5.0(2 Reviews)Charter Fishing Pensacola | Private Trip - 3 Hour
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 3-hour inshore fishing trip for up to 2 guestsTarget Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Mackerel speciesBeginner-friendly catch and release adventure starting at 1:00 PM
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't break the bank or eat up your whole vacation? This 3-hour private charter out of Pensacola hits that sweet spot perfectly. Starting at 1:00 PM, you'll have the boat to yourself (plus one buddy) as we target some of the Gulf Coast's most popular inshore species. Whether you're introducing the kids to fishing or just want a quick afternoon on the water without the crowds, this trip delivers consistent action in Pensacola's productive back bays and nearshore waters.
Your afternoon starts with a quick boat ride to some of my favorite inshore spots around Pensacola. We'll be working the docks, grass flats, back bays, and passes depending on what the fish are telling us that day. The beauty of a 3-hour window is we can stay mobile and chase the bite without feeling rushed. You'll be fishing in water anywhere from 3 to 30 feet deep, perfect for beginners who want to feel every bite and see their catch come to the boat. The 1:00 PM start time works great because it lets you sleep in, grab lunch, and still be back at the dock by dinner time. Captain Brian and the crew at Reel Addiction know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're getting local knowledge that only comes from fishing here day in and day out. This is strictly catch and release, so we're focused on the fun of the fight and getting some great photos before sending these fish back to fight another day.
We keep the gear simple but effective for this style of inshore fishing. You'll be using light to medium spinning tackle that's perfect for feeling every head shake and run these fish make. Most of our fishing involves live bait and cut bait presentations, though we'll throw some artificials when the fish are actively feeding. Around the docks, we're typically sight fishing or working structure with shrimp and small pinfish. Out on the flats, it's all about reading the water and positioning the boat so your bait looks natural in the current. The passes can get a little more exciting when the Spanish Mackerel and Kings move through - that's when we might switch to some wire leader and bigger baits. Don't worry if you've never tied a hook or don't know a jig head from a circle hook. The crew handles all the rigging and will walk you through everything step by step. Your job is to hold the rod, feel the bite, and reel in the fish. We provide all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so just bring yourself and maybe a cooler with some drinks.
"Our guides name was Brian. Brian was polite, professional, experienced and an excellent fishermen. Brian was also very patient. I've fished with scooters reel addiction guide service several times. I've never considered using another guide service" - Joey
"Worked hard to put us on the fish. Caught 40 plus fish huge Red snapper. 25lbs.. Better trip than hoped for. Definately will book again!" - Renee
Spanish Mackerel are absolute dynamite on light tackle and one of the most fun fish you'll encounter in Pensacola waters. These silver bullets typically show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall, especially around the passes and nearshore structure. They hit fast and fight hard, making screaming runs that'll test your drag system. Most Spanish Macks we catch run 1-3 pounds, but they punch way above their weight class when it comes to the fight. What makes them even better is they're not picky eaters - they'll crush live shrimp, cut bait, and small jigs with equal enthusiasm. Kids absolutely love these fish because the action is usually non-stop once you find a school.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as some folks call them, are the masters of camouflage in our local waters. These flatfish bury themselves in sandy bottom areas and ambush prey that swims by. They're typically most active during the warmer months, and Pensacola's grass flats and channel edges hold some quality fish. Flounder fishing requires a bit more patience and technique since they often pick up the bait and swim off before actually eating it. The key is letting them run a few seconds before setting the hook. When you do connect, they put up a surprisingly strong fight for a flatfish. Most of our flounder run 14-20 inches, with some bigger doormat-sized fish mixed in during peak season.
King Mackerel are the big brothers of the mackerel family and absolute bucket list fish for many anglers visiting the Gulf Coast. These toothy predators can show up anywhere from nearshore reefs to the passes when they're chasing bait schools. Kings are built for speed and will make blistering runs that can peel 100 yards of line off your reel in seconds. We typically encounter them during the warmer months when they move into our area following schools of menhaden and other baitfish. Even a smaller King in the 10-15 pound range will give you a workout, and the bigger fish can push 30-40 pounds. Just remember these guys have razor-sharp teeth, so we always use wire leader and handle them carefully at the boat.
