5-Hour Inshore Bay Fishing with Reel Rosie
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore bay fishing trip targeting multiple speciesCustomized fishing approach accommodates all skill levels effectivelySingle guest capacity ensures personalized charter experience
Skip the crack-of-dawn alarm and join us for a prime-time fishing adventure that delivers serious action without sacrificing your morning sleep. This 5-hour inshore bay trip with Reel Rosie Charters puts you right in the sweet spot where the fish are feeding and the conditions are perfect for landing some real trophy catches. We're talking personalized fishing that adapts to your style, whether you're a weekend warrior looking to improve your technique or a seasoned angler wanting to target specific species. With just one guest per trip, you get the full attention of our experienced captain and access to the best fishing spots without fighting crowds or sharing rail space.
This mid-day departure gives you the best of both worlds - no 5 AM wake-up call and prime fishing conditions when the sun's position and water temperatures have the fish actively feeding. We launch when the bay has settled into its rhythm, targeting structure and current breaks where game fish congregate during peak activity periods. Your captain will read the water conditions, wind patterns, and tidal movements to position you over productive bottom and around the kind of cover that holds quality fish. The boat comes equipped with top-shelf tackle, live bait wells stocked with the freshest offerings, and all the gear you need to handle whatever pulls back. Since it's just you aboard, we can adjust our approach on the fly - if you want to focus on bottom fishing for snapper, we'll anchor up over structure. If you're after the speed demons like kings or cobia, we'll cover water until we find them.
Inshore bay fishing means adapting your approach to match the target species and current conditions. We run a variety of techniques depending on what's biting - live bait fishing with pinfish, grunts, and sardines for the bigger predators, bottom rigs when we're targeting structure-loving species like red snapper, and trolling spreads when covering water for pelagics. The tackle is matched to the fish we're after - medium-heavy spinning gear for the redfish and cobia, conventional reels for the bottom fishing, and wire leaders when kings are in the area. Your captain will walk you through each setup and technique, making sure you understand why we're fishing a certain way and how to maximize your hookup ratio. The bay's structure varies from grass flats and oyster bars to deeper channels and artificial reefs, so we'll move between different environments throughout the trip to give you exposure to various fishing scenarios and increase your chances of a mixed bag.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the bay, and when they're running, you'll know it immediately. These silver bullets can stretch anywhere from 15 to 40+ pounds in our waters, with their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Kings are most active during the warmer months and love to cruise the edges of structure where baitfish congregate. When you hook into a good king, expect a freight-train run followed by acrobatic jumps that'll get your heart pumping. They're fantastic table fare when handled properly, and the fight-to-size ratio makes them a favorite among serious anglers.
Redfish are the bay's signature species - these copper-colored bruisers are built like tanks and fight with the stubbornness to match. Ranging from slot-sized fish around 18-27 inches up to bull reds that can push 40+ inches, they're found around oyster bars, grass flats, and structure throughout the year. Reds are ambush predators that inhale baits with authority, and once hooked, they'll use every bit of structure and current to try to break you off. Fall and spring offer some of the best redfish action, but these fish are reliable year-round producers that always deliver a memorable fight.
Cobia are the bay's gentle giants - these brown sharks (as they're sometimes called) are curious fish that often approach the boat and can be sight-fished in shallow water. They average 20-50 pounds in our area, with larger specimens possible during peak season. Cobia are excellent table fare and put up a determined fight characterized by long, powerful runs and head-shaking battles at boatside. They're most abundant during the spring and fall migrations, but residents stick around much of the year near structure and in the deeper bay areas.
Red Snapper are the prize of the bottom fishing game - these crimson-colored fighters live around hard structure and artificial reefs in the deeper parts of the bay. Snappers are notorious bait thieves with incredible eyesight, so presentation and technique matter significantly when targeting them. They typically range from 2-10 pounds in our waters, though larger specimens are always possible. The fight is characterized by powerful runs toward structure, and landing a good snapper requires keeping steady pressure and working them away from their rocky homes.
