Half Day Afternoon Fishing Charter in Steinhatchee
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half day afternoon charter targets redfish, trout, flounder, and cobiaAll fishing equipment, bait, tackle, and licenses included with tripSmall group experience with maximum capacity of two guests
Captain Frank knows how to make the most of those golden afternoon hours when the fish start getting active. This top-rated half day charter puts you right in the heart of Steinhatchee's most productive inshore and nearshore waters, where redfish cruise the flats and trout stack up in the deeper grass beds. You'll launch in the early afternoon and fish through those prime late-day feeding windows when the action really picks up. With everything from rods and reels to bait and tackle included, plus your fishing license covered, all you need to bring is your appetite for catching fish and maybe some snacks to keep you fueled up.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience. With just two anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines. Captain Frank runs a clean operation and knows these waters like the back of his hand – he's been putting clients on fish in Steinhatchee for years. You'll start by hitting the inshore flats where redfish love to hunt in the afternoon shadows, then work your way to the nearshore structure where cobia and Spanish mackerel patrol. The beauty of an afternoon trip is you're fishing during peak feeding times when fish are most aggressive. Don't be surprised if you hook into something that makes your drag sing. The schedule keeps things efficient too – no wasted time or dead periods, just solid fishing action from launch to dock.
Captain Frank comes loaded with quality gear that's perfectly matched to these waters. You'll be fishing with medium to medium-heavy spinning rods rigged for everything from sight-casting to redfish to bouncing jigs for flounder. Live bait is the name of the game here – fresh shrimp, pinfish, and pigfish that the local species can't resist. For the trout, expect to work the grass flats with popping corks and live shrimp, while redfish get targeted with cut bait and artificials around oyster bars and shallow structure. When you move to the nearshore zones for cobia, the captain switches tactics to live bait fishing around structure and even some sight-fishing opportunities when conditions are right. Spanish mackerel respond well to small spoons and jigs worked through the water column. The variety keeps things interesting and gives everyone a chance to learn different techniques.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Steinhatchee fishing, and these spotted beauties love the extensive grass flats that stretch for miles along this coast. They typically run 14 to 20 inches, with plenty of keeper-sized fish in the mix. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, especially during those afternoon hours when they move up shallow to feed. What makes trout fishing here special is the numbers – it's not uncommon to boat a dozen or more in a single trip. They're scrappy fighters that will test your drag and provide plenty of action for anglers of all skill levels.
Redfish are the real stars of the show in these waters, and Steinhatchee's shallow flats and oyster bars create perfect redfish habitat. These copper-colored bruisers average 20 to 28 inches and pack serious power when hooked. Fall and winter are prime time for reds, when they school up in large numbers and feed aggressively in preparation for spawning runs. What gets anglers excited about redfish is their attitude – they're aggressive feeders that will slam live bait and put up a bulldogging fight that tests your tackle and skills.
Cobia are the wildcards that can turn a good day into an epic one. These brown sharks, as locals sometimes call them, cruise the nearshore waters and around structure, often in the 25 to 40 pound range. Summer months bring the best cobia action, and when you hook one, you know it immediately. They're curious fish that will often follow the boat, giving you shots at sight-casting. The fight is legendary – long runs, deep dives, and plenty of head shaking that keeps you on your toes.
Spanish mackerel bring speed and numbers to the mix, especially during their spring and fall migrations through Steinhatchee waters. These silver bullets typically run 12 to 18 inches and school in large numbers around bait pods. What makes them a customer favorite is the fast action – when you find a school, you can catch them as fast as you can drop a line. Their sharp teeth and lightning-quick strikes keep things interesting.
Southern flounder are the sneaky bottom-dwellers that provide great variety to your fishing day. These flatfish average 14 to 18 inches and are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. Fall brings the best flounder action as they move toward deeper water. What makes flounder fishing rewarding is the technique – you're essentially hunting them with jigs and live bait, working the bottom structure methodically until you feel that distinctive tap-tap-tap bite.
