Native Guide Fishing Charters 24' - Inshore Trips
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing charter targeting barracuda, tarpon, and jack crevalleSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests maximumBring personal food and drinks for comfortable trip
Looking for some serious inshore action without the crowds? You've found your spot. Native Guide Fishing Charters runs a tight 24-footer that's perfect for getting into those productive shallow waters where the big fish hunt. With room for just three anglers, you're not fighting for rod space or dealing with tangled lines from a bunch of strangers. This is fishing the way it should be – personal, productive, and focused on putting you on fish that'll make your arms ache and your camera work overtime.
This isn't your typical party boat experience. We're talking about a custom inshore setup that gets you into the backwaters, grass flats, and structure where the fish actually live. The 24-foot boat draws shallow enough to access prime spots that bigger vessels can't reach, but she's stable enough to handle some chop when the wind picks up. You'll be working everything from live bait under the mangroves to artificial lures over the grass beds. The variety here keeps things interesting – one minute you're sight-casting to cruising tarpon, the next you're working a creek mouth for jacks and 'cuda. Pack your own grub and drinks because we'll be out there putting in the time to find active fish. The captain knows these waters like his own backyard, reading the tides and structure to put you on the spots where fish are feeding, not just hanging around.
We're set up for everything these inshore waters throw at us. Medium to heavy spinning tackle handles most situations, with baitcasters ready when you need pinpoint accuracy around structure. Live bait fishing dominates here – pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp work magic when presented right. But don't sleep on the artificials. Soft plastics rigged weedless slide through the grass like butter, while topwater plugs create explosive strikes in the early morning and late evening hours. The technique changes with the tide and target species. High tide means working the mangrove edges and shallow flats, while low tide concentrates fish in deeper holes and channels. Circle hooks keep fish mortality low, especially important when dealing with tarpon that you'll likely release. The key is matching your presentation to the conditions – sometimes that means slow-rolling a jig along the bottom, other times it's burning a spoon through a school of baitfish.
Tarpon are the kings of these waters, and for good reason. These silver giants range from juvenile "baby" tarpon around 10-30 pounds up to mature fish pushing triple digits. Peak season runs May through September when they're thick in the backcountry, though resident fish provide action year-round. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size – it's the way they fight. First that explosive jump when they realize they're hooked, then the bulldogging runs that test your drag and your patience. Most anglers release these magnificent fish, but the photos and memories last forever.
Great Barracuda bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These toothy predators cruise the grass flats and reef edges, ambushing anything that moves wrong. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through wire leaders if you're not careful. Fall and winter months see the biggest 'cuda, with fish over 20 pounds common. They hit hard and fast, often clearing the water in spectacular fashion. The key is a quick hookset and keeping steady pressure – give them slack and they'll throw the hook every time.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they'll arm-wrestle you into submission. These aggressive fighters are available year-round, with peak action during warmer months when they school up in massive numbers. Jack fishing is about endurance as much as technique. They hit like freight trains and fight dirty, using their broad sides to leverage against your drag. Schools of feeding jacks create some of the most exciting topwater action you'll find anywhere.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat against sandy bottoms waiting for unsuspecting prey. These flatfish are prized for their delicate white meat and tricky nature. Spring and fall migrations offer the best shots at keeper-sized fish, though residents provide action throughout the year. Flounder fishing requires patience and feel – they often mouth the bait before committing to the bite. Live finger mullet or properly presented soft plastics bounced along the bottom produce best results.
Bluefish round out the target species with their aggressive nature and excellent table fare when handled properly. These schooling predators move through the area seasonally, with spring and fall offering peak opportunities. When you find feeding bluefish, the action can be fast and furious. They're not picky about presentation – everything from live bait to metal lures triggers strikes when they're in feeding mode.
