5-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip with Reel Way Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour inshore fishing trip targeting Redfish and Spanish MackerelAll fishing gear and licenses provided by experienced Captain KennySmall group experience accommodating up to 4 guests maximum
Captain Kenny knows these Pensacola waters like the back of his hand, and his 5-hour fishing trips give you the perfect window to experience what makes this area special. You're not rushed through a quick session – instead, you get real time to work the inshore flats and venture just offshore where the bigger fish patrol. This world-class charter puts you right in the middle of some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds, where Redfish cruise the grass beds and Spanish Mackerel tear through bait schools with abandon. With all gear and licenses covered, you just need to show up ready to fish and maybe pack some snacks to keep your energy up during the action.
Five hours gives Captain Kenny the flexibility to chase the bite wherever it's happening that day. You might start working the shallow grass flats around Pensacola Bay, sight-fishing for tailing Redfish in water so clear you can see their bronze backs from 50 yards away. When the inshore action slows, he'll run you out to the nearshore structure just a few miles off the beach, where the bottom drops off and attracts everything from hefty Red Snapper to screaming King Mackerel. The boat stays comfortable with up to 4 anglers, so you're not elbow-to-elbow with other fishermen when the action heats up. Captain Kenny reads the conditions daily – wind, tide, bait movement – and adjusts the game plan accordingly. Some days you'll spend more time inshore working the redfish haunts, other days the offshore bite is too good to pass up. That's the beauty of having a seasoned captain who puts fish in the boat over sticking to a rigid schedule.
Captain Kenny comes equipped with everything you need to handle whatever these waters throw at you. For inshore work, you'll use medium-action spinning gear perfect for casting soft plastics into the grass beds or working topwater plugs over shallow structure. When Redfish are schooled up, nothing beats the rush of throwing a gold spoon into a feeding frenzy and watching your rod double over. The nearshore game calls for slightly heavier tackle – think live bait rigs for Red Snapper around the artificial reefs, or fast-trolling spoons and small ballyhoo for Spanish Mackerel and Kings. Captain Kenny keeps his bait wells stocked with live shrimp, pinfish, and whatever else is working that week. He'll teach you how to read your sonar marks, spot diving birds that signal feeding fish, and work structure effectively. The key to success here is staying mobile and adapting your technique as conditions change throughout the day.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the nearshore waters, and Pensacola's structure-rich bottom makes it a top-rated destination for these fish. Kings typically run 15-30 pounds in these waters, with occasional monsters pushing 40-plus. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, when they move inshore to feed on the abundant bait schools. What makes catching Kings so addictive is their initial run – when a big King hits your trolled bait, it's like getting hit by a freight train. They'll scream line off your reel and make multiple long runs before you get them to the boat. The fight is pure adrenaline, and their firm white meat makes them excellent table fare.
Redfish are the poster child of inshore fishing around Pensacola, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-27 inches in the slot, with bull reds over 30 inches providing tackle-testing fights in shallow water. Redfish are year-round residents here, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they school up in massive groups. What anglers love about targeting reds is the variety – you can sight-cast to tailing fish in 2 feet of water, work creek mouths during moving tides, or find them schooled around structure. They're aggressive feeders that hit everything from live shrimp to artificial lures, and their bulldogging fight style makes every fish feel bigger than it actually is.
Red Snapper bring the offshore excitement to the nearshore grounds around Pensacola's artificial reefs and natural bottom structure. These fish typically run 16-20 inches in the keeper range, with plenty of larger specimens lurking around the deeper structure. Red Snapper season varies by federal regulations, but when it's open, these customer-favorite fish provide steady action. They're structure-oriented fish that rarely venture far from their home reef, making them predictable targets when you find the right spots. Snapper fishing requires patience and technique – you need to get your bait down quickly through the water column before the smaller fish steal it, but the reward is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Spanish Mackerel are the perfect action fish for anglers who love steady bites and fast fights. These silvery speedsters average 1-3 pounds but make up for their size with aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Spanish Mackerel are most abundant from spring through fall, often found in large schools chasing bait near the surface. They're renowned for their willingness to hit small spoons, jigs, and live bait, making them great confidence builders for newer anglers while still providing plenty of entertainment for veterans. Their delicate flesh requires careful handling, but when prepared fresh, few fish taste better.
Captain Kenny's 5-hour trips strike the perfect balance between thorough fishing time and reasonable scheduling. You get enough hours on the water to really work different areas and techniques, but you're not committing to a full-day marathon. The extended time frame means better opportunities to locate active fish, especially when they're being finicky or you need to cover water to find the bite. With gear, licenses, and Captain Kenny's local knowledge included, you're
Get ready to hit Pensacola's productive fishing waters aboard Captain Kenny's reliable 2014 Ameracat center console! This well-equipped motorboat handles both inshore and nearshore adventures with ease, perfect for targeting Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Snapper, and Kingfish. The boat's wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need to sneak up on those finicky fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the hottest spots. When visibility drops, the onboard radar keeps you safe and on course. Between catches, crank up the multimedia system and grab a cold drink from the icebox. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without bumping elbows. Captain Kenny provides all the tackle and licenses you need – just bring your appetite for some serious fishing action along Florida's Panhandle waters.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons out here, hitting 30+ pounds and putting up fights that'll test your drag. We find them in 40-150 feet around structures and baitfish schools. They're olive-colored with razor-sharp teeth, so always use wire leaders. Spring through fall are prime months when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes them special is that explosive first run - they'll peel line like few other fish. The meat's rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when trolling, use a stinger hook about 6 inches behind your main hook. Kings love to bite the tail end of baits, and that second hook will save you fish. Keep your drag loose on the hookset - they'll break you off in a heartbeat if it's too tight.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize catch when we head to deeper structure, typically running 15-25 inches and fighting like they're twice that size. We target them around reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 60-150 feet during the summer season when they're open. They're bright red beauties that know every trick to break you off in the rocks. What makes them special is the combination of a great fight and being hands-down the best eating fish we catch. Their sweet, firm meat is restaurant-quality every time. The key is getting your bait to the bottom quickly before other fish steal it. Use a knocker rig with fresh cigar minnows or cut bait, and once you hook up, get their head turned immediately - don't let them dive back into structure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, running 20-35 inches and famous for those black eyespots near their tails. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow bays in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring are money seasons, but they bite year-round here in Pensacola. What guests love is how they eat - that thump when they take your bait is unmistakable, then they make bulldogging runs toward cover. The meat's mild and sweet, great on the table. They're not line-shy, so don't be afraid to use heavier tackle around structure. My local trick: look for nervous bait or tail-slapping birds. When you see mullet jumping frantically, there's usually reds underneath pushing them up.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are perfect for action-packed days, typically 12-20 inches with those distinctive yellow spots along their sides. They school up in nearshore waters around 20-60 feet, especially near structure and baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time when they're thick around Pensacola. What guests love is the constant action - where there's one, there's usually a hundred more. They're fast strikers with decent fights for their size, plus they make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. The trick is using light tackle with small spoons or jigs, and don't overthink it. When you find a school, work it fast before they move on. A simple gold or silver spoon trolled at 4-6 knots will load the boat when conditions are right.
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