Inshore Day Fishing Charter in Fort Walton Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Light tackle inshore fishing aboard 21foot Cape Horn vesselTarget redfish, snapper, kingfish and sharks in backcountry watersAll equipment, licenses, bait and fish cleaning included
Looking for some serious inshore action without the big boat crowds? Captain's got you covered with the "Salty Dawgz' II," a sweet 21-foot Offshore Cape Horn that's built for comfort and performance. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – we're talking real backcountry fishing where the water's shallow, the fish are hungry, and you'll be working light tackle that puts you right in the fight. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this Fort Walton Beach charter delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years.
Step aboard and you'll immediately notice this isn't some overcrowded party boat. With just four guests max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines properly. The Cape Horn's shallow draft means we can slip into those skinny water spots where the big boats can't follow – that's where the magic happens. Your captain knows these backwaters like his own backyard, from the grass flats where trout hang out to the structure where cobia cruise. The boat's rigged with quality gear, and everything's included – fishing license, fresh bait, tackle, even ice-cold water to keep you hydrated. Bring your own snacks and drinks to stash in the onboard cooler, and don't worry about the messy cleanup afterward. The crew handles cleaning and bagging your catch so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. Just remember, Coast Guard regs mean everyone aboard needs to be at least two years old – safety first out here.
This is light tackle fishing at its finest, which means you'll feel every head shake, every run, every fight these fish have in them. We're not talking about heavy conventional gear here – this setup lets you experience the pure joy of battling fish on equipment that actually bends and gives you that authentic angling rush. The backcountry around Fort Walton Beach is perfect for this style of fishing. We'll work the grass flats, oyster bars, and drop-offs where fish come to feed. Sometimes we're sight-fishing, where you can actually see your target before you cast. Other times we're working structure, bouncing baits along the bottom or working the water column. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you might be working topwater lures for explosive surface strikes, the next you're dropping live bait near pilings waiting for something big to inhale it. The captain reads the conditions, tide, and fish movement to put you on the best bite possible.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of these waters, and for good reason. These spotted beauties love the grass flats and can be caught year-round, though they really turn on during the cooler months when they school up tight. They hit everything from live shrimp to soft plastics, and their strikes are aggressive enough to get your heart pumping. What makes trout fishing so addictive is their unpredictability – you might catch a dozen smaller "keeper" trout, then suddenly hook into a monster "gator" trout that'll test your drag and your nerves.
Cobia are the heavyweight champions of the inshore scene, and Fort Walton Beach waters hold some real monsters. These brown sharks (though they're not actually sharks) cruise the shallows looking for crabs and baitfish, often following rays and sharks. Spring through fall is prime time, and when you hook one on light tackle, you better hold on. They're smart, strong, and stubborn – perfect for anglers who want a real challenge. Sight-fishing for cobia is pure adrenaline, especially when you can see that bronze torpedo swimming right at your bait.
Tripletail might be the quirkiest fish you'll encounter out here. They float on their sides near structure, looking like floating debris until they suddenly come alive and crush your bait. These oddball fighters are surprisingly strong and excellent table fare. Summer months bring the best tripletail action, and finding them becomes a fun game of "spot the floating fish." They're curious creatures that'll often follow your bait for a while before deciding to eat, making each hookup feel like a small victory.
Florida Pompano are pure gold – both in color and value. These disc-shaped speedsters prefer sandy bottoms and are absolute rockets when hooked. They're also considered some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. Pompano fishing requires finesse and the right bait presentation, usually live or fresh dead shrimp bounced along the bottom. When the pomps are schooled up, you can catch several in quick succession.
Bluefish bring the aggression factor to your trip. These toothy predators hunt in packs and attack baitfish with savage intensity. When you find a bluefish blitz, the action is fast and furious – multiple hookups, screaming drags, and non-stop excitement. They're seasonal visitors to these waters, typically showing up when baitfish are thick and the water temperature is right. Blues fight hard and dirty, using their sharp teeth and bulldogging style to test your tackle.
Black Drum are the gentle giants of the inshore world, often growing quite large and providing arm-burning fights on light tackle. These bottom-dwellers love oyster bars and structure where they root around for crabs and shellfish. The bigger drums, called "bull drums," can weigh 30 pounds or more and will absolutely wear you out on light gear. They're not flashy fighters, but they use their size and stubbornness to make you work for every inch of line you gain back.