Little Tunny, also called false albacore or albies, are the bay's most athletic performers - these mini-tunas school up in impressive numbers and feed aggressively on baitfish. They average 5-15 pounds but fight with the intensity of much larger fish, making screaming runs and quick direction changes that'll test your reflexes. Tunnies are most active during the cooler months and can provide non-stop action when you locate a feeding school. Their speed and endurance make them perfect for anglers who love fast-paced fishing.
This isn't your typical party boat experience - it's a customized fishing adventure designed around your goals and skill level. With only one angler per trip, you get personalized instruction, access to the best fishing spots, and the flexibility to adjust our approach based on what's working. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, target specific species, or simply enjoy a day on the water without the crowds, this trip delivers the goods. The mid-day timing means you can sleep in, grab breakfast,
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard our restored 22ft Cape Horn Bay series motorboat, a reliable vessel that's been expertly maintained since its 2017 overhaul. This classic fishing machine packs serious power with its Honda Marine 225HP outboard motor, cruising smoothly at speeds up to 30 knots to get you to the best fishing spots quickly. The spacious deck provides plenty of room to cast your line and fight those feisty bay fish. You'll appreciate the onboard icebox keeping your catch fresh and drinks cold, while the whisper-quiet wireless trolling motor lets you position perfectly without spooking the fish. Our GPS navigation system ensures we find the prime fishing grounds, and the advanced fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools below. Whether you're targeting redfish, trout, or whatever's biting in the bay, this boat's got everything you need for a productive day on the water. Built for serious anglers who want comfort and performance in one package.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like underwater bulldogs - brown, aggressive, and built to fight. These fish average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ on a good day. They're loners, usually found cruising near structure like reefs, buoys, and channel markers in 30-100 feet. Spring migration brings the best fishing when they're moving inshore to spawn. Guests love them because they eat just about anything and fight all the way to the boat. Plus, the meat rivals any fish in the Gulf - firm, white, and perfect for grilling. They're curious fish too, often swimming right up to the boat. Here's my trick: when you spot one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of their nose and work it slow. They can't resist investigating.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are built for speed and put up one heck of a fight. These silvery torpedoes typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see some real bruisers pushing 60+ pounds. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What makes them special? That blistering first run will test your drag and your nerves. The meat's excellent too - firm white fillets that grill perfectly. Here's a guide tip: use a two-hook rig with wire leader when live baiting. Kings love to hit bait from behind, so that trailing hook saves the day when they chomp the tail end of your mullet or blue runner.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle Tunny are pure adrenaline in a 10-15 pound package. These mini tunas travel in schools and fight like fish twice their size. Find them in nearshore waters around 20-60 feet, especially near jetties, points, and temperature breaks where baitfish stack up. Fall brings the best action when they're feeding aggressively before heading south. Guests love the explosive strikes and screaming runs - they'll test your drag and your arms. While the dark meat isn't for everyone, it's actually quite good when prepared right, similar to yellowfin tuna. Listen for the commotion when you're looking for them - schools feeding on bait make plenty of noise. Cast small spoons or jigs into the frenzy and hold on.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize of bottom fishing - beautiful, tasty, and tough fighters. Most run 15-25 inches around here, though we catch plenty of bigger ones pushing 8-10 pounds. They live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Summer's prime time when they're actively feeding and the weather's good for offshore trips. Guests love them because they're gorgeous fish that put up a solid fight and make the best table fare you'll find. That sweet, nutty flavor is hard to beat. My advice? Use a knocker rig with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and fish right on the bottom. When you hook one, keep steady pressure - they'll try to cut your line on the structure every time.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore target - they fight hard and taste great. Most range 20-30 inches and love super shallow water, often in just 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. You'll spot their copper backs cruising the shallows, sometimes with their tails sticking out. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is sight fishing these bruisers - watching a big red crush a topwater plug in skinny water never gets old. The meat's sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. My go-to trick? Look for that telltale "V" wake pushing through the grass. When you see it, drop a gold spoon or soft plastic right in their path and hang on tight.
Panama City