5.0(1 Reviews)Private Inshore Fishing Charter in Destin
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour inshore fishing trip targeting Cobia, Black Drum, and RedfishAll fishing gear, licenses, live bait, and refreshments included onboardPrivate charter accommodates up to three anglers with Captain Josh
Captain Josh knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish in some of Destin's most productive inshore spots. This 4-hour private charter is perfect for up to 3 anglers who want to experience what makes the Emerald Coast one of Florida's top-rated fishing destinations. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Josh will have you hooked up with quality fish while sharing his local knowledge of the area's best-kept secrets.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Josh at the marina, where he'll already have the boat loaded with everything you need for a successful trip. The beauty of inshore fishing around Destin is the variety – one minute you're working grass flats for redfish, the next you're targeting structure for black drum or cruising shallow waters looking for tailing fish. Josh has spent years mapping out the productive spots that most charter boats never touch, from hidden oyster bars to secluded creek mouths where big fish love to ambush baitfish. The boat is equipped with quality tackle, fresh bait, and all the necessary licenses, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and maybe a cooler for your catch. Snacks and drinks are available on board, keeping you fueled throughout the morning or afternoon session. This is fishing the way it should be – relaxed, productive, and tailored to what the fish are doing that particular day.
One of the highlights of fishing with Captain Josh is getting to experience live bait fishing, which is included in your charter cost. There's nothing quite like watching a redfish crush a live shrimp or seeing a big trout slam a finger mullet right at the boat. Josh will show you how to properly rig live bait for different species and situations – from free-lining shrimp over grass beds to using popping corks in deeper water. The inshore waters around Destin offer diverse structure, including oyster reefs, grass flats, sand holes, and mangrove shorelines, each requiring different approaches. You'll learn to read the water, understand how tides affect fish behavior, and pick up techniques that will make you a better angler long after your trip ends. The gear is top-notch but not overwhelming – medium-action spinning rods paired with reels that can handle anything from schoolie trout to bull reds. Josh believes in keeping things simple and effective, focusing on presentation and location rather than fancy gadgets.
"Such an amazing time thank you for a great 1st time experience. This is a must in Destin. Will call and book again next time we are in. Had a blast. Thank you!!!!" - Melissa
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and while most people think of them as offshore fish, juvenile snappers and occasional adult fish can be found around inshore structure. These hard-fighting fish have incredible table fare and put up a spirited battle on lighter tackle. They're typically found around hard bottom, reefs, and deeper holes, especially during warmer months. What makes catching red snapper special is their aggressive strike and the way they dive straight for cover once hooked – you'll know immediately when you've got one on the line.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the inshore world, often reaching impressive sizes in Destin's waters. These fish are masters of using their powerful bodies and broad tails to test your drag system. Spring and fall are prime times for big black drum, when they move into shallow waters to feed on crabs and oysters. The thrill comes from their initial run and the sustained pressure they put on your tackle – a 20-pound black drum feels like it weighs twice that much when it's pulling drag.
Tarpon are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod, known for their spectacular jumps and incredible strength. These silver kings can show up in Destin's inshore waters from late spring through early fall, offering some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever experience. Even a smaller tarpon will test your skills with multiple jumps and long runs. The key to tarpon fishing is keeping your rod tip down and maintaining steady pressure – easier said than done when you've got 50 pounds of angry fish launching itself out of the water.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are probably the most reliable fish in these waters and excellent eating to boot. They're active year-round but really shine during cooler months when they school up in deeper grass beds and creek mouths. Trout have a soft mouth, so you'll learn the importance of a smooth drag and steady pressure. They're perfect for beginners because they're aggressive feeders but still require some finesse to land consistently.
Redfish are the poster child of inshore fishing, and Destin's waters hold some beautiful specimens. These copper-colored fighters are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style. Fall is prime time for bull reds, but slot-sized fish are available year-round in the grass flats and around structure. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat a variety of baits and their habit of feeding in shallow water where you can actually see them – sight fishing for reds in knee-deep water is about as exciting as fishing gets.
