Inshore Fishing Trips - Florida's Big Bend
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore trips target redfish, snook, trout, and sea bassSmall groups of two guests explore Florida's big bend waterwaysExtended duration allows access to remote fishing locations
Florida's Big Bend region offers some of the most productive inshore fishing you'll find anywhere along the Gulf Coast. This is where the shallow grass flats meet deeper channels, creating the perfect hunting grounds for trophy fish. Our 6-hour trips give you serious time on the water to explore remote backcountry spots that most anglers never see. With just two guests max, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one. The diverse ecosystem here supports everything from hard-fighting redfish to acrobatic snook, and our local knowledge puts you right where the action is.
Your day starts early when the fish are most active and the wind is typically calm. We'll launch from one of several ramps depending on conditions and what species are hot that week. The Big Bend's unique geography creates a maze of grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths that hold fish year-round. You'll spend time working both shallow water structure and deeper edges where different species congregate. The 6-hour format lets us cover serious ground – we might start shallow for trout and redfish at first light, then move to deeper structure for black sea bass as the sun gets higher. This isn't a rushed trip where you're watching the clock. We take time to really work productive areas and adjust tactics based on what the fish are telling us.
We fish primarily with spinning gear matched to the target species – medium action rods with smooth drags that can handle long runs from big reds or the head-shaking fights of sea bass. Live bait is king out here, and we'll have a mix of shrimp, pinfish, and pilchards depending on what's available and what the fish want. Artificial lures play a huge role too – soft plastics for working grass flats, topwater plugs for early morning action, and jigs for bottom structure. The beauty of inshore fishing is adapting to conditions. We might start the day throwing topwater at creek mouths, switch to live shrimp under popping corks over grass beds, then finish deep-jigging structure for sea bass. You'll learn to read the water and understand why fish hold in certain spots during different conditions.
Black Sea Bass are the workhorses of deeper structure around the Big Bend. These chunky fighters love rocky bottom and artificial reefs in 15-30 feet of water. They're aggressive biters that'll absolutely load up your cooler, and they fight harder than their size suggests. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from keeper size to genuine bragging-rights specimens. What makes sea bass special is their willingness to bite – when you find a school, you can often catch them until your arms get tired.
Snook are the glamour fish of inshore waters, and the Big Bend's creek systems and mangrove shorelines are prime habitat. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangrove roots, oyster bars, and creek bends where bait gets funneled past. Summer months bring peak snook fishing, though they're catchable year-round in deeper holes. A hooked snook will jump, run, and generally raise hell until it's in the boat. They're also excellent table fare during open season, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill.
Sea Trout patrol the grass flats throughout the Big Bend, and they're one of the most reliable species you'll encounter. These spotted fighters prefer depths of 3-8 feet over healthy grass beds, where they hunt for shrimp and small baitfish. Trout fishing peaks in spring and fall when water temperatures are ideal, but they're catchable year-round. They respond well to both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers wanting to learn different techniques. When you hook into a good one – we're talking 20+ inches – they'll make spectacular jumps and test your drag.
Redfish are the backbone of Big Bend inshore fishing and the reason many anglers become obsessed with these waters. These copper-colored bruisers cruise shallow flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths looking for crabs and baitfish. What makes reds special is their power – they'll strip drag and make long runs that test both your equipment and patience. Fall brings some of the best redfish action as they school up for their spawn, but singles and small pods are catchable throughout the year. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in skinny water is about as exciting as inshore fishing gets.
Tripletail are the wildcards that can make any trip memorable. These unique fish float near structure like crab trap floats, channel markers, and debris where they ambush prey. They're not always around, but when conditions are right – usually warmer months – they provide some of the most exciting fishing available. Tripletail are strong fighters with an unusual appearance that makes them conversation starters back at the dock. They're also outstanding table fare, which makes landing one even more satisfying.