Afternoon fishing in Steinhatchee hits different than morning trips – the fish are more active, the bite is more consistent, and you're fishing through those magic hours when everything comes together. Captain Frank's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and with space limited to just two anglers, you get the personalized attention that makes for memorable days on the water. Peak seasons fill up fast, so booking ahead ensures you get your preferred dates without disappointment. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or someone just getting started in saltwater fishing, this charter delivers the goods. Bring your camera, some snacks, and get ready for some world-class inshore action that'll have you planning your next trip before you even reach the dock.
Your fishing platform for this Steinhatchee adventure is a well-equipped motorboat designed for productive inshore action. With space for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the rods without crowding. The onboard fish finder helps Captain Frank locate schools of redfish, trout, and flounder in the productive shallows and nearshore waters around Steinhatchee. GPS navigation keeps you on the most productive spots while the ice box ensures your catch stays fresh from hook to dock. This setup is perfect for the late afternoon bite when these coastal species get active in the feeding zones. The boat handles the shallow flats and deeper channels with ease, giving you access to the variety of structure these fish love. Everything's sized right for a focused half-day trip where you can cover water efficiently and get back to the dock with a solid catch.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the prize catch that gets everyone excited when we spot one cruising the surface. These brown, shark-looking fish average 30-50 pounds and can stretch 4-5 feet long. They're loners, not schooling fish, so when you see one it's game time. We find them around structure like channel markers, reefs, and wrecks in 15-50 feet of water, especially during their spring migration from March through May. What makes cobia so appealing is their incredible fight - they're strong, aggressive, and will test your tackle. The meat is outstanding too, firm and white like mahi. Here's the trick: when we sight-cast to cobia, keep your bait moving. Dead-stick a jig and they'll lose interest, but give it some action and they'll usually eat. Buck-tail jigs work great.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing here in Steinhatchee. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails typically range from 18-30 inches in our waters. They love cruising the grass flats in 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs exposed as they hunt for crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall provides the most consistent action, but they're catchable year-round. What guests love about reds is their powerful runs and stubborn fight - they'll make your drag sing. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, sweet meat. The key to hooking up is keeping your bait near the bottom where they feed. I always tell folks to watch for nervous water and tailing fish - that's your money shot right there.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most consistent targets in Steinhatchee's grass flats and shallow bays. These silvery fish with dark spots typically run 14-24 inches and put up a solid fight on light tackle. You'll find them in 2-6 feet of water around oyster bars and grass beds, especially during late afternoon feeding periods when they're actively chasing shrimp and small baitfish. Fall through spring offers the best action as they school up in deeper channels during cooler months. What makes trout special is their delicate, flaky white meat - perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them in. Their soft mouths tear easily, so let your drag do the work and you'll land more fish.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms around Steinhatchee. These flat, oval-shaped fish with both eyes on one side typically run 15-18 inches and can reach 5 pounds. They bury themselves in sand and mud in shallow bays, creek mouths, and around structure, waiting to ambush prey. Fall migration offers the best shot at bigger fish as they move toward deeper water. What's cool about flounder fishing is the challenge - they're sneaky biters and excellent eating with sweet, white meat. The trick is fishing right on the bottom with live bait like bull minnows or shrimp. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them run with it for a few seconds, then stick them good.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that provide non-stop action when they're around. These silver torpedoes with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-20 inches, but they make up for size with pure energy. You'll find schools of them in open water near structure, usually within 10-30 feet of the surface during warmer months from spring through fall. They're absolute blast on light tackle - fast runs, acrobatic jumps, and they rarely quit fighting. The meat is excellent too, with a mild flavor that's perfect grilled or smoked. When targeting Spanish mackerel, speed is everything. Troll small spoons or cast jigs quickly through the schools. Once you hook one, get it in fast because the blood will often attract sharks to the area.
Steinhatchee