5.0(3 Reviews)Steinhatchee Redfish & Trout Charter
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour charter targets redfish, trout, flounder, and cobiaAll equipment, bait, tackle, and licenses included with captainSmall group capacity allows personalized fishing experience
Captain Frank Taylor knows these waters like the back of his hand, and his six-hour Steinhatchee fishing charter puts you right where the action is. This isn't your typical quick morning trip – we're talking about a full day on the water targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species. Whether you're after that slot redfish, a mess of trout for dinner, or hoping to tangle with a bull cobia, this charter covers all the bases. The beauty of Steinhatchee lies in its diverse fishing opportunities, from shallow grass flats perfect for sight fishing reds to deeper nearshore structure where cobia and Spanish mackerel cruise.
This charter runs a full six hours, giving you plenty of time to hit multiple spots and adjust the game plan based on what's biting. Captain Frank supplies everything you need – rods, reels, bait, tackle, and even your fishing license. That means you can show up with just your enthusiasm and maybe a cooler with snacks and drinks. The extended timeframe is a game-changer because it allows us to chase the tide and follow the fish. Morning might start working the grass flats for redfish and trout, then shift to nearshore structure as conditions change. The boat handles both inshore shallows and the slightly deeper nearshore waters where cobia love to hang around. With only two anglers max, you get personalized attention and won't be fighting for rod space when the fish are hot.
The fishing approach varies throughout the day depending on conditions and target species. For redfish in the shallows, we'll work live bait around oyster bars and grass edges, or throw artificial lures when the water's clear enough for sight fishing. Trout fishing often involves working soft plastics under popping corks around grass beds and drop-offs. When we head nearshore for cobia, it's all about live bait presentations around structure and keeping your eyes peeled for those brown shadows cruising the surface. Captain Frank keeps the boat rigged with quality spinning tackle that can handle everything from 14-inch trout to 40-pound cobia. The gear is matched to the conditions – lighter setups for finesse work in shallow water, and stouter rods when we're targeting the bigger fish offshore. All the terminal tackle, from jig heads to circle hooks, is provided and chosen based on what's working best for current conditions.
"Having chartered at least 30 times I have a pretty good grip on a TRUE charter Captain. Negative tide, north wind 10-15, and spitting rain. And Captain Frank Taylor still put us on and kept us on fish all day. Book a trip and rest assured that it will be money well spent." - David
"Captain was kind, helpful and knowledgeable about local waters. Caught nice bunch of fish despite inclement weather. Fun day." - David
"We had a great time with Captain Frank. Summer fishing can be slow but he put us on some fish. We caught a variety, trout, flounder, sea bass." - Michsel Kelly
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Steinhatchee fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties average 14 to 18 inches, with keeper fish over 15 inches making excellent table fare. They're active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall when water temperatures hit that sweet spot. Trout love structure – grass beds, oyster bars, and channel edges where they can ambush baitfish. What makes them so popular is their willingness to bite artificial lures and their scrappy fight on light tackle. Plus, they're forgiving fish that give beginners plenty of opportunities to get the hang of things.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and Steinhatchee's grass flats are prime real estate for these copper-colored bruisers. Slot fish run 18 to 27 inches and pack serious power, making blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but winter can produce some monster oversized fish. Reds are sight-fishing gold when conditions allow – watching that wake push through shallow water as a big fish hunts the flats never gets old. They're also incredibly versatile feeders, taking everything from live shrimp to cut bait to topwater plugs.
Cobia are the wildcards that can turn a good day into an epic one. These brown sharks (though they're not actually sharks) can show up anywhere from 20 to 50+ pounds and fight like freight trains. Peak season runs late spring through summer when they're moving along the coast and hanging around nearshore structure. Cobia are curious fish that often come up to investigate the boat, leading to some heart-pounding sight fishing opportunities. Their size and strength make them a bucket-list fish for many anglers, and the meat is absolutely phenomenal on the grill.
