8 Hour Private Santa Rosa Beach Inshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing adventure targeting five prized speciesAll equipment and fishing licenses included with expert guidancePrivate charter accommodates up to three guests maximum
Picture this: you're up before dawn, coffee in hand, watching the sun paint Santa Rosa Beach's pristine waters in shades of gold and orange. That's how your full-day inshore fishing adventure starts with Salty Jig Charters. This isn't your typical half-day tourist trip – we're talking about a serious 8-hour fishing experience that'll have you targeting some of Florida's most sought-after game fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add trophy species to your list or someone who wants to dive deep into what makes Florida fishing legendary, this private charter delivers the goods. We keep groups small at just 3 anglers max, so you'll get personalized attention and prime fishing spots without the crowds.
Your day kicks off early – and trust me, that's when the magic happens. Santa Rosa Beach's inshore waters come alive at first light, and that's when fish are most active. You'll be fishing the flats, grass beds, and structure that make this stretch of the Emerald Coast famous among anglers. The shallow waters here are perfect for sight fishing, and on clear days, you'll actually see your targets before you cast. We're not talking about crowded party boats or fighting for elbow room – this is your private fishing playground for the day. The captain knows these waters like his backyard, hitting productive spots that change with tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. Some days we'll work the oyster bars for redfish, other times we'll cruise the grass flats looking for tailing fish. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is we have time to adjust our game plan and chase whatever's biting best.
Everything you need comes with the trip – rods, reels, bait, tackle, and your Florida fishing license. We run light to medium tackle that's perfect for inshore species, giving you that authentic fight without overpowering the fish. Depending on conditions and target species, you'll use everything from live shrimp under popping corks to topwater plugs that create explosive strikes. Soft plastics are huge here – paddle tails and jerk baits that mimic the baitfish these predators hammer all day long. The captain will match your tackle to the conditions and what we're seeing on the water. Some days it's all about working the edges of grass beds with spoons, other days we're sight casting to cruising fish with live bait. The shallow waters mean you're often fishing in 2-6 feet, where every cast counts and presentation is everything. Don't worry if you're new to inshore fishing – the captain will coach you through reading the water, making accurate casts, and playing fish properly.
Winter Flounder might not be the flashiest fish in these waters, but they're absolute table fare gold. These flatfish hang around sandy bottoms and structure, often in surprisingly shallow water. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand, waiting for baitfish and crustaceans to wander by. What makes them special here is their size – Santa Rosa Beach flounder can push into the 20+ inch range, which is trophy territory for this species. They're most active during cooler months, making them perfect targets for winter and spring trips. The fight isn't about speed or jumps; it's about that distinctive side-to-side pull that tells you immediately what you've hooked.
Bluefish are the aggressive bullies of inshore waters, and when they're around, you'll know it. These silver torpedoes travel in schools and absolutely demolish baitfish. They hit hard, fight harder, and put serious bends in rods. Blues can show up any time of year here, but they're most reliable during their spring and fall migrations. They're not picky eaters – live bait, cut bait, spoons, plugs – if it moves, they'll eat it. The exciting part is when you find a school feeding on the surface. The water looks like it's boiling with baitfish jumping everywhere while bluefish slash through from below. Hook one, and you're in for a drag-screaming fight that'll test your tackle and your skills.
Tarpon are the ultimate inshore trophy fish, and Santa Rosa Beach sees them from late spring through early fall. These silver giants can range from juvenile fish in the 10-30 pound range up to massive adults pushing 100+ pounds. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size – it's their aerial displays when hooked. They'll jump repeatedly, shaking their heads and gill-rattling to throw the hook. The key with tarpon is patience and proper technique. You need to bow to the fish when they jump to avoid breaking them off, and be prepared for long fights. Even a smaller tarpon will give you a 20-30 minute battle you'll remember forever. They're catch-and-release fish, so your reward is the fight and the photos, not dinner.
Sea Trout, specifically Speckled Trout, are probably the most consistent performers in these waters. They're beautiful fish with distinctive spots along their sides, and they're willing biters when you put the right presentation in front of them. Specks love grass beds, drop-offs, and areas where current creates feeding opportunities. They're most active during dawn and dusk, which is perfect for full-day trips where we can hit these prime times. What anglers love about speckled trout is their versatility – they'll hit topwater lures, soft plastics, live shrimp, and just about everything in between. They're also excellent eating, making them perfect for anglers who want both sport and dinner.
