6 Hour Pensacola Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore charter targeting redfish and speckled troutMorning and afternoon departure times accommodate different schedulesAll tackle and equipment provided for up to six guests
When you want to really work the inshore waters of Pensacola Bay, six hours gives you the time to do it right. This isn't a quick trip where you're watching the clock—it's a proper half-day charter where we can hit multiple spots, adjust our tactics, and put you on fish. Whether you choose the 7 AM departure to catch the morning bite or the 1 PM trip to fish the afternoon action, you'll have plenty of time to experience what makes Pensacola Bay one of Florida's top-rated inshore fisheries. Captain and crew from Southern Strike LLC know these waters like their backyard, and with space for up to 6 anglers, this charter works great for families, friends, or anyone wanting to spend quality time on the water.
Pensacola Bay offers some of the most diverse inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast, and six hours lets us really explore what's working. We'll start by reading the conditions—wind, tide, water clarity—then make our moves accordingly. Some days that means working the bridge pilings where current brings baitfish and predators follow. Other days we'll head to the grass flats where redfish cruise in skinny water, or target the docks and oyster bars where speckled trout ambush shrimp and mullet. The beauty of a longer trip is flexibility. If the fish are biting in one spot, we can stay and capitalize. If they're not cooperating, we've got time to relocate and try different presentations. You'll fish from a well-equipped boat with all the modern electronics to find fish and navigate safely, plus enough deck space for everyone to spread out and fish comfortably.
We come prepared with everything you need—rods, reels, tackle, and bait are all included. Our approach mixes live bait fishing with artificial lures, depending on what the fish want that day. Live shrimp under popping corks is a go-to technique for trout and redfish, especially around grass beds and drop-offs. We'll also throw soft plastics on jig heads, working them slowly along the bottom for flounder or bouncing them through structure for sheepshead. Topwater plugs can be deadly during low-light periods, and there's nothing like watching a redfish blow up on a spook or popper in shallow water. For pompano, we'll often use small jigs tipped with shrimp, working them in the surf zone or around sandy flats. The tackle is sized right for inshore species—light enough to feel every bite but strong enough to handle that bull redfish or oversized trout when they show up.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Pensacola Bay inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water and structure, and they'll eat everything from live shrimp to cut bait to artificial lures. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from slot-size keepers around 20-27 inches up to oversized bulls that'll test your drag system. What makes redfish so popular is their willingness to eat and their fight—they use that broad tail to make powerful runs and don't give up easy. You'll find them around oyster bars, grass flats, and dock pilings, often in water so shallow you can see their backs.
Florida Pompano are considered by many to be the best eating fish in the Gulf, and Pensacola Bay holds good numbers when conditions are right. These silver speedsters prefer sandy bottom and are most active during warmer months. Pompano average 1-3 pounds but fight way above their weight class, making long runs and using their flat profile to leverage against the current. They're typically caught on small jigs or live shrimp near inlet mouths and sandy flats. When you find a school, you can often catch several before they move on.
Bluefish show up in Pensacola Bay during their seasonal migrations, usually in spring and fall when water temperatures are transitioning. These aggressive predators travel in schools and will hit just about anything that moves—spoons, plugs, live bait, you name it. Blues average 2-8 pounds in the bay and are known for their sharp teeth and hard strikes. They're exciting to catch because they fight dirty, jumping and thrashing, plus they make excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish commonly reaching 20-40 pounds in Pensacola Bay. These bottom dwellers love structure like bridge pilings, oyster reefs, and channel edges where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time for big drum, particularly around the full and new moon phases. They're not fast fighters, but they use their size and weight to make powerful, bulldogging runs that'll test your patience and your tackle.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped tricksters of inshore fishing, known for their light bites and incredible ability to steal bait. These fish hang around any kind of structure—docks, pilings, reefs—where they pick off barnacles, oysters, and small crabs with their human-like teeth. Winter months are actually prime time for sheepshead when other species are less active. They average 2-6 pounds and require finesse fishing with small hooks and fresh bait, but they're considered world-class table fare and a favorite among experienced anglers who appreciate the challenge.
