Extended Half Day Inshore Fishing in Madeira Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Extended halfday inshore fishing trip in Madeira Beach watersProfessional captain and crew provide guidance for all skill levelsAccommodates up to 6 guests with affordable perperson pricing
Ready to escape the crowds and get serious about catching fish? Captain and crew at Salty Dog Charters know exactly where to find the action in Madeira Beach's productive inshore waters. This extended half-day trip gives you plenty of time to work the best spots without the commitment of a full day charter. We're talking about targeting prime species like snook, redfish, gag grouper, king mackerel, and cobia in waters that consistently produce results. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to add to your fish count or someone just getting comfortable with saltwater fishing, our crew will put you on fish and make sure you understand what's happening every step of the way. With space for up to four anglers, this trip offers great value at $200 total, plus just $50 per additional person up to six total.
Your morning starts early, which is exactly when the fish are most active. We'll head out from Madeira Beach into the productive inshore waters of Tampa Bay and the surrounding flats, passes, and structure. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're working a grass flat for redfish, the next you're drifting live bait near a bridge for snook or cobia. The extended half-day format gives us time to hit multiple spots and really dial in what's working. You'll spend about five to six hours on the water, which means we can chase the bite as it changes throughout the morning and into the afternoon. The crew handles all the navigation, fish-finding, and net work – your job is to focus on fighting fish and having a good time. Don't worry about experience level; our captain reads the water conditions, tide, and fish behavior so you don't have to. We provide all the tackle, bait, and local knowledge you need to make this trip productive.
Inshore fishing around Madeira Beach requires versatility, and we've got the right approach for every situation. We'll be using a mix of live bait fishing, artificial lures, and bottom fishing depending on what species we're targeting and where we find them. Live shrimp, pinfish, and threadfin herring are go-to baits that produce consistent results for most of our target species. When we're working structure for grouper, we'll drop down with heavier tackle and circle hooks to get baits down to where these fish hold. For snook and redfish around mangroves and docks, we might switch to lighter spinning gear with jigs or topwater plugs – especially when the fish are active in shallow water. King mackerel often show up when we're drifting the deeper edges, and we'll have wire leaders ready when they do. The boat carries multiple rod setups so we can quickly adapt to changing conditions. Our crew will show you the right techniques for each species and situation, from properly setting the hook on a grouper to handling a jumping king mackerel. Everything's provided, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites.
Gag grouper are the bread and butter of our inshore structure fishing. These hard-fighting bottom dwellers hang around rocks, ledges, and artificial reefs in 15 to 40 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that hit live bait hard and immediately try to get back to their holes. Gags typically run 3 to 8 pounds in these waters, with larger fish showing up during cooler months. What makes them exciting is the initial strike and powerful run – they'll test your drag and technique every time. Snook are another customer favorite, especially around mangrove shorelines and bridge pilings. These ambush predators are incredibly smart and can be picky about presentation, but when they hit, it's explosive. They jump, they run, and they know every trick to throw the hook. Peak snook action happens during warmer months, particularly around dawn and dusk when they move shallow to feed. King mackerel provide some of the most exciting action when they're around. These speed demons hit trolled baits or live bait at full speed and immediately start their signature runs and jumps. Kings in our area typically range from 5 to 20 pounds, with larger fish possible during their peak season from fall through spring. Redfish are year-round residents that offer consistent action and excellent table fare. They feed heavily in shallow grass flats and around structure, often in schools that can provide multiple hookups. Reds fight with power and endurance, making long runs in shallow water. Cobia are the wildcards that can show up anywhere, often following rays or cruising structure. These curious fish are excellent eating and provide strong, sustained fights. They're most common during warmer months and can range from 10 to 40 pounds in our waters.
