4hr Half Day Fishing Trips PM - Bayport, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and snookAll gear, bait, tackle and fishing licenses includedCaptain Jacob provides patient guidance aboard 19foot flats boat
Looking for a solid afternoon of inshore fishing along Florida's Nature Coast? Captain Jacob's got you covered with his top-rated half-day trip out of Bayport. This isn't your typical crowded party boat deal – you're talking about a personalized 4-hour adventure aboard a 19' Kenner flats boat that can slip into those skinny water spots where the big fish hang out. Whether you're a weekend warrior trying to scratch that fishing itch or introducing the kids to the sport, this trip delivers consistent action targeting the holy trinity of inshore species: redfish, snook, and spotted seatrout. Captain Jacob brings 15+ years of local knowledge to the table, and trust me, that makes all the difference when you're trying to put fish in the boat during those tricky afternoon conditions.
Your adventure kicks off at 1:00 PM sharp from 4140 Cortez Blvd in Spring Hill – easy to find with plenty of parking. Captain Jacob runs a clean operation, and everything's included: rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and even your fishing license. The 19' Kenner is purpose-built for this kind of fishing – shallow draft design lets you access those productive backwater areas that bigger boats can't reach, while the stable platform gives everyone room to cast and fight fish comfortably. You'll spend your time working the grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines that make this stretch of coast famous among serious inshore anglers. The afternoon timing is actually perfect here – as the day heats up, baitfish move shallow, and that's when the predators start feeding aggressively. Captain Jacob keeps groups small at just 4 anglers max, so you're not fighting for rod time or elbow room. The vibe stays relaxed and educational, with plenty of hands-on coaching for beginners and tactical discussions for experienced fishermen looking to up their game.
This is all about finesse fishing with light spinning gear – think 2500-3000 size reels spooled with 10-15lb braid and fluorocarbon leaders. Captain Jacob matches his techniques to what's working each day, but you'll likely be throwing live shrimp under popping corks, freelining pinfish around structure, or working soft plastics on jig heads. The Nature Coast is famous for its clear, shallow water, which means these fish are spooky and line-shy. That's where the light tackle approach really shines – better presentations, more strikes, and way more fun when you hook up. You'll learn to read the water, identify productive structure, and understand how tide and wind affect fish behavior. Captain Jacob's a patient teacher who adjusts his approach based on your skill level. Beginners get hands-on help with casting, bait presentation, and fish handling, while experienced anglers can pick his brain about seasonal patterns, lure selection, and advanced techniques for pressured fish. The shallow water environment means sight fishing opportunities too – there's nothing quite like watching a 28-inch redfish cruise up to your bait in two feet of crystal-clear water.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Nature Coast fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in these waters, with occasional bulls pushing into the slot or beyond. They're most active during moving water, especially on incoming tides when they push up onto the flats to feed on crabs and shrimp. What makes reds so special is their fight – they'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad tails to give you everything they've got. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few within the slot limit. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but these fish are catchable year-round with the right approach.
Snook are the glamour species that keep anglers coming back for more. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangrove points, oyster bars, anywhere they can hide and surprise their prey. They're incredibly line-shy and require precise presentations, but when you hook one, you'll understand why they have such a cult following. Snook have this habit of jumping and gill-rattling that gets your heart pumping every time. The summer months are prime time when they're most active and aggressive, though the Nature Coast offers good snook fishing into the fall. They're currently catch-and-release only, which means every fish you land swims away to fight another day.
Spotted seatrout round out the inshore slam and they're perfect for building confidence, especially for newer anglers. These fish are willing biters that respond well to live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs early and late in the day. They average 14-18 inches with occasional "gator trout" pushing over 20. Trout are most predictable during the cooler months when they school up in deeper grass flats and channels, but summer fishing can be outstanding if you know where to look. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Captain Jacob's afternoon trips book up fast, especially during peak season from March through November. This is hands-down one of the best values on the Nature Coast – a world-class guide, top-notch equipment, and productive fishing waters all rolled into one package. The 4-hour format gives you plenty of time to learn, catch fish, and soak up some Florida sunshine without burning an entire day. Whether you're a local looking to explore new water or a visitor wanting to experience what makes this area special, this trip delivers the goods. The memories you'll make and skills you'll learn are worth every penny, and there's a good chance you'll be planning your next trip before this one's even over. Give Captain Jacob a call and secure your spot – the fish are
Captain Jacob's 2002 Kenner 19' flats boat is your ticket to productive inshore fishing around Bayport's backwaters and shallow flats. This nimble vessel draws just inches of water, letting you slip into those hard-to-reach spots where redfish, snook, and spotted seatrout love to hang out. The 90HP Mercury gets you there fast and quiet, while the stable platform keeps everyone comfortable during those afternoon battles with fish. Built tough for Florida's Nature Coast waters, this boat handles everything from skinny flats to open coastal runs with ease. The GPS keeps you on the fish, and there's plenty of room for up to 4 anglers to work without bumping elbows. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working live bait around structure, this flats boat puts you right where the action is. Perfect for families wanting to experience real Florida inshore fishing without the crowds.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing here on the Nature Coast. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-27 inches in our waters, sporting that signature black spot near the tail. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They're year-round fish, but fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding. What guests love about reds is their powerful fight and willingness to eat just about anything. They're also fantastic on the table with mild, sweet meat. The real thrill is sight-fishing to tailing reds in skinny water. My go-to setup is a 1/4 oz jig with a shrimp or paddle tail, cast ahead of cruising fish and worked slowly along the bottom. Keep noise to a minimum in shallow water - these fish spook easily.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call them, are a staple of our Nature Coast fishing. Most fish we catch run 14-20 inches with those beautiful black spots scattered across their silver sides. They hang out over grass flats and sandy bottoms in 2-6 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and potholes. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up in deeper holes, but you can catch them year-round. Trout are great for beginners because they bite well and don't require heavy tackle. Their soft mouths mean gentle hook sets, and they make excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. The key to consistent trout fishing is finding the grass beds - they love to cruise these areas feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Try a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below it, and work it slow over the grass.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most sought-after inshore fish, and for good reason. These sleek predators typically run 18-28 inches around here, with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. You'll find them tucked up in mangrove shorelines, around docks, and near structure in 2-8 feet of water. They love ambush spots where they can dart out to grab bait. Spring through fall are prime seasons, especially around the new and full moons when they get really active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong fight - they'll jump and make powerful runs that test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: cast your live shrimp or pinfish tight to the mangroves and let it drift naturally with the current. Snook won't chase bait far, so get it right in their kitchen.
Bayport, FL