Morning Inshore Fishing – Okaloosa FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore trip targeting redfish, trout, and flounderAll gear, licenses, and fish cleaning services includedCaptain Alex accommodates all experience levels aboard
Looking for a solid day on the water without the rough seas and long boat rides? This 6-hour inshore trip with Redfish Cowboys puts you right where the fish are feeding – in Okaloosa's protected coastal waters where the action stays consistent and the ride stays comfortable. Captain Alex knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's built this trip for anglers who want more time fishing and less time getting there. Whether you're bringing the family, a group of buddies, or just want to learn the ropes, this top-rated charter adapts to your crew's experience level while targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species.
You'll spend your morning working Okaloosa's prime inshore spots – grass flats where redfish cruise in skinny water, dock lines where trout ambush baitfish, and bridge pilings that hold everything from drum to jacks. Captain Alex provides all the tackle you'll need, from light spinning gear for finesse presentations to heavier setups when the big fish are biting. Your fishing license is covered, so you can focus on what matters: getting your line wet and learning the local techniques that produce fish year-round. The boat stays in protected waters, making this a great choice for anglers who want productive fishing without dealing with big swells or seasickness. At the end of your trip, any keeper fish get cleaned and bagged so you can take your catch home for dinner.
This isn't a one-size-fits-all operation – Captain Alex switches up tactics based on what's working and where the fish are holding. You'll likely throw live shrimp under popping corks around structure, work soft plastics through grass beds, and maybe throw some topwater when the conditions are right. The grass flats fish differently than the dock lines, and the bridge fishing requires its own approach entirely. All gear is provided and rigged properly for each spot you hit, from the right hook sizes to leader material that won't spook finicky trout. If you're new to inshore fishing, you'll learn why presentation matters more than just casting far, and experienced anglers will pick up local tricks that work specifically in these Okaloosa waters.
Black Drum are the workhorses of Okaloosa's inshore waters, and these copper-colored fighters provide steady action when other species are finicky. They love structure – bridge pilings, oyster bars, and dock lines – where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Spring and fall see the biggest schools, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 16-inchers up to bull drums that'll test your drag system. What makes drum fishing so rewarding is their power; they don't jump like tarpon, but they'll pull steady and hard, making long runs toward structure. Plus, they're excellent table fare when prepared right.
Tarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing, and Okaloosa's waters host both resident fish and migrating schools. Summer months bring the best tarpon action, with fish ranging from juvenile "poons" of 20-40 pounds up to mature fish pushing triple digits. They're famous for their aerial displays – multiple jumps, gill-rattling head shakes, and powerful runs that can empty your reel in seconds. Even if you don't boat every tarpon you hook (and you won't – they're notorious for throwing hooks), the experience of fighting one of these prehistoric giants stays with you. Most are released to fight another day.
King Mackerel bring serious speed and razor-sharp teeth to the mix, typically showing up when you're fishing the edges of grass flats or around bait schools. These silver bullets can hit 30+ mph and make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Spring and fall migrations bring the best king fishing, with fish ranging from smaller "snakes" to heavyweight smokers pushing 40+ pounds. They're notorious for their initial run – straight away from the boat at full throttle – followed by jumping, headshaking chaos at the boat. Wire leaders are a must; kings will slice through mono or fluorocarbon without thinking twice.
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing – spooky, selective, and absolutely beautiful fish that test every aspect of your angling skills. These silver discs cruise shallow flats and around structure, often showing their iconic black-tipped dorsals above the surface. They're notorious for refusing perfectly presented baits and bolting from the slightest noise or movement. When you do connect with a permit, they combine the speed of a king mackerel with the power of a jack, making powerful runs and using their broad sides to fight in the current. Catching one is a genuine achievement that many inshore anglers chase for years.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the Gulf. These broad-shouldered bruisers travel in schools and attack bait with reckless abandon, often competing with each other to hit your lure first. They're found around structure, bait schools, and grass flat edges, particularly during warmer months. What jacks lack in table quality they make up for in pure fighting ability – they pull hard, dig deep, and never give up until they're in the boat. They're perfect for getting kids or new anglers hooked on fishing, since they're aggressive and relatively easy to catch when you find them.