Captain Josh's private charters fill up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons, so don't wait to secure your dates. This 4-hour trip offers the perfect balance of fishing time and comfort, giving you enough time to hit multiple spots without wearing yourself out. Whether you're planning a family outing, a guys' trip, or just want to experience world-class inshore fishing, this charter delivers the goods. The combination of Josh's local knowledge, quality equipment, and productive fishing spots makes this a customer favorite that keeps people coming back year after year
Get ready to hit the prime fishing waters of Destin aboard this well-equipped 22-foot Century motorboat! This 2007 beauty handles four passengers comfortably and comes loaded with everything serious anglers need. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're sneaking up on those trophy fish, while the GPS navigation system gets you to Captain Josh's secret honey holes where the Cobia, Black Drum, Trout, and Redfish are biting. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, so you spend more time with lines in the water instead of searching empty spots. Perfect for a guys' fishing trip or bringing the family out for some real Florida inshore action. With all the fishing gear, licenses, snacks, and drinks included, plus live bait fishing thrown in, you just show up ready to cast. This boat's size makes it ideal for working the shallows and back bays where the big ones hide, while still being stable enough for comfortable fishing all day long.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and they put up a serious fight that'll test your arms. Most run 5-30 pounds, but we've seen monsters pushing 50+ pounds in these waters. They love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths where they can crush shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is your best bet, especially around spawning season when they school up and get easier to target. What makes them special is that drumming sound they make - you can actually hear them underwater sometimes. They're great table fare if you keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds; the big ones get tough and stringy. The key to landing drum is using fresh crab or cut bait right on the bottom - they're not coming up to chase anything, so get that bait down where they live and be patient.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are bottom dwellers that make for some of the best eating you'll find out here. Most of what we catch runs 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, but these fish can get up to 35 pounds if you're lucky. They hang out around structure in deeper water - think 30 to 200 feet around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom. We target them year-round, but summer and fall are prime time when they're most active. What makes guests love snapper fishing is the fight - they're strong fish that'll make runs for cover when hooked, so you've got to keep pressure on them. The meat is absolutely delicious with that mild, nutty flavor that's perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: when you feel that initial bite, give it a solid hookset right away because they'll spit the bait fast if you hesitate.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter inshore - bronze beauties with that signature black spot near the tail. They typically run 20-30 inches around here, though we get some real bulls pushing 40+ inches that'll give you a workout. These fish love super shallow water, often with their backs showing, around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. They're year-round residents, but fall is prime time when they school up for their spawning runs. What guests love is the variety - they'll crush topwater plugs, inhale live shrimp, and absolutely hammer gold spoons worked over the flats. The smaller "slot" fish are fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. The bigger breeding fish we release to keep the population healthy. Here's the trick: look for nervous water or tailing fish, then make a quiet approach and cast past them - let your bait drift naturally into their path.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets, running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds on average. These spotted beauties love grass flats, shallow bays, and areas with good current flow where they can ambush baitfish. They're active year-round here, but fall and winter nights can be phenomenal when they school up in deeper channels. What makes them fun is they're aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with authority. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild, though it's delicate so don't overcook it. They're also called "spotted seatrout" for those telltale black spots along their sides. Best tip I can share: work grass flats at first light or dusk with a topwater lure - when they blow up on it, that's pure fishing magic right there.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of inshore fishing - pure athletes that can reach 6 feet and 100+ pounds, though we see plenty in the 4-foot range too. These silver giants love shallow coastal waters, grass flats, and around bridges where they roll on the surface gulping air. Late spring through summer is prime time when they're migrating through our area. What gets guests hooked is watching a 100-pound fish launch itself 10 feet out of the water - it's a sight you'll never forget. They're not great eating due to all the bones, so we practice catch and release to keep these amazing fish around. The fight is what it's all about - they'll jump repeatedly and make long runs that'll have your drag screaming. My advice: when you hook one, bow to the fish during those jumps to give slack and prevent them from throwing the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0Such an amazing time thank you for a great 1st time experience. This is a must in Destin. Will call and book again next time we ar...
Choctawhatchee Bay