Full Day Inshore Charter in Placida Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full 8hour inshore charter targeting redfish and snookAll gear, tackle, and fishing licenses includedAccommodates up to 4 anglers with Captain Ronald Jones
When you're ready to spend a serious day on the water targeting some of Florida's most prized inshore species, Captain Ronald Jones has you covered with this comprehensive 8-hour fishing adventure. Operating out of Placida, you'll have access to some of the Gulf Coast's most productive backwater systems and nearshore fishing grounds. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to putting you on fish, whether that's working the mangrove shorelines for snook or heading to structure for gag grouper. With all tackle, gear, and licenses provided, you can focus on what matters most: landing fish and making memories.
Captain Ronald runs a tight ship when it comes to maximizing your fishing time, and with 8 hours to work with, you'll cover serious ground. The beauty of fishing out of Placida is the variety – one minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in knee-deep grass flats, the next you could be working live bait around nearshore structure for cobia. The captain reads conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly, which means if the inshore bite is slow, you might find yourself heading to productive nearshore spots where the grouper are holding. This flexibility is what separates a good day from a great day on the water. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat with all the essential gear dialed in, from circle hooks for the grouper to the right leaders for toothy snook. The focus stays on hands-on guidance throughout the trip, so whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, you'll be fishing effectively from the start.
The fishing approach varies based on target species and conditions, but you can expect to use a mix of live bait, artificial lures, and cut bait depending on what's working. For redfish and snook in the shallows, we're often throwing topwater plugs early in the day or working soft plastics around structure. When targeting sea trout, live shrimp under popping corks is hard to beat, especially over grass beds. The grouper fishing requires heavier tackle and bottom rigs with live pinfish or grunt, while cobia might call for sight-fishing with live crabs or eels. Captain Ronald keeps the tackle organized and matched to the fishing, so you're not wrestling with gear that's too heavy for trout or too light for grouper. All rods and reels are maintained and ready to fish, with backup options available. The boat carries a full selection of terminal tackle, from jig heads to circle hooks, and the captain handles all the rigging so you can concentrate on fishing technique and fish fighting.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Placida's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 20-27 inches in these waters and are available year-round, though fall and winter often provide the most consistent action. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat in shallow water – you might spot their bronze backs cruising grass flats or their tails sticking up as they root for crabs. They fight hard and make multiple runs, especially in shallow water where they can use their broad tails effectively. The slot-size fish are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls provide serious rod-bending action.
Snook fishing in Placida waters is seasonal but spectacular when conditions align. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangrove overhangs, and creek mouths are prime territory. Summer months bring the best action, particularly during moving tides when snook position themselves to intercept baitfish. What makes snook fishing exciting is their explosive strike and acrobatic fighting style. They'll jump, gill-rattle, and make powerful runs toward structure. The larger specimens can reach 30+ inches and provide some of the most memorable fights in inshore fishing. Their razor-sharp gill plates and excellent table fare make them a prized catch.
Gag grouper represent the heavyweight division of this fishery, with fish ranging from keeper-size at 24 inches up to trophy specimens exceeding 30 inches. These structure-oriented fish are typically found around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in nearshore waters. What makes gag grouper fishing challenging and rewarding is their power – once hooked, they immediately head for the bottom and any available cover. The fight is typically short but intense, requiring steady pressure and a tight drag. Gags are considered among the best eating fish in Gulf waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Cobia are the wild cards of this fishery – when they show up, they provide some of the most exciting sight-fishing opportunities available. These brown sharks (as they're often mistaken for) cruise the surface and can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 40 inches common in these waters. Spring and fall migration periods offer the best shot at these powerful fish. What makes cobia special is their curious nature – they'll often approach the boat for a closer look, providing opportunities for precise presentations. Their fighting ability is legendary, combining powerful runs with bulldogging tactics that test both angler skill and tackle.