Spanish Mackerel bring non-stop action when they're around, typically showing up in good numbers during warmer months. These silver speedsters rarely exceed a couple pounds, but they make up for size with pure aggression and acrobatic fights. They're perfect for keeping kids engaged and adding excitement when the bigger fish are being finicky. Fast-moving lures and small live baits are the ticket, and when you find a school, the action can be absolutely bonkers with fish hitting on every drop.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes, with doormat flounder over 20 inches being highly prized both for the challenge and the incredible eating. Fall is prime time as they move toward deeper water, but they're catchable year-round in the right spots. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique – you need to
Your fishing platform for Steinhatchee waters is a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious angling action. This rig comes loaded with an ice box to keep your catch fresh, GPS navigation to hit the best fishing spots, and a quality fish finder to locate where the redfish, trout, flounder, and cobia are hanging out. The boat handles both inshore shallows and nearshore waters with ease, giving you access to productive fishing zones around Steinhatchee. With space for two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up. Captain Frank keeps all the essential gear on board - rods, reels, bait, tackle, and handles your fishing licenses too. The setup works perfect for the six-hour trips, giving you time to cover water and adapt to changing tides and conditions. Just bring your food and drinks, and you're ready to fish these productive Gulf Coast waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of our nearshore waters, averaging 20-50 pounds with some reaching 6 feet long. They cruise around structure like channel markers, wrecks, and floating debris in 15-60 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving north to spawn. What makes cobia fishing exciting is sight fishing - you'll actually see these brown torpedoes cruising just under the surface. They're aggressive fighters and absolutely fantastic eating with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and shark. When you spot one, cast ahead of where it's swimming and work a bucktail jig slowly - they can be finicky but once hooked, hang on tight.
Sciaenops OcellatusReds are the backbone of our inshore fishing, running from schoolie-size 18-inchers up to bull reds pushing 40+ inches. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes with their backs showing - around oyster bars, grass beds, and mangrove shorelines. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is their bulldogging fight and that distinctive black spot near the tail. Plus, slot-size reds make outstanding table fare with mild, sweet meat. The key around Steinhatchee is watching for nervous water and tailing fish on the flats during incoming tides - that's when they're pushing bait into the shallows.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout around Steinhatchee typically run 14-24 inches and love grass flats in 2-8 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months when water temps drop below 75°F. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk - nothing beats that surface explosion. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find inshore, but handle them gently since they're softer than most fish. During winter, they school up in deeper channels, making for some fast action. Pro tip: when fishing grass flats, work your lure slowly and pause it often - trout like to study their prey before striking.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise, laying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms in 3-15 feet of water. They typically run 15-18 inches but can reach over 2 feet long. Fall months are best when they're fattening up before their winter offshore migration. What's unique about flounder fishing is the ambush-style strike - they'll engulf your bait from below in one quick gulp. They're also premium table fare with sweet, white meat that's perfect for any cooking method. The secret is fishing structure transitions where sand meets grass or around channel edges where they wait to ambush baitfish. Use a slow bounce technique with live shrimp or bull minnows, and when you feel that thump, count to three before setting the hook.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that average 1-3 pounds and stretch 12-20 inches long. They travel in large schools near the surface around structure, bait pods, and current breaks from spring through fall. What makes them fun to target is their lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters with rich, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The trick is using small, fast-moving lures like tiny spoons or jigs. When you find a school, work quickly because they move constantly. Wire leaders are essential since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly.
5.0 out of 5.0Having chartered at least 30 times I have a pretty good grip on a TRUE charter Captain. Negative tide, north wind 10-15, and spitt...
Captain was kind, helpful and knowledgeable about local waters. Caught nice bunch of fish despite inclement weather. Fun day.
We had a great time with Captain Frank. Summer fishing can be slow but he put us on some fish. We caught a variety, trout, flounde...
Steinhatchee