Redfish are the poster children of inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are aggressive feeders that put up fantastic fights in shallow water. Reds can be found year-round in Santa Rosa Beach waters, often in water so shallow their backs are visible. They're famous for their powerful runs and ability to use
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our beautifully restored 20-foot Cape Horn center console, a proven performer that's been cutting through these Gulf waters since 1994. After a complete 2020 restoration, this classic boat combines old-school reliability with modern fishing comfort. The 200HP Yamaha engine gets you to the prime inshore spots quickly, cruising at speeds up to 35 knots so you spend more time with lines in the water targeting redfish, speckled trout, and tarpon. The spacious center console layout gives you and up to 2 other anglers plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Keep your drinks ice-cold in the onboard icebox during those hot Florida days, while the VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats reporting on the bite. The elevated flybridge gives your captain excellent visibility to spot schools, structure, and those telltale signs that big fish are nearby in the crystal-clear waters around Santa Rosa Beach.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators known for their razor-sharp teeth and incredible speed. They typically run 3-10 pounds here, but can push 20+ pounds when the bigger schools move through. You'll find them hunting baitfish in open water, around structure, and along the beaches during their feeding frenzies. Spring through fall brings the best action when they're chasing shrimp, sardines, and anchovies. These fish are pure adrenaline - they hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up easy. The smaller "snappers" are great for kids, while the bigger blues will test your tackle. Their meat is tasty when fresh, with a rich, oily flavor that's perfect grilled. Local tip: when you find one bluefish, there's usually a whole school nearby, so keep casting in the same area and get ready for multiple hookups.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are bronze beauties with distinctive black spots near their tail, running anywhere from 18-30 inches around here. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the hottest action when they school up. What makes reds special is their powerful fight and the way they'll eat almost anything. They pull hard and never quit, making drag-screaming runs even in shallow water. The meat is excellent - firm, mild, and perfect on the grill. You can sight-fish them in clear water or blind cast around structure. Local tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows, and when you hook one, keep them away from oyster bars since they'll try to cut your line on the sharp shells.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are beautiful silver fish covered in distinctive black spots, usually running 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and around oyster bars where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish. Night fishing and early mornings produce the best action, especially during warmer months. These fish are popular because they're great fighters with a soft mouth, so the hookups are exciting but you need to keep steady pressure. The meat is fantastic - white, flaky, and mild-tasting, making them perfect for the dinner table. During winter, they school up in deeper channels. They're known for their distinctive croaking sound when you catch them. Local tip: fish artificial shrimp or topwater plugs over grass flats at dawn and dusk. Move quietly since they spook easily in shallow water, and always use a net to avoid losing them at the boat.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - silver kings that can grow over 6 feet and 200 pounds. These prehistoric giants love shallow flats, channels, and around structure where they roll and gulp air at the surface. Spring through summer is prime time when they migrate through our waters. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size, but their aerial show - they'll jump 10 feet out of the water and can swim 35 mph. Most anglers practice catch-and-release since the meat is bony and not great eating. The real prize is the fight and photos. They're incredibly strong and can battle for hours. Best baits are live shrimp, crabs, and mullet. Pro tip: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip toward them - it prevents the line from snapping tight and breaking off during their acrobatics.
Pseudopleuronectes AmericanusWinter Flounder are unique flatfish that swim on their sides with both eyes on the right side of their head. Most run 10-12 inches, though bigger ones can hit 25 inches and 8 pounds. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to match sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow bays and estuaries. These fish are morning feeders who rely on sight, so early trips work best. They love worms, clams, and small crustaceans. What makes them fun to target is their sneaky bite - they'll nibble before committing, so you need sensitive tackle to feel the difference. The meat is excellent, mild and flaky. Pro tip: use big baits like sea worms to target the larger fish, and keep your rod tip sensitive since they're notorious for those subtle test bites before they fully take your offering.
Santa Rosa Beach