Inshore Fishing Trip - Soggy Bottom
There's something special about having the flexibility to fish where the action is hottest. With Soggy Bottom Fishing Charters, you're not locked into one spot – you get to choose between productive bay waters or open gulf fishing based on what's biting best. Captain will reach out a few days before your trip to talk through conditions, weather patterns, and where the fish are most active. This top-rated charter handles all the details so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the cooler.
What to Expect on the Water
This customer favorite charter accommodates up to four anglers, making it perfect for families or small groups who want personalized attention from an experienced captain. The beauty of this setup is the longer trip duration gives you real time to work different structures and move around to find active fish. Whether you're drifting grass flats in the bay targeting redfish and trout, or heading offshore for snapper and grouper, the captain's local knowledge puts you on productive water. Everything's included – tackle, bait, ice, and fish cleaning service at the end of the day. You just need to bring drinks, snacks, and plenty of sunscreen because you'll be out there making the most of every fishing minute.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
The fishing approach depends entirely on your chosen waters and target species. In the bay, expect to work with lighter tackle, casting jigs and live bait around oyster bars, grass beds, and channel edges where redfish and trout ambush prey. The captain will have you rigged with circle hooks and appropriate weights for the current and depth you're fishing. Gulf trips mean heavier bottom rigs for snapper and grouper around structure, plus the possibility of trolling for pelagic species like king mackerel and mahi. Live bait, cut bait, and artificial lures are all part of the arsenal depending on what the fish are showing preference for that day. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels matched to the fishing style, plus a well-stocked tackle box with everything from jig heads to sinkers.
Top Catches This Season
Grey Triggerfish are one of the most underrated fighters you'll encounter on gulf trips. These feisty bottom dwellers have powerful jaws and serious attitude, often found around hard bottom and artificial reefs in 60-100 feet of water. Summer through early fall offers the best action, and once you hook into a triggerfish, you'll understand why regulars specifically target them. They're excellent table fare and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size.
Redfish remain the crown jewel of bay fishing here, with fish ranging from slot-sized 18-27 inchers up to bull reds that'll test your drag system. These copper-colored bruisers patrol shallow flats, especially during moving tides around oyster bars and grass edges. Fall months bring some of the best redfish action as they school up for their spawning runs. The visual excitement of sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water never gets old.
Red Snapper season brings pure chaos to the gulf fishing scene, and for good reason. These aggressive bottom feeders hit hard and fight all the way to the boat. Federal and state seasons vary, but when they're open, snapper fishing is world-class around structure in 40-100+ feet of water. Fresh cut bait on the bottom is the go-to method, and filling your limit of these premium eating fish makes for a memorable day.
Gag Grouper represent the heavyweight champions of structure fishing. These ambush predators lurk around ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom, ready to inhale anything that looks like an easy meal. Winter months often produce the best gag action as they move into shallower water. Landing a quality gag grouper requires quick reflexes to turn their head before they dive back into cover – it's a chess match that keeps anglers coming back.
Tarpon fishing offers pure adrenaline without the need to keep fish. These silver kings range from juvenile fish in the bay to 100+ pound monsters in gulf waters. Summer brings the best tarpon action, and the acrobatic jumps and powerful runs create fishing memories that last forever. Most tarpon are released after a quick photo, making this a sustainable way to experience one of fishing's greatest thrills.
Sheepshead provide technical fishing challenges around structure like docks, bridges, and rock piles. These black-and-white striped thieves are notorious bait stealers with human-like teeth perfect for crushing crustaceans. Winter months offer prime sheepshead fishing when they school up for spawning. Light tackle and small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs are essential for consistent success.
King Mackerel bring speed and excitement to both bay and gulf fishing. These toothy speedsters patrol open water and structure edges, ready to demolish trolled baits or live offerings. Spring and fall migrations provide the hottest king mackerel action, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized "snake kings" to smoker kings pushing 20+ pounds. Wire leaders are absolutely essential when kings are in the area.
Sea Trout remain the bread-and-butter species for bay fishing, providing consistent action for anglers of all skill levels. These spotted beauties relate to grass flats, channel edges, and shallow structure throughout the year. Soft plastic jigs, live shrimp, and topwater plugs all produce trout, making them perfect for experimenting with different techniques. Quality trout fishing peaks during cooler months when fish school up in deeper bay waters.
Mahi Mahi represent the most colorful and acrobatic fish you'll encounter in gulf waters. These golden beauties relate to floating debris, weed lines, and current edges, often traveling in schools that provide fast-paced action. Spring through fall offers the best mahi opportunities, and their willingness to hit both trolled and pitched baits makes them a favorite among charter guests
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Destin, FL
Bay or gulf fishing charter accommodates up to four guests
