3 Hour Catch & Release - Choctawhatchee Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and speckled troutCaptain provides all gear and teaches light tackle techniquesCatch and release focus on Choctawhatchee Bay's grass flats
Captain Dalton Spitzer knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why Choctawhatchee Bay is one of Florida's top-rated inshore fishing destinations. This customer favorite 3-hour trip puts you right in the action without the pressure - we're talking pure catch and release fishing that lets you focus on technique, have some fun, and maybe learn a thing or two along the way. Whether you've been fishing your whole life or you're just getting started, this world-class bay system delivers consistent action year-round. We keep it relaxed, keep it productive, and most importantly, we keep it real.
You'll meet Captain Dalton right here in Freeport, and from there it's a short run to some of the most productive inshore waters on Florida's Gulf Coast. Choctawhatchee Bay is a massive system - we're talking about thousands of acres of grass flats, oyster bars, and structure that holds fish year-round. The beauty of this trip is the variety. One minute you might be working a grass flat for speckled trout, the next you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water. The pace is comfortable but focused - we're not rushing around trying to hit every spot on the GPS. Instead, we're reading the conditions, watching the tides, and putting you on fish that want to bite. All your tackle is provided, from light spinning gear to the terminal tackle, and Captain Dalton will match the setup to whatever species we're targeting that day.
This is all about finesse fishing with light tackle - think 10-15 pound test, 7-foot spinning rods, and lures that actually look like something a fish wants to eat. We'll be working everything from soft plastics on jig heads to topwater plugs, depending on what the fish are telling us. The structure in Choctawhatchee Bay is what makes it special - miles of grass flats that hold baitfish, oyster beds that create ambush points for predators, and drop-offs where the bottom changes and the big fish cruise. Captain Dalton will show you how to read this structure, how to position the boat to make effective presentations, and most importantly, how to feel the difference between a bite and the bottom. The learning curve here is part of the fun - you'll leave understanding why certain spots produce at certain times, and that knowledge will make you a better angler no matter where you fish.
Tripletail are one of those fish that make you do a double-take when you first see one. These oddball predators love to hang around floating debris, dock pilings, and channel markers, often sitting motionless near the surface like a floating leaf. They're ambush feeders with incredible acceleration when they decide to strike, and their fight is something special - lots of head shaking and powerful runs. Spring through fall is prime time for tripletail in Choctawhatchee Bay, especially around the deeper channels and structure. What makes them so exciting to target is the sight-fishing aspect - you can often see them before you cast, which turns every presentation into a chess match.
Red snapper might seem like an odd mention for inshore fishing, but juvenile snapper are regular residents of the bay's deeper holes and structure. These smaller fish - usually in the 12-16 inch range - are scrappy fighters that hit hard and don't give up easy. They school up around oyster bars and hard bottom, and when you find them, you can usually catch several before they wise up. The technique is straightforward but effective - live or cut bait on a small circle hook, worked right on the bottom where these fish feed.
Spanish mackerel are the speed demons of the bay, showing up in numbers during the warmer months when baitfish are thick. These silver bullets will absolutely smoke a small spoon or jig, making blistering runs that'll test your drag and your reflexes. They school heavily, so when you find one, there are usually more around. The key is covering water efficiently and matching the retrieve speed to their aggressive feeding style. Spanish mackerel are also excellent table fare, though on this catch and release trip, you'll get to admire their perfect streamlined design before sending them back to grow bigger.
Gag grouper in the bay system are typically smaller fish that haven't made the move to deeper offshore structure yet. These bay gags are tough fighters that know every hole and crevice in their territory. They're structure-oriented fish that respond well to live bait presentations, and their fight is all about power and determination. Finding them requires understanding how they use the bay's contours and hard bottom areas, and once hooked, they'll test every knot in your tackle box.
Black drum are the bulldozers of the bay - powerful, determined fish that can show up in surprising numbers when conditions are right. These copper-colored fighters love oyster bars and grass edges, where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Their fight is pure power, with none of the flashy jumps you get from other species, just steady, unstoppable pressure that'll make your arms burn. Black drum can range from schoolie-sized fish to true giants, and you never know which end of the spectrum you're tied into until the fight develops.
