4.4(8 Reviews)Guided Fishing Trip In Bayport, FL - Grouper, Snook And More
4.4(8 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day inshore fishing charter targets grouper and snook.Captain Gary provides equipment and licensing for two anglers.Reel Shallow Fishn Charters operates from scenic Bayport waters.
Looking for a solid day of fishing on Florida's Nature Coast? Captain Gary's got you covered with his full-day charters out of Bayport. This isn't your typical tourist trap fishing – we're talking about getting after some serious fish in waters that consistently produce. You'll be targeting redfish, snook, grouper, cobia, and jack crevalle in some of the most productive inshore waters along the Gulf Coast. Gary knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's the kind of captain who won't quit until you're bent over with fish on the line. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's been fishing these waters for years, this charter delivers the goods.
Captain Gary runs a no-nonsense operation that puts fish in the boat. You'll be fishing the grass flats, oyster bars, and structure around Bayport where the big fish like to hang out. The boat is set up right with quality tackle, and Gary provides everything you need including rods, reels, bait, and licenses for up to two anglers. This is inshore fishing at its finest – we're talking about sight fishing for tailing redfish, working the mangrove edges for snook, and dropping baits on structure for grouper. Gary's got the boat handling skills to put you in the right spots and the fishing knowledge to adjust tactics based on what's happening that day. Expect to cover some water and work different techniques depending on the tide, weather, and what the fish are doing.
Gary runs a variety of techniques depending on conditions and target species. You'll be throwing live bait like pinfish and pilchards around structure for grouper and snook, working artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs for redfish and cobia, and sometimes pulling jigs for jack crevalle when they're schooled up. The tackle is medium to heavy action spinning and conventional gear that can handle everything from slot redfish to bull cobia. Gary knows when to fish the deeper channels for grouper, when to work the shallow flats for reds, and how to time the tides for the best snook action around the mangroves. He's constantly reading the water and adjusting the game plan, which is what separates the good captains from the great ones. The boat is rigged with quality fish finders and GPS, so you're always fishing the most productive water.
"Capt. Gary is a great fisherman and a wicked boat captain I have never seen anyone drive a boat with so much confidence!!! If you're looking for a good time on the water or catching fish check him out!!!" - Deacon "Been out with captain.gary always puts us on fish,went out few days ago we caught our limit if you are looking for a fishing charters this the one to get" - Kenneth "Gary provided an excellent trip for myself and grandson. Fishing was great as he worked to get us on fish. I highly recommend and will go with him again!" - Dee
Redfish are the bread and butter of Bayport fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers are what dreams are made of. The slot fish run 18 to 27 inches and fight like freight trains, making long runs and using their broad sides to pull drag. You'll find them tailing on the grass flats during high tide and ganged up around oyster bars on the dropping water. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up in big numbers, but Gary finds fish year-round by knowing where to look. What makes redfish so special is their willingness to eat both live bait and artificials, plus they're excellent table fare when kept within the slot.
Jack Crevalle might not win any beauty contests, but they'll test your tackle and your stamina like few other fish can. These yellow-sided bulldogs show up in schools and when you find them, it's game on. They'll crush topwater plugs, smash live baits, and fight you all the way to the boat. Gary knows the deeper channels and points where jacks congregate, especially during the warmer months when they're most active. A big jack crevalle will make multiple runs and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. They're catch-and-release fish, but the fight alone makes them worth targeting.
Cobia are the ultimate prize fish around Bayport – these brown sharks with attitude cruise the shallow waters looking for crabs and small fish. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest fish through, with 30 to 50-pound cobia not uncommon. Gary spots them cruising the flats and positions the boat for perfect cast placement. Cobia are curious fish that will often follow a lure or bait before deciding to eat, making for some heart-pounding visual fishing. They're also outstanding table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling. The key is having the right tackle because a big cobia will test every knot and connection you've got.
Gag Grouper are the bottom dwellers that provide some of the best eating in the Gulf. These structure-loving fish hang around rocks, ledges, and artificial reefs where Gary knows exactly where to drop baits. Grouper fishing is all about getting your bait to the bottom quickly and being ready for that distinctive thump when they eat. Once hooked, they'll try to get back into their holes, so you need to muscle them up fast. The best grouper fishing happens during the cooler months when they're more active and accessible in shallower water. A fresh grouper dinner is hard to beat, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for any preparation.