Captain Alex has built a reputation around Okaloosa for putting clients on fish while keeping the experience relaxed and educational. This 6-hour format gives you enough time to hit multiple spots, adjust tactics when needed, and really dial in what's working without feeling rushed. The inshore waters fish well year-round, but each season brings different opportunities and species rotations that keep things interesting. Remember
Get ready to fish Okaloosa's productive inshore waters aboard this well-equipped 22' Blazer Bay. Built for serious anglers, this motorboat handles up to 4 guests comfortably while you target redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum around grass flats, docks, and bridges. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working shallow water, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best spots. With quality rods and reels already on board, you can focus on what matters most—putting fish in the cooler. This stable, spacious platform gives you plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting in each other's way. Captain Alex knows these coastal waters inside and out, so whether you're working the flats or fishing structure, you'll be positioned right where the fish are feeding.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavy hitters of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90 pounds. These powerful fish love oyster beds, muddy flats, and bridge pilings where they use their crushing jaws to feed on crabs and shellfish. You'll hear them before you see them - they make distinctive drumming sounds, especially during spring spawning season when they school up. That's prime time for targeting them, roughly March through May. What makes them special is their stubborn, bulldogging fight that'll test your drag system. Keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating - they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab on a circle hook and fish it right on the bottom. They're picky eaters, so patience pays off when you're after these bronze bruisers.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bulldogs of inshore waters - all muscle and attitude in a 3-20 pound package. These brassy-colored fighters school up around grass flats, structure, and wherever baitfish gather. They're year-round residents but really fire up in warmer months when bait is thick. What guests love is their raw power and willingness to eat almost anything moving fast. They'll bend your rod double and make multiple strong runs. The meat's decent but a bit strong - most folks release them to fight another day. Look for diving birds - that's your best sign of feeding jacks pushing bait to the surface. Any silver spoon, topwater plug, or live bait retrieved quickly will draw strikes. Here's the secret: when you find a school, work fast and keep baits moving aggressively. They're competitive feeders, so the more commotion the better. Don't be surprised if you smell watermelon - that's the scent of a feeding jack school.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons of our offshore waters, built like torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth and serious attitude. Most run 10-30 pounds, but we see plenty in the 40-50 pound range. They cruise 40-150 feet deep around structure, drop-offs, and bait schools. Peak season here is late spring through fall when water temps hit 70+ degrees. What makes them special is pure speed - they'll smoke your drag on the initial run and keep fighting hard to the boat. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, flaky meat that's perfect on the grill. Trolling with live bait or spoons works best. Here's the key: always use wire leader and rig with a stinger hook near the tail - kings love to attack from behind and those teeth will cut regular line instantly. When you hook up, keep steady pressure and prepare for multiple screaming runs.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - spooky, smart, and incredibly challenging to hook. These silver discs average 8-15 pounds with some reaching 30+ pounds. They cruise shallow grass flats, sandy areas, and around structure in 2-10 feet of water, using those massive eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees. Spring through fall offers the best shot, especially during warmer months. What draws anglers is the challenge - they're notoriously difficult to fool and put up a strong, steady fight once hooked. The meat is excellent, similar to pompano. They're crab-crazy, so live blue crabs or good crab imitations are essential. Most fishing happens sight-casting on the flats. Pro tip: approach quietly and cast well ahead of cruising fish - they spook easily from boat noise or sudden movements. Present your bait naturally and be ready to wait - permit fishing teaches patience like no other fish.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "silver king" is pure magic on light tackle. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds and 4-6 feet, but can hit 200+ pounds. They patrol shallow flats, channels, and harbor mouths in 3-20 feet of water, gulping air at the surface. Best fishing runs May through September when they migrate through our waters. What hooks anglers is their aerial show - they'll jump 10 feet out of the water and run line like a freight train. Most folks release them since the meat's bony and not great eating. These fish are smart with incredible eyesight, so stealth matters. Live mullet or pinfish works best, but they'll hit well-presented artificials too. Local secret: watch for rolling fish early morning or late evening, then position your boat up-current and let your bait drift naturally to them. Keep that drag smooth - they'll test every inch of your tackle.
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