Okaloosa Inshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore trip targets redfish, trout, and flounderAll tackle, licenses, and fish cleaning services includedCaptain Alex guides up to four guests through local waters
Captain Alex and the Redfish Cowboys crew know these Okaloosa waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on some serious fish. This 5-hour inshore adventure targets the kind of species that make Florida's Emerald Coast famous among anglers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, you'll spend your morning working productive structure and flats that consistently hold quality fish. With all tackle included and your fishing license covered, you can focus on what matters most – getting tight to some of the Gulf's most sought-after game fish.
Your day starts with Captain Alex breaking down the game plan based on current conditions, tides, and what's been biting lately. The beauty of inshore fishing around Okaloosa is the variety – one cast might pull a hard-fighting redfish from under a dock, while the next could hook into a silver king rolling through the channel. You'll work everything from shallow grass flats where speckled trout cruise the edges, to deeper structure where black drum stack up during cooler months. The boat stays comfortable with up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work without tangling lines. Captain Alex tailors his approach to match your experience level, whether that means perfecting your popping cork technique or learning to read water for the first time. The pace stays relaxed but productive – this isn't about rushing from spot to spot, but rather working each area thoroughly to maximize your chances.
The Redfish Cowboys come prepared with everything you need to handle whatever's biting. Live bait fishing with shrimp and pinfish produces consistent results, especially around dock pilings and bridge structures where these fish love to ambush prey. When conditions allow, you'll also work artificial lures – soft plastics bounced along grass edges, topwater plugs that drive redfish crazy during low-light periods, and spoons that flash through the water column to trigger reaction strikes. The tackle setup matches the target species perfectly – medium-action spinning rods with enough backbone to turn a bull red away from structure, but sensitive enough to feel a trout's subtle bite. Captain Alex reads the water constantly, adjusting depths and presentations as you move between spots. You might find yourself sight-casting to cruising fish one minute, then dropping baits near channel markers the next. The approach stays flexible because that's what produces fish in these diverse inshore environments.
Black drum have been showing up in solid numbers around Okaloosa's deeper channels and near-shore structure. These bruisers can push 20-30 pounds and fight like freight trains once hooked. They're most active during cooler months when they stage up for spawning, making winter and early spring prime time. What makes black drum so appealing is their willingness to eat – fresh shrimp or cut bait presented near bottom structure rarely goes ignored. The fight is all about endurance rather than speed, with these fish using their broad sides to pull drag steadily toward whatever cover they can find.
Tarpon season brings a different kind of excitement to these waters. Silver kings ranging from juvenile "baby" tarpon around 20-40 pounds to mature fish exceeding 100 pounds patrol the area from late spring through early fall. These fish are pure dynamite when hooked – expect multiple jumps, long runs, and an aerial display that never gets old no matter how many you've caught. Live bait works best, particularly large pinfish or mullet presented near passes and channel edges where tarpon hunt. The key with tarpon is patience and proper technique since their bony mouths require a solid hookset and steady pressure throughout the fight.
King mackerel bring speed and aggression to the mix, especially during their spring and fall migrations when schools move through local waters. These fish hit fast and hard, often taking drag immediately as they make their initial run. Kings around Okaloosa typically range from 15-35 pounds, with occasional larger fish mixed in. They respond well to trolled baits and fast-moving lures, but can also be taken on live bait around structure. The fight is characterized by powerful runs and occasional jumps, making them a favorite among anglers who enjoy fast-paced action.
Permit represent the ultimate inshore challenge – these finicky fish test even experienced anglers with their wariness and selective feeding habits. When you do connect with one, expect a fight that combines the speed of a tarpon with the endurance of a drum. Permit in these waters typically run 15-25 pounds and require precise presentations with live crabs or small baitfish. They're most commonly found around deeper grass flats and channel edges, often in small schools that can disappear at the first sign of pressure. Landing a permit on any trip makes for a memorable day.
