5.0(4 Reviews)Palm Coast Flats Fishing with Captain Kevin
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Private 4hour flats fishing charter for two guestsTarget Snook, Redfish, Trout, and Flounder yearroundExpert guides provide bottom fishing in Palm Coast waters
Palm Coast's inshore flats offer some of Florida's most consistent year-round fishing, and Captain Kevin Duckworth knows these waters like the back of his hand. This 4-hour private charter takes you and one other angler into the productive shallows where redfish, sea trout, and flounder cruise the grass beds and oyster bars. You'll fish from a proper flats boat designed to navigate the skinny water, giving you access to spots where bigger boats can't reach. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target trophy reds or someone who's never held a fishing rod, Captain Kevin tailors each trip to match your skill level and fishing goals.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Kevin at the launch. He'll have all the tackle rigged and ready, from live bait rigs for bottom fishing to artificial lures for sight fishing. The flats around Palm Coast are a maze of shallow bays, creek mouths, and grass beds that hold fish year-round. You'll spend most of your time in 2-6 feet of water, either anchored over productive bottom or drifting along structure. The intimate setting with just two anglers means plenty of personalized instruction and prime fishing time. Captain Kevin reads the tides, weather, and seasonal patterns to put you on fish, and he's not shy about sharing the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Flats fishing is all about understanding structure and tides. Captain Kevin employs multiple techniques depending on conditions and what the fish are doing. You'll do plenty of bottom fishing with live shrimp and cut bait around oyster bars and drop-offs where redfish and trout ambush prey. When the fish are active, you might switch to artificial lures like soft plastics or topwater plugs for more exciting strikes. The shallow water means you can often see fish before you cast to them, especially during calmer conditions. Captain Kevin provides all the gear, from medium-action spinning rods perfect for these species to a selection of terminal tackle that works in these waters. He'll teach you how to read the water, spot fish movement, and adjust your presentation based on what's happening below the surface.
"Captain Kevin Duckworth of Niteline Charters provided an exceptional fishing experience off the coast of Palm Coast, FL. His knowledge of the local waters and fishing hotspots ensured that our trip was nothing short of spectacular. From reeling in trophy-sized catches to enjoying the breathtaking views, every moment was filled with excitement. Highly recommend Captain Kevin for an unforgettable adventure on the sea!" - Arvee
"My family and I had an amazing time on our fishing excursion with Captain Kevin Duckworth. His professionalism and expertise were evident from the moment we stepped aboard. Not only did he guide us to the best fishing spots, but he also took the time to teach us techniques and share fascinating insights about the marine life in the area. Niteline Charters exceeded our expectations, and we can't wait to book another trip with Captain Kevin!" - Sabrina
"Our day with Captain Kevin Duckworth aboard Niteline Charters was nothing short of extraordinary. His dedication to ensuring our enjoyment was evident from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, Captain Kevin caters to all skill levels, making the experience accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The memories we made, the fish we caught, and the laughter we shared will be cherished for years to come. Thank you, Captain Kevin, for an unforgettable expedition!" - Arren
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Palm Coast flats fishing. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches but can stretch past 20 inches for a true "gator trout." They're most active during cooler months from October through March, though you'll find them year-round in deeper grass beds and around structure. Trout hit live shrimp fished under popping corks or soft plastic jigs bounced along the bottom. They're cooperative biters that give a solid fight on light tackle, making them perfect for beginners while still being satisfying for experienced anglers. The bigger ones often come from deeper edges during low light periods.
Redfish are the crown jewel of flats fishing, and Palm Coast's marshes and oyster bars hold plenty of them. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-sized fish around 18-27 inches to oversized bulls that can push 35+ inches and 20+ pounds. Reds are year-round residents that become more aggressive during fall and spring transitions. They're bottom feeders that love live shrimp, cut mullet, and crab, but they'll also crush topwater lures when they're feeding shallow. A hooked redfish makes long, powerful runs that test your drag and technique. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back - pure muscle that doesn't quit until it's in the boat.
Southern flounder are the stealth predators of the flats, lying buried in sandy potholes waiting to ambush passing baitfish. These flatfish are most active during warmer months from April through October, though you can catch them year-round in deeper holes. They range from 14-18 inches typically, with doormat-sized fish over 20 inches being real prizes. Flounder fishing requires patience and the right presentation - live finger mullet or mud minnows fished on the bottom near structure transitions. When a flounder grabs your bait, there's often just a subtle tap or the line goes slack as they swim toward you. Setting the hook requires good timing, and once hooked, they fight with surprising strength for a flatfish.
Captain Kevin's 4-hour flats fishing charters fill
Set out for Palm Coast's productive inshore waters aboard our well-equipped 23-foot Tidewater center console. This 2016 boat runs on a reliable Yamaha 250 SHO that gets you to the fishing grounds quickly, hitting speeds up to 40 knots when needed. The center console design gives you plenty of room to cast and fight fish, while the wireless trolling motor lets us move silently through shallow flats where redfish and snook like to feed. Our fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish, and GPS navigation keeps us on the productive spots. Perfect for targeting speckled trout, flounder, and other inshore species that call these waters home. The boat handles Palm Coast's varying conditions well, from open water runs to sneaking into skinny flats where the big fish hide.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our flats fishing here in Palm Coast. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots near the tail typically range 20-35 inches, but we see plenty of slot fish around 28 inches. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs are out of the water. Look for them cruising oyster bars, grass edges, and sandy pockets. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding. What guests love about reds is their bulldogging fight and willingness to eat topwater lures. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, mild flesh. The key to success is keeping quiet and making long casts ahead of cruising fish. A gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp worked slowly usually seals the deal.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are one of our most reliable targets in Palm Coast's grass flats. These silvery beauties with dark spots typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones surprise you now and then. They love shallow waters around seagrass beds where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish. Night fishing is prime time - they move up shallow to feed when the sun goes down. What makes trout special is their delicate, flaky white meat that's fantastic on the table. They're scrappy fighters too, with a soft mouth that keeps you on your toes. Pro tip: when working the grass flats, use a popping cork with live shrimp - the noise draws them in from a distance, and that distinctive "pop-pop-pause" rhythm triggers aggressive strikes.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms around Palm Coast. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically measure 15-18 inches, with both eyes on their left side - pretty wild looking! They bury themselves in sand and mud near creek mouths, channel edges, and drop-offs where they ambush prey. Fall through early winter is prime time as they fatten up before heading offshore. What makes flounder fishing exciting is the subtle bite and the surprise of seeing this alien-looking fish come up. They're also some of the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect fried or grilled. The trick is using a slow drift with live bull minnows or finger mullet on a Carolina rig, keeping your bait right on bottom where they're waiting.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Kevin Duckworth of Niteline Charters provided an exceptional fishing experience off the coast of Palm Coast, FL. His knowl...
My family and I had an amazing time on our fishing excursion with Captain Kevin Duckworth. His professionalism and expertise were ...
Our day with Captain Kevin Duckworth aboard Niteline Charters was nothing short of extraordinary. His dedication to ensuring our e...
I can't speak highly enough of Captain Kevin Duckworth and Niteline Charters. From the moment we contacted him to book our trip to...
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