Charter Fishing Florida - Inshore Flats Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing targeting redfish, snook, and tarponPremium tackle, licenses, and refreshments included in packageProfessional photos and videos capture memorable fishing moments
Florida's inshore flats are where serious anglers come to test their skills against some of the most sought-after gamefish in the Southeast. With RocketCityCharters, you'll spend 6 to 8 hours working the shallow waters where trophy fish prowl the grass beds, mangrove edges, and oyster bars. This isn't your typical party boat fishing trip – we're talking about technical sight fishing and targeted casting in crystal-clear water where you can actually see your quarry before you make your move. The flats fishing experience here is world-class, and with only 2 anglers max per trip, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between stories and legend-making catches.
Your day starts early when the fish are most active and the water is glass-smooth. We'll launch from prime access points that put us on productive flats fast, saving your fishing time for actual fishing instead of long boat rides. The shallow water fishing here demands patience and precision – you might spend time poling quietly through skinny water, looking for tailing redfish or cruising snook along the mangroves. Don't worry about bringing anything except your enthusiasm and maybe some snacks if you get hungry. We've got top-shelf tackle dialed in for these specific conditions, your fishing license covered, and plenty of cold water and ice to keep you comfortable during those hot Florida afternoons. Plus, we'll capture your best moments with photos and video, so you'll have proof when you're telling fish stories back home. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one cast might produce a bulldogging black drum, while the next could hook you up with a silver king tarpon that'll test every ounce of your fishing skills.
Inshore flats fishing is all about reading the water and understanding fish behavior in shallow environments. We'll use a combination of live bait and artificial lures, depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. Sight fishing is a huge part of the experience – you'll learn to spot wakes, nervous water, and the telltale signs of feeding fish before making your presentation. The boat we use is specifically designed for skinny water work, with a shallow draft that lets us get into places where bigger boats can't follow. When we're working structure like oyster bars or dock pilings, we might switch to bottom fishing techniques with circle hooks and cut bait. For the grass flats, topwater plugs and spoons often produce explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts – these fish have seen plenty of lures, so presentation matters. We'll teach you how to work different baits effectively, from the steady retrieve that drives snook crazy to the stop-and-go action that triggers redfish into striking mode.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love structure and moving water, making them perfect targets around mangrove shorelines and bridge pilings. They're incredibly line-shy and known for their gill-rattling jumps when hooked. Best fishing happens during dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding, though overcast days can keep them active longer. What makes snook special is their attitude – they fight dirty, using every trick in the book to throw your hook or cut you off on structure. Most fish we encounter run 20 to 28 inches, with the occasional slot-busting giant that'll remind you why Florida fishing has such a reputation.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute bruisers that'll test your drag system and shoulder muscles. These bottom-dwellers cruise oyster bars and grass flats looking for crabs and shrimp, making them perfect targets for cut bait presentations. They can show up any time of year, but spring brings the big schools that can make for arm-burning action. A quality black drum will peel line in long, steady runs that seem to go on forever. They're not flashy fighters, but their power is undeniable – think of hooking into a submarine with an attitude.
Tarpon are pure magic on light tackle. Even the juvenile tarpon we target in the shallows bring incredible aerial displays and line-screaming runs that'll have you questioning your knot-tying skills. Summer months are peak season when schools of these silver kings move through the flats feeding on glass minnows and crabs. What makes tarpon fishing so addictive is their unpredictability – they might roll on the surface for hours without eating, then suddenly explode on your lure with zero warning. Their jumping ability is legendary, and watching a 40-pound tarpon go completely airborne never gets old.
Redfish are the bread and butter of flats fishing, and they're perfectly designed for shallow water living. Their copper-colored sides and distinctive black spots make them easy to identify when you spot them cruising or tailing in skinny water. Spring and fall bring the best action, though you can catch them year-round in Florida waters. Reds are powerful fighters that use their broad sides and bulldogging ability to make you earn every inch of line. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few within the slot limit. The sight of a big red tailing in 18 inches of gin-clear water is something that stays with you long after the trip ends.
Crevalle jack might be considered a "bonus" species by some, but don't let that fool you – these fish are pure muscle wrapped in silver scales. They travel in aggressive schools and attack bait with a ferocity that has to be seen to be believed. Jacks are available year-round and provide non-stop action when you locate a school. They're not picky eaters and will slam just about any lure or bait you throw at them. While they're generally released due to their strong taste, they serve as excellent shark bait if you want to try your luck at some bigger predators. Their fighting
Hit the shallow waters of Florida aboard our trusty 2003 17' Hewes flats boat, designed specifically for stalking fish in skinny water where the big ones hide. This reliable workhorse runs on a smooth 90HP Suzuki that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at 40 knots when you need to make moves. The shallow draft lets us slip into backcountry areas where redfish and snook love to feed. Our wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when we're sneaking up on spooky fish, while the fish finder helps us locate structure and baitfish. GPS keeps us on track to productive waters. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and any keeper fish fresh. With room for 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows. Whether we're sight-fishing the flats for tailing reds or working mangrove shorelines for snook, this boat gets us where we need to be.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are bottom-dwelling bruisers that can range from keeper-sized 5-pounders up to massive 50+ pound bulls. They cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in water from 2-20 feet deep. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. What guests love about drum fishing is the steady, powerful fight and the challenge of getting them off structure. The smaller ones make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Larger fish are better released since the meat gets tough. You'll want to fish right on the bottom with fresh crab or cut bait. Here's the key: use just enough weight to hold bottom and keep your bait still - drum are cautious feeders and will drop anything that feels unnatural.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are aggressive schooling fish that average 3-8 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds. They roam both shallow flats and deeper channels, often pushing baitfish to the surface where diving birds give away their location. They're active year-round in Florida waters, with peak action in warmer months. What makes jacks exciting is their bulldog fight - they pull hard and don't give up easily. While not the best table fare, they're perfect for action-packed days when other fish aren't cooperating. They'll hit fast-moving lures like spoons, swimbaits, and topwater plugs with serious aggression. Watch for bird activity on the water - that's your best sign of feeding jacks below. Cast past the school and retrieve fast with erratic action. These fish love the chase, so don't be afraid to really work that lure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Florida's most reliable inshore target, running 18-32 inches with that distinctive black spot near the tail and copper-bronze coloring. They cruise shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in water so skinny their backs sometimes show. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. Guests love redfish because they eat well, fight hard with powerful runs, and you can sight-fish them in clear water. The meat is excellent - mild and sweet when prepared right. They'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp, but soft plastics work great too. My go-to trick is to look for "tailing" reds feeding head-down in the shallows - cast beyond them and work your bait back slowly. They spook easily in thin water, so stay quiet and make long casts.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier inshore game fish, typically running 18-30 inches with that signature black lateral line and golden coloring. They love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. You'll find them in both salt and brackish water, usually in depths under 10 feet. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the full and new moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make powerful runs that test your drag. The meat is fantastic too, white and flaky when cooked right. Pro tip: work your lure slowly along structure and be ready for that sudden hit - they attack fast and try to cut you off in the cover.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of Florida waters, averaging 80-150 pounds and known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. These prehistoric giants cruise channels, bridges, and flats in 5-30 feet of water, following baitfish migrations. Late spring through summer is peak season when they're most abundant. What makes tarpon fishing special is the sheer power and aerial show - they'll jump repeatedly and can fight for over an hour. Most anglers practice catch and release since the meat isn't great eating. They prefer live bait like crabs, pinfish, or mullet presented naturally. The trick is keeping steady pressure without overdoing it - when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. This prevents the hook from pulling out during those wild acrobatics that make tarpon legendary.
Cocoa, FL