Inshore Fishing with Reel Time Outfitters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, trout, snook, and sharks in Gulf watersCaptain provides all equipment, bait, and fish cleaning servicesSmall group fishing experience with maximum 2 guests
When you're looking for a solid day of fishing in the Gulf of Mexico's inshore waters, Captain Leon knows exactly where to put you on the fish. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience – with just two anglers max, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between coming home empty-handed or with a cooler full of fresh fillets. The shallow flats and grass beds around here hold some serious fish, and Leon's been working these waters long enough to know their every mood.
Your day starts early, which is exactly how you want it when you're serious about putting fish in the boat. Captain Leon provides everything you need to get after these inshore species – rods, reels, tackle, both live and artificial baits, and your fishing license is covered. He'll even clean and fillet whatever you catch, so you can focus on the fishing instead of worrying about the mess. The only thing you need to bring is your lunch and something cold to drink. This top-rated charter runs with a maximum of two guests, which means you're not fighting for rod space or waiting your turn to fish the best spots. Leon's been guiding these waters for years, and he knows exactly where the redfish are tailing in the shallows and which grass flats are holding the biggest trout.
Inshore fishing in the Gulf means you'll be working everything from shallow grass flats to deeper channel edges, and Leon's got the gear dialed in for whatever conditions you face. You'll be using both fly fishing equipment for those sight-fishing opportunities and conventional tackle when you need to cover more water or get down to the bottom-dwelling species. The artificial baits work great when the fish are active and feeding aggressively – soft plastics rigged on jigheads are deadly on trout and redfish. When things get tough, switching to live bait often makes the difference. Live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat for trout, while pinfish and pigfish are perfect for targeting those bigger groupers hanging around structure. Leon adjusts his approach based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing that particular day. Some days you'll be sight-casting to redfish cruising the shallows, other times you'll be anchored up on a productive spot working the bottom for black drum or grouper.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champions of the inshore waters, and when you hook into one, you'll know it immediately. These fish can reach 20-30 pounds and they fight dirty – heading straight for the nearest rock pile or structure to break you off. Spring and fall are prime time for gags in the inshore waters, and they're excellent table fare. The thrill of feeling that initial thump followed by a freight-train run toward cover never gets old.
Black Sea Bass might be smaller than their grouper cousins, but they're scrappy fighters and absolutely delicious. These fish are structure-oriented, hanging around rocky bottom, artificial reefs, and ledges. They're aggressive feeders and will hit both live and artificial baits. Most run 1-3 pounds, but don't let their size fool you – they punch well above their weight class when it comes to fighting power.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the flats, and when a big one picks up your bait, it's like hooking into a submarine. These fish can exceed 40 pounds and they use every ounce of that weight to test your drag system. They're often found around oyster bars and shallow structure, and they have a habit of making long, powerful runs that'll have your reel screaming. The smaller "puppy drum" are fantastic eating, while the big bulls are usually released to fight another day.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Gulf inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are willing biters, excellent on the dinner table, and they'll hit everything from topwater plugs at dawn to live shrimp under corks throughout the day. Spring and fall produce the best trout fishing, with fish averaging 2-4 pounds. The bigger "gator trout" over 5 pounds are trophies worth bragging about, and they have a habit of showing up when you least expect them.
Redfish are probably the most sought-after species in these waters, and it's easy to understand why once you've tangled with one. These copper-colored bruisers are aggressive feeders, spectacular fighters, and they're found everywhere from shallow grass flats to deeper channel edges. The slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the over-slot bulls are pure adrenaline on light tackle. Sight-fishing for reds in shallow water is about as good as it gets – watching a 30-inch red crush your bait in two feet of water is something you'll never forget.
Cobia are the wild cards of the inshore waters. These brown sharks (as some folks call them due to their appearance) are curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. They're strong fighters that make blistering runs and aerial displays when hooked. Cobia are excellent eating and they can show up anywhere from shallow flats to deeper water, especially around structure or following rays and sharks.