Snook are the ultimate inshore game fish – they've got the looks, the fight, and the attitude that keeps anglers coming back. These silver-sided predators love structure and ambush points around mangroves, docks, and oy
Get ready to chase grouper, snook, and more aboard this nimble 22-ft Renegade flats boat! Captain Gary's 2006 Mercury-powered rig cuts through Bayport's inshore waters at speeds up to 40 knots, getting you to the fish fast. With GPS navigation and fish finder technology, you'll pinpoint the best spots where cobia, jack crevalle, and redfish hang out. The onboard bait tank keeps your live bait fresh while you work the flats and grass beds that make this area famous. Perfect for 2 anglers who want a personalized fishing experience without the crowd. All tackle, licenses, and gear included - just bring your appetite for adventure and maybe a cooler for your catch!
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - they get mistaken all the time with that single dorsal fin. These solitary hunters average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds around our deeper structure. You'll find them cruising wrecks, reefs, and around floating debris in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their spawning runs. What makes them special is they're curious fish - they'll actually come up to check out the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities you won't get with other species. They're also top-shelf eating with firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit bucktail jigs, live bait, even topwater plugs. The secret is patience - when you see one, don't rush the cast. Let them settle in, then drop a jig right in front of their nose. They usually can't resist.
Caranx HipposJack Crevalle are the ocean's bullies, and that's exactly why anglers love targeting them. These brassy, powerful fish average 3-5 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds when you find the big ones. They roam both shallow flats and deeper structure, often in aggressive schools that push baitfish to the surface. Look for diving birds - that's your dead giveaway. Summer months bring the best action when they're actively feeding. What sets them apart is their raw power and attitude - they'll chase down almost any lure and fight like they mean it. They're not great eating, but the fight more than makes up for it. These fish respond to fast, aggressive retrieves with silver spoons or swimbaits. Here's the key: when you see them feeding, cast past the school and rip your lure back through - they can't resist the chase.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bread and butter of our offshore fishing around Bayport. These bottom-dwelling bruisers average 5-15 pounds but the big females can hit 30+ pounds. They live around rocky bottom, ledges, and structure in 40-100 feet of water, always looking for a place to hide. Fall and winter months tend to be most productive when they're feeding heavily. What draws folks to them is that initial hit - they slam the bait hard, then try to drag you straight into the rocks. Plus, there's no better eating fish in the Gulf. They'll take live pinfish, cut bait, or bottom jigs, but circle hooks are required in Florida waters. Here's the deal: once you hook one, lock that reel down tight and don't give them an inch. Let them run and they'll wrap you up in the structure every time. Keep steady pressure and horse them up quick.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are some of the most reliable targets around Bayport's shallow flats and grass beds. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-30 inches and love water so shallow their backs show above the surface. You'll spot them by that distinctive black eyespot near their tail - nature's way of fooling predators. They hang around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and muddy bottoms in 1-4 feet of water. Fall through spring gives us the best action when water temps cool down. What makes them special? They eat almost anything you throw at them and put up a serious scrap on light tackle. Plus, they're excellent table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast your bait well ahead and let it settle - these fish spook easily but once hooked, they'll make your reel sing.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature inshore game fish, and for good reason. These sleek predators with that bold black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches around our mangrove shorelines and creek mouths. They love structure - docks, bridges, mangrove roots - anywhere they can ambush prey in shallow water. Warmer months from May through October give us the best shots, especially around the full and new moon phases when they spawn. What makes them special is they fight like freshwater bass but with saltwater attitude, plus they're excellent table fare when in season. They're picky eaters though - live shrimp, pinfish, or well-presented artificials work best. The trick is getting your bait tight to cover without spooking them. Cast beyond the structure and work it back slowly - snook rarely chase, they prefer easy meals that come to them.
4.4 out of 5.0Capt. Gary is a great fisherman and a wicked boat captain I have never seen anyone drive a boat with so much confidence!!! If you’...
Been out with captain.gary always puts us on fish,went out few days ago we caught our limit if you are looking for a fishing chart...
Gary provided an excellent trip for myself and grandson. Fishing was great as he worked to get us on fish. I highly recommend and...
Had a great first experience. Booked the second time he cancelled both charters and still to this day never received my deposit ba...
Captain Gary worked really hard and showed up some great fishing spots. Gear was good and we caught some nice fish!
All around a great guy! Highly Recommend
Had a great time out on the water. Caught a lot of fish different species was a blast as usual.
He canceled out on both bookings and never returned my deposit
Bayport, FL