Inshore Fishing Charter in Englewood for Redfish
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore charter targeting redfish and snapper speciesAll gear, tackle, and licenses included for beginnersMorning or afternoon departures with Gulf access available
Captain Ronald Jones knows these Southwest Florida waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 8-hour inshore charter departing from Englewood isn't your typical tourist boat ride – it's a genuine fishing experience where you'll work productive flats, channels, and structure that locals have been hitting for decades. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to improve your game or someone who's never held a rod, Captain Jones tailors each trip to match your skill level while keeping everyone engaged and learning something new.
Your day starts early with Captain Jones prepping the boat while you grab coffee and get your bearings. The beauty of Englewood's location means you're minutes away from some of the most consistent inshore fishing on Florida's Gulf Coast. We're talking about productive grass flats where redfish cruise in packs, deeper channels holding gag grouper, and structure that attracts snapper and amberjack year-round. The flexible morning or afternoon departure times work around your schedule, and when the Gulf is calm, Captain Jones isn't shy about making the run to offshore structure where the bigger fish hang out. Every rod, reel, tackle box, and fishing license is handled – you just need to show up ready to fish. The small 2-person capacity means personalized attention and no crowded deck situations where you're fighting for space or instruction time.
Captain Jones runs a variety of techniques depending on conditions and what the fish are telling him. Live bait fishing with pinfish, pigfish, and shrimp is the bread and butter for targeting redfish and grouper around structure. You'll learn proper bottom fishing techniques for snapper and grouper, including how to read your rod tip, set the hook on a light bite, and work fish away from cover before they cut you off. When the reds are tailing on shallow flats, we switch to sight fishing with soft plastics and spoons – there's nothing quite like watching a 25-inch redfish track your bait in two feet of water. The tackle setup varies from medium spinning gear for trout and smaller snapper to heavier conventional setups when we're dropping baits in 40-60 feet targeting gag grouper and amberjack. Captain Jones takes time to explain why certain rigs work in specific situations, proper drag settings, and how to fight fish efficiently without wearing yourself out on longer battles.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise, laying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms near grass edges and channel drops. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches in Englewood waters, with occasional doormat-sized fish pushing 20+ inches during cooler months from October through March. What makes flounder fishing exciting is the subtle bite – they inhale your bait and sit motionless, so you need to stay alert and feel for that slight weight or movement. Captain Jones knows the specific bottom contours and current breaks where flounder ambush baitfish, and he'll teach you to work baits slowly along the bottom to trigger strikes.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champions of inshore structure fishing, and Southwest Florida's rocky ledges and artificial reefs hold some legitimate fish. These bruisers range from keeper-sized 22-24 inchers up to true giants pushing 30+ inches and 15-20 pounds. Gags are notorious for their initial bulldogging run straight toward cover, so Captain Jones positions the boat strategically and coaches you through proper hook-setting and immediate pressure to turn the fish. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when cooler water brings larger fish shallow, but resident fish are catchable year-round on the right structure.
Sheepshead might be the most technical fish you'll target on this charter, requiring precise bait presentation and lightning-fast hook sets. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure, making them notorious bait stealers. Englewood's dock pilings, bridge supports, and oyster bars hold good numbers of sheepshead from 12-16 inches, with occasional slabs reaching 18+ inches. Winter months from December through March offer the best action when sheepshead school up for spawning. The key is using small hooks, minimal weight, and setting the hook at the slightest tap or line movement.
Red Grouper are the more aggressive cousins of gag grouper, readily taking baits in 20-40 feet of water around hard bottom and scattered shell. These fish average 16-20 inches but can reach impressive sizes during peak season from fall through spring. Red grouper fight differently than gags – less initial power but more sustained pressure and head-shaking as you work them toward the surface. Captain Jones targets specific bottom contours and temperature breaks where red grouper concentrate, and he'll show you how to properly present baits near structure without hanging up on every drop.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and Englewood's diverse habitat supports both smaller schooling fish and trophy-class bulls. Slot-sized reds from 18-27 inches provide consistent action around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats, while oversized bulls patrol deeper channels and near-shore structure. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat a variety of baits and their impressive fighting ability – a 25-inch red will make multiple strong runs and test your drag system. Peak action occurs during warmer months when fish are most active, but winter fishing can be outstanding when you locate schools in deeper water. Captain Jones reads water conditions, bait activity, and tidal movement to position you where hungry reds are actively feeding.