This Fort Walton Beach inshore charter offers everything serious anglers want: small groups, quality gear, knowledgeable guidance, an
Step aboard the "Salty Dawgz' II," a reliable 21-foot Cape Horn that's built to handle Fort Walton Beach's productive inshore waters. This motorboat comes equipped with everything serious anglers need - GPS to navigate the best fishing spots, a fish finder to locate schools beneath the surface, and an ice box to keep your catch fresh. With room for up to 4 passengers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rods without feeling cramped. Captain provides all the essentials including fishing licenses, quality bait and tackle, plus drinking water for those hot Florida days. Bring your own snacks and drinks - there's a cooler on board for your extras. Whether you're targeting Red Snapper on nearshore reefs or working the backcountry flats for Sheepshead, this boat handles both environments with ease. Your captain will even clean and bag your fish at the end of the day, so you can focus on the fishing action. All passengers must be at least 2 years old per Coast Guard regulations.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family - these dark, powerful fish can reach 50+ pounds and live up to 50 years. You'll recognize them by their crushing jaws and the drumming sounds they make, especially during spring spawning season. They love oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow estuaries where they root around for crabs, mollusks, and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. The smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are good eating, but the big bulls are better released as trophies since the meat gets tough. What makes them fun is their bulldogging power - they'll pull straight down and test your tackle. Best approach is bottom fishing with fresh crab or clams on a heavy enough weight to stay put. Pro tip: use circle hooks and be patient - drums pick up bait slowly, so let them run with it before setting the hook.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. These blue-green torpedo-shaped fish typically run up to 20 pounds and are known for their feeding frenzies where they'll attack schools of baitfish even when they're already full. You'll find them in tidal rivers, bays, and sandy beaches during summer months, often creating what we call a "bluefish blitz" - churning water as they demolish schools of menhaden or sardines. They're fast swimmers and hard fighters that will give you a real workout on light tackle. The smaller ones are excellent eating with mild, flaky meat, though the big ones can be strong-tasting. Word of warning: always use a wire leader and watch your fingers - these fish will bite anything that gets near them, including the angler. When you see diving birds, head that way fast - blues are probably feeding below.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the "brown sharks" that aren't sharks at all - these dark brown, torpedo-shaped fish are solitary hunters that can reach 50-100 pounds and stretch 6 feet long. You'll spot them cruising near the surface around reefs, wrecks, and buoys, especially during their spring migration from April through June. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, making them perfect for sight fishing. What guests love most is the aggressive fight they put up and their firm, white meat that rivals grouper for taste. These fish are strong pullers that will test your drag. Here's the key: when you see one, don't cast directly at it. Throw your bucktail jig about 10 feet ahead and let the cobia intercept it - they prefer to chase down moving prey rather than something dropped right on their head.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida pompano are the golden treasure of our inshore waters - these compressed, silvery fish with bright yellow fins are some of the best eating you'll find anywhere. They typically run 1-3 pounds and 12 inches, though we occasionally see them pushing 8-9 pounds. You'll find schools of them working the surf and shallow Gulf beaches where they feed on mollusks, crabs, and shrimp. Summer and fall are prime time before they move deeper in winter. What makes them special is their buttery, rich meat that commands top dollar in restaurants, plus they're surprisingly tough fighters for their size - they're jacks after all. The trick with pompano is using small hooks since they have tiny mouths. Live sand fleas or small jigs in bright yellow or orange work best, and don't be surprised when that "small" fish nearly pulls the rod out of your hands.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are one of our most popular inshore targets. These silver-sided fish with distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds in our waters. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow bays, especially at night when they feed actively on shrimp and small fish. Spring through fall gives you the best action, though they school up in deeper water during winter months. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're fantastic table fare with flaky white meat. Pro tip: when fishing the grass flats, cast your lure past the fish and work it back toward them - specks are easily spooked by direct presentations but will ambush prey that moves naturally through their territory.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail get their name from their unique fin structure - the anal and dorsal fins extend back to match their tail, creating that distinctive three-fin look. These olive-colored fish with dark blotches typically run 2-13 pounds and are masters of disguise, often floating on their sides to mimic debris or weeds. You'll find them near the surface around weed lines, floating structure, and channel markers throughout the warmer months. They're becoming popular with fly fishermen because despite their chunky build, they're surprisingly acrobatic fighters. The meat is excellent - firm and tasty, comparing to red snapper or grouper. My advice: approach them quietly and cast well away from where you spotted the fish. Let your bait drift naturally toward them since they spook easily but will ambush prey that looks like an easy meal.
Fort Walton Beach, FL