Dawn Delight: 5-Hour Inshore Bay Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour morning inshore bay fishing adventure starting at 7:00 AMExperienced crew customizes fishing approach to match skill levelsMaximum 4 guests targeting various bay species with personalized service
Picture yourself on the water at first light, coffee still steaming in your cup while you're rigging up your first cast of the day. That's exactly what you get with Reel Rosie Charters' top-rated dawn fishing trip. This 5-hour morning adventure kicks off at 7 AM sharp, giving you prime time on the inshore bay when fish are most active and hungry. Captain Rosie and her crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you right where the action is. Whether you've been fishing for decades or you're still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, this trip is designed to get everyone tight lines and bent rods.
Your morning starts when you meet the crew at the dock just before sunrise. The boat's already loaded with fresh bait, ice, and all the tackle you'll need. Captain Rosie runs a clean, well-maintained vessel that can comfortably handle up to 4 anglers, so you won't be crowded or fighting for space at the rail. The inshore bay offers protected waters, which means a smoother ride and more time with your line in the water instead of dealing with rough seas. You'll cover multiple spots throughout the morning, from grass flats where redfish cruise to deeper channels where snapper hang out. The crew reads the conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly – some days that means working the structure, other days it's all about the moving water and current breaks.
Inshore bay fishing is all about versatility, and Captain Rosie's crew comes prepared for whatever's biting. You'll be using medium to medium-heavy spinning gear most of the day, perfect for handling anything from scrappy redfish to hard-fighting cobia. Live bait is the name of the game here – expect to fish with live shrimp, pinfish, and cut bait depending on what you're targeting. The crew will set you up with circle hooks to ensure proper fish handling and release practices. Techniques vary throughout the trip: you might start with bottom fishing over structure for snapper, then move to sight casting for cruising reds in the shallows. When the kings are running, they'll break out the trolling spread with spoons and live bait. The beauty of this trip is the crew's ability to switch tactics on the fly based on what's happening that particular morning.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the inshore waters, and when you hook into one, you'll know it immediately. These fish can stretch anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds in the bay, and they make blistering runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Best time to target kings is during the warmer months when they move inshore to feed on baitfish schools. They're incredible table fare when handled properly, and there's nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of a king mackerel's first run.
Redfish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20 to 30 inches and fight way above their weight class. They're year-round residents in the bay, but they really turn on during the fall months. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat just about anything you throw at them, plus they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black spot near their tail. Catch and release is common with slot-sized fish, but when you find one over the slot limit, you've got yourself some premium table fare.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your entire trip. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) can show up anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds and will absolutely destroy your tackle if you're not ready. They're curious fish that often swim right up to the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities that'll get your heart pounding. Spring and early summer are prime cobia time, and they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill.
Red Snapper are the classic bottom fish that every angler wants to catch. In the inshore bay, you'll typically find smaller school-sized fish in the 12 to 16-inch range, but they're still a blast to catch and excellent in the cooler. Snapper are structure-oriented fish, so you'll be dropping down to rocky bottoms, artificial reefs, and ledges where they congregate. They can be finicky biters, requiring light tackle and small hooks, but once you dial in the bite, you can load up quickly.
Little Tunny, also known as false albacore or bonito, are pure speed and aggression in a compact package. These members of the tuna family rarely exceed 10 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. They show up in schools during their migration periods, usually spring and fall, and when you find them, it's game on. They're incredible fun on light tackle and will give you a workout that you won't soon forget.
This dawn fishing adventure with Reel Rosie Charters gives you everything you need for a world-class inshore fishing experience. The early start time puts you on the water when conditions are typically calmest and fish are most active. With an experienced crew that knows how to find fish and help you catch them, plus the variety of species available in the inshore bay, you're looking at 5 hours of solid fishing action. The small group size means personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Whether you're looking to check some new species off your list, enjoy a peaceful morning on the water, or just want to bend some rods with friends or family, this trip delivers. Captain Rosie's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, so don't wait too long to secure your spot on this customer favorite morning charter.
Get ready to hit the water in our perfectly restored 22ft Cape Horn Bay series boat! This beauty was originally built in 2003 and got a complete makeover in 2017, so you're getting classic reliability with modern comfort. The Honda Marine 225HP outboard will cruise you to the best fishing spots at up to 30 knots, cutting through the bay like butter. With room for four anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without bumping elbows. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating your targets, while our GPS keeps us on course to the honey holes. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on fish without spooking them - perfect for those finicky bay species. Plus, the built-in icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh all morning long. Whether you're working lures around structure or dropping bait near the grass flats, this rig has everything you need for a solid day on the water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most exciting sight-fishing targets. These brown, shark-looking fish average 30-50 pounds and cruise alone near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers. Spring migration (April-June) is prime time when they move through heading to spawning grounds. What makes them special is their curious nature - they'll often swim right up to the boat. The fight is strong and steady, and they're some of the best eating fish in the water with firm, white meat. My go-to technique is a 6-8 oz bucktail jig in any color. When you spot one, cast ahead of where it's swimming and work that jig with slow hops off the bottom.
Scomberomorus CavallaThese speed demons are what make offshore trips worthwhile. Kings typically run 20-40 pounds, but we've seen 60+ pounders that'll test your arms. They cruise 40-150 feet deep around structure and baitfish schools. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit 68-84°F. What guests love most is the initial run - these fish can peel line like few others, hitting speeds that rival wahoo. The meat's rich and oily, perfect for grilling or smoking. Here's the trick: use a wire leader with two hooks when live baiting. Kings have razor teeth and often hit the tail end of your bait first, so that trailing treble hook saves the day.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle tunny, or false albacore, are pure adrenaline in a 10-15 pound package. These mini torpedoes travel in schools and fight way above their weight class. You'll find them in 20-60 feet chasing baitfish near jetties, points, and inlet mouths. Fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before heading south. What hooks guests is their speed and stamina - they'll make multiple screaming runs that test your drag. The dark meat isn't for everyone, but it's great smoked or as sushi. Listen for feeding birds and watch for surface action - that's your cue. When trolling, small spoons and feathers work well, but when fly fishing, let the fish do the work and don't horse them.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of deep-water fishing, living around structure in 60-200 feet. These ruby-red fighters average 5-15 pounds but can push 30+ pounds. They're bottom dwellers with serious attitude - once hooked, they'll try to cut you off on rocks or wreckage. Summer months are peak season when regulations allow. What guests love is the challenge and reward - they fight hard on the way up and taste even better on the plate with sweet, flaky white meat. Fresh squid and cigar minnows work best, but here's the key: get your bait to the bottom fast and keep steady pressure once hooked. Let them run to structure and you'll lose them every time.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore target, especially in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars and grass flats. These bronze beauties with their signature black spots average 28-33 inches and put up a solid fight in shallow water. You'll often see their backs breaking the surface as they hunt for crabs and shrimp. Spring and fall are best when they school up for spawning runs. Guests love the sight-fishing aspect and how they eat everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. The meat's mild and flaky - excellent table fare. Pro tip: when you see one redfish, look for more. They often travel in small pods, so make multiple casts to the same area before moving on.
Panama City