Apalachicola Bay Fishing Charters (4-Hour PM)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon inshore fishing charter in Apalachicola BayTarget Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, Flounder, and TroutQuality Penn rods and reels provided with live bait
When the afternoon sun starts warming up Apalachicola Bay, that's when the real action begins. This 4-hour evening charter puts you right in the sweet spot for some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. With Captain and crew from Nauti Buoy Charter's, you'll be fishing prime flats and structure where the fish are actually biting, not just hoping they show up. We keep our groups small at just 4 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the crew.
This afternoon trip is all about putting you on fish when they're most active. We launch in time to hit the productive spots as the tide changes and water temps start to settle. Apalachicola Bay's shallow flats and deeper channels create the perfect mix of structure and current that holds everything from schooling Redfish to sneaky Flounder. The beauty of an afternoon charter is you're fishing during prime feeding times - right when these fish move up to hunt baitfish in the shallows. Captain knows exactly where to position the boat based on tide, wind, and what's been producing lately. You'll cover different water types throughout the trip, from grass flats where Trout love to ambush prey to deeper edges where the bigger fish cruise.
We've got you set up with quality Penn rods and reels that can handle anything from a feisty Spanish Mackerel to a bull Redfish. Depending on what we're targeting and where we're fishing, you'll be working with both live bait and artificials. Live shrimp and pinfish are absolute killers in this bay, especially around structure and grass beds. When we're covering water or working schools, we'll switch to soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs that trigger reaction strikes. The crew will show you the right retrieve speeds and techniques for each species - like how to work a jig slowly for Flounder versus burning a spoon through a Spanish Mackerel school. We fish light enough tackle that every fish puts up a real fight, but heavy enough that you can turn bigger fish away from structure.
Summer Flounder are one of the bay's hidden gems and a real challenge for any angler. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottoms waiting to ambush baitfish. They typically run 14-18 inches in these waters, with some doormat-sized fish pushing over 20 inches. Best time to target them is during moving tides when they position themselves along drop-offs and channel edges. What makes Flounder so exciting is the fight - they use their flat profile to bulldoze toward the bottom, creating incredible pressure on your drag. Plus, they're fantastic table fare.
King Mackerel, or "Kings" as locals call them, are the bay's speed demons. These torpedo-shaped predators can reach 15-30 pounds in Apalachicola Bay and are known for their blistering runs and aerial displays. They're most active during warmer months and love to cruise the deeper channels and near-shore structure. When a King hits your bait, there's no mistaking it - the reel screams and the rod loads up instantly. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and acrobatic jumps, making every hookup an adrenaline rush.
Redfish are the bay's signature species and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to massive bull Reds that can exceed 40 inches. They're year-round residents but really turn on during fall months. Redfish are notorious for their powerful runs and head-shaking fights in shallow water. You'll often spot them tailing in skinny water or crushing baitfish along grass lines. They're incredibly smart fish that require stealth and proper presentation.
Brown Trout, actually Spotted Seatrout, are the bay's most consistent biters and perfect for anglers wanting steady action. They average 12-16 inches with occasional "gator" trout pushing over 20 inches. These fish are most active during low-light periods and love to hang around grass flats and oyster bars. Trout have a soft mouth, so the fight is more about finesse than power, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and willingness to bite.
Red Snapper make occasional appearances in the bay's deeper holes and channels, especially during their open season. These bottom-dwellers are prized for their incredible table quality and stubborn fighting style. When hooked, they dive straight for structure and use their broad profile to create maximum resistance. Even smaller Snapper in the 2-3 pound range provide surprising power and are absolute dynamite in the kitchen.
This afternoon charter hits all the right notes for serious anglers and families alike. You're fishing during prime time with professional crew, quality gear, and access to some of the Gulf Coast's best inshore waters. Apalachicola Bay's diverse ecosystem means every trip produces different species and new challenges. Whether you're after your first Redfish, want to tangle with a King Mackerel, or just enjoy a few hours of steady Trout action, this charter delivers. With only 4 spots available, these afternoon trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book your spot now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action on one of Florida's most productive bays.
Your fishing platform for this 4-hour afternoon charter is a well-equipped motorboat designed to get you on the productive waters of Apalachicola Bay. This boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with the essentials you need to target Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, Flounder, and Trout. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools and structure where these Gulf species like to hang out, while the GPS navigation system ensures you hit the best spots efficiently. An ice box keeps your catch fresh throughout the trip. You'll fish with quality Penn rods and reels, using both live and artificial baits to entice whatever's biting in these productive inshore waters. The boat's design allows easy movement around the deck for fighting fish and provides stable casting platforms to work the flats and channels where Florida's prized species feed.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout aren't native to our Florida waters, but when you do encounter them in cooler northern streams, they're worth every effort. These golden-brown beauties average 12-18 inches but can grow much larger in the right conditions. They prefer cool, clear water between 54-65°F and love hiding near structure - undercut banks, fallen trees, deep pools. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, especially at night. What makes browns special is their wariness - they're the smartest trout species and will test your skills. They fight hard with quick runs and jumps, plus they're excellent eating with mild, sweet flesh. Since browns aren't common in our warm Gulf waters, you'd find them in mountain streams up north. The trick is fishing them at dawn or dusk when they're most active and less spooky.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system and your nerves. These silver bullets typically run 10-30 pounds around here, but the big ones can hit 50+ pounds. Look for them in 40-150 feet of water near bait schools, especially during warmer months when water temps hit 70-80°F. They're built for speed and will make blistering runs that can empty your reel in seconds. The fight alone makes them worth targeting - pure adrenaline when one hits your line. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Best action is spring through fall when they're chasing bait near the surface. Here's the key: use a wire leader and rig live bait with two hooks - one through the nose, another in the back. Kings often hit the tail end of baitfish first.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing - thick, hard-fighting fish that turn bright red as they mature. Most of what we catch runs 2-8 pounds, but 15+ pounders aren't uncommon around good structure. They live on rocky bottom, wrecks, and artificial reefs in 30-100+ feet of water. Summer is prime season during the federal season, though regulations change yearly. What makes snappers special is that bone-jarring initial fight when they try to get back to cover, plus they're arguably the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, firm white meat. They're smart too - often require finesse to fool. The key is getting your bait down fast before smaller fish steal it. Use heavy tackle with 6-8oz weights, and when you hook one, crank hard immediately to keep them off the bottom structure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing here in Apalachicola Bay. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-28 inches and are known for those distinctive black spots near their tails. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Hunt for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are prime when they school up and feed aggressively. What guests love most is the visual fishing - watching these fish cruise the flats and seeing that explosive strike on topwater lures. They fight hard too, making strong runs and using their broad sides against you. My go-to trick: work topwater plugs early morning over grass beds where you can see their wakes.
Paralichthys DentatusThese "chameleons of the sea" are masters of disguise, changing color to blend with sandy bottoms in 15-40 feet of water. Most run 15-20 inches, but we've seen some push 5+ pounds here in Apalachicola Bay. They're ambush predators that bury in sand near structure - oyster bars, drop-offs, and channel edges are prime spots. Fall through early winter is peak season when they feed heavily before moving offshore. What makes flounder special is that unique sideways bite and how they put up a solid fight for their size. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Pro tip: when you feel that tap-tap bite, give them a second to turn the bait before setting the hook. They grab prey sideways and need time to position it right.
Apalachicola