Half Day Inshore Fly Fishing - Tarpon Springs
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private fly fishing charter targeting redfish and snookCaptain Gage guides through shallow Gulf Coast waters near Tarpon SpringsAll gear, licenses, and bottled water included for two anglers
There's nothing quite like working the flats around Tarpon Springs with a fly rod in hand. Captain Gage knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish during this 4-hour private charter. We're talking about prime inshore opportunities targeting redfish, snook, and tarpon – the holy trinity of Florida fly fishing. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip where you're crammed in with strangers. It's just you, maybe a buddy, and 240 minutes of pure fishing time starting at 8:00 AM when the bite is hot.
Captain Gage runs a tight ship, but the vibe stays relaxed. You'll launch from Tarpon Springs and work the skinny water where these fish love to hang out. The boat's rigged specifically for fly fishing, so you've got plenty of casting room and all the gear you need if you don't have your own setup. We're not talking about deep-sea grinding here – this is sight fishing at its finest. You'll be working structure, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines where the action can go from zero to hero in seconds. The captain provides all licenses and gear, plus he keeps cold water on board because Florida heat is no joke, even in the morning hours.
Fly fishing these inshore waters is all about presentation and patience. You'll be using 8 to 10-weight rods depending on what we're targeting, with leaders built for the task. The technique here isn't about bombing long casts – it's about accuracy and reading the water. Captain Gage will position the boat so you can work likely spots methodically. Think weighted streamers for deeper pockets, shrimp patterns over grass, and topwater flies when fish are feeding up. The beauty of fly fishing inshore is the visual element – you'll see fish moving, tailing, and feeding before you ever make a cast. The shallow water clarity around Tarpon Springs makes this some of the best sight fishing on Florida's west coast.
Redfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and they're absolute monsters on a fly rod. These copper-colored bruisers hang in 2 to 4 feet of water, often tailing in the grass beds. They'll average 18 to 26 inches, with some real bulls pushing the 30-inch mark. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but winter can produce some trophy fish when conditions align. What makes reds special is their attitude – they eat aggressively and fight dirty, using their broad shoulders to test your drag system.
Snook are the glamour species here, and for good reason. These ambush predators lurk around mangrove roots, docks, and structure waiting to crush baitfish. They're incredibly line-shy and spooky, making them a true test of your fly presentation skills. Most fish run 20 to 28 inches, with occasional giants over 30. Summer months bring the best numbers, but skilled anglers can find them year-round. The strike is explosive, and their gill-rattling jumps will have your heart racing. Fair warning – they're master escape artists with razor-sharp gill plates.
Tarpon are the silver kings of inshore fly fishing, and even the juveniles we target here will humble experienced anglers. These fish range from 20 to 60 pounds in the inshore waters, and they're pure aerial acrobatics when hooked. Late spring through early fall brings the most consistent shots, especially around bait schools. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size – it's their prehistoric look and that unforgettable first jump. Most anglers practice catch and release with tarpon, making it all about the experience rather than the cooler.
Jack Crevalle might not win beauty contests, but they'll test your tackle like few other species. These yellow bulldogs are pure muscle and aggression, often hunting in schools and creating surface mayhem. Sheepshead offer technical fishing around structure with their bait-stealing reputation, while Tripletail provide opportunistic shots around floating debris. Black Drum can surprise you with their size, and finding Largemouth Bass in the brackish areas adds freshwater excitement to your saltwater day.
Southern Cut Charters has built a reputation around Tarpon Springs for putting anglers on fish consistently. Captain Gage's local knowledge combined with quality equipment and a proper fly fishing setup makes this a top-rated choice for serious anglers. The 2-angler limit keeps things intimate and maximizes your water time. With flexible cancellation up to 24 hours out, you can book with confidence knowing Florida weather won't leave you hanging. Whether you're new to fly fishing or a seasoned saltwater angler, this half-day trip delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back season after season. The 8:00 AM start time hits that sweet spot when fish are active and the heat hasn't built up yet – book now and see why Tarpon Springs inshore fly fishing has such a dedicated following.
This Ankona boat with a reliable Suzuki engine is built for serious inshore fishing around Tarpon Springs' shallow waters. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking redfish and snook in those skinny flats where every sound matters. You'll have an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 4-hour trip, plus a multimedia system for downtime between bites. Captain Gage knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on tarpon, mangrove snapper, and jack crevalle. The boat handles 2 anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to cast without tangling lines. Whether you're working the grass beds for bass or sight-fishing drum in the shallows, this setup gets you where the fish are feeding. All your fly fishing gear and licenses are covered, so just bring yourself and get ready to fish like a local in some of Florida's best inshore waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for our shallow water fly fishing - they're aggressive, fun to fight, and excellent table fare. Most reds we catch run 20-30 inches and put up a strong, bulldogging fight in the shallows. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove edges in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, especially on incoming tides. That black spot near their tail makes them easy to identify, and their copper-red backs really light up in shallow water. Redfish eat well too - mild, flaky white meat that's great on the grill. The key to success is staying quiet and making accurate casts ahead of cruising fish. Watch for their wakes and tails - they'll give away their location every time.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most sought-after inshore species, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches around here, though we occasionally hook into 3-footers that'll test your skills. They love hanging around mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridge pilings in 2-6 feet of water. Best fishing happens during warmer months when water temps stay above 70°F - they're pretty temperature sensitive. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and aerial fights, plus they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. They're ambush predators, so they hit hard and fast. Here's a local tip: cast your fly or lure past the structure and work it back parallel to the cover - that's where they're waiting to pounce.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing - massive, acrobatic fish that can reach 6+ feet and over 100 pounds, though we typically see 40-80 pounders in our shallow waters. They move through our area from spring through fall, feeding in 3-15 feet around channels, flats edges, and creek mouths. These ancient fish are pure adrenaline when hooked - they'll jump repeatedly and make blistering runs that can last 30 minutes or more. Most anglers come for the fight, not the table - tarpon are bony and tough to clean, so we practice catch and release. The best action happens on moving tides around dawn and dusk. Pro tip: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to keep tension off and prevent the hook from pulling out during those spectacular leaps.
Tarpon Springs, FL