Crevalle jack might not win beauty contests, but they make up for looks with sheer fighting ability. These aggressive predators hit baits with authority and fight well above their weight class. Jack crevalle around Okaloosa commonly reach 15-25 pounds and can be found year-round, though they're most active during warmer months. They school up around structure and baitfish concentrations, often creating feeding frenzies that produce multiple hookups. While some anglers target other species primarily, a big jack on light tackle provides an arm-burning workout that's hard to beat.
Five hours on the water with Captain Alex gives you legitimate shots at multiple species while learning techniques that'll make you a better angler long after the trip ends. The combination of productive fishing spots, quality tackle, and local knowledge creates the kind of day that reminds you why inshore fishing around Okaloosa stays so popular. Your catch gets cleaned and bagged at the end, so you can head home with dinner and stories worth telling. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check your schedule before committing. The Redfish Cowboys have built their reputation on putting clients on fish while showing
Step aboard this 22' Blazer Bay motorboat and get ready to fish the productive waters around Okaloosa Island. Built for both comfort and performance, this vessel handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to move around while targeting redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in the shallows. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into those prime spots around docks and grass flats without spooking the fish. GPS navigation keeps you on course to the hottest fishing areas, while the fish finder helps locate where they're holding. Quality rods and reels are already rigged and ready, so you can focus on perfecting your technique whether you're working the bridges or drifting the flats. This stable platform gives everyone space to cast comfortably and fight fish without getting tangled up. Perfect for both newcomers learning the ropes and seasoned anglers looking to dial in on local species.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but can push 90+ pounds. These grey-black bruisers have powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs around shallow oyster bars, muddy flats, and bridge pilings. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their signature drumming sounds underwater. You'll find them in 2-20 feet around structure where they root for food. What makes them fun is the solid fight they put up, though keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating - the big ones get tough and stringy. Pro tip: use fresh crab on a circle hook and let it sit on the bottom. They're slow feeders, so patience pays off when that rod finally bends.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bullies of the bay, running 3-15 pounds with broad shoulders and serious attitude. These brassy-colored fighters travel in aggressive schools, pushing baitfish to the surface while birds dive from above - that's your cue to get there fast. You'll find them around grass flats, channels, and any structure holding baitfish. They're year-round residents but summer brings the best action. What guests love is the raw power and stubborn fight - they'll bend your rod double and make screaming runs. Not great table fare, but pure fun to catch. Silver spoons, topwater plugs, and live sardines all work. Local trick: when you find a school feeding on top, cast past them and retrieve fast. They can't resist chasing down fleeing baitfish, and the commotion often fires up the whole school.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag, typically weighing 15-30 pounds but some push 50+ pounds. These olive-backed missiles cruise the 40-150 foot depths around structure, drop-offs, and baitfish schools. Spring through fall brings the best action when they follow the baitfish inshore. Kings are pure predators with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through light leaders in a heartbeat. They make excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. The strike is vicious and the run is blistering fast. We troll with live bait or spoons, but here's a local trick: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to bite the tail end of baitfish, so that stinger hook saves the day.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the ghosts of the flats - silvery, disc-shaped fish that average 10-20 pounds but can hit 40+ pounds. These spooky fish have huge eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees, making them tough to fool. You'll find them tailing in 2-6 feet over grass flats and sandy bottoms, hunting crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall offers the best shots, especially on calm, clear days. What draws anglers is the challenge - they're notoriously difficult to catch and will bolt at the slightest disturbance. The fight is bulldogging power with long runs. Fresh blue crab is the gold standard bait. Here's the secret: approach slowly, present the crab well ahead of a cruising fish, and let it sink naturally. Move it too much and they'll spook instantly.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters, averaging 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, though giants over 200 pounds show up. These acrobatic fish love shallow flats, channels, and around bridges where they hunt baitfish. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through our area. What hooks anglers is watching a massive fish launch 10 feet out of the water - pure adrenaline. They're strictly catch-and-release due to their bony, strong-tasting meat. You'll spot them rolling on the surface or see that unmistakable silver flash. Live pinfish or mullet works best, but here's the key: when one jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward it. This gives slack and prevents the hook from popping out during those wild aerial shows.
undefined, undefined