Captain Leon's intimate knowledge of these Gulf waters, combined with his commitment to putting just two anglers on fish, makes this a customer favorite for good reason. You'll leave with a better understanding of inshore fishing techniques, a cooler full of fresh fillets, and probably plans to book your next trip before this one's even over. The personalized attention, quality equipment, and Leon's willingness to teach make this a world-class fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the best captains book up
Captain Leon's motorboat is perfectly rigged for chasing redfish, trout, and snook in Gulf waters. The wireless trolling motor keeps you moving silently through shallow flats where big fish feed, while the fish finder helps locate structure holding cobia, grouper, and mangrove snappers. GPS navigation gets you to prime fishing spots quickly, and the onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh all day. This setup handles two anglers comfortably, with plenty of room to work lures and fight fish. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising reds or dropping baits for black drum, this boat puts you right where the action is. Captain Leon stocks everything from tackle to fishing licenses, plus he'll clean your catch so you head home with dinner ready for the table.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the tanks of inshore fishing - these bruisers can weigh anywhere from 5-30 pounds, with giants pushing 90+ pounds. You'll find them on shallow muddy flats, around oyster beds, and near creek mouths where they cruise looking for crabs and shellfish. Spring spawning season is prime time 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. They're powerful fighters that use their weight against you, and the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. Fresh blue crab is absolute candy to these fish, and it won't get picked off by bait stealers like other baits will.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky little fighters that make great table fare. Most run 1-4 pounds, though you can hook into some pushing 8+ pounds around deeper structure. They love hanging around rocky bottoms, wrecks, jetties, and pier pilings, usually in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is when they move closer to shore and get active. What makes them fun is they'll hit just about anything - live bait, jigs, or cut squid. The males turn bright blue during spawning season, which is pretty cool to see. They put up a decent scrap until they break the surface. Pro tip: use a two-hook rig with squid or cut bait and fish right on the bottom. They're bottom feeders, so keep your bait down where they live.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these torpedo-shaped fighters average around 30-50 pounds but can push 100+ pounds. They're loners, cruising solo around buoys, wrecks, and oil rigs, usually in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration and summer months are best when they're moving through our area to spawn. What makes them exciting is the sight-fishing - you'll spot them cruising just under the surface looking like a shark until you see that single dorsal fin. They're curious fish that'll often follow the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. The meat is top-shelf, firm and sweet like mahi. Here's the trick: when you see one, get a bucktail jig in front of it and work it slow. They'll usually eat it.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid fighters that'll test your gear once hooked. These guys typically run 20 inches but can push 50+ inches and 80 pounds if you're lucky. You'll find them around rocky structure, reefs, and wrecks - younger fish stay inshore while the big ones hang offshore in deeper water. They're not the prettiest fish, with that mottled gray look, but they make excellent table fare. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're more active around structure. Here's the key - once you hook one, keep that reel locked tight and your rod low. They'll try to dive straight into the rocks to break you off, so muscle them up and away from cover fast. Live bait like pinfish works best.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the gold standard of inshore fishing - copper-colored beauties with that distinctive black spot near the tail. They typically run 20-35 inches and fight like freight trains in shallow water. You'll find them tailing in 1-4 feet over mud flats, around oyster bars, and cruising grass beds. Fall months are money time when they school up and feed heavily before winter. What makes them special is you can sight-fish them in skinny water, watching their backs break the surface. They eat everything - topwater plugs, spoons, soft plastics, live shrimp. The meat is sweet and firm, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you see one tailing, cast well ahead of where it's moving and let your bait settle. They spook easy in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "Specks," are probably the most popular inshore target around here. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with that beautiful spotted pattern and tender white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk when they're feeding actively. Cool weather months are prime time when they school up in deeper channels. They're aggressive strikers that'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp. The fight isn't the longest, but that first strike is explosive. Key tip: work the grass edges where the bottom drops off - that's where they ambush baitfish. Just remember their mouth is soft, so don't horse them in.
Crystal River, FL