Half Day Private Inshore Fishing Adventure in Crawfordville
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour morning inshore fishing trip for up to 4 guestsTarget Redfish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout in Crawfordville backwatersAll equipment, bait, and licenses included with experienced Captain Chase
Nothing beats getting on the water early when the fish are hungry and the day's full of promise. This private 4-hour inshore fishing adventure kicks off at 7:30 AM sharp, giving you and up to three buddies the prime morning bite around Crawfordville's productive flats and backwaters. Capt. Chase runs a tight ship with his brand-new 22' Micro Draft flats boat – purpose-built for getting into those skinny-water honey holes where the big Redfish cruise and Speckled Trout stack up. At just $400 for your entire group, you're looking at world-class inshore action without breaking the bank or burning your whole day. Perfect for families, couples, or that crew that wants to fish hard then grab lunch somewhere with a cold beer.
Capt. Chase knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not the type to waste time running around looking lost. You'll be working the grass flats, oyster bars, and deeper cuts where baitfish gather and predators follow. The Micro Draft hull design means you can slip into 12 inches of water where other boats can't go – that's where the magic happens in inshore fishing. Expect to see plenty of wildlife along the way: dolphins working bait, rays gliding through the shallows, maybe even a manatee if you're lucky. The boat's got all the comfort features you need for four hours on the water, plus plenty of rod storage and a good sound system if you want some tunes between fish. Morning trips are customer favorites because the water's usually calmer, fish are more active, and you still have half your day left for whatever else life throws at you.
This isn't heavy offshore gear – we're talking finesse fishing with light spinning tackle that lets you feel every bump, every nibble, every head shake. Capt. Chase provides top-rated rods and reels spooled with the right line weights for inshore work, usually 10-15 pound test that gives fish a sporting chance while still having enough backbone to horse a bull red away from structure. You'll be throwing soft plastics, topwater plugs, and live bait depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. Don't worry if you've never thrown a paddle tail or worked a popping cork – Chase breaks it down in terms that make sense, and he's got the patience to help beginners get their technique dialed in. Artificial lures dominate the game plan most days, but when the fish want live shrimp or pinfish, that's what we'll give them. All bait, tackle, and fishing licenses are covered, so you just need to show up ready to learn and put some fish in the boat.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Crawfordville inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers patrol the flats year-round, though spring and fall offer the most consistent action. You'll find them tailing in skinny water on low tide, crashing bait schools, or laid up around oyster bars waiting to ambush whatever swims by. Reds fight like freight trains – they'll make that first blistering run, then dog you all the way to the boat with heavy head shakes that test your drag and your patience. Most fish run 20-30 inches, perfect eating size, though don't be surprised if you hook into a bull red that'll straighten your hooks and test your knots. The slot limit protects the breeding stock, so you'll be releasing the big girls to fight another day.
Speckled Trout are the other half of the inshore slam that keeps anglers coming back for more. These beautiful fish love grass flats and drop-offs, especially during moving tides when baitfish get pushed around. Spring through fall offers the best trout fishing, with early morning being prime time when they're feeding aggressively in shallow water. Specks have soft mouths, so you need to adjust your drag and fight them with a light touch – too much pressure and they'll throw the hook every time. They're also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill or fryer. Most fish run 14-20 inches, though the occasional gator trout over 25 inches will make your morning and give you bragging rights for months.
Southern Flounder are the wild cards that can make any trip memorable, even though they're trickier to target consistently. These ambush predators bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. Fall migration brings the best flounder action as fish move from inshore areas toward deeper water to spawn. You'll find them around points, channel edges, and anywhere current creates an ambush spot. Flounder hit differently than other fish – more of a thump than a strike – and they'll often grab your bait and just swim off slowly until you set the hook. They're phenomenal table fare, which makes them a customer favorite when they cooperate. Most fish run 15-18 inches, though doormat flounder over 20 inches are possible and represent some of the finest eating fish in coastal waters.
Half-day trips are trending for good reason – you get serious fishing time without the full-day commitment, and morning bites are often the most productive anyway. Capt. Chase's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and his new flats boat opens up water that other guides can't access. The $400 price tag covers your entire group up to four people, making this one of the best values in guided fishing around Crawfordville. Free cancellation up to three days out takes the pressure off weather worries or schedule changes. Just remember to bring drinks, snacks, sunscreen, and that positive attitude that makes for good fishing karma. Book your dates early, especially during peak seasons, because renowned local guides
Your private fishing adventure starts with this brand-new 22' Micro Draft flats boat, fresh off the line in 2025. Built specifically for Florida's shallow backwaters, this skiff draws just inches of water, getting you into those hard-to-reach redfish hangouts where bigger boats can't go. The 115HP Mercury pushes you to fishing spots at 30 knots, while the wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky trout without spooking them. Captain Chase knows every oyster bar and grass flat around Crawfordville, and with the onboard fish finder, you'll spend more time with lines in the water than searching for fish. The icebox keeps your drinks cold during the Florida sun, and there's room for up to 4 anglers to comfortably work the flats. GPS navigation ensures you hit the productive spots, whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working the deeper potholes for flounder. This shallow-water machine is purpose-built for inshore fishing success.
Sciaenops OcellatusReds are the crown jewel of our flats fishing here in Crawfordville. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches but can push well over 40 inches and 30+ pounds. You'll find them cruising super shallow water - sometimes with their backs showing - around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall when they're most aggressive. What guests love about reds is their incredible fight and those classic black spots near the tail. Plus, slot-sized fish make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats during moving tides. When you spot one, cast well ahead of where it's going and let your bait settle to the bottom.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout around here typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-5 pounds, though you'll occasionally hook into bigger ones. They love our grass flats and shallow waters, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. These spotted beauties are most active during cooler months when water temps drop, and they tend to school up in deeper channels during winter. What makes them special is their delicate white meat - some of the best eating you'll find inshore. They're also great fighters on light tackle, making long runs when hooked. Here's a local tip: work your lure slowly along the grass edges with frequent pauses. Trout often hit on the pause, so don't rush your retrieve.
Paralichthys LethostigmaFlounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms. These flatfish typically range 15-18 inches, though we catch some pushing 25+ inches that are real doormat-sized fish. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in the bottom near creek mouths, channel edges, and drop-offs waiting for baitfish to swim by. Fall is prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore winter migration. Both eyes on one side make them look weird, but they're fantastic eating - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They don't fight like a red or trout, but landing a big flounder is always satisfying. Pro tip: fish right on the bottom with live mud minnows or finger mullet. Let your bait sit still and watch for that subtle tap-tap bite.
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