Private 4 Hour Afternoon Inshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon inshore fishing trip in Choctawhatchee BayTargets redfish and trout using live bait techniquesPrivate charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
There's nothing quite like an afternoon on Choctawhatchee Bay when the fish are biting and the weather's just right. This 4-hour private inshore fishing charter puts you right in the heart of one of Florida's most productive shallow water fisheries. You'll have the boat all to yourself—up to 4 anglers can fish comfortably without crowding each other's lines. The afternoon bite can be absolutely killer here, especially when the baitfish are moving and the water temperature is perfect. Our experienced captain knows every grass flat, oyster bar, and drop-off where these inshore species love to hang out.
Choctawhatchee Bay is a massive estuary system that connects to the Gulf, creating the perfect mix of fresh and salt water that inshore species crave. The bay stretches for miles with countless fishing spots, from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise in just two feet of water to deeper channels where trout stack up during cooler months. The afternoon timing works great because you'll hit the water when the sun starts warming everything up, getting baitfish active and predators following close behind. The scenery is gorgeous too—you'll see everything from waterfront homes to untouched marshland, plus plenty of wildlife like dolphins, ospreys, and herons. The protected waters mean you'll have a smooth, comfortable ride even if it's breezy outside.
Live bait fishing is absolutely deadly in these waters, and we'll have you rigged up with the good stuff. Shrimp, pinfish, and pigfish are local favorites that drive redfish and trout crazy. We'll also mix in some artificial lures when the situation calls for it—soft plastics work great around structure, and topwater plugs can create some heart-stopping surface strikes. The captain will read the water and adjust tactics based on what's happening that day. Maybe we'll drift the grass flats with live shrimp under popping corks, or anchor up near an oyster bar and fish the moving tide. You might find yourself sight fishing to cruising reds in skinny water, or working deeper pockets where the big trout like to ambush bait. All the gear is provided, from quality spinning rods to terminal tackle, so you just need to bring yourself and get ready to fish.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Choctawhatchee Bay inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars throughout the system. You'll typically find them in 2-6 feet of water, often cruising in small schools or tailing in the shallows. Slot-sized reds between 18-27 inches are perfect for the dinner table, while oversized bulls over 27 inches provide incredible fights before being released. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though these fish bite year-round. What makes redfish so exciting is their aggressive nature—they'll absolutely crush live bait and put up a serious scrap.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in the bay. These silver torpedoes travel in schools and when you find them, the action gets wild fast. They'll hit just about anything you throw at them and immediately start peeling drag like there's no tomorrow. Jacks are most active during warmer months and often show up in 4-10 feet of water near structure or bait schools. Many anglers overlook them, but once you hook into a 15-pound jack, you'll understand why they're nicknamed "bay tuna."
Spanish Mackerel bring speed and acrobatics to your fishing day. These sleek predators show up in good numbers during spring and fall migrations, typically in 6-15 feet of water where baitfish are abundant. They have razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes that'll keep you on your toes. Spanish mackerel are fantastic eating when iced immediately, and their aerial displays make every hookup a show. Wire leaders are essential because they'll cut through regular monofilament like butter.
Florida Pompano are considered the ultimate table fare by many local anglers. These golden, deep-bodied fish prefer sandy bottom areas and are often found around structure changes or near passes. They're more challenging to target than other species, making them a prized catch. Pompano have small mouths, so you'll need to downsize your baits and stay alert for subtle bites. They're most active during cooler months and can be found in 4-12 feet of water. When you land one, you'll immediately notice their beautiful coloration and perfect proportions.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene. These bottom-dwelling powerhouses can reach impressive sizes and provide sustained, bulldogging fights. You'll typically find them around oyster bars, bridge pilings, and other hard structure where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Black drum have excellent hearing, so they're attracted to the clicking sounds of live crabs or cut bait bouncing along the bottom. Larger specimens over 16 inches are catch-and-release only, but the smaller "puppy drum" are outstanding eating. They're most active during spring spawning runs and fall feeding periods.