A six-hour inshore charter gives you the best of both worlds—enough time to really fish without committing to a full day. The morning trips let you experience the dawn bite when fish are most active, while afternoon departures often provide calmer seas and more comfortable conditions. Southern Strike LLC has built their reputation on putting clients on fish while providing a safe, enjoyable experience for anglers of all skill levels
This 1990 Triumph Center Console cuts through Pensacola Bay's waters with confidence, powered by a dependable 90HP Johnson outboard that'll get you to the fish quickly and quietly. At 37 knots max speed, you'll cover plenty of productive water during your 6-hour charter, from shallow flats where redfish cruise to structure-rich areas holding speckled trout and flounder. The center console design gives everyone room to cast and fight fish without tangling lines, while the stable hull handles bay chop with ease. Whether you're working live bait around docks or throwing artificials at grass beds, this boat puts you right where the action is. Built for serious fishing with practical layout and reliable power.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 10-30 pounds but capable of reaching 50+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish love oyster bars, mud flats, and around bridge pilings where they crush crabs and shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time, especially during spawning season when they school up and make that distinctive drumming sound. What draws anglers to black drum is their bulldogging fight - they use their size and strength to test your drag and patience. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make decent eating, but most folks target them for the challenge. Fresh crab is the top bait - blue crab, fiddler crab, or peeler crab work best. Pro tip: fish right on the bottom and be patient. When they pick up your bait, they'll often move off slowly before you feel the weight, so don't set the hook too early.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up in our waters during warmer months, typically running 3-15 pounds with some larger ones hitting 20+ pounds. These blue-green fighters have razor-sharp teeth and aren't shy about using them. You'll find them in schools, often creating feeding frenzies near baitfish around bridges, flats, and open water areas. They're most active during summer and fall when baitfish are abundant. What anglers love about blues is their aggressive strikes and strong runs - they'll hit topwater plugs, spoons, and cut bait with authority. The smaller "cocktail blues" make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Fair warning: always use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon because those teeth will slice through regular line in a heartbeat. Watch for diving birds - that's usually your best sign that blues are feeding below.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida Pompano are one of the most sought-after fish in our waters, and for good reason. These silvery beauties with their distinctive yellow fins typically run 1-3 pounds, though we occasionally see larger ones pushing 8 pounds. They love cruising sandy flats and areas with plenty of shellfish and crabs to feed on. Summer and fall are prime time when they're most active in the shallows. What makes pompano special is their combination of a solid fight and some of the best eating you'll find - that buttery, flaky meat is restaurant-quality. They travel in schools and have small mouths, so we use small hooks with live shrimp or sand fleas. Here's a local tip: when you see them tailing in shallow water, cast ahead of the school and let your bait settle naturally on the bottom.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, running anywhere from slot-sized 18-27 inchers up to big bulls over 30 pounds. These copper-colored beauties with black spots near their tail love shallow flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges where they root around for crabs and shrimp. They bite year-round, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes reds so popular is their strong, determined fight combined with great table fare from the smaller ones. They'll eat just about anything - live shrimp, cut bait, gold spoons, and topwater plugs all work. The real thrill comes when you spot them tailing in knee-deep water on the flats. Here's what works: approach quietly, cast beyond them, then work your bait back slowly. Once a red grabs your offering, hold on tight - they'll make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the ultimate challenge fish around docks, bridges, and any structure with barnacles. These black-and-white striped fish typically run 2-8 pounds with their famous human-like teeth perfectly designed for crushing shellfish. You'll find them year-round, but spring spawning season brings the best action when they gather in large numbers. What makes sheepshead special is their reputation as bait thieves - they'll pick your hook clean before you know they're there. The reward is some of the finest eating fish in our waters with sweet, white meat. Fiddler crabs and shrimp work best, fished tight to structure on light tackle. The key trick: keep your bait pinned on the hook really well and stay alert. When you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook immediately. They'll test your patience, but landing a nice sheepshead feels like winning a chess match against a fish.
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