Private Inshore Charter in Southwest Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, snook, and tarpon on guided inshore watersExpert captain provides all gear and local fishing knowledgePrivate charter accommodates up to 3 anglers in Southwest Florida
Picture yourself casting lines in the shallow flats and mangrove backwaters where Southwest Florida's best gamefish call home. Our private inshore charter puts you right in the thick of it, targeting the species that make this region famous among serious anglers. With flexible 4 to 8-hour options, you'll have plenty of time to work different spots and adapt to what the fish are doing on any given day. Captain brings all the gear you need, plus the local knowledge that makes the difference between a decent day and one you'll be talking about for years.
Your day starts with a quick rundown of the game plan based on current conditions, tides, and what's been biting lately. We'll be working the inshore waters where structure meets current – think oyster bars, grass flats, and those productive edges where baitfish stack up and predators come to feed. The boat accommodates up to 3 anglers comfortably, so you're not fighting for elbow room when that big redfish makes its run. Expect to move around quite a bit as we read the water and follow the action. Some spots might fire off immediately, others require patience and persistence. That's inshore fishing – always changing, always keeping you on your toes.
We'll be running a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what the fish are showing us. Live shrimp under popping corks work magic around structure, while cut bait gets the attention of bigger predators cruising the flats. When the fish are active, we'll switch to topwater plugs and soft plastics for some serious arm-burning action. The captain rigs everything to match current conditions – lighter tackle when fish are finicky, stouter gear when we're hunting trophy-class specimens. Spinning reels spooled with 20-30 pound braid give you the backbone needed for these inshore bruisers while still having the sensitivity to feel those subtle taps and bumps that often signal a quality fish.
Spanish Mackerel show up in numbers when the bait moves in close to shore, typically during cooler months from October through March. These speedsters hit fast and fight harder than their size suggests, making them perfect for anglers who want constant action. They school up around structure and baitfish, often giving away their location with surface commotion. What makes them special here is the sheer numbers – when you find them, you can often catch dozens in a single session.
Goliath Grouper are the gentle giants that turn grown anglers into kids again. These massive fish, some pushing 200-400 pounds, hang around bridges, wrecks, and deep holes in our inshore waters. While they're catch-and-release only, the experience of hooking into one is something else entirely. They don't run like other fish – they just pull straight down with unstoppable power. Summer months bring the best opportunities as they move into shallower water to spawn.
King Mackerel patrol the deeper edges of our inshore waters, especially during spring and fall migrations. These torpedo-shaped fighters can stretch the tape past 30 inches and provide some of the most blistering runs you'll experience in shallow water. They're structure-oriented but mobile, following bait schools and temperature breaks. The kings we catch here are typically in the 15-35 pound range – perfect eating size with serious fighting power.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, available year-round with peak action during spring and fall. They hold in grass beds, around structure, and over sandy holes where they ambush prey. Gator trout – those specimens over 20 inches – are what every angler dreams about. These fish respond well to live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater lures, especially during low-light periods at dawn and dusk.
Redfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishery, known for their bulldogging fights and copper-colored flanks. These fish cruise the flats in singles, pairs, or schools depending on the season. Slot-sized reds (18-27 inches) make excellent table fare, while the oversized bulls provide pure adrenaline. They're ambush predators that use structure, current, and cover to their advantage. Fall brings some of the best redfish action as they school up for their spawning runs.
Southwest Florida's inshore waters deliver world-class fishing year-round, with each season bringing its own opportunities and challenges. This charter gives you access to productive spots that take years of local knowledge to unlock, paired with the flexibility to adapt as conditions change throughout the day. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table or just enjoy some quality time on the water, these inshore species provide the perfect mix of action and challenge. The 4 to 8-hour options mean you can tailor the trip to your schedule and stamina level. Book your dates now and get ready to see why Southwest Florida has earned its reputation as one of the country's top-rated inshore fishing destinations.
