4 Hour Afternoon Fishing Trip - Choctawhatchee Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon trip targeting redfish and speckled troutLight tackle fishing on grass flats and oyster bedsAll gear provided with expert local guide Captain Spitzer
There's something special about hitting the water in the afternoon when the fish start waking up and getting hungry. Captain Dalton Spitzer knows these bay waters like the back of his hand, and this 4-hour trip gives you prime time to chase some of the most consistent inshore action on Florida's Emerald Coast. Choctawhatchee Bay might not get all the press of some bigger-name spots, but ask any local angler and they'll tell you – this bay produces. With calm, protected waters and a variety of structure that holds fish year-round, you're looking at quality fishing time without the boat ride out to the Gulf. Whether you've been fishing your whole life or you're just curious about what all the fuss is about, this afternoon window is when the magic happens.
Captain Dalton keeps things relaxed but focused on this top-rated afternoon trip. You'll launch from Freeport and spend your time working the productive zones that make Choctawhatchee Bay a customer favorite among inshore anglers. The beauty of bay fishing is the variety – one cast you might be working grass flats for trout, the next you're targeting oyster bars for redfish. The afternoon timing is no accident either. As the sun starts its descent, baitfish become more active, and that gets the predators moving. Captain Dalton provides all the gear you need, from rods rigged with the right tackle to a cooler full of ice for your catch. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the family or a few fishing buddies, everyone gets plenty of room to cast and fight fish. Don't worry about experience level – this trip caters to everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers looking to learn some local tricks.
This is light tackle fishing at its finest, which means you'll feel every head shake and run when you hook up. Captain Dalton focuses on reading the water and working structure that consistently holds fish. Grass flats are the bread and butter here – those underwater meadows that look empty to the untrained eye but are actually fish magnets. You'll learn to work artificial lures through the grass, feeling for that telltale thump of a redfish or the sharp strike of a speckled trout. Oyster beds add another dimension to the fishing, providing ambush points for black drum and redfish. The key is understanding how tides affect fish movement, and Captain Dalton breaks it down in real-time as you're fishing. You might work a shoreline edge with topwater plugs or drift over deeper pockets with soft plastics. The beauty of bay fishing is adapting to what the fish are telling you, and with four hours on the water, you'll get a real education in reading conditions and adjusting tactics accordingly.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Choctawhatchee Bay fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters love shallow water and put up a battle that'll test your drag system. They're most active during moving tides, especially around oyster bars and grass edges where they cruise looking for crabs and baitfish. Fall and spring are peak seasons, but you can find reds year-round if you know where to look. What makes them so popular is their willingness to eat artificial lures and their habit of making long, powerful runs that'll get your heart pumping.
Speckled trout might be the most consistent biters in the bay system. These spotted beauties prefer grass flats and drop-offs, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper pockets. They're excellent table fare and provide steady action when conditions are right. Trout have soft mouths, so the light tackle setup really shines here – you'll feel every subtle bite and need to finesse them to the boat. They're most active during low-light periods, making this afternoon trip perfectly timed for the evening bite.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the bay, using their powerful bodies and stubborn nature to test your patience and tackle. They love oyster beds where they root around for shellfish with their barbelled chins. These fish can range from schoolie-sized 2-pounders to heavyweight bruisers pushing 20 pounds or more. They're not flashy jumpers, but they'll wear you out with their deep, grinding runs. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they congregate in larger numbers.
Spanish mackerel bring a different kind of excitement to the mix with their blazing speed and sharp teeth. These streamlined speedsters show up when baitfish are thick, usually in warmer months. They hit hard and fast, making screaming runs that'll remind you why a good drag is essential. Look for them around current breaks and bait schools, and be ready for quick strikes and acrobatic fights. They're also world-class table fare when handled properly.
This afternoon fishing trip hits all the right notes – prime feeding time, diverse fishing opportunities, and the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Captain Dalton's approach combines the relaxed vibe of bay fishing with the expertise to put you on fish consistently. With all gear provided and techniques suited for any skill level, you're looking at four hours of quality fishing time in some of the most productive inshore waters on the Gulf Coast. Choctawhatchee Bay delivers the goods year-round, but afternoon trips during moving tides are when everything comes together. Whether you're after your first redfish, looking to improve your light tackle skills, or just want to spend some time on beautiful bay waters, this trip delivers. Don't wait – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hot.
Our 2007 Ranger 23' bay boat cuts through Choctawhatchee Bay's shallow waters with authority, powered by a reliable Yamaha 250hp that gets you to the fish fast and quiet. This stable platform handles six anglers comfortably but we keep it intimate at four guests max, giving everyone room to work the rod without tangling lines. The built-in fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps us on those productive grass flats and oyster beds where redfish and speckled trout love to ambush bait. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. The shallow draft design lets us slip into skinny water spots bigger boats can't reach, perfect for sight fishing the shoreline edges around Freeport. Whether you're working topwater plugs at first light or bouncing soft plastics along the bottom structure, this rig delivers the smooth, quiet ride that makes the difference between spooking fish and filling the cooler.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the bay, ranging from 5-pound "puppy" drum up to massive 40+ pounders. They cruise oyster bars and muddy flats using those chin whiskers to root out crabs and shellfish. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning - you can actually hear them drumming underwater. The smaller ones make great table fare, but the big ones are tough fighters worth releasing. They're smart feeders that prefer fresh crab or shrimp fished right on the bottom. Here's the key: use just enough weight to hold bottom and stay patient. These fish take their time inspecting bait, so resist setting the hook on the first tap.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water game fish, running 18-30 inches in our bay system. Look for that copper-red color and distinctive black spot near the tail. They love cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring offer the best shots when they're actively feeding in schools. Reds fight like trucks - long, powerful runs that'll empty your spool if you're not careful. Great eating too, with firm white meat that's hard to beat. They'll eat live shrimp, cut bait, and topwater plugs. Pro tip: sight fish them in shallow water on calm days. Cast ahead of cruising fish and let your bait sink naturally - they spook easy but hit hard when they commit.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread-and-butter inshore fish, running 12-20 inches with beautiful spotted sides. They hang around grass beds, drop-offs, and oyster points in 2-8 feet of water. Cool weather fishing is prime time - they school up tight in deeper holes during winter months. Specks have soft mouths and fight with head-shaking runs that keep you honest. The meat is white, flaky, and delicate when cooked right. They'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs at dawn or dusk. Best advice: use light drag and keep steady pressure. Don't horse them - that soft mouth will tear out fast. Work your lure slow and low over grass beds where they ambush baitfish.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that typically run 1-3 pounds in our bay waters. You'll spot their silver sides with yellow spots as they cruise near the surface in schools. They love our grass flats and around structure during warmer months, especially spring through fall. These fish hit hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills up perfect. They're not picky eaters, going after shrimp, small baitfish, and flashy spoons. My tip: when you see birds working, get there quick. Spanish macs often feed just under diving pelicans and terns, and a small silver spoon cast into that chaos will usually get hammered fast.
Choctawhatchee Bay