5.0(2 Reviews)Advanced Inshore Fishing Trip - Bayport, FL
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Advanced 4hour inshore charter targeting challenging speciesGag Grouper, Cobia, Snook, and Redfish fishing opportunitiesCaptain Gary provides local expertise and custom tackle setups
When you're ready to step up your fishing game and chase some serious fish, Captain Gary's advanced inshore charter is exactly what you've been looking for. This isn't your typical tourist trip - it's built for anglers who know their way around a rod and want to put their skills to work against some of Florida's most challenging gamefish. You'll spend four intensive hours working Bayport's most productive waters, targeting everything from hard-pulling Gag Grouper to explosive Snook strikes. With space for just two anglers, you get the personalized attention and prime fishing spots that make the difference between a good day and a legendary one.
Captain Gary runs a tight ship focused on results, not hand-holding. From the moment you step aboard, you're working productive structure and covers where the big fish live. This trip targets experienced anglers who can handle heavier tackle and aren't afraid of working for their fish. You'll be running custom setups designed for each species, switching techniques as conditions and targets change throughout the day. The captain's local knowledge runs deep - he knows exactly where these fish hold based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. Don't expect a leisurely cruise; this is four hours of focused fishing designed to maximize your time on productive water. Whether you bring your own tackle or use the provided gear, every setup is chosen to give you the best shot at hooking up with quality fish.
Bayport's inshore waters offer diverse structure that holds different species throughout the tidal cycle. You'll work everything from grass flats and mangrove shorelines to deeper channels and rocky bottom where the grouper stack up. Live bait presentations dominate when targeting Snook and Redfish around structure, while cut bait and jigs produce when working deeper water for Gag Grouper and Cobia. Captain Gary adjusts tactics based on current conditions - if the fish are hitting topwater, you'll throw plugs. When they're holding deep, you'll drop jigs and live bait to the bottom. The key is reading the water and adapting quickly. Tidal movement drives the bite schedule, so timing becomes everything. You might start shallow targeting Redfish on moving water, then shift to deeper structure as the tide changes and grouper start feeding.
"Captain Gary is awesome. Book a trip; you'll be delighted." - Ralph Costanza
"Captain Gary was great, he had a great personality and was great with my nephew. It was a hard day on the water with the wind, but he done his best to find us some fish. Loved the bird back at the dock" - Cary Lewis
Redfish are the bread and butter of Bayport's inshore scene, and these copper-colored fighters never disappoint. They run strong throughout the year, but fall and winter months often produce the biggest fish as they school up for their spawning runs. Look for them cruising shallow grass flats on incoming tides or posted up around mangrove points and oyster bars. What makes Redfish so addictive is their willingness to eat and their bulldogging fight - they'll make screaming runs that test your drag and your nerves. Captain Gary targets them with everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they're pure muscle wrapped in scales. These aggressive predators roam Bayport's waters in schools, and when you find them, the action goes crazy fast. Summer months bring the biggest concentrations, especially when baitfish are thick. Jacks hit hard and fight harder - they'll smoke drag and test your stamina with their relentless pulling power. They're not picky eaters either, smashing everything from live bait to fast-moving lures. Many anglers overlook Jacks, but experienced fishermen know they provide some of the most exciting action you'll find inshore.
Cobia are the wanderers of the inshore world, and spotting one cruising Bayport's waters gets every angler's heart racing. These brown sharks of the flats are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you shots at sight-fishing opportunities. Spring through fall offers the best Cobia action as they move through the area following bait schools. What makes them special is their size and attitude - a 30-pound Cobia will test every aspect of your tackle and technique. They're smart fish that require finesse presentations, but when you hook one, get ready for a battle that combines power, speed, and endurance.
Gag Grouper represent the ultimate structure fish, and Bayport's rocky bottom and ledges hold some quality specimens. These bottom-dwellers require heavy tackle and strong technique since they immediately head for cover when hooked. Winter months often produce the best Grouper action as they gather on deeper structure. What makes Gag Grouper so challenging is their habit of diving straight into rocks or holes when hooked - you need to muscle them up quickly or risk losing them to the structure. The reward is some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Snook are Florida's signature inshore gamefish, combining explosive strikes with acrobatic fights that leave anglers talking for years. Bayport's mangrove shorelines and structure provide perfect ambush points for these predators. Warm weather brings peak Snook activity, especially around dawn and dusk when they feed aggressively on baitfish. What sets Snook apart is their unpredictability - they might slam a topwater plug with explosive violence or delicately sip a live shrimp. Once hooked, they jump, run, and use every trick to throw the hook. The slot limit and careful handling requirements make every legal Snook a trophy worth celebrating.