The Big Bend's inshore waters offer world-class fishing that keeps getting better as more anglers discover what locals have known for years. Our 6-hour trips give you the time needed to really explore this diverse fishery and target multiple species using different techniques. With only two anglers per trip, you'll get the individual instruction and prime fishing spots that larger groups simply can't offer. Whether you're after a cooler full of sea bass, the fight of a lifetime from a bull red, or the challenge of sight-fishing for snook, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait – the best dates book up quickly, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is absolutely on fire.
Your fishing adventures start aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious angling in Florida's big bend waters. This nimble vessel features everything you need for a productive day on the water - an ice box to keep your catch fresh, GPS navigation to find the best fishing spots, and a fish finder to locate where the action is happening below the surface. The wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly through shallow areas without spooking the fish, perfect for sneaking up on redfish in skinny water or positioning for that perfect cast to structure holding black sea bass. With multimedia onboard, you can stay connected or jam to your favorite tunes between bites. Built to handle inshore conditions while keeping you comfortable, this boat gets you into those productive back-country areas where snook and trout like to hide. Whether you're working grass flats, oyster bars, or creek mouths, you'll have a stable platform that moves efficiently through Florida's diverse inshore environments.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky members of the grouper family are some of our most reliable catches here in the big bend. Most run 1-4 pounds, though we occasionally hook into bigger males that can hit 8+ pounds. They love hanging around structure - old pilings, rocky bottom, and any underwater cover in 20-120 feet of water. Spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. What guests love about black sea bass is their scrappy fight until they break the surface, plus they're fantastic eating with firm white meat. They'll hit just about anything - live bait, jigs, or bottom rigs work great. Pro tip: when you feel that first thump, don't set the hook too hard - their mouths are tough but the initial bite can be light, so give them a second to really grab it before you drive the hook home.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our big bend fishery - bronze-backed bulldogs with those signature black spots near their tails. Most range from 20-35 inches, and the big bull reds can push 40+ inches and 30 pounds. They're shallow water specialists, cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What guests love is their powerful runs and stubborn fights - they use that broad tail to pull hard right to the boat. Plus they're excellent eating in the slot size range. They're not picky eaters either, hitting topwater plugs, soft plastics, or live bait. The secret is to watch for their backs and tails pushing water in skinny spots. When you spot one, cast beyond them and work your bait back - they'll often follow before committing to the bite.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are one of the most consistent fish in these waters. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with silvery sides covered in distinctive black spots. You'll find them over grass flats and shallow bays, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Fall through spring is prime time, and they school up in deeper channels during winter cold snaps. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're not the strongest fighters, but they're abundant and fun on light tackle. The trick is to fish soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds. Keep your presentations subtle - trout have soft mouths, so don't horse them or you'll pull the hook right out.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore challenge - sleek, golden beauties with that distinctive black lateral line running down their sides. Most of what we catch runs 18-30 inches, though the big females can stretch past 3 feet and really test your drag. They're ambush predators that love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in shallow water. Summer months during new and full moons are peak times, especially when their fins turn that bright spawning yellow. What makes them special is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, run, and use every trick to shake your hook. The meat is excellent too, firm and white. These fish are temperature sensitive, so focus on protected areas during cooler months. Here's the key: cast past them and work your lure back - they spook easily, so let them come to the bait rather than dropping it right on their head.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our more unique targets - odd-looking fish that float on their sides near the surface, mimicking floating debris. They average 2-5 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds, with that distinctive triple-fin appearance and mottled coloration that changes from black to white. Look for them around weed lines, floating structure, or any debris in 10-50 feet of water. Summer months are best when they're spawning and more active near shore. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight despite their bulky build - they'll jump and thrash surprisingly well. The meat rivals grouper or snapper, firm and sweet. They're becoming popular with fly anglers because they're sight-fishing opportunities. The trick is stealth - they spook easily, so cast well away from them and work your bait slowly into their zone. Use crab or shrimp imitations and let them ambush it rather than aggressive retrieves.
Horseshoe Beach, FL