This 3-hour catch and release trip hits the sweet spot for anyone looking to experience world-class inshore fishing without the full-day commitment. You'll leave with a better understanding of how tides, structure, and technique come together to create consistent fishing success. Captain Dalton's approach combines local knowledge with hands-on instruction, so whether you're looking to improve your skills or just have a great time on the water, this trending Choctawhatchee Bay experience delivers. The bay fishes well year-round, with seasonal patterns that keep things interesting no
This 2007 Ranger 23' bay boat is your ticket to productive fishing in Choctawhatchee Bay's prime inshore waters. Powered by a reliable Yamaha 250hp engine, she cuts through the bay smoothly whether you're heading to grass flats for speckled trout or working oyster beds for redfish. The 23-foot platform gives you plenty of room to move around while fighting fish, and with space for up to 4 anglers, everyone gets their shot at the action. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools and structure, while GPS keeps you on the most productive spots. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during those warm Florida afternoons on the water. Built specifically for bay fishing, this boat handles the shallows with ease and gets you to where the fish are biting without burning through fuel or beating you up on the ride.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the bay, with most fish running 5-30 pounds, though giants over 90 pounds show up occasionally. These gray-black bruisers have crushing jaws built for demolishing oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow structure where the bottom holds plenty of food. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we get the best action. What guests love is their powerful, stubborn fight and the unique drumming sounds they make underwater. Smaller fish under 15 pounds are excellent eating, but the big ones get tough. The secret is using fresh blue crab or cut bait right on the bottom. These fish are picky eaters, so patience pays off. Keep your bait still - they'll cruise by and inhale it when they're ready.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are bruisers that love to test your tackle around any structure they can find. Most run 15-25 pounds, but they can push 80 pounds when fully grown. You'll spot them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and any kind of hard structure where they can ambush prey. The young ones hang inshore, while bigger fish prefer deeper offshore spots. Spring and fall typically give us the best action when they're more active. What makes them a favorite is that bulldogging fight - once hooked, they'll try everything to get back to their hole in the rocks. They're also outstanding table fare with firm, white meat. Here's what separates success from frustration: the moment you hook one, lock that drag down and keep your rod tip low. Don't give them an inch or they'll dive straight into structure and cut you off every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing, and while we focus on catch and release in the bay, juveniles sometimes show up around deeper structure. These fish start pink when young and turn that classic bright red as they mature. Most we see run 1-2 feet, but they can grow massive - over 35 pounds. They love hard bottom, rocky areas, and any kind of structure where they can ambush baitfish. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they move into shallower waters. What makes them special is that hard fighting spirit - they'll try to drag you straight to the rocks or nearest cover. Plus, they're hands down one of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get their head down or they'll wrap you up in structure every time.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll give you some of the most exciting light tackle action in the bay. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and can hit 8-11 pounds, but most are smaller. They're incredibly fast swimmers that travel in big schools, often stretching for miles. We find them from spring through fall when the water warms up, usually near the surface around grass flats and structure. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and blistering runs - they'll test your drag for sure. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The trick is to watch for diving birds or surface activity - that's where the schools are feeding. Once you find them, small spoons or live shrimp work magic. Just keep your drag loose because their first run is lightning fast.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of the more unique fish we target in the bay. They average 2-13 pounds and get their name from their rounded dorsal and anal fins that look like extra tails. What makes them special is their habit of floating on their sides near the surface, mimicking debris or weeds. They're ambush predators that love to hang around structure and weed lines. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps stay above 70°F. These fish are surprisingly acrobatic for their chunky build and put up a solid fight. The meat rivals snapper or grouper - firm and tasty. Here's the key: when you spot one, cast well past it and slowly work your bait back. They spook easily if you land right on top of them. Live shrimp or small crabs work great.
Choctawhatchee Bay