5.0(5 Reviews)Full Day Fishing Trip - Matlacha, Florida
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Eighthour inshore fishing charter targeting redfish, snook, and troutExpert Captain Whitney Hall guides up to six guestsLight tackle fishing in Pine Island's productive waters
Picture yourself casting into the crystal-clear waters around Pine Island and Matlacha for a full eight hours, with Captain Whitney Hall guiding you to the hottest fishing spots in Southwest Florida. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – you'll have plenty of time to work different areas, try various techniques, and really dial in on what's biting. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some trophy catches to your list or someone who's never held a fishing rod, this charter delivers the perfect mix of productive fishing and good times on the water. The Gulf scenery is just a bonus when you're hauling in redfish, snook, trout, and snapper all day long.
Captain Whitney and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and it shows from the moment you step aboard. You'll be fishing both inshore flats and nearshore structure, giving you the best of both worlds in terms of species variety and fishing action. The boat comes fully equipped with top-notch tackle and all the gear you need, so you can focus on what matters – getting fish in the boat. With a maximum of six anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out and everyone gets their fair share of rod time. The crew keeps things light and fun while putting you on fish, and don't be surprised if some good-natured laughs break out between hookups. These guys have a knack for finding where the fish are holding, whether it's working the mangrove shorelines for snook or hitting the grass flats for redfish and trout.
This charter specializes in light tackle fishing, which means you'll feel every head shake and run when you hook up. Captain Whitney will have you using everything from live bait under popping corks to soft plastics on jig heads, depending on what the fish want that day. The shallow waters around Matlacha are perfect for sight fishing when conditions are right – there's nothing like watching a big redfish cruise up to your bait in two feet of water. You'll learn how to work the grass flats, pick apart mangrove edges, and target structure where snapper and other species hang out. The crew will teach you the nuances of reading the water, from understanding how tides affect fish movement to spotting the subtle signs that indicate feeding activity. When you move to the nearshore waters, you might be dropping baits on ledges for snapper or working artificial lures around structure for whatever's hungry.
"Awesome, awesome awesome! If you wanna experience – fun and laughter don't miss Captain Whitney and Dan. They put you into fish, which is amazing and their sense of humor and Hopefulness is the best. At one time a bag of chips came down from above the Captain and Doritos went everywhere. What a laugh at the end of our trip. Loved catching the fish. Thanks for a wonderful time 😊" - Penny. "We have been out with Whitney and Dan a few times and lots of good fishing and laughs all around will definitely go back. He got us right on the fish." - Cindy. "We had the best time fishing with Captain Whitney and Dan! They knew the perfect spots for us to reel in all the big catches. The boat and all their equipment were also top notch. We couldn't have asked for a better trip. Can't wait to go out with them again." - Allison.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love to hang around structure like docks, mangroves, and bridge pilings, where they'll slam a well-presented bait or lure with authority. You'll find them year-round in these waters, but they really turn on during the warmer months when they move into shallow water to feed. A slot-sized snook puts up one heck of a fight on light tackle, with their signature gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs back toward cover. The way they hit a topwater plug at dawn or dusk will get your heart pumping every single time.
Redfish are another local favorite that never disappoints. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallow flats and mangrove shorelines, often in small schools that create some fast action once you find them. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat just about anything you throw at them – live shrimp, cut bait, soft plastics, or spoons all work well. They're available year-round but really shine in the fall and winter months when they school up in larger numbers. A 20-inch redfish might not sound huge, but on light spinning tackle, they'll test your drag and put a serious bend in your rod.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of the grass flats, and Captain Whitney knows exactly where to find them. These spotted beauties love to feed over sandy bottoms with scattered grass, making them perfect targets for live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastic jigs bounced along the bottom. Trout fishing is often fast-paced, with multiple hookups possible when you find a school. They're most active during the cooler months, and while they might not be the strongest fighters, their willingness to bite makes them perfect for keeping rods bent all day long.
Sheepshead might be the trickiest species on this list, but that's exactly what makes them so rewarding to catch. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish, and they're notorious bait thieves. You'll find them around any kind of structure – docks, pilings, rocks, or artificial reefs – where they pick at barnacles and oysters. The key to sheepshead success is using small hooks, light line, and developing a feel for their subtle bites. When you finally hook one, you'll understand why experienced anglers consider them one of the best eating fish in
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing around Matlacha. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches with that distinctive black spot near their tail - nature's fake-out to confuse predators. They cruise our flats in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes so shallow their backs break the surface. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and bulldogging fight - they'll test your drag for sure. Plus, slot-sized fish make excellent table fare with mild, firm meat. The real thrill is sight-fishing to tailing reds in skinny water. My go-to tip: use gold spoons or soft plastics in natural colors, and always approach from upwind. Keep your casts ahead of cruising fish and let them find your bait.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are bread-and-butter fish around Pine Island's grass flats. Most run 14-20 inches, perfect for light tackle fun. They're easily spotted by their silver sides covered in black spots and that soft mouth that requires a gentle touch. Look for them over sandy bottoms with scattered grass in 2-6 feet of water. Cooler months are prime time when they school up in deeper channels, but we catch them year-round. What makes trout fishing special is their willingness to hit artificials - soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons all work great. They're also fantastic table fare with delicate, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Just remember not to overcook it. Local secret: work your lures slowly over the grass beds at first light, and listen for that distinctive "pop" when they break the surface feeding.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters - you'll recognize them instantly by those black and white stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds around here, though we occasionally see 20-pounders that'll surprise you. They're structure junkies, always hanging around dock pilings, bridges, and barnacle-covered posts where they munch on crabs and oysters. Early spring is prime time when they spawn, but we catch them year-round. What guests love about sheepshead is they're notorious bait thieves - it's a real chess match to hook them. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters with sweet, white meat. Pro tip: use fiddler crabs or shrimp and get your bait right against the pilings. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our premier inshore targets around Matlacha's mangroves and creeks. These golden, sleek fish average 1-3 feet but can push 4+ feet. You'll spot them by that signature black lateral line running down their sides. They love hanging around structure - docks, mangrove edges, creek mouths - anywhere they can ambush baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and hard fight once hooked. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: cast soft plastics or topwater lures right into the mangrove roots at dawn or dusk. Don't worry about getting snagged - that's where the biggest snook hide.
5.0 out of 5.0Awesome, awesome awesome! If you wanna experience – fun and laughter don’t miss Captain Whitney and Dan. They put you into fish, w...
We have been out with Whitney and Dan a few times and lots of good fishing and laughs all around will definitely go back. He got u...
Captain Whitney was a great tour guide! He knew exactly where to take us to see dolphins. I’ve honestly never seen so many at once...
We had the best time fishing with Captain Whitney and Dan! They knew the perfect spots for us to reel in all the big catches. The ...
If you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a very highly trained staff who knows all of the hot spots, you’ve found your pla...
Pine Island