This extended half-day trip offers serious fishing time without breaking the bank, and spots fill up quickly during peak seasons. At $200 for up to four people, you're getting exceptional value for a top-rated charter experience. The additional angler pricing of just $50 per person up to six total makes this perfect for small groups looking to split costs. Captain and crew at Salty Dog Charters have the local knowledge and fish-finding skills to make your trip productive, plus the patience to help anglers at any skill level improve their technique. The waters around Madeira Beach consistently produce results year-round, with seasonal peaks that our crew knows how to time perfectly. Don't wait until the last minute – the best fishing dates get booked weeks in advance, especially during prime seasons. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with dinner or just enjoy a morning of steady action, this trip delivers the goods. Book now and get ready to see why Madeira Beach inshore fishing keeps anglers coming back trip after trip.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our reliable 26-foot Carolina skiff, perfectly rigged for productive inshore action around Madeira Beach waters. Powered by a smooth 150 hp Yamaha outboard, this boat gets you to the fishing spots quickly and quietly with the help of our trolling motor for those finicky fish. The power pole keeps us steady when we find that perfect honey hole, while dual live wells ensure your bait stays frisky and your catch stays fresh. Our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, and the GPS keeps us on productive structure and reefs. Pack your snacks and cold drinks in the spacious icebox, and rest easy knowing we've got VHF radio for safe communication on the water. With comfortable seating for up to four anglers, everyone gets prime fishing real estate without feeling cramped. This setup is built for serious fishing - whether you're targeting snook around the mangroves, redfish on the flats, or trout over the grass beds that make these waters so productive.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized catches - they average 25-50 pounds and fight like underwater bulldozers. We spot them cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-60 feet of water. Spring through early summer is prime time during their migration when they're most active. These fish are curious and will often approach the boat, giving you shots at sight fishing. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. They're usually solo or in small groups, not big schools. The key is having a bucktail jig or live bait ready when you see one. Cast ahead of them and work your bait back slowly. Once hooked, they'll make powerful runs and test your drag system hard.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid fighters that love structure - rocks, reefs, and wrecks in 40-80 feet of water. Most run 20-24 inches, but we've seen some bruisers pushing 40+ inches. They hit hard then try to dive straight back to cover, so keep that drag locked tight once you hook up. What makes them special is that strong, steady pull - no flashy jumps, just pure muscle. The meat's excellent too, white and flaky when cooked right. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're feeding heavy on crabs and baitfish. Here's the trick: when you feel that thump, don't give them an inch of line or they'll wrap you around the nearest rock pile. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and be ready for a tug-of-war.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are pure speed demons that'll test your equipment and reflexes. Most weigh 15-30 pounds out here, but the big females can push 50+ pounds. We find them in 40-100 feet, often around bait schools or temperature breaks. They hit trolled baits like freight trains and make blistering runs that'll peel line off your reel. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're moving through our waters chasing bait. What makes them special is that initial run - nothing quite matches it. The meat's good eating too, though it's got some oil to it. Here's what I tell everyone: use a wire leader because those razor teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, keep your baits 50-100 yards back and watch for that rod to double over.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action in shallow water. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, and they're built like copper-colored bulldogs with that signature black spot near the tail. We target them in 1-4 feet around grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. They're not picky eaters and will crush topwater plugs, soft plastics, or live shrimp. Year-round fishing here, but fall and spring are peak times when they school up heavy. What guests love is watching them blow up on topwater baits in skinny water - it's pure excitement. The meat's excellent too, mild and flaky. My go-to trick is working a gold spoon slow over grass beds early morning. When you see tailing fish, cast past them and work your bait back through their path.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the perfect inshore target - most run 18-30 inches and they love our mangroves, docks, and grass flats in 2-8 feet of water. They're ambush predators with that distinctive black lateral line, and when one hits your lure, you'll know it. These fish fight dirty with strong runs and head shakes that'll test your drag. The warmer months from May through September are prime time, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What guests love is the variety - you can sight fish them in shallow water or work them around structure. The meat's fantastic if you keep a legal one. Pro tip: work your lure slow along mangrove edges and be ready for that explosive strike. They've got sharp gill plates, so grab them by the lower jaw when landing.
Largo, FL