This isn't a cookie-cutter fishing trip where you're just another customer on an overcrowded boat. Captain Ronald Jones has built his reputation on putting clients on fish while teaching proper techniques an
Captain Ronald's 2017 Carolina Skiff delivers the perfect platform for chasing redfish and snapper in Englewood's shallow waters. This 25-foot center console runs smooth with a reliable 150HP Suzuki 4-stroke, hitting 30 knots when you need to cover ground quickly between fishing spots. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip into skinny water without spooking the fish, while the GPS and fish finder keep you on productive structure and grass flats. With an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons, this skiff handles everything from backcountry creeks to nearshore reefs. The open layout gives you plenty of room to fight fish and move around the boat comfortably.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - powerful fish that'll test your drag system every time. These gray, mottled beauties average 20 inches but can push 50+ pounds when you find a good one around offshore structure. They love hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 30-120 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding heavy on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. What draws people to gag grouper? That bone-jarring strike followed by a bulldogging fight straight to the bottom, plus they're absolutely delicious table fare. Here's the deal: once you hook one, lock that drag down tight and don't give them an inch. They'll head straight for the nearest hole or ledge to break you off. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and be ready to horse them up fast.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are the workhorses of the bottom fishing game - rusty red fish with white spots that'll give you a solid fight every time. Most average 5-10 pounds, but don't be surprised when a 20-pounder grabs your bait around the hard bottom and ledges we fish in 60-200 feet. They're year-round residents except during their January-April spawn closure. What guests love about reds? They're aggressive biters, strong fighters, and absolutely outstanding on the dinner table - firm, flaky meat with a slight shellfish flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. The bite can be subtle or aggressive, but once hooked, they'll make steady runs toward structure. My advice: use circle hooks with cut bait or live shrimp, keep steady pressure once hooked, and don't let them get back to their hole. Medium-heavy tackle works perfect for these reef dwellers.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the signature catch of these shallow flats - bronze-backed beauties with distinctive black spots near their tail that cruise in water so shallow their backs show. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, perfect for the table, while the big breeding bulls can push 40+ inches and really test your tackle. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring give you the best action, especially on moving tides. What makes redfish special? That explosive strike when they crush a topwater lure, followed by powerful runs that'll peel drag. They're also fantastic eating and surprisingly smart - they'll actually follow you and learn your patterns. Here's what works: live shrimp under a cork or weedless gold spoons worked slowly over grass. Keep your presentations quiet and watch for tailing fish - that's your money shot.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the pickpockets of the dock - these black and white striped fish with human-like teeth are notorious bait thieves around any structure. They typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around pilings, bridges, and oyster bars where they munch on barnacles and crabs. Winter and early spring are your best bet before they head offshore to spawn. What makes them fun to target? Those sneaky nibbles that'll have you questioning every bump, plus they're some of the best eating fish in these waters - sweet, firm white meat. The challenge is their light bite and tendency to steal your bait without getting hooked. Here's my trick: use the smallest hook you can get away with, keep your bait tight to structure, and when you feel them pecking, don't wait - set that hook hard. Fiddler crabs and live shrimp work best.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms, perfectly camouflaged with both eyes on their left side. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and around structure where they ambush prey like shrimp and small fish. Most run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though the occasional doormat hits 20+ pounds. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through our waters heading to spawn offshore. What makes them special? That distinctive flat profile and the challenge of spotting them on bottom. Plus, they're fantastic eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My tip: drift slowly with live shrimp or mud minnows near bottom structure. When you feel that subtle tap, don't set the hook right away - let them take it and turn before you lift the rod.
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