Afternoon Fishing Trip in Gulfport, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing near Egmont Key and Skyway BridgeSmall group charter accommodates maximum two guestsMultiple fishing tactics used around shipping channel waters
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that puts you right where the fish are biting? Scotty J's Charters runs these afternoon sessions out of Gulfport, targeting some of the best inshore structure in Tampa Bay. We're talking prime real estate around Egmont Key and the Skyway Bridge – spots that hold fish year-round and offer the kind of variety that keeps your rod bent. This isn't some crowded party boat deal either. We keep it intimate with just 2 anglers max, so you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your technique.
Your afternoon starts with a quick run to the productive waters surrounding Egmont Key, where the Gulf meets Tampa Bay in a perfect mix of structure and current. The Skyway Bridge pilings create an underwater highway for baitfish, and where the bait goes, the predators follow. We'll work the shipping channel edges where the depth changes create natural ambush points for grouper and redfish. The afternoon bite can be absolutely stellar here – the sun position changes how fish relate to structure, and we know exactly how to read these waters. You'll be fishing in 15-40 feet of water mostly, with occasional deeper drops depending on what's biting. The boat stays positioned over productive bottom, and we're constantly adjusting based on tide, wind, and what the fish finder is telling us.
We mix up our approach based on conditions and what species we're targeting. Live bait fishing with pinfish and shrimp works killer around the bridge pilings for sheepshead and grouper – these fish want their meal to look natural in the current. We'll also run cut bait on circle hooks when the red grouper are schooled up on the deeper ledges. For redfish, we switch to lighter tackle and work jigs around the grass flats and oyster bars. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're bottom fishing for grouper, the next you're sight-casting to a school of reds cruising the shallows. All tackle and bait is provided, but if you've got a lucky rod or preferred setup, bring it along. We run quality Penn and Shimano reels with 20-30 pound test, perfect for handling anything that decides to test your drag.
Gag Grouper: These are the bread and butter of our afternoon trips, and for good reason. Gag grouper love the rocky bottom and structure around Egmont Key, typically running 18-24 inches with some real doormat-sized fish pushing 6-8 pounds. They're most active during moving water, so we time our spots with the tide changes. What makes gags so popular is their aggressive strike – when one hits, you know it immediately. They'll try to run you back into the rocks, so keeping steady pressure is key. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but we catch them year-round in these waters.
Sheepshead: Don't let anyone tell you sheepshead are boring – these fish are pure technique, and landing a nice one is incredibly satisfying. Around the Skyway Bridge pilings, we see sheepshead in the 2-4 pound range regularly, with occasional slabs hitting 6-7 pounds. They're notorious bait thieves with their human-like teeth, so the bite detection has to be on point. Winter months are actually prime time for sheepshead, when they school up for spawning. The fight isn't about speed or jumping – it's about that stubborn, head-shaking power that tests your patience.
Red Grouper: These guys live in the deeper water off the shipping channel and provide some of the most consistent action we see. Red grouper typically run smaller than gags but make up for it in numbers – it's not uncommon to boat 4-5 in a good afternoon. They're curious fish that respond well to live bait, and they'll often follow your offering up off the bottom before committing. The strikes are usually more subtle than gags, so staying connected to your bait is crucial. Best months are spring and fall when water temperatures are in that sweet spot.
Redfish: Tampa Bay redfish are legendary for a reason, and the areas around Egmont Key hold some beautiful fish. We're looking at slot-sized reds mostly, with occasional bull reds that'll test your tackle and patience. These fish are sight-feeders in shallow water, and watching one track down your bait in 3 feet of clear water never gets old. They're year-round residents but really turn on during the cooler months when they school up in deeper holes. The fight is all about that initial run – redfish will strip line like they're heading for the horizon.
Hogfish: The prize catch that keeps people coming back for more. Hogfish are excellent table fare and provide a unique challenge with their spooky nature and specific habitat preferences. We find them around hard bottom and scattered shell, usually in 20-30 feet of water. They're notorious for short bites and quick drops, so reaction time is everything. Most of our hogfish run 14-18 inches, perfect eating size. They're more common in warmer months but can be caught year-round by anglers who understand their behavior patterns.