Get ready to test your skills aboard this 22-ft 2006 Renegade Flats Boat that's built for serious anglers targeting Bayport's toughest fighters. Powered by a reliable Mercury 115HP engine hitting 40 knots, this rig gets you to the hot spots fast and positions perfectly for those structure-hugging Gag Grouper and prowling Snook. The GPS keeps you on productive numbers while the fish finder reveals what's holding below. Captain Gary's setup includes everything from the bait tank to tackle, so you can focus on working lures through the grass flats and around the rocky bottom where Cobia and Redfish like to ambush prey. With space for 2 anglers, there's plenty of room to fight fish without tangled lines. This boat handles Bayport's shallow waters and deeper channels with ease, giving you access to both backcountry Snook haunts and offshore Grouper structure. Whether you're pitching jigs or working live bait, this charter boat puts you in prime position to hook up with Florida's most challenging inshore species.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are dark brown sharks that aren't sharks—they're actually premium eating and serious fighters. These loners cruise solo, averaging around 30-40 pounds, with some pushing past 50. Around Bayport, look for them near channel markers, crab traps, and any structure in 20-50 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving inshore to spawn. What gets anglers fired up? They hit hard, fight dirty trying to wrap you around structure, and they're absolutely fantastic on the plate—firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. The key to landing cobia is sight fishing with bucktail jigs. When you spot one cruising, drop that jig right in front of them and work it steady. Keep pressure on—they'll try to cut you off every time.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of the flats—brassy gold bruisers built for pure power. Most run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but the big ones can hit 60 pounds. They school up around structure, grass beds, and anywhere baitfish concentrate. Watch for diving birds—that's your money shot right there. Spring through fall brings the best action when they're pushing mullet and sardines to the surface. These fish are all about the fight, not the table. They'll test your drag like few others and never give up. The secret to catching them? Don't cast into the school—cast past it and rip your lure back through fast. Silver spoons and swimbaits work best. Fair warning: they can get aggressive, so watch those gill plates when handling.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the grey ghosts of the reef—drab looking but absolute powerhouses. They average 20 inches but the good ones push 30-plus inches and serious weight. These fish live around hard bottom, ledges, and structure in 30-80 feet of water where they can ambush prey. Fall through spring is prime season when they're more active in cooler water. What makes gags special? They're bulldogs that'll try to drag you straight down into the rocks, plus they're top-shelf table fare. The trick with grouper is commitment—once you hook up, lock that drag and keep them coming. Circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait work best. Don't give them an inch or they'll find the nearest hole and that's game over. Heavy tackle isn't overkill here—it's necessary.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. Around Bayport, you'll find them cruising shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs exposed. They average 28-33 inches but can push 45 inches and 50 pounds. These fish love oyster bars, grass beds, and muddy bottoms where they hunt crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are right. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great with that mild sweet flavor, and give you explosive topwater strikes in skinny water. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing, cast your spoon or jig well ahead of where they're headed—they spook easy but once hooked, they'll make that drag sing.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the silver missiles of the mangroves—sleek predators with that signature black lateral line. They typically run 18-30 inches around here, but the big females can push 40-plus. These fish are structure junkies, hanging around docks, mangrove shorelines, and creek mouths where they can ambush prey. Warmer months from May through September are peak season, especially around the new and full moons. What makes snook fishing addictive? They're explosive on topwater, fight like crazy with those powerful tails, and they're temperature-sensitive challenge fish. The secret is working the edges—cast tight to cover with swimbaits or topwater plugs. During spawning season, their fins turn bright yellow, making them easier to spot. Just remember: they're catch and release only, so handle with care for the next angler.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Gary is awesome . Book a trip; you’ll be delighted.
Ralph Costanza, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Captain Gary was great, he had a great personality and was great with my nephew. It was a hard day on the water with the wind, but...
Bayport, FL