This is what inshore fishing should feel like – personal attention, productive waters, and fish that'll test your skills. With only three spots available, every trip feels exclusive without the premium price tag. The variety of species means something's always biting, whether you're after the photo opportunity of a lifetime with a tarpon or looking to put some fresh fillets in the cooler. Native Guide Fishing Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish, not just taking them for expensive boat rides. The 24-foot setup gives you the best of both worlds – access to shallow water honey holes and the stability to fish comfortably when conditions get sporty. Don't wait until peak season when everyone else realizes what you're missing. Book your inshore adventure now and see why smart anglers keep this charter busy year-round.
This 24-foot motorboat is built for serious inshore fishing adventures with room for up to 3 anglers. The GPS navigation system keeps you on track to the best fishing spots where Barracuda, Bluefish, Flounder, Jack Crevalle, and Tarpon are waiting. The boat handles shallow waters and tight channels with ease, getting you close to structure where the fish hang out. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks - there's plenty of space for your gear and catch. The size is perfect for small groups who want a more personal fishing experience without feeling cramped. Whether you're casting around mangroves or working the flats, this boat puts you right where the action is.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive feeders that show up in big schools during their summer runs. They average up to 20 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and serious attitude. You'll find them in bays, surf zones, and along the continental shelf chasing bait schools. Summer months are prime when they migrate through, creating feeding frenzies that churn the water white - we call it a "bluefish blitz." Guests love the fast action and steady bites when schools move through. They're excellent eating when handled properly, with flaky white meat. The challenge is their feeding style - they attack in groups and don't stop until everything's gone. Use a wire leader and have plenty of lures ready. When you find a school, work it fast because they move quickly and won't stick around long.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bullies of the shallows, and they fight like it. Most run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, with that classic golden color and serious attitude. Find them around grass beds, sandy bays, and any structure where they can ambush baitfish. They're year-round residents but more active in warmer months. What makes them fun is the pure power - pound for pound, few fish pull harder. They're not fancy, just pure muscle and determination. The schools will push bait to the surface, creating feeding frenzies that attract diving birds. Watch for bird activity and you'll find the jacks underneath. Quick tip: cast past the school and retrieve fast. They love the chase, and aggressive movement triggers strikes better than anything subtle.
Sphyraena BarracudaThese toothy speed demons are pure aggression wrapped in silver. You'll find them anywhere from 2-6 feet long, cruising reefs, grass flats, and nearshore waters. They hit 35 mph in short bursts and aren't shy about it. Spring and summer are best when they're actively hunting, often near structure or following bait schools. What guests love is the explosive strike - no subtle bites here. They'll slam your lure and immediately try to cut you off with those razor teeth. Great fighters but limited stamina, so the battle is intense but usually quick. Pro tip: always use a wire leader, at least 12 inches. Their teeth will slice through mono or fluoro like butter, and you'll lose more fish to cutoffs than anything else.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat ambush predators are masters of disguise and make excellent table fare. Most range 15-18 inches, hiding in sandy or muddy bottoms of bays, rivers, and shallow coastal areas. Fall and winter are peak times when they move toward deeper water. Both eyes sit on their left side, giving them that distinctive flatfish look. What guests enjoy is the challenge of finding them and the reward - flounder are some of the best eating fish around. They're patient hunters, burying themselves and waiting for prey to pass overhead. The bite is often subtle, just a gentle tick. Drift fishing with live minnows or shrimp works best. Here's the key: when you feel that soft tap, count to three before setting the hook. They need time to turn the bait and swallow it properly.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings are bucket-list fish for good reason. Most tarpon you'll hook run 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, though giants over 200 exist. They cruise shallow flats, channels, and harbor edges in warm months, often rolling at the surface. What makes them special is the fight - they'll jump 10 feet out of the water and can run at 35 mph. Spring through fall is prime time when they migrate through. The acrobatics alone are worth the trip, and watching a 6-footer launch skyward never gets old. Here's the thing most don't know: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. It prevents the line from snapping tight and keeps you connected during those wild aerial shows.
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