Inshore/Offshore Combo Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Seven-hour combo trip targets inshore and offshore speciesExpert guides provide equipment and access prime fishing spotsSmall group experience accommodates maximum three guests
Picture this: you're casting for redfish in the shallows at sunrise, then by afternoon you're battling mahi-mahi in blue water. That's exactly what you get with Native Fishing Charters' top-rated combo trip. This 7-hour adventure gives you the best of both worlds - the technical stalking of inshore flats fishing and the adrenaline rush of offshore action. Captain and crew know these Florida waters like the back of their hands, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or seasoned angler. With space for just 3 guests, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without crowding.
Your day starts early with coffee and anticipation as we head to the inshore grounds first. The morning bite is usually our best shot at snook and redfish, so we'll work the grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines where these fish love to hunt. You'll be sight fishing in skinny water, watching for wakes and tails while making precise casts to feeding fish. The boat rides smooth and quiet, perfect for sneaking up on spooky inshore species. Around midday, we make the run offshore where the game changes completely. Now we're talking trolling spreads, live bait fishing, and working structure in 50 to 150 feet of water. The offshore bite picks up as the sun gets higher, and that's when things get really exciting. Cobia cruise the surface, mahi-mahi attack the lines, and you never know what might show up next.
We run top-shelf tackle that can handle anything from a 20-inch snook to a bull cobia pushing 40 pounds. Inshore, you'll fish with medium-action spinning rods rigged with fluorocarbon leaders and artificial lures like soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons. Live shrimp and pilchards are always on board for finicky fish. When we transition offshore, the rods get beefier and the reels hold more line. We'll deploy a spread of trolling lures, set up live bait under floats, and keep some vertical jigging rods ready for when we mark fish on the bottom machine. The captain reads the conditions daily and adjusts the plan accordingly - maybe we spend more time inshore if the grass flats are firing, or head straight offshore if the water's clean and the bait's thick. Every trip is different, and that's what keeps it interesting.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20 to 30 inches and fight like fish twice their size. They're most active during moving tides, especially around oyster bars and grass flats where they root for crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter can produce some monster fish. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat and their bulldogging fight - they'll pull drag and test your knots every time. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black spot near the tail.
Snook are the ultimate inshore gamefish - they're moody, structure-oriented, and absolutely explosive when hooked. These silver-sided predators love ambush points like dock lights, mangrove overhangs, and bridge pilings. They're most active in warmer months from April through October, and the bite really turns on during the summer spawning season. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and their ability to cut you off on structure, which makes landing one a real achievement. They're also excellent table fare when the season's open, with white, flaky meat that's hard to beat.
Cobia are the wildcards of this trip - when they show up, everything else takes a backseat. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) can reach 30 to 50 pounds and cruise the surface like submarines. Peak season runs from March through June when they're migrating and spawning. Cobia are curious fish that will follow the boat and investigate anything unusual, but they can also be incredibly finicky about what they'll eat. When you hook one, get ready for a long, powerful fight that will test both your tackle and your endurance. They're also fantastic on the dinner table, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling.
This combo trip delivers more variety and action than any single-style charter can offer. You'll master different techniques, target multiple species, and experience the full range of what Florida fishing has to offer. The small group size means you get plenty of hands-on instruction and coaching, whether you're learning to sight fish the flats or fighting your first cobia. Native Fishing Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish and creating those stories you'll tell for years. Don't wait - the best dates fill up fast, especially during prime fishing season. Give them a call and secure your spot for this customer favorite combo adventure.
Hit Florida's prime fishing spots aboard our 27-foot Ameracat power catamaran! This rock-solid cat delivers the perfect platform for your inshore/offshore combo adventure. The twin-hull design cuts through chop like butter while keeping you stable when fighting fish in both shallow flats and deeper offshore waters. We've got you covered with a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky inshore targets, plus GPS and fish finder to locate productive structure and schools. The VHF radio keeps us connected to other boats sharing intel on hot bites. When visibility drops, our radar ensures safe navigation back to port. This versatile fishing machine handles everything from sight-casting to redfish in skinny water to battling mahi and snapper in the blue water. The fuel-efficient design means more time fishing and less time at the fuel dock. With room for 3 anglers, everyone gets plenty of space to work their rods without tangling lines. The wheelchair-accessible layout welcomes all fishing enthusiasts to experience Florida's incredible fishery.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - big, powerful fish that average 30-50 pounds but can hit 80+ in Florida waters. They're curious loners often found around wrecks, buoys, and channel markers in 20-80 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May offers the best shot when they move through in good numbers. These fish are sight fishing gold - they'll come right up to the boat to investigate, giving you prime casting opportunities. The fight is all muscle and endurance, plus they're among the best eating fish in the Gulf with firm, white meat. Peak season also coincides with their spawn when they get aggressive. Here's the trick: when you spot one, don't rush the cast. Let them get comfortable near the boat first, then drop a bucktail jig or crab right in front of them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Florida's copper-colored classics, running from schoolie size around 18-24 inches up to bull reds pushing 40+ pounds. You'll find them cruising super shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water, especially around oyster bars, grass beds, and dock pilings. Look for that telltale black spot near their tail and that bronze back gleaming in the sun. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. These fish fight hard with powerful runs and head shakes that'll test your drag. They're excellent table fare too - mild, flaky white meat that grills perfectly. My go-to tip: when sight fishing, cast well ahead of a cruising red and let your bait settle to the bottom. They're bottom feeders by nature, so patience pays off.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature inshore gamefish with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. Most fish you'll catch run 20-28 inches, but big females can push 35+ inches and really test your tackle. They love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. Water temps above 70 degrees keep them active, making spring through early fall prime time. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, gill rattle, and make blistering runs toward cover. The meat is outstanding when prepared right, white and flaky with a clean taste. During spawning season their fins turn bright yellow, which is pretty cool to see. Pro tip: work your lure slowly along the edges of structure and be ready for that sudden, violent strike.
Crystal River, FL