Palmetto FL Inshore Fishing Charter (PM)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Afternoon inshore fishing charter targeting snook, redfish, and troutExpert captain provides local knowledge and technique guidanceSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests
There's something special about hitting the water in the afternoon when the sun starts working its magic on Tampa Bay's shallow flats. This Palmetto inshore fishing charter puts you right in the middle of some of Florida's most productive fishing waters, where grass beds meet mangrove shorelines and the fish are just waiting to make your day. Captain Pat knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll get you dialed in on where the redfish are cruising and where those snook are hiding in the shadows. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet with saltwater fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back for more.
You'll launch from Palmetto and head out into Tampa Bay's maze of grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove creeks where the fish love to hang out. This isn't about running 30 miles offshore – we're talking about sight fishing in crystal clear shallows where you can actually see your target before you cast. The afternoon timing works perfectly because the fish are active, the water's warmed up, and you've got great light for spotting cruising redfish and laid-up snook. Captain Pat runs a clean, well-maintained boat that's perfect for navigating these skinny waters, and he's got all the tackle you'll need. The focus is on putting you on fish, plain and simple. With a max of three anglers, everyone gets plenty of casting opportunities and personalized instruction. Don't worry if you've never thrown live shrimp under a mangrove overhang – that's what the captain's there for.
This charter is all about versatility and reading the water. You'll be working everything from live bait presentations around structure to artificial lures on the flats. The grass beds hold tons of baitfish, which means predators are never far behind. Captain Pat will have you throwing everything from topwater plugs early in the trip to soft plastics when the bite gets finicky. The beauty of Tampa Bay's inshore waters is the variety – one minute you're sight casting to tailing redfish on a shallow flat, the next you're working a mangrove shoreline where snook are ambushing pilchards. The boat's equipped with a shallow water anchor and trolling motor, so you can stay positioned perfectly without spooking fish. Live bait is king out here, and the captain knows exactly where to find the freshest shrimp and pilchards. Circle hooks and light tackle make for maximum fun when you hook up, and the captain will coach you through the fight to make sure you land your fish.
Redfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs love the grass flats and oyster bars around Palmetto, especially when the tide's moving. You'll find them in schools during the cooler months, often tailing in super shallow water where the excitement level goes through the roof. Slot-sized reds between 18 and 27 inches are common, and they fight like fish twice their size. What makes redfish so special here is their predictability – when conditions are right, Captain Pat can put you on multiple fish in a single drift. The sight fishing opportunities are world-class, especially when you spot that distinctive copper flash cruising the flats.
Snook fishing around Tampa Bay is legendary, and this charter targets them in their favorite haunts. These ambush predators love hanging around mangrove overhangs, docks, and creek mouths where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. Snook are incredibly line-shy and structure-oriented, which makes landing one a real accomplishment. They're most active during the warmer months, and the afternoon timing of this trip coincides perfectly with their feeding patterns. When you hook a snook, get ready for some serious head-shaking and acrobatic jumps. The slot limit keeps things interesting – you need a fish between 28 and 33 inches to take home, but most anglers are happy to snap a photo and release these beautiful gamefish.
Spanish mackerel add some serious speed to the mix when they show up in Tampa Bay. These fast-moving predators travel in schools and provide non-stop action when you find them. They're particularly active during the spring and fall months, and they love chasing small baitfish over the grass flats. Spanish mackerel are perfect for anglers who want to feel their drag screaming – they make blistering runs and fight way above their weight class. Captain Pat knows the seasonal patterns and will position you where the schools are most likely to show up. They're also excellent eating, so don't be surprised if you end up taking a few home for dinner.
Tripletail might be the most unique catch you'll encounter on this trip. These odd-looking fish have a habit of floating near structure, looking exactly like floating debris until they decide to move. They're ambush predators that require a stealthy approach and precise cast placement. Tripletail fishing is all about patience and observation – you'll be scanning the water for what looks like a floating leaf that might just be your next trophy. When you do hook one, they put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. Finding tripletail requires local knowledge and a trained eye, which is exactly what Captain Pat brings to the table.