Sheepshead round out the target species list and provide consistent action, particularly around structure during cooler months. These black-and-white striped fish are notorious for their light bite and excellent table fare. What makes sheepshead fishing interesting is the finesse required – they're notorious bait thieves with small mouths and sharp teeth. Finding a school of keeper-size sheepshead around a dock or bridge piling can provide steady action and a cooler full of excellent eating fish. Their unique appearance and challenging nature make them a favorite among anglers who appreciate technical fishing.
This full-day charter represents serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water with an experienced captain who knows how to put you on fish.
Captain Ronald's 2017 Carolina Skiff is a reliable 25-foot center console that's built for serious inshore fishing around Placida's waters. With a powerful 150HP Suzuki 4-stroke engine pushing this shallow-draft boat to 30 knots, you'll spend more time fishing and less time running between spots. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, though we keep groups to 4 for the best experience. The wireless trolling motor lets us slip quietly into backwater redfish haunts without spooking fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate structure where snook and trout like to hang out. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those long 8-hour days targeting everything from slot reds in the grass flats to gag grouper near the bridges. This boat's shallow draft opens up skinny water opportunities that bigger vessels can't reach, perfect for sight fishing redfish and working mangrove shorelines where snook ambush baitfish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the wanderers of our nearshore waters - big, brown, and built like torpedoes. These fish average 30-50 pounds but can easily top 60+ pounds, making them one of the strongest fighters you'll encounter. We typically find them cruising reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 20-50 feet of water, often following rays or sharks. Spring migration from March through May offers our best shot when they move through on their way north. What gets anglers fired up? That crushing strike and bulldogging power that'll test your drag system. They're also phenomenal eating - firm, white meat that grills perfectly. The trick is sight fishing. Keep your eyes peeled for that dark shadow just under the surface, then drop a bucktail jig or live crab right in front of them. They're curious fish, so they'll usually come check out your boat if you stay patient.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are one of those fish that'll test your tackle and technique. Around Placida, we find them hanging near structure - rocks, ledges, and wrecks in 30-60 feet of water. They average 20 inches but can push 40+ pounds if you're lucky. These guys love live pinfish and mullet, but they're notorious for their bulldogging fight once hooked. They'll try to drag your bait straight back to their rocky hideout, so keep that reel locked tight. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they move into shallower water. What makes them special? That white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find. Pro tip: once you feel that thump, don't give them an inch - crank hard and fast to pull them away from structure before they can wrap you up.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishery here in Placida. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots typically run 18-27 inches in the slot, though we see plenty of oversized bulls pushing 35+ inches. They love shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they school up. What makes them special? That powerful, sustained fight and willingness to eat almost anything you throw at them. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept in the slot. The secret is staying quiet and making long casts. These fish spook easily in skinny water, so kill that trolling motor early and use your push pole to get within casting range.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the sneaky thieves of the inshore world, famous for those human-like teeth and prison stripe pattern. They typically run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches around our local waters. You'll find them hugging any hard structure - docks, bridges, rock piles - in 5-25 feet of water where they munch on barnacles and crabs. Winter through spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn around March and April. What makes them fun? They're incredible table fare with sweet, white meat, but catching them takes finesse. They're notorious bait stealers who'll pick your hook clean without you feeling a thing. My go-to trick is using the smallest hook possible with fresh shrimp, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook immediately. Don't wait for a big pull - by then, your bait's gone and so is the fish.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the crown jewel of inshore fishing here in Placida. These sleek predators with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-24 inches, though trophy fish can hit 40+ inches. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in 2-10 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. They're temperature sensitive, so our best fishing runs from late spring through early fall when water temps stay above 70 degrees. What draws anglers back? That explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and test every knot you tied. Plus, they're catch-and-release only, making each one extra special. The key is getting your bait tight to structure. They won't chase it far, so cast right into the mangroves or under that dock. Use a short leader to avoid break-offs on those sharp gill plates.
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