Morning Inshore Fishing with Captain Sloan
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour morning inshore fishing trip with Captain SloanTarget flounder, redfish, and speckled trout in local watersLicense, equipment, and fish filleting service included
There's something special about getting out on the water while the rest of the world is still hitting snooze. Captain Sloan's 4-hour morning inshore fishing trip from Santa Rosa Beach gives you the perfect chance to beat the crowds and catch some serious fish before lunch. This isn't your typical tourist charter – it's a top-rated fishing adventure that puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best inshore fishing grounds. With space for up to 3 anglers, your group gets personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work the flats and grass beds where redfish, speckled trout, and flounder love to hang out.
Captain Sloan knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the early morning bite dialed in. You'll launch before dawn breaks and head straight to his proven spots around Santa Rosa Beach's pristine inshore waters. The morning hours are prime time for aggressive feeding, especially when the water temperature is just right and baitfish are moving through the shallows. Your Florida fishing license is covered, and all the tackle you'll need comes with the trip – from live bait rigs to artificial lures that match what the fish are keying in on. Captain Sloan reads the water conditions daily and adjusts his game plan accordingly, whether that means working oyster bars for redfish or targeting grass flats where trout are schooled up.
Inshore fishing in Santa Rosa Beach is all about finesse and knowing where to look. Captain Sloan runs light to medium tackle that lets you feel every bump and bite while still having enough backbone to handle a bull redfish. You'll learn to work soft plastics along the bottom for flounder, pitch jigs around structure for reds, and work topwater lures during those magical moments when trout are busting bait on the surface. The boat is rigged with everything from popping corks to Carolina rigs, and Captain Sloan will match your technique to what's working that day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, he'll get you dialed in on the presentation that puts fish in the boat. Live shrimp, pinfish, and mullet are staples, but don't be surprised if he breaks out some local favorites that most visiting anglers have never seen.
Winter Flounder are the masters of disguise in these waters, laying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms and grass edges. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes in the cooler months, with doormat-sized fish pushing 5-6 pounds not uncommon. They're ambush predators that require patience and a slow presentation, but the payoff is incredible table fare. Captain Sloan knows exactly where they set up along depth changes and structure, and he'll teach you to feel the subtle thump when a big flounder inhales your bait.
Bluefish bring the action when they're around, traveling in schools and absolutely destroying baitfish on the surface. These aggressive fighters can range from snapper-sized juveniles to chopper blues pushing 10+ pounds. They're most active during their seasonal migrations, and when you find them, it's usually game on with non-stop action. Their razor-sharp teeth and hard strikes make every hookup exciting, and they're surprisingly good eating when bled and iced properly.
Grey Snapper are the opportunistic feeders that hang around any piece of structure they can find. These smart fish require stealth and the right presentation, but they reward patient anglers with excellent table fare and a solid fight. They're year-round residents that know every hiding spot, from oyster bars to dock pilings, and Captain Sloan has dialed in their feeding patterns throughout the seasons.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. These beautiful fish with distinctive spots along their sides are incredibly fun to catch and absolutely delicious. They school up over grass beds and around bait concentrations, especially during the cooler months when they pack on weight. A keeper-sized trout is pure gold, and the bigger gator trout that occasionally show up will test your drag and your skills.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and Santa Rosa Beach waters hold some absolute giants. These copper-colored bruisers are incredibly strong fighters that will peel drag and test your patience. They cruise the shallows looking for crabs and baitfish, often with their backs out of the water in skinny water. Slot-sized reds between 18-27 inches are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls provide catch-and-release trophy experiences you'll never forget. Captain Sloan knows their seasonal patterns and can put you on fish whether they're schooled up in deep water or tailing on the flats.
This world-class morning fishing trip fills up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hot. Captain Sloan's reputation for putting clients on fish has made this a customer favorite among both locals and visitors looking for the real deal. After your trip, he'll clean your catch and point you toward the best local restaurants that'll cook it up exactly how you like it – there's nothing better than eating fish you caught a few hours earlier. The early morning schedule means you'll be back at the dock with plenty of day left to enjoy everything else Santa Rosa Beach has to offer. Don't miss out on this renowned inshore fishing experience – book your spot today and get ready for some serious action on the water.
Your morning fishing adventure awaits aboard this beautifully restored 1994 20' Cape Horn center console. Captain Sloan's boat got a complete makeover in 2020 and runs like a dream with its reliable 200HP Yamaha engine that'll cruise at 35 knots when you need to chase the fish. The spacious center console design gives you and up to 2 other anglers plenty of room to cast lines and fight fish without getting tangled up. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, while the VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and marine traffic. The flybridge gives Captain Sloan excellent visibility to spot schools and structure where redfish, speckled trout, and flounder like to hang out in these Santa Rosa Beach waters. This classic fishing boat combines old-school charm with modern reliability - perfect for targeting inshore species in the early morning hours when the fish are most active.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that put on a serious show when hooked. These blue-green fighters typically run 7-20 pounds around here and are known for their razor-sharp teeth and powerful runs. They travel in schools along our beaches and inshore waters, often creating feeding frenzies that churn the water white - we call it a "bluefish blitz." Summer and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What guests love is the explosive strike and strong fight, plus they make excellent table fare when prepared fresh. The meat is mild and flaky on smaller fish, though bigger ones have more flavor. My tip: use wire leaders because those teeth will cut through regular line in a heartbeat. When you see birds diving and water boiling, get your lure in there fast - the action won't last long.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are smart fish that make you work for them. They typically run 1-3 pounds inshore with that distinctive copper-red color and dark eye stripe. These opportunistic feeders love structure - docks, rocks, mangroves, anywhere they can ambush prey. They're most active at night and during low-light periods like dawn and dusk. What makes them popular is their excellent white, flaky meat that's restaurant-quality. They're also wary and challenging, which keeps things interesting. The key is patience - they'll inspect your bait before committing. I always tell folks to use a 4/0 hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then reel up just a foot or two. Don't jig it around - let it sit naturally and wait for that subtle tap. When you feel it, count to three before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing - those copper-colored backs and distinctive black spots near the tail make them unmistakable. They typically run 20-35 inches around here, with some reaching 40+ inches and 30 pounds. These fish love super shallow water, often feeding in 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their incredible fight - powerful runs and bulldogging pulls that'll test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. Here's my go-to technique: use a gold spoon or topwater plug in shallow water early morning. When you see their backs out of the water or tails waving, make a quiet approach and cast past them, then work the lure back slowly.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore fishing with their silvery sides covered in distinctive black spots. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with that classic torpedo shape. You'll find them over grass flats and around structure in 2-8 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months and low-light conditions - early morning and evening are prime time. What guests love is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent eating quality - mild, tender white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. They're also great fighters for their size with nice runs and head shakes. Pro tip: use soft plastic shrimp or grub tails bounced slowly along the bottom near grass beds. During winter, they school up in deeper holes, so look for them in channels and drop-offs where you can catch several at once.
Pseudopleuronectes AmericanusWinter flounder are unique flatfish that swim on their sides with both eyes on the right side of their head. They typically run 10-12 inches inshore, though bigger ones can reach 25 inches and 8 pounds. These black-backed fish love sandy bottoms and grass flats where they can camouflage perfectly. They're morning feeders that rely on sight, so early trips work best. What makes them special is their firm, sweet white meat that's perfect for the table. They're not aggressive fighters, but they're sneaky - they'll nibble before committing to the bait. Here's the key: use a sensitive rod with big sea worms or clams, and when you feel that first gentle tap, give them a moment to take it fully before setting the hook. Their small mouths mean they need time to get a good grip on your bait.
Santa Rosa Beach