Florida Inshore Kayak Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour private kayak fishing charter in calm inshore watersEarly morning starts around 6am for optimal tides and weatherWildlife sightings and peaceful nature exploration included
There's something special about drifting through Florida's shallow waters at dawn, paddle in one hand and rod in the other. This private 5-hour inshore kayak fishing charter combines the best of both worlds - peaceful paddling through scenic backwaters and productive fishing for some of Florida's most sought-after species. Starting around 6:00 a.m. when the water's glass-calm and the fish are active, you'll have the entire experience tailored to your pace and preferences. It's just you, your guide, and miles of pristine coastline where redfish cruise the flats and sea trout work the grass beds.
This isn't your typical high-speed fishing charter. We're talking about a completely different approach - one that lets you really connect with Florida's coastal environment. Your guide will match the start time to the tides and weather, ensuring optimal conditions for both fishing success and scenic beauty. The pace is relaxed but purposeful, giving you time to soak in wildlife sightings between casts. Expect to see dolphins, manatees, and countless bird species as you work your way through shallow bays and creek mouths where game fish love to feed. The kayak setup gives you access to skinny water that bigger boats can't reach, putting you right in the strike zone for inshore species. This top-rated experience works perfectly for anglers who want to escape the crowds and fish at their own rhythm while taking in some of Florida's most beautiful coastal scenery.
Pedal-driven kayaks are game-changers for inshore fishing. Your hands stay free for casting and fighting fish while your legs do the work of positioning and maneuvering. These stable platforms let you cover water efficiently while staying quiet enough not to spook fish in shallow areas. Your guide will have you rigged with appropriate tackle for the conditions - typically light spinning gear with live bait or soft plastics that work well in grass flats and around structure. Techniques focus on sight fishing when possible, especially for redfish tailing in shallow water, plus working drop-offs and creek bends where sea trout and flounder ambush prey. The beauty of kayak fishing is being able to slide into spots where pressured fish feel safe, then present baits naturally with the current. You'll learn to read water, identify productive structure, and adjust your approach based on tides and fish behavior throughout the morning.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches in our waters, with larger "gator trout" pushing 20-plus inches during cooler months. They're aggressive feeders that hit both live shrimp and artificial lures, making them perfect targets for kayak anglers. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, though summer morning trips often produce excellent results before the sun gets too high. What makes sea trout special is their willingness to fight - they'll make runs, jump, and give you a real workout on light tackle. Plus, they're excellent table fare when handled properly.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore species, and Florida's waters hold some true giants. These copper-colored bruisers range from schooling "rat reds" around 16-20 inches up to bull reds exceeding 30 inches and 15-plus pounds. Fall months bring the biggest fish as they stage for their spawning runs, but reds are catchable year-round in our area. They're incredibly strong fighters that use their broad tails and thick bodies to pull drag and test your gear. Sight fishing for reds in shallow water ranks among the most exciting angling experiences Florida offers - watching that red back and black spot cruise through clear water gets every angler's heart pumping.
Southern flounder might not win beauty contests, but they're crafty predators that provide fantastic sport on light tackle. These flatfish masters of camouflage typically run 14-16 inches, with doormat-sized specimens reaching 18-20 inches during peak season from late fall through winter. They ambush prey from sandy bottoms and grass edges, requiring patient presentations and good timing on the hookset. Flounder have soft mouths, so you need to be gentle when fighting them, but their unique fighting style - rolling and thrashing rather than running - makes every catch memorable. They're also among the best eating fish in our waters, with sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat.
This world-class kayak fishing experience fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons when conditions are most favorable. The combination of personalized guiding, access to exclusive fishing spots, and the peaceful kayak approach creates something truly special for anglers looking beyond the typical charter boat scene. Whether you're an experienced angler wanting to try a new approach or someone seeking a more contemplative fishing experience, this charter delivers both productive fishing and genuine connection with Florida's coastal environment. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but trust that you're investing in a customer favorite that showcases the very best of Florida inshore fishing. The early morning start times ensure you'll experience the magic hour when everything comes alive - the perfect way to spend five hours on some of the most beautiful and fish-rich waters in the state.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Florida inshore fishing, typically running 20-30 inches in our waters. These copper-colored fighters love super shallow flats, often in just 1-4 feet of water where you can see their backs. They're year-round residents but get more active during spring and fall. What guests love most is watching them cruise the shallows and the powerful runs they make when hooked. They'll eat just about anything - live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater lures all work well. The meat is firm and sweet, perfect for the table. Look for that distinctive black spot near their tail. Pro tip: when you spot one cruising, cast ahead of them and let your bait settle - they're bottom feeders and will nose around before committing to the bite.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are perfect for our calm inshore waters, running 14-24 inches and usually weighing 1-5 pounds. These spotted beauties love grass flats and shallow areas, especially during early morning and evening feeds. They're aggressive fighters that'll give you a solid battle on light tackle. What makes them special is their willingness to hit artificial lures - soft plastics and topwater plugs work great. The meat is excellent eating too, with white, flaky flesh that's mild and sweet. During cooler months, they school up in deeper channels. My go-to tip: work your lure slowly along the grass edges where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. The bite often picks up right at sunrise when we're starting our trips.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, though we occasionally see some pushing 20+ inches. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in the bottom, waiting for prey to swim by. Fall and winter are prime times when they move through our inshore waters heading to spawn offshore. What's fun about targeting them is the surprise factor - you never know when that seemingly empty bottom will come alive. They're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Live shrimp, mullet, and bull minnows work best. The trick is to fish slow and stay patient. Drift over sandy areas near grass beds and let your bait bounce along the bottom - they'll grab it when it looks vulnerable.
Florida