Florida Inshore Fishing Adventures
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in Destin watersCustom 2018 Sportsman Masters 227 accommodates four guests comfortablyInshore fishing combined with dolphin watching and sunset viewing
Looking for world-class inshore action without the rough seas? Captain Shane's got you covered with his top-rated fishing charters around Destin and Panama City. This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience – we're talking intimate trips with just four anglers max aboard a custom 2018 Sportsman Masters 227 that's built for both serious fishing and serious comfort. Whether you're chasing redfish in the shallows or working structure for sheepshead, these protected waters serve up consistent action year-round with enough variety to keep every angler happy.
Captain Shane knows these bays and bayous like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish from the moment you push off the dock. The 227 Sportsman is the perfect platform for inshore work – shallow draft to get into those skinny water honey holes, but stable enough that you won't be fighting the boat while you're fighting fish. You've got comfortable bow seating for those early morning runs or when you want to kick back and watch dolphins cruise by between bites. The center console setup gives everyone room to work, and there's plenty of storage for all your gear, snacks, and drinks. This boat was designed with Florida's inshore fishing in mind, and it shows in every detail from the casting deck to the fish boxes.
We'll be working everything from grass flats to oyster bars, depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Captain Shane switches up techniques based on conditions – maybe we're sight fishing for tailing reds in two feet of water, or working live shrimp under popping corks around structure. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety. One minute you're casting topwater plugs at first light, the next you're bouncing jigs along the bottom for flounder. These waters offer endless opportunities, from the protected bays perfect for beginners to challenging flats where experienced anglers can test their skills. The captain provides all the tackle and knows exactly what's working each season, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got one – there's room for everyone's gear.
Redfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches in our waters and fight like fish twice their size. Spring through fall is prime time, but winter fishing can be excellent too when you find them schooled up in deeper holes. What makes reds special isn't just their fight – it's watching them cruise the shallows with their backs out of the water, or seeing that telltale tail wave as they root around oyster bars. They're curious fish that'll often eat multiple baits, making them perfect for groups with mixed experience levels.
Speckled trout are another customer favorite and one of the most reliable producers in our area. These beautiful fish run anywhere from keeper size at 15 inches up to trophy gator trout pushing 25-plus inches. They love grass flats and drop-offs, especially around dawn and dusk. What's cool about specks is they're willing biters – they'll hit live bait, artificials, topwater plugs, you name it. Plus they're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Sheepshead might be the trickiest fish we target, but they're worth the effort. These black-and-white striped convict fish have human-like teeth and a knack for stealing bait without getting hooked. They hang around structure – docks, pilings, rock piles – and require a delicate touch. Most run 2-4 pounds, but the big ones can top 8 pounds and provide a surprisingly strong fight. Sheepshead are excellent table fare and a real trophy when you outsmart one of the bigger ones.
Flounder are the masters of disguise in our inshore waters, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it by being absolutely delicious and surprisingly challenging to locate. The best ones come from current breaks and channel edges where they can pick off baitfish. A good flounder in our area runs 16-20 inches, with the occasional doormat pushing 24-plus inches that'll have you questioning whether you're snagged on the bottom.
Bluefish and ladyfish round out the action with pure entertainment value. Blues are aggressive predators that'll hit anything you throw at them, while ladyfish – also called "poor man's tarpon" – jump and fight way above their weight class. Both species travel in schools, so when you find them, you're usually in for fast action. They're perfect for kids or anyone who wants to stay busy between shots at the bigger fish.
Southern Renegade Charters delivers the kind of personalized inshore fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Captain Shane's local knowledge, combined with a boat that's perfectly suited for these waters, adds up to consistently productive trips whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. The four-person limit ensures everyone gets plenty of fishing time and personal attention. These Destin and Panama City waters offer some of the Gulf Coast's most reliable inshore action, and there's no better way to experience it than with a guide who lives and breathes these fisheries. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.
Captain Shane's custom 2018 Sportsman Masters 227 is built for serious inshore fishing along Florida's Gulf Coast. This 22-foot center console cuts through the shallow waters of Destin and Panama City's back bays with ease, getting you to prime redfish and speckled trout spots that bigger boats can't reach. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for sheepshead or stalking tailing reds in skinny water. Fish finder and GPS keep you on the fish, while the spacious cockpit gives all four anglers room to work without tangling lines. Comfortable bow seating is perfect for watching dolphin between bites or catching sunset after a productive day targeting flounder and white trout. Ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. Plenty of storage for tackle, gear, and snacks. This boat handles whatever the Gulf throws at it while keeping everyone comfortable during long days chasing bluefish and ladyfish in the bays and bayous.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that show up in our waters from spring through fall, typically running 2-8 pounds with some reaching 15+ pounds. These blue-green fighters have razor-sharp teeth and will attack anything that moves - they're known for their feeding frenzies that can turn the water into a washing machine. You'll find them in open bays and along the beaches, often chasing baitfish in shallow water. They put up a solid fight on light tackle and make decent table fare when bled immediately, though the smaller ones taste better than the big bruisers. When you see birds diving and bait jumping, cast right into the chaos - bluefish won't be picky about what they hit when they're in feeding mode.
Elops SaurusLadyfish are our "poor man's tarpon" - silver missiles that jump and fight way above their weight class. They typically run 12-24 inches and are found year-round in our bays and along the beaches. These guys school up in shallow water, especially around bait pods, and they're not picky about what they eat. While they're not much for the dinner table, they put on a serious show when hooked, jumping and thrashing like mini tarpon. Kids and light-tackle anglers love them because they're aggressive biters and acrobatic fighters. Any small jig, spoon, or live shrimp will get their attention. Pro tip: use a heavy mono leader because they'll thrash around and fray your line, plus those small teeth can be surprisingly sharp when you're handling them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing, with that distinctive black spot near their tail and bronze-colored sides. Most range from 18-30 inches, though we see plenty of slot fish and some big bulls over 40 inches. They cruise the flats in 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs showing, feeding around oyster bars and grass edges. Fall and spring are prime time, but you can catch them year-round in our area. Guests love them because they fight hard, look impressive, and the slot-sized ones are fantastic eating. They're not overly picky eaters - cut bait, live shrimp, or gold spoons all work well. The secret is staying quiet when you spot them tailing and making your first cast count. Spook a school and they'll disappear like ghosts.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are bread-and-butter fish around here, running 12-20 inches with some gator trout pushing 5+ pounds. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially during dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. You'll find them in 2-6 feet of water most of the year, but they move to deeper channels during cold snaps. Spring through fall offers the best action, though winter can be productive if you find the deeper holes. Anglers love them because they fight well on light tackle and make outstanding table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. The key is working soft plastics or topwater plugs slowly over the grass beds. When it gets tough, try a popping cork with live shrimp - that combo rarely fails on pressured fish.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with their black and white stripes, and they're tough customers to catch. Most run 2-5 pounds, but we see some bruisers pushing 10-15 pounds around the dock pilings and bridge structures. They love munching on barnacles, crabs, and shrimp around any hard structure - the rustier and more barnacle-covered, the better. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active, though you can catch them year-round. People love targeting them because they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. The trick is getting your bait right against the structure and watching your rod tip like a hawk - they're notorious bait thieves who'll clean your hook without you feeling a thing. Set the hook hard when you feel them nibbling.
Freeport, FL