Southern flounder complete the slam of popular inshore species around Palmetto. These masters of camouflage bury themselves in sandy areas near grass bed edges and creek mouths, waiting for prey to swim by. Flounder fishing requires a different approach – you'll be bouncing soft plastics or live bait along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive thump when a flatfish inhales your offering. The key is patience and bottom contact. Flounder are most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk. While they might not be the flashiest fighters, they're definitely some of the best eating fish you'll find in these waters. Captain Pat knows
Step aboard this beautifully restored 19' Carolina Skiff, your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing Tampa Bay has to offer. This classic flats boat was built for shallow water adventures, drawing just inches while still packing enough punch with its 115HP Suzuki to cruise at 30 knots between fishing spots. The wireless trolling motor lets us slip into those skinny backwaters without spooking fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate structure and baitfish that attract snook, redfish, and trout. With room for three anglers and an icebox to keep your drinks cold, this skiff is perfectly set up for afternoon fishing around Palmetto's grass flats and mangrove shorelines. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working artificial baits through the channels, this boat gets you into fish-holding water that bigger boats simply can't reach.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for our Tampa Bay flats - they love cruising the 1-4 foot shallows around oyster bars and grass beds. Most run 18-28 inches, but we see plenty of bulls pushing 40+ inches that'll test your drag. They're year-round fish here, but fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything - live shrimp, topwater plugs, or soft plastics all work. Plus, they're excellent table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. My go-to tip: when you spot one tailing in skinny water, cast well ahead and let your bait drift into their feeding zone. They spook easy if you land right on top of them.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate ambush predator and a true Florida favorite. These golden beauties typically run 18-30 inches with that signature black lateral line, but the big females can push 40+ inches. They're structure junkies - find mangrove shorelines, dock lights, bridge pilings, or oyster bars and you'll find snook. Summer brings peak action during spawn season when their fins turn bright yellow. They're prized for their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights, plus they're catch-and-release only which keeps the fishery strong. What makes them tricky is their cover orientation - they'll dart back into structure fast. Use topwater plugs early morning or live pilchards around structure. Key tip: when fishing mangroves, cast tight to the roots and work your lure away quickly - they hit within the first few cranks or not at all.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of camouflage on our sandy and muddy bottoms. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches but can reach over 30 inches and 20 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand near channel edges, dock pilings, and creek mouths waiting for baitfish to swim by. Fall and winter are prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. What's cool is watching both eyes track your bait from the same side of their head. The meat is fantastic - white, flaky, and mild. They fight differently than other fish, more like dragging a dinner plate through the water. My best advice: fish slow with live mud minnows or shrimp right on the bottom, and be patient - they often mouth the bait before fully committing.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll give you fast-paced action on light tackle. These silver bullets typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-5 pounds, but their blistering runs make them feel much bigger. They travel in schools near the surface around grass flats, channel edges, and structure. Spring through fall brings the best fishing when baitfish are thick. They're some of the fastest fish in Tampa Bay, so be ready for screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that's perfect grilled or smoked. When you locate a school, work fast with small spoons or live bait because they move quickly. Pro tip: keep your drag light and use a wire leader - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique catches - they look like floating debris until they come alive. These oddball fish average 2-5 pounds but can hit 15+ pounds, and they're surprisingly acrobatic for such a chunky body. You'll find them floating near the surface around weed lines, channel markers, and structure throughout summer and fall when water temps stay above 70°F. They're becoming popular with fly fishermen because of their surface feeding and strong fights. The meat rivals grouper - firm, white, and tasty. Here's the trick: when you spot one floating on its side mimicking debris, cast your shrimp or crab fly well past it and slowly work the bait back. Get too close with your initial cast and they'll vanish like ghosts.
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