This afternoon fishing trip delivers exactly what serious anglers want – productive waters, proven techniques, and fish that fight back. The combination of Egmont Key structure and Skyway Bridge fishing creates opportunities you won't find on typical bay trips. With only 2 spots available, you get the personalized guidance that makes the difference between just fishing and actually catching. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table or test your skills against some of Tampa Bay's top gamefish, these waters deliver consistently. The afternoon bite around here is no
Get ready to target some serious fish around Egmont Key and the Skyway Bridge aboard this well-equipped inshore boat. Built for 2 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a productive half-day on the water. The fish finder will help you locate schools while the GPS keeps you on the productive spots near the shipping channel. When you need to move quietly into shallow water or position perfectly over structure, the wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on fish without spooking them. The radar comes in handy when afternoon storms roll in or visibility drops. Between the ice box to keep your catch fresh and the onboard facilities, you'll stay comfortable while working the waters around this prime fishing area. Whether you're casting to bridge pilings or drifting the channel edges, this boat puts you right where the fish are biting.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that'll give you a real workout once hooked. These grey, marbled fish typically run 20-30 inches around our local structure, though we've seen some push 40+ inches. You'll find them hanging around the Skyway Bridge pilings, channel edges, and rocky bottom in 20-60 feet of water. They love live pinfish and cut bait, especially around crab traps since they're always hunting crustaceans. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active. What makes them special is that powerful run they make for cover once hooked - they'll try to wrap you around anything they can find. Pro tip: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them any line when they first hit, or they'll duck into the structure and cut you off every time.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the most unique fish we target, with that pig-like snout and bright orange coloring. They typically run 2-8 pounds around our local reefs, but the big males can hit 15+ pounds. You'll find them rooting around hard bottom and coral patches in 15-60 feet, using that snout to dig out crabs and urchins. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them special is they're curious fish that'll actually swim up to check out divers and boats. Plus, they're hands down some of the best eating fish in these waters - sweet, mild meat that beats grouper any day. The challenge is their lightning-fast strike and that tough snout makes hookups tricky. Here's my secret: make some noise by banging on the hull or dropping weights - it draws them in thinking there's food around.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are the bread and butter of our reef fishing, with that distinctive rusty-red color and white spots. Most of ours run 5-15 pounds, though the bigger ones can push 20+ pounds around the deeper structure. They hang out on hard bottom and ledges in 40-120 feet, but we find plenty in shallower water around Egmont Key's rocky areas. Year-round fishing is solid, with summer and fall being particularly productive. What guests love is the aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll try to get back to the bottom and stay there. The meat is outstanding, firm and sweet with that shellfish flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let up - they'll find a hole or ledge to break you off if you give them any slack at all.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our signature inshore game fish with that copper-bronze back and distinctive black spot near the tail. Around Gulfport, most fish run 18-28 inches, perfect slot-size fish that put up a memorable scrap. You'll find them in 1-6 feet of water around grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges near Egmont Key. Fall and spring are peak seasons when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them special is that they'll eat almost anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials - and they fight like fish twice their size with long, powerful runs. The meat is excellent with a mild, sweet flavor that's perfect for the grill. My go-to tip: when you see them tailing in shallow water with their backs out, cast past them and work your bait back slowly - spook them with a bad cast and the whole school disappears.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with those distinctive black stripes, and they're some of the craftiest bait thieves you'll encounter. Most run 2-5 pounds around the Skyway Bridge and dock pilings, but we catch 8-10 pounders regularly. They stick tight to barnacle-covered structure in 10-30 feet, using those human-like teeth to crush crabs and shrimp. Winter through early spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. Guests love the challenge - these fish are notorious for stealing bait without getting hooked, making them a true test of skill. The reward is some of the best eating fish in these waters with sweet, flaky white meat. My trick: use the smallest hook you can get away with and set it hard the instant you feel them nibbling, because they'll clean your bait off in seconds.
Gulfport, FL