyster bars, dock pilings, and channel edges where they ambush prey.
Redfish are the heavyweights of the inshore game. These bronze bulldogs can push 20-30 inches and will make multiple runs that'll have your arms burning. Reds are year-round residents but really turn on during summer months when they school up in shallow water. They're bottom feeders with keen senses of smell, making cut bait and live shrimp deadly effective. The fight is just the beginning – their distinctive copper coloration and black spots make for great photos before release.
Grey Snapper, or Mangrove Snapper as locals call them, are structure-loving opportunists. They're smaller than their offshore cousins but pound-for-pound some of the smartest fish in the water. These guys require finesse – light leaders, small hooks, and patient presentations. They hang around docks, bridges, and oyster bars, picking off crabs and small baitfish. Don't let their size fool you – a 15-inch Mangrove Snapper will give you a memorable fight and excellent dinner.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped specialists of the inshore world. These black and white beauties have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure. They're notorious bait thieves, requiring quick hook sets and quality terminal tackle. Fiddler crabs and live shrimp are go-to baits, presented tight to pilings, rocks, or oyster clusters. Summer brings them into shallower water where they're more accessible to light-tackle anglers.
Summer inshore fishing in Destin doesn't get much better than this. You're getting a top-rated charter experience with all gear, licenses, and bait included for just three hours of your day. That leaves plenty of time for other activities while still getting your fishing fix. Last Cast Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish, not just taking them for boat rides. The May through July window hits the sweet spot for inshore species activity, with warming water temperatures and active bait migrations drawing predator fish into feeding frenzies. Book your dates now – prime summer slots fill up fast,
Hit the waters around Destin aboard this well-equipped 24' Skeeter bay boat, perfect for chasing inshore species along the coast. Built in 2018 with a reliable 300HP Yamaha outboard, this fishing machine cruises at 50 knots to get you to the hotspots fast. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to work your lines. An onboard fish finder helps locate schools of Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, and Redfish, while the GPS keeps you on course. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish. Keep your catch fresh in the built-in icebox, along with cold drinks for the crew. Whether you're working the grass flats for trout or hitting the deeper channels for reds, this bay boat handles Destin's inshore waters with ease.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters known for their powerful runs and sharp teeth. Around Destin, most run 3-10 pounds, though larger ones push 20+ pounds offshore. They travel in schools and feed heavily on baitfish like sardines and menhaden, often creating feeding frenzies near the surface. Summer months bring them into our inshore waters where they hunt around structure, grass flats, and open water. Guests love them because they hit hard and fight dirty - no gentle nibbles here. The meat is excellent when fresh, with a rich flavor that's perfect smoked or grilled. One tip that works well: use wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon. Those razor-sharp teeth will cut through regular line in seconds, and nothing's worse than losing a good fish to a bite-off.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are crafty fish that test your patience and skill. Most run 1-3 pounds inshore, but bigger ones lurk around deeper structure. They love docks, bridges, mangroves, and any cover where they can ambush prey. Summer brings them into shallower water where they're more accessible on our trips. What makes them special is their wariness - they're notorious bait thieves with excellent eyesight. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. These fish are active at night but bite during the day if you're sneaky. My best advice: once your bait hits bottom, barely move it. Let live shrimp dangle naturally near structure, and when you feel that subtle tap, wait a second before setting the hook. They often mouth bait first.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are beautiful fish with spotted sides that make perfect targets for our grass flat fishing. They typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, with occasional bigger fish pushing 5+ pounds in deeper water. You'll find them over seagrass beds, sandy bottoms, and around structure where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish. Summer evenings and early mornings are prime time when they move shallow to feed. Anglers appreciate their willingness to hit artificial lures and their solid, head-shaking fights. The meat is tender and flaky - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. For consistent success, work soft plastics or topwater plugs slowly over grass beds during low light periods. They're sight feeders, so cleaner water usually means better fishing, and they spook easily in shallow areas.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth that crunch barnacles off dock pilings. Most run 2-5 pounds, though big ones reach 10+ pounds around heavy structure. They hang tight to bridges, docks, and any barnacle-covered surface year-round, with spring being prime time when they spawn. Anglers love the challenge - they're notorious bait stealers that require finesse and quick reflexes. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, white meat. What makes them tricky is their feeding style: they nibble and pick at bait trying to steal it without getting hooked. Use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get close to structure, and set the hook hard the instant you feel weight. They have tough mouths that require solid hooksets.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, flashy fighters that run 1-2 feet long and average 8-11 pounds around Destin. You'll spot their silvery bodies with yellow spots cruising in schools near the surface, especially during our late spring and summer season. They love structure and baitfish, so we target them around nearshore reefs, grass flats, and anywhere the current brings food. What makes them popular is the combination of speed and numbers - when you find one school, you can often catch several. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky white meat that grills perfectly. Here's a local trick: when trolling spoons or casting jigs, keep your retrieve fast and erratic. These fish are built for speed, so slow presentations just don't trigger strikes like quick, darting baits do.
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