World Class Private Inshore Fishing in Pensacola Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday private charter targets redfish, trout, and flounderCaptain moves between multiple fishing zones throughout the dayAll equipment, licenses, and lunch included for up to 6 guests
When you want to fish Pensacola Bay the right way, this is your trip. We're talking about a full day on one of the Gulf Coast's most productive inshore fisheries, where you'll have the flexibility to move around and chase the bite wherever it's happening. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter where you sit in one spot all day—we cover water, hit multiple zones, and put you on fish using techniques that actually work in these waters. Whether you're after slot reds in the grass or sheepshead around structure, this private charter gives you the time and freedom to do it right.
Your day starts at a convenient Pensacola dock where you'll meet our family crew and step aboard a boat that's rigged and ready to fish. We're heading straight into Pensacola Bay, and with eight hours on the water, we can hit everything from shallow grass flats where reds cruise to deeper channels where trout stack up during different tide phases. The beauty of a full-day trip is that we're not rushed—if the fish are biting in one spot, we stay. If they're not, we move. We'll work structure for sheepshead, drift the flats for reds and trout, and hit oyster bars where black drum like to hang out. The boat comes loaded with everything you need: quality rods and reels matched to what we're targeting, fresh bait, terminal tackle, and all the little details that make the difference between catching fish and just going fishing. Lunch is included, plus we keep the cooler stocked with ice and water so you can stay comfortable and focused on what matters—putting fish in the boat.
Pensacola Bay fishing is all about reading water and adjusting your approach. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials depending on conditions and what the fish want that day. When we're working the grass flats for reds and trout, we might be throwing soft plastics on jig heads or freelining live shrimp under popping corks. Around structure like docks and pilings where sheepshead live, it's all about precise bait presentation with small hooks and fresh fiddler crabs or barnacles. For black drum, we'll drop down with cut bait and let them find it. The key is having the right setup for each situation, and that's where experience pays off. Our tackle selection covers everything from light spinning gear for finesse work to stouter rods when we need to pull fish away from cover. We'll teach you the local techniques that work consistently—like how to work a soft plastic in grass without hanging up, or the best way to present bait to spooky sheepshead. It's hands-on fishing where you'll learn why certain baits work better in specific spots and how tide movement affects where fish position themselves throughout the day.
Grey snapper are some of the smartest fish in the bay, and that's what makes them so satisfying to catch. These fish are structure-oriented and incredibly line-shy, so success comes down to light leaders, small hooks, and perfect bait presentation. They're most active during moving tides, especially around docks and bridge pilings where they ambush small baitfish. When you hook one, expect a solid fight and some of the best eating fish in these waters. They're year-round residents, but summer months tend to produce the most consistent action.
Black drum are the bulldogs of Pensacola Bay, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know it immediately. These fish cruise oyster bars and shallow flats looking for crabs and worms, and they're not picky eaters if you present bait on the bottom. The smaller ones are fantastic table fare, while the big bulls put up fights that'll test your tackle and your patience. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at drum, with the bigger fish moving in during cooler months. They're perfect for anglers who like the anticipation of a slow bite followed by a rod-bending hookup.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped fish that'll steal your bait and test your rigging skills at the same time. They hang around structure with their crushing jaws, picking off barnacles and crabs, which makes them both challenging and rewarding to target. The trick is using small hooks, fresh bait, and feeling for the subtle taps that signal a sheepshead is mouthing your offering. When you set the hook on a good one, they'll make powerful runs toward cover. Winter months are prime time for sheepshead, when they school up around deeper structure and feed aggressively before spawning season.
Sea trout are the bread-and-butter fish of Pensacola Bay, and they're what many anglers cut their teeth on in these waters. They love grass flats and drop-offs, where they cruise looking for shrimp and small baitfish. Trout are responsive to both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for trying different techniques in the same trip. The fight isn't overwhelming, but they're beautiful fish with distinctive canine teeth, and they're excellent on the dinner table. Fall and spring produce the most consistent trout fishing, though you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.
Redfish are the stars of the show when it comes to Pensacola Bay fishing. Whether you're targeting slot-sized fish in the shallows or chasing bull reds in deeper water, these copper-colored fighters deliver everything you want in a gamefish. Reds are aggressive feeders that'll take live bait, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm. They're found everywhere from shallow grass flats to deeper channel edges, and their fighting ability is legendary—expect long runs and stubborn battles near the boat. The slot fish make excellent table fare, while the oversized bulls are pure sport fish that you'll remember long after the trip ends. Summer and fall are peak seasons, but reds are year-round residents that provide consistent action
Pogonias CromisThese are the heavyweights of the drum family, and they'll give you a workout. Most black drum we catch run 5-15 pounds, but the big bulls can hit 30+ pounds and really test your arms. They love oyster beds, muddy flats, and anywhere they can crush shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. You'll hear that distinctive drumming sound they make—it's pretty cool when you've got a school underneath the boat. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab or cut bait works best. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are good eating, but the big ones get tough. Here's the key: use enough weight to stay on bottom and don't set the hook too hard—their mouths are bony and hooks can pull out easily.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called mangrove snapper, these guys are smart and tasty. Most run 1-3 pounds in the bay, with that distinctive greyish-red color and dark eye stripe. They love structure—docks, oyster bars, and any kind of cover where they can ambush prey. Grey snapper are opportunistic feeders, so they'll hit live shrimp, small crabs, or cut bait. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're most active. What makes them special is the combination of a decent fight and some of the best eating you'll find—white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. My tip: once your bait hits bottom, reel up just a foot or two. They rarely feed right on the bottom, and that small adjustment makes all the difference.
Sciaenops OcellatusThe copper-colored kings of the flats with that signature black spot near the tail. Slot reds run 18-27 inches and put up a serious fight, while the bull reds over 27 inches will take you to school. They cruise super shallow water—sometimes with their backs showing—around oyster bars, grass flats, and drop-offs. Fall is magic time when they school up, but honestly, we catch them year-round in Pensacola Bay. What guests love is the visual aspect—you can often see them coming and make precise casts. They're also excellent table fare in the slot size. These fish are aggressive and will eat almost anything, from topwater plugs to live shrimp. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts. Once you hook one, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work—they're powerful but not great jumpers, so keep them down and work them in.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Pensacola Bay—beautiful fish with those distinctive spots and a soft mouth that'll teach you about drag settings real quick. Most run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though the big "gator trout" over 5 pounds are what dreams are made of. They love grass flats, especially in 3-6 feet of water where they can ambush shrimp and small fish. Spring and fall are peak seasons, with early morning and evening bites being the most productive. What makes them special is they'll hit both live bait and artificials, so there's something for everyone. The meat is delicate and flaky—just don't overcook it. My go-to technique: work a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork. The noise draws them in, and that slow fall mimics their natural prey perfectly. Keep your drag light—those soft mouths tear out easily.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese are the "convict fish" with those black and white stripes and human-like teeth that'll creep you out the first time you see them. Most sheepshead we catch are 2-5 pounds, but the bigger ones around 8-10 pounds are out there. They live around any structure—bridge pilings, docks, oyster bars—basically anywhere with barnacles and crustaceans to munch on. Winter through early spring is when they really turn on, especially around spawning time in March and April. What guests love is that they're notorious bait thieves, so it becomes this fun game of timing your hookset. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the bay—sweet, white meat that rivals any snapper. The trick with sheepshead: use small hooks and keep your bait tight to the structure. They won't chase it far from cover.
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