Florida Fishing & Lodge Combo: Your Perfect Getaway
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing charter with overnight lodge accommodationPrivate trip accommodates up to two guests with experienced captainNo fishing license required, trip extensions available upon request
Here's something you don't see every day - a fishing charter that comes with your own place to crash for the night. Reel Hard Charters has put together this sweet deal that combines a solid 4-hour inshore fishing trip with comfortable lodge accommodations right here in Florida. You're looking at a private charter for just two people, which means no crowded boat, no strangers hogging the good spots, and all the personal attention you want from your captain. The fishing kicks off at 8 AM sharp, giving you those prime morning hours when the fish are most active and the water's still cool.
Your day starts early with coffee from your room before heading out to meet your captain. The lodge setup is pretty comfortable - two full-sized beds, private bathroom, mini fridge for your drinks and snacks, plus a microwave if you want to heat up leftovers from dinner the night before. But let's be honest, you're here for the fishing. Your captain knows these Florida inshore waters like the back of his hand, and with just two anglers aboard, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized instruction. The 4-hour window is perfect for hitting multiple spots without wearing yourself out, especially if you're planning to fish again the next day. Best part? No fishing license required - your captain has you covered on all the paperwork.
Inshore fishing in Florida is all about reading the water and knowing where different species like to hang out. Your captain will likely start you off with live bait or cut bait, depending on what's biting and the conditions that morning. You'll be working shallow flats, grass beds, and structure like docks and mangrove shorelines where these target species love to ambush their prey. Expect to use medium to medium-heavy tackle - strong enough to handle a decent-sized redfish or cobia, but light enough to feel every bite from a speckled trout. The boat will be rigged with quality rods, reels, and tackle, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you have favorites. Your captain might have you casting near structure, drifting over grass flats, or working the edges where deeper water meets the shallows.
Black Sea Bass are some of the most reliable fighters you'll find in these waters. They're bottom dwellers that love structure, and once you find a good spot, you can often catch several before they wise up. These guys typically run 1-3 pounds, but don't let their size fool you - they'll put up a scrappy fight and make great table fare. Spring through fall are your best months, and they're perfect for anglers who want steady action without too much waiting around.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore world. These fish can get seriously heavy - we're talking 20-40 pounds or more - and they'll test your drag system for sure. They're bottom feeders that cruise the flats looking for crabs and shrimp, so your captain will likely have you using cut bait near the bottom. Fall and winter are prime time for the big ones, and landing a monster black drum is something you'll be talking about for years.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as most locals call them, are probably the most popular inshore target in Florida. They're beautiful fish with distinctive spots and they hit lures with aggressive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. They love grass flats and drop-offs, especially during dawn and dusk. Most run 2-4 pounds, but the big gator trout can push 6-8 pounds. They're active year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action.
Redfish are the poster child of Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are built for power, with broad shoulders and stamina that'll make you work for every inch of line. They school up in shallow water, cruise the flats, and aren't shy about taking both live bait and artificial lures. The slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are perfect eating, while the oversized bulls are pure adrenaline when they make their runs. You can target them year-round, but fall brings some of the best action.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your entire trip. These brown sharks lookalikes are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities that are hard to beat. They're strong fighters that can reach 30-40 pounds, and they're excellent on the dinner table. Spring migration brings the best numbers, but you might encounter them any time during the warmer months. When you see that distinctive flat head and brown coloration swimming toward your bait, get ready for a battle.
This fishing and lodging combo is exactly what you need if you want to maximize your time on the water without the hassle of finding accommodations or rushing back to a hotel. The private charter means you're getting a top-rated experience tailored to your skill level and preferences, whether you're complete beginners or seasoned anglers. Your captain can extend the trip if the fish are biting and you're having a blast - just talk to him on the water and see what works with his schedule. With only two spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention and the flexibility to fish at your own pace. Florida's inshore waters are world-class, and this package gives you the perfect base to explore them properly. Don't wait too long to secure your dates - this kind of deal fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons.
Your 4-hour Florida inshore adventure starts aboard a well-equipped 2015 Sundance 22-foot skiff that cuts through shallow waters with ease. This reliable Honda-powered vessel cruises at speeds up to 35 knots, getting you to prime fishing spots quickly. The boat's fish finder helps locate your targets while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure or grass flats. GPS navigation ensures you never lose your way in the maze of Florida's inshore waters. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, while the onboard multimedia system adds entertainment during travel time. With space for your small group of 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to cast and fight fish without crowding. The shallow draft design opens up access to productive backcountry areas where trophy snook, redfish, and tarpon lurk in the mangroves and oyster bars.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds, with some bruisers hitting 90 pounds. They love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and brackish areas where they crush crabs and shellfish with their powerful jaws. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and make those famous drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. Younger fish taste better - anything over 15 pounds gets tough and loses flavor. They're bottom feeders that'll test your drag on light tackle. Here's a local trick: use fresh blue crab or peeler crab on a Carolina rig. The crab stays on the hook longer than shrimp and doesn't get picked off by catfish and other bait stealers nearly as much.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky members of the grouper family that most folks catch around 1-4 pounds, though they can push 8 pounds or more. You'll find them hanging around structure like wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottoms, especially in late spring through summer when they move closer to shore. The bigger males stay deeper, but we catch plenty in 30-80 feet of water. They're scrappy fighters until they break the surface, then they kind of give up. The meat is excellent - firm and mild. During spawning season, the males turn bright blue with a hump on their heads, which is pretty cool to see. Best tip: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid or fish strips, and keep your bait right on the bottom where they feed.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown torpedo-shaped fish that average 20-40 pounds but can reach 100 pounds. They're loners, not schooling fish, so each one is a prize. Spring migration brings them through Florida waters in 30-70 feet, often riding near the surface where you can sight-fish them. They hang around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers. Summer finds them deeper on reefs. They're aggressive fighters with powerful runs and some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm white meat that rivals grouper. Young ones have cool black and white stripes. Best technique: sight-fish with bucktail jigs in 4-8 oz range. When you spot one, get ahead of where it's swimming and drop that jig right in its path. They're curious and will usually come investigate.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Florida's signature inshore gamefish, easily spotted by their copper-red color and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, but trophy bulls can hit 40+ inches. They cruise super shallow flats, sometimes with their backs out of the water, around oyster bars, mangroves, and grass beds. Year-round fishing here, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. They eat everything and fight hard with long runs that'll test your drag. The smaller ones make excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. They're curious fish that'll follow your boat, making sight fishing a blast. My go-to trick: throw a gold spoon past cruising reds and work it back slowly. The flash drives them crazy and triggers aggressive strikes.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or specks as we call them, typically run 14-24 inches and are some of the prettiest fish we catch with their silvery sides covered in black spots. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night when they come up to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall are peak times when water temps are just right. The meat is white, flaky, and delicate - great eating if you don't overcook it. They're not the strongest fighters, but they're plentiful and fun on light tackle. During winter, they school up in deeper channels, sometimes 15-20 feet. Pro tip: fish topwater plugs early morning over grass beds. That explosive surface strike when a speck hammers your lure in shallow water never gets old.
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