Private Inshore Fishing Charters on Choctawhatchee Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 45 hour inshore fishing trips in Choctawhatchee BayTarget redfish, trout, mangrove snapper, and Spanish mackerelFamilyfriendly charters with complimentary fish cleaning service
Looking for a solid day on the water without dealing with rough seas? Lindy Lou Charters runs private inshore trips that'll have you casting in some of Florida's most productive shallow waters. We're talking 4 to 5 hours of fishing the protected waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, where redfish cruise the flats and trout stack up around structure. These aren't crowded party boat trips – it's just you, up to three buddies, and our captain who knows exactly where the fish are holding. Perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who wants to avoid the choppy offshore conditions while still getting into some quality fish.
We launch early morning or afternoon depending on your preference and what the fish are doing. Choctawhatchee Bay is one of those spots where you can have a top-rated fishing experience without getting beat up by waves – the whole system stays relatively calm thanks to all the barrier islands and protected shoreline. Our captain will work the productive areas like grass flats, oyster bars, and the deeper channels where baitfish concentrate. You'll be sight fishing when conditions allow, but we've also got the electronics to locate schools when they're holding deeper. The boat stays comfortable all day, and if you're someone who typically gets queasy on fishing trips, the sheltered waters here make it a non-issue. We provide all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you need, so just bring yourself and maybe some snacks if it's a longer trip.
The beauty of inshore fishing around here is the variety of approaches that work. We'll be throwing live shrimp under popping corks around docks and structure, working soft plastics on jig heads across the grass flats, and maybe throwing some topwater plugs early in the morning when the trout are feeding up shallow. The jetties and bridge pilings hold plenty of sheepshead and mangrove snapper, so we'll drop some fiddler crabs or cut bait around those areas too. Depending on the season and what's moving through, we might troll some spoons or small diving plugs for Spanish mackerel or even run into some tarpon rolling in the deeper cuts. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the day – if the wind picks up, we'll move to more protected water. If the tide's right, we'll hit the flats. It's all about staying on fish and keeping everyone engaged.
Black drum are year-round residents here and they fight like freight trains once you hook into them. These fish cruise the oyster bars and shallow flats looking for crabs and worms, typically running anywhere from 5 to 20 pounds, though we've seen some real bulls push 40 pounds or more. They're not flashy fighters, but they'll bend your rod and test your drag system. Best part is they bite consistently throughout the day, making them perfect for keeping kids and beginners engaged. Spring through fall tends to be most productive, especially around the new and full moon phases when they're feeding more aggressively.
Tarpon show up in impressive numbers during the warmer months, usually from May through September. These are the fish that make grown anglers act like kids again – watching a 100-pound silver king launch itself out of the water right next to the boat never gets old. They roll through the bay following schools of mullet and pinfish, and while they're challenging to hook and even harder to land, just getting a few jumps out of one makes the whole trip worthwhile. We fish them with live bait or large soft plastics, and the key is getting them to eat before they spook.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge that keeps things interesting. These black and white striped fish have some of the best table fare in the bay, but they're notorious bait thieves. They hang around any structure – bridge pilings, docks, oyster bars – picking off crabs and barnacles with their human-like teeth. The bite is incredibly subtle, so you need to stay focused and set the hook at the slightest tick. They run 2 to 8 pounds typically, and while they don't make long runs, they know how to use structure to their advantage.
King mackerel move through the deeper parts of the bay during their seasonal migrations, usually spring and fall. These are legitimate game fish that can reach 20 to 40 pounds and make screaming runs that'll empty your reel if you're not ready. We troll for them with live bait or spoons along the channel edges and drop-offs. When they hit, there's no mistaking it – the rod loads up and line starts disappearing fast. They're also excellent eating when prepared right, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Redfish might be the most sought-after species in these waters, and for good reason. They're beautiful bronze-colored fish that can weigh anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds, with broad shoulders that let them pull serious drag. They cruise the shallow flats in small schools, tailing in water so shallow their backs are out. Sight fishing for reds is about as good as it gets – you can watch them hunt down your bait and see the eat happen. They're also one of the best eating fish in the bay when they're in the slot size, with sweet, flaky meat that works with just about any preparation.
This is the kind of fishing trip that works for everyone – experienced anglers who want to target specific species, families looking to get the kids hooked on fishing, or anyone who just wants to spend a quality day on the water without the hassle of rough conditions. Our captain handles all the details, from providing tackle to cleaning your catch if it's in season. The 4-hour trips are perfect if you want a taste of the action, while the 5
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers have powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs around shallow flats, oyster beds, and bridge pilings. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. What makes them special is their size and the way they use that bulk to test your drag. The meat on smaller fish under 15 pounds is excellent eating with a mild, flaky texture. Here's the key: use fresh crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom near structure. They're notorious for their light bite, so watch your rod tip carefully - when you feel that steady pull, set the hook hard and get ready for a bulldogging fight.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and gear, typically weighing around 30 pounds with some topping 90. These silver bullets cruise the deeper waters from 40-150 feet, often moving closer to inlets and harbors during warmer months. Summer and fall provide consistent action when baitfish are thick. What gets anglers fired up is their blistering runs and the way they'll cut you off with razor-sharp teeth if you're not prepared. The meat is rich and oily - great smoked or grilled fresh. Always use a wire leader or they'll bite through your line in a heartbeat. Slow-trolling live bait on a stinger rig works best - hook the bait through the nose with one hook and let a treble dangle near the tail since kings often attack from behind.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, running 20-40 inches with that distinctive black spot near the tail and copper-bronze coloring. These shallow water specialists love 1-4 feet of water around grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. Fall and spring offer the best action, but they bite year-round in our area. What makes them so popular is their willingness to eat topwater lures and the way they bulldoze through shallow water when hooked. The meat is mild and flaky - perfect for the dinner table. Look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows, especially on incoming tides. Cast your bait ahead of cruising fish and let it sink to the bottom - redfish are primarily bottom feeders, so keep that bait down where they're looking for it.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters, sporting black bars on silver sides and human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 20-pounders do show up. These structure-loving fish stick tight to bridge pilings, docks, and oyster bars year-round, with spring being peak season. What makes them popular is their reputation as bait thieves combined with excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're notorious for stealing bait, so stay alert for light taps. The secret is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and getting your bait right against the structure. When you feel them pecking at the bait, don't wait - set that hook aggressively or they'll clean you out.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing, averaging 80-100 pounds with some reaching 8 feet and 280 pounds. These prehistoric giants patrol deeper channels, around bridges, and near passes between bay and open water. Late spring through summer brings the best action when they migrate through our area. What draws anglers from everywhere is watching these fish launch 10 feet out of the water when hooked - pure adrenaline. They're mostly catch-and-release due to their bony meat and conservation value. Live bait like pinfish or mullet works best, but here's the trick: when they jump, bow to the king by lowering your rod tip toward the fish. This keeps tension off the line and prevents them from throwing the hook during those spectacular aerial displays.
Okaloosa Island, FL