Step aboard our 2018 Tidewater center console – a 25-foot fishing machine built for serious anglers targeting SWFL's legendary inshore action. This bay boat packs a punch with its 300HP Yamaha engine, getting you to prime Redfish and Snook spots fast while delivering a smooth ride through shallow flats and backcountry channels. The spacious deck gives your crew of up to 6 plenty of room to work multiple lines without getting tangled up. Our wireless trolling motor lets us ghost into skinny water where the big Tarpon lurk without spooking them. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating structure and baitfish, while GPS navigation keeps us on productive honey holes. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox – there's room for drinks and snacks too. The center console design means 360-degree fishing access, perfect for sight-casting or working the mangroves. Whether you're chasing silver kings in the backcountry or working oyster bars for slot Reds, this boat handles Southwest Florida's diverse inshore waters like a dream.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our inshore waters - true monsters that can reach 200-400 pounds and live over 50 years. These massive fish hang around structure like wrecks, ledges, and deep holes in 20-100 feet of water. They're curious and not afraid of divers or boats, making them pretty cooperative when you find one. The fight is intense but short - that first run will test your gear and your grip on the rod. We target them year-round, but summer months tend to be most productive when they're more active. Remember, these are strictly catch-and-release fish - it's been illegal to harvest them for decades to help the population recover. What guests love is the sheer size and power, plus the photo opportunity with a true Florida legend. My advice: use heavy tackle with at least 80-pound line and big circle hooks. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and try to turn their head up quickly before they dive back to structure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of our waters, averaging 15-30 pounds with some reaching 50+ pounds. These silver bullets cruise in 40-100 feet around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. Fall through spring gives us our best shots when they're feeding heavily on the migrations. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel line faster than almost any fish in the Gulf. The meat is excellent when bled and iced properly, though larger fish can have higher mercury levels. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit both live bait and fast-moving lures. Trolling with planers or slow-trolling live sardines near the thermocline works best. Here's a local trick: rig your bait with a stinger hook about 6 inches back from the main hook. Kings love to attack from behind and that back hook will nail them when they try to cut your bait in half with those razor-sharp teeth.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing here in Southwest Florida. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-30 inches, with those distinctive black spots near their tails. You'll find them in surprisingly shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water - around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter bring the best action when they school up in larger numbers. What guests love is their powerful, bulldogging fight and willingness to eat just about anything. They're also excellent table fare with firm, mild meat that's great grilled or blackened. These fish are sight-fishing gold on calm days when you can spot them cruising the flats. My go-to technique: look for nervous water or slight wakes in shallow areas, then cast a soft plastic or live shrimp just ahead of their path. Keep it quiet - they spook easily in skinny water but once hooked, they'll give you a fight you won't forget.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or speckled trout, are one of our most reliable inshore targets, running 12-20 inches with occasional 4-5 pounders mixed in. These spotted beauties love grass flats, sandy potholes, and oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning and late evening. Fall and spring give us the most consistent action when water temps are in the 70s. What guests enjoy is their willingness to hit artificials - soft plastics, topwater plugs, and live shrimp all work great. They're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The spotted pattern and that distinctive mouth make them easy to identify. Local tip: focus on the drop-offs where grass meets sand bottom, especially if you see mullet or glass minnows in the area. Work your lure slowly along the bottom and be ready - their bite can be surprisingly soft for such an aggressive fish.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect for guests who want consistent action and great eating. These silver speedsters typically run 1-3 pounds around here, though we'll occasionally hook into 5-pounders. They travel in schools near the surface, making them easy to spot and target. You'll find them around structures, grass flats, and along the beaches in 10-40 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best bite, especially when baitfish are thick. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes on both live bait and artificials - they hit hard and make screaming runs. The meat is excellent grilled or smoked, with a mild flavor that's not too fishy. Pro tip: when you see diving birds or bait getting busted on the surface, get there fast with small spoons or live shrimp - the school won't stick around long, but the action will be non-stop while they're feeding.
Fort Myers