This private afternoon fishing charter gives you the flexibility to fish at your own pace without sharing the boat with strangers. The 4-hour timeframe is perfect for hitting multiple spots and targeting different species as conditions change throughout the afternoon. Choctawhatchee Bay's incredible diversity means you never know what might grab your bait next—could be a slot redfish, a screaming jack, or maybe even a surprise tarpon rolling through. With an experienced local captain guiding your trip and all quality gear provided, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. Book
Hit the productive waters of Choctawhatchee Bay aboard our reliable 2018 Blue Wave center console. This 24-footer cuts through the shallows with ease thanks to its powerful 300HP Yamaha outboard, getting you to the best fishing spots quickly. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to work your lines and land fish. Our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while the wireless trolling motor lets us silently approach spooky redfish and trout without spooking them. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot afternoon sessions. With GPS navigation, we can efficiently work multiple honey holes throughout the bay, maximizing your time with lines in the water chasing whatever's biting.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweight bruisers of Choctawhatchee Bay. These gray-black bottom dwellers typically range 5-30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50+ pounds. They've got powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs, making them serious fighters on the end of your line. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-20 feet of water. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds underwater. While smaller drum under 15 pounds eat great, the big ones are more about the fight than the table. They're stubborn fighters that use their bulk to your disadvantage. Best bait is fresh crab - blue crab or fiddlers work perfect. Pro tip: keep your bait on the bottom and be patient. Drum are methodical feeders, not speed demons.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the ocean bullies you'll encounter in Choctawhatchee Bay. These brassy-green fighters typically run 3-5 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds when you find the big ones. They school up and push baitfish to the surface, creating feeding frenzies that attract diving birds - that's your cue to get over there fast. You'll find them around structure, grass beds, and open water. They hit hard and fight harder, making long runs that'll test your drag. While they're not great table fare, the fight alone makes them worth targeting. Spring through fall are prime time when they're actively feeding. Pro tip: when you see birds working, cast a silver spoon past the school and reel it back fast - jacks love the chase and will hammer anything moving quickly through their feeding zone.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida Pompano are the prize catch of Choctawhatchee Bay - small but mighty fighters with incredible table fare. These silver, disc-shaped fish usually run 12 inches and 1-3 pounds, but don't let the size fool you. They're part of the jack family and fight way above their weight class. You'll find them working sandy bottoms and grass edges, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and mollusks. Summer and fall offer the best fishing before they move deeper in winter. What makes pompano special is that buttery, sweet meat that commands top dollar in restaurants. They're picky eaters with small mouths, so downsize your hooks and use small baits like sand fleas or live shrimp. Local tip: use bright jigs in yellow or orange - pompano are drawn to these colors. Fish them slow along the bottom where they're rooting around for food.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Choctawhatchee Bay fishing. These copper-colored beauties run 20-35 inches on average, with that distinctive black eyespot near their tail. They love super shallow water - we're talking 1-4 feet where you can see their backs breaking the surface. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and muddy bottoms hunting for crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially when the water warms up. What makes redfish special is their bulldogging fight and that sweet, mild flavor that grills up perfect. Here's a local trick: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast your bait 10 feet ahead of where they're headed, not right at them. They spook easy but once hooked, they'll give you a memorable battle.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll give you some fast-paced action in the bay. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and pack serious speed. They travel in schools near the surface, especially around structure and drop-offs where baitfish gather. Summer and early fall are your best bets when they're actively feeding in warmer water. What guests love about Spanish Mackerel is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make screaming runs. Plus, they're fantastic on the table with mild, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. They'll hit spoons, small jigs, and live bait like sardines. Here's the key: keep your lures moving fast. Spanish Mackerel are built for speed and won't chase slow-moving baits. A quick retrieve often triggers strikes when nothing else works.
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