Inshore Fishing in Destin, FL | 4-8 HRS Private Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 48 hour inshore fishing charter in Destin watersCaptain Nick Kirby guides guests to prime Choctawhatchee Bay spotsTarget trout, flounder, red drum, and sheepshead species
Looking for some serious inshore action without the crowds? Captain Nick Kirby's got you covered with private fishing charters that'll put you on the fish in Choctawhatchee Bay and the surrounding waters. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to target some quality inshore species, these 4-8 hour trips deliver the goods. We keep it simple – just you, your group of up to 4 people, and some of the most productive inshore waters the Gulf Coast has to offer.
Captain Nick knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the track record to prove it. You'll be fishing the flats, grass beds, and structure around Choctawhatchee Bay where the fish actually live – not just where the crowds go. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility. Want to focus on bigger redfish? We'll work the oyster bars and drop-offs. Looking to put some trout in the cooler for dinner? We'll hit the grass flats during the right tide. The boat's set up specifically for inshore work, so you're not dealing with a big offshore rig trying to navigate shallow water. Everything from the casting platform to the live well is designed to make your day more productive and comfortable.
We fish smart, not hard out here. Depending on what's biting and where we find them, you'll be using live bait on the grass flats, working artificial lures around structure, or sight fishing when conditions are right. Captain Nick provides all the gear you'll need – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – but feel free to bring your favorite setup if you've got one. We're talking about light to medium tackle that's perfect for these inshore species, so even the kids can handle the gear without getting worn out. Most of the fishing happens in water anywhere from 2 to 15 feet deep, which means you can actually see what's happening down there on a clear day. The techniques change with the tides, seasons, and what the fish are doing, but that's what having an experienced captain is all about.
Spanish Mackerel are absolute blast to catch and they're all over these waters, especially during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. These silver bullets hit hard and fast, making screaming runs that'll test your drag. They average 1-3 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. What makes them so fun is their aggressive nature – they'll hit everything from live shrimp to small spoons and jigs. Plus, they're excellent table fare when handled properly.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore scene, and Choctawhatchee Bay holds some real quality fish. These bottom feeders love oyster bars and structure, where they use their pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. You'll find them year-round, but spring and fall produce the best action. They're not the prettiest fish in the water, but when a 10-15 pound black drum decides to make a run, you'll know you're connected to something serious. They're also surprisingly good eating, especially the smaller ones.
King Mackerel venture into our inshore waters during their seasonal migrations, typically in spring and fall. These are the fish that separate the men from the boys – they're fast, aggressive, and equipped with some serious teeth. A good king can easily hit 20-30 pounds in these waters, and they'll take you straight into your backing if you're not ready. They're typically found around the deeper channels and near-shore structure where baitfish congregate. Live bait is king when targeting kings, and the fight is always memorable.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here, and for good reason. They're abundant, cooperative, and absolutely delicious. These spotted beauties love grass flats and are most active during moving water. Spring and fall are prime time, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. They average 12-16 inches, but the bigger "gator" trout over 20 inches are always a possibility. They're also one of the best fish to target if you've got kids on board – they bite consistently and don't require heavy tackle.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and Captain Nick knows where to find them. These copper-colored fighters are found around oyster bars, grass flats, and shallow structure throughout the year. What makes them special is their attitude – they eat aggressively and fight harder than just about anything else in shallow water. A slot-sized red (16-27 inches) will give you a battle you won't forget, and the bigger bulls that we catch and release can push your tackle to its limits. They're also one of the most photogenic fish in the water, with their distinctive spot and bronze coloration.
This is exactly the kind of fishing trip that fills up fast, especially during peak season. Captain Nick's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and word gets around quickly in the fishing community. Whether you're planning a family outing, a guys' trip, or just want to get away from the crowds on a private charter, this is your chance to fish with someone who actually knows what they're doing. The flexible trip length means you can customize your day based on your schedule and how the fishing is going. Don't wait until you're already in town – good captains book up weeks in advance, and you don't want to be stuck watching everyone else head out while you're searching for a last-minute trip.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, and they put up a serious fight. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 5-30 pounds around here, though we occasionally see monsters pushing 50+. They love shallow oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they can crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is when they really turn on, especially during their spawn when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds. What guests love most is the raw power - these fish will test your back and your tackle. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to technique is dropping fresh blue crab or cut mullet right on the bottom near oyster bars. Keep your drag loose at first because when they take off, they mean business.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the apex predators of our offshore waters and the ultimate test for any angler. These torpedo-shaped fighters typically weigh 15-40 pounds, but we regularly see fish over 50 pounds that'll absolutely smoke your reel. They patrol the 40-150 foot depths around structure, drop-offs, and wherever baitfish congregate. Summer and fall are peak seasons when water temps stay in the 70s and 80s. What makes kings special is their blistering speed and jumping ability - they're one of the fastest fish in the Gulf. The meat is rich and perfect for grilling, though larger fish can be high in mercury. When trolling for them, always use a wire leader because those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. My favorite setup is a slow-trolled live bait with a stinger hook - kings love to hit from behind.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands down one of the most exciting fish we target in these shallow waters. These bronze beauties typically range from 18-35 inches, with that signature black spot near their tail that fools predators. They thrive in 1-4 feet of water around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the best action when they school up and feed aggressively. What guests love most is sight-fishing to tailing reds and that powerful, bulldogging fight they put up. The smaller "slot" fish make excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. These fish will hit just about anything - topwater plugs, soft plastics, live shrimp, or cut bait. My secret is looking for nervous water and bird activity, then making long, quiet casts ahead of cruising fish to avoid spooring them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, and for good reason. These beautiful fish typically run 12-20 inches with that distinctive spotted pattern and grow quite a bit larger. They prefer grass flats, shallow bays, and around structure in 2-8 feet of water throughout the year. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding, though they bite year-round here. What anglers love is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their delicate, sweet-tasting white meat. They're perfect for families since they're relatively easy to catch and make excellent table fare. The key is not overcooking them since the meat is tender. My favorite technique is working soft plastics or topwater plugs over grass beds at dawn and dusk. Fish slowly and be ready - their bite is often subtle, more like a tap than a hard strike.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese silver speedsters are some of the most fun fish you'll hook in our waters. Spanish mackerel typically run 1-3 pounds and travel in large schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find plenty. They love the nearshore waters around 20-60 feet deep, especially around structure and baitfish schools. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action happening when water temps hit 70+ degrees. What makes them special is their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag and reflexes. The meat is excellent too, perfect for grilling or smoking with that rich, flaky texture. Pro tip: when trolling for them, use small silver spoons or jigs and keep your speed around 6-8 knots. Once you hook up, watch for birds diving nearby - that's where the rest of the school is feeding.
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