5 Hour Pensacola Inshore Nearshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour trip targeting redfish, trout, mackerel, and snapperFlexible inshore and nearshore fishing based on conditionsMorning and afternoon departures with all gear included
When you want the best of both worlds on the water, this top-rated 5-hour charter gives you exactly that. Based out of Pensacola, we'll work both the inshore flats and nearshore reefs depending on what's biting and what you're hoping to catch. Perfect for couples or small groups of 2, this trip lets you experience the variety that makes our Gulf Coast waters so special. Whether you're after the steady action of inshore reds and trout or the adrenaline rush of nearshore kings and snapper, we've got the flexibility to put you on fish. With morning and afternoon departure times, you can pick what works best for your schedule and still have time to enjoy everything else Pensacola has to offer.
This charter is all about reading the conditions and making smart decisions. Some days the inshore bite is absolutely on fire, with redfish cruising the grass flats in shallow water and speckled trout stacked up in the deeper pockets. Other days, we'll head out to the nearshore structure where the bigger fish live - trolling for kings and Spanish mackerel or dropping down to the reefs for snapper and triggerfish. The beauty of this trip is that we're not locked into one plan. I'll check the weather, tides, and recent reports before we leave the dock, then we'll make the call together based on what's working and what you want to target. You'll get a real feel for how local captains think and adapt to conditions, plus you'll see different types of water and structure that make this area so productive year-round.
We'll switch up our approach depending on where we're fishing and what we're after. Inshore, we're talking about sight fishing with live bait, working artificial lures around grass beds, and making precise casts to structure. You'll use lighter tackle that lets you feel every bump and run - perfect for the finesse game that inshore fishing demands. When we move nearshore, the gear steps up accordingly. We'll pull planers and downriggers for the pelagic species, set up bottom rigs with circle hooks for the reef fish, and maybe even do some live bait fishing if the conditions are right. All your rods, reels, bait, and tackle are covered, plus I'll have your fishing licenses sorted before we leave. The key is matching your presentation to the fish and the structure, and I'll walk you through each setup so you understand why we're using what we're using.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of our nearshore reefs, and when they're open, there's nothing quite like dropping down 60-80 feet and feeling that solid thump when a keeper bites. These fish are smart and structure-oriented, so we'll position over rocky bottom or artificial reefs where they congregate. Summer months are prime time, and a good red snapper will give you a solid fight on the way up. They're excellent eating too, which makes them a customer favorite for good reason.
Spanish mackerel show up in big numbers during the warmer months, and they're perfect for anglers who like fast action. These fish are aggressive and will hit small spoons, jigs, or live bait with serious attitude. They're not huge - typically running 1-3 pounds - but they make up for size with speed and numbers. When you find a school, you can catch them back-to-back until your arms get tired. They're also fantastic on the table if you know how to handle them right.
King mackerel are the speed demons of our nearshore waters, and hooking into a 20-30 pound king will definitely get your attention. We typically troll for them using live bait or large spoons, and when one hits, you'll know it immediately. These fish make long runs and have razor-sharp teeth, so we use wire leaders and quality drag systems. Fall months can be world-class for kings as they migrate through our area, and catching one is always a highlight of any nearshore trip.
Grey triggerfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're tough fighters with serious attitude. Found around the same reefs as snapper, triggers will test your patience with their ability to steal bait, but when you hook a good one, they'll use every bit of structure to try to break you off. They're actually excellent eating despite their unusual appearance, and many repeat customers specifically request to target them once they've tried the unique challenge these fish provide.
Redfish are the bread and butter of our inshore waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are found year-round in our grass flats, channels, and shallow bays. A slot-sized red will give you a powerful, sustained fight that's different from anything else you'll catch inshore. They're smart fish that require good presentation, but when you hook one in 2-3 feet of water, the visual aspect adds a whole new dimension to the experience. Peak times are early morning and late afternoon when they're actively feeding in the shallows.