Redfish are hands down one of the most popular inshore species here in Pensacola, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are built like linebackers and fight with the same intensity. Reds are year-round residents in our back bays and marsh areas, though they're most active during the cooler months when they move into shallow water to feed. What makes redfish so special is they're sight fishing targets - you can actually see them cruising the flats and present your bait right in front of them. When a red takes
Step aboard our 2017 Blazer Bay 2400 center console for your private Pensacola inshore fishing adventure. This 24-foot fishing machine packs a powerful 300HP Suzuki engine that'll get you to the best fishing spots quickly and smoothly. Built for serious anglers, she comfortably handles up to 2 guests with plenty of room to cast lines and fight fish. The boat comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - a reliable fish finder to locate schools of trout and redfish, GPS navigation to hit those productive back bay honey holes, and an icebox to keep your drinks cold during the action. The wireless trolling motor lets us slip quietly through shallow flats without spooking the fish, perfect for stalking redfish in skinny water. Whether we're working the docks for flounder, cruising the flats for speckled trout, or hitting the passes for mackerel and kings, this center console gives us the versatility to fish wherever the bite is hot. The spacious deck layout provides easy movement around the boat, making it ideal for beginners and kids learning to fish Pensacola's productive inshore waters.
Scomberomorus CavallaKingfish are the speed demons of our Gulf waters, averaging 20-30 pounds but capable of much more. These olive-backed fighters cruise depths from 40-150 feet, though bigger ones often come closer to shore near inlets and harbors. Peak season runs through the warmer months when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes them special is their blistering runs and jumps - they're built for speed and will test your drag system. The meat has higher oil content, making it perfect for smoking or grilling. We typically troll with heavy tackle and metal leaders since their razor teeth can cut through regular line. Local tip: rig two hooks on your live bait - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings usually attack from the rear, so that second hook saves a lot of lost fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. These drum average 24-30 inches and put up a serious fight in shallow water. They love our grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are prime when they school up. Guests love sight-fishing for them and watching their backs cruise the shallows. They're also excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. These fish will eat almost anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or topwater plugs all work great. Pro tip around Pensacola: look for muddy water where they're rooting around for crabs and shrimp. That's your money spot.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 1-2 feet and weigh around 8-11 pounds. You'll spot their silvery bodies with yellow spots racing through our Gulf waters, often in large schools near the surface. They're most active during warmer months when they move closer to shore, making them perfect targets for our inshore trips. These speedsters love to hit shiny spoons and live bait hard, giving guests an exciting fight on light tackle. The meat is excellent - mild, flaky, and great on the grill. Around Pensacola, look for diving birds and surface activity near passes and flats. Pro tip: when you hook one, there's usually more in the school, so keep your second rod ready and work the area quickly before they move on.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are unique flatfish that lie camouflaged on sandy and muddy bottoms in our bays and nearshore waters. Most run 15-20 inches, but the bigger females can reach impressive sizes. These ambush predators have both eyes on one side and change colors to match the bottom - it's pretty wild to watch. Fall months are prime time when they're most active and easier to locate. Guests love the challenge of finding them and the great table fare they provide. They hit live bait like mullet and shrimp, plus soft plastics bounced along the bottom. In Pensacola waters, focus on sandy flats and drop-offs where they wait for prey. My go-to trick: use a circle hook and give them time to fully take the bait before setting - they bite sideways and need that extra second.
5.0 out of 5.0Our guides name was Brian. Brian was polite, professional, experienced and an excellent fishermen. Brian was also very patient. I’...
Worked hard to put us on the fish. Caught 40 plus fish huge Red snapper. 25lbs.. Better trip than hoped for. Definately will book...
Pensacola Beach, FL