This 5-hour charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want - flexibility, variety, and the chance to experience different types of fishing in one trip. You're not just booking a fishing trip; you're getting a comprehensive look at what makes Pensacola waters so productive and popular with both locals and visitors. With all gear, bait, and licenses included, plus the option to add additional guests, it's designed to give you maximum value and minimum hassle. The morning and afternoon start times mean you can work this trip into almost any schedule, whether you're here for a long weekend or planning a dedicated fishing vacation. Ready to see what's biting in both our inshore and nearshore waters? Let's get you on the calendar and on the fish.
This 22-foot center console is built specifically for Pensacola's inshore and nearshore fishing waters. The boat handles both calm bay areas and choppier Gulf waters with ease, giving you access to grass flats for Redfish and Speckled Trout or nearshore reefs for Snapper and King Mackerel. With room for 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when stalking shallow water targets, while the fish finder helps locate structure and schools in deeper water. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 5-hour trip. GPS navigation ensures efficient travel between fishing spots, whether you're working the bay systems or heading out to the nearshore reefs. Quality rods and reels are provided, along with all tackle and bait needed for whatever species you're targeting.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are scrappy little fighters that live around our nearshore reefs and hard bottom areas. These tough-skinned fish average 12-17 inches but pack a serious punch with their strong jaws and stubborn attitude. You'll find them in 20-180 feet holding tight to structure, ledges, and rocky areas year-round, though summer and fall typically produce the best action. What makes triggerfish fun is their personality - they're curious, aggressive, and will inspect your bait before committing. They're also surprisingly good eating with firm, white meat that's often compared to snapper. The trick with triggers is patience and the right bait presentation. Use a chunk of squid about an inch square on a strong hook, drop it to the bottom, then immediately reel up a foot or two. When you feel those subtle taps, resist the urge to set the hook right away - let them take it and swim off first.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the ultimate trolling target when you want to feel your drag scream. These torpedo-shaped fighters average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds, and they're built for one thing - speed. We target them in 40-150 feet of water around temperature breaks, bait schools, and drop-offs during their peak season from spring through fall. What makes Kings special is their initial run - nothing matches that first 100-yard sprint when a big King hits your bait. They're also excellent eating with rich, flaky meat perfect for the grill. The secret to landing more Kings is running a proper stinger rig. These fish hit bait from behind, so I always run two hooks - one in the nose and a trailing treble near the tail. That back hook is what seals the deal when they chomp down on your bait's rear end.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of our nearshore reefs. These beautiful fish turn bright red as they mature and typically run 1-2 feet long, though we occasionally hook monsters pushing 20+ pounds. You'll find them holding tight to structure in 30-200 feet of water, especially around rocky bottom and artificial reefs. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active. What makes snapper fishing so rewarding is their strong fight - they'll head straight for cover when hooked, testing your drag and skill. Plus, there's no better eating fish in the Gulf. Here's a pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them take it and run a few seconds first - snapper are notorious bait stealers, and patience usually means the difference between dinner and an empty hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow inshore waters and a favorite target for good reason. These bronze-backed beauties with their signature black spots average 20-30 inches around Pensacola and are known for their bulldogging fights in skinny water. We find them cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Spring through fall offers prime action, especially on moving tides. What guests love about redfish is the visual aspect - watching them cruise the flats and seeing that explosive strike in clear, shallow water. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. My go-to technique is sight fishing with topwater plugs early morning or late afternoon. When you spot a red, cast well ahead of where it's heading and work that plug with steady pops - the strike will be unforgettable.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons that make nearshore trolling a blast. These silver rockets with yellow spots typically measure 1-2 feet and weigh 2-8 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. We find them in schools near the surface during warmer months, especially spring through early fall when water temps hit the sweet spot. They love open water around structure and baitfish schools, usually in 20-100 feet. What guests love most is their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - plus they're fantastic on the dinner table with mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. The key to consistent hookups is speed matching your trolling lures. When we mark a school, I'll vary our trolling speed until we find what they want that day. Sometimes they want it fast, sometimes slow - but once you dial it in